Kreft sat in that jail and realized something had to change; he couldn’t let his life amount to nothing. While he was in jail, he got a call from Greg Heiar, who was the head coach at Chipola Junior College, in Marianna, Florida at the time. Heiar told Kreft that Chipola wanted him, but things were going to change. He would be required to check in with the coach daily with no exceptions. He was to attend every single class, take notes, take part in classroom discussions and achieve great grades…..average wouldn’t cut it. He would have absolutely no involvement with drugs, alcohol or any kind of illegal substance. Also, he would do things Heiar’s way on the basketball court. No more showing off, but he would learn how to play team ball, and if he didn’t …..he’d be asked to leave. Kreft jumped at the opportunity and ended up turning around his life at Chipola. Kreft formed a deep connection with Heiar, as he became his accountability partner.
Kreft ended up being a great player at Chipola and a great student. His determination and hard work paid off, as he was offered another scholarship at Florida State, where he has played the last two years as a key player off the bench. Kreft says if it had not been for Greg Heiar believing in him and giving him a second chance, he would probably be back in prison, or possibly even dead.
Kreft’s story reminds me so much of the Apostle Paul’s story told in Acts 9. Paul (Saul at the time) had been living a life of persecuting Christians for their faith. That was before he was blinded by a light on his way to Damascus. His life was turned upside down. He now had a calling from the Lord, to take up the very cause he had been persecuting people. People from both sides now didn't trust him. Even the disciples didn't believe he was telling the truth and they were afraid of him. But Saul had a man named Barnabas stand up for him.
Acts 9:27 says: “But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.”
This was the beginning of a powerful mentoring relationship that existed between Paul and Barnabas. Barnabas became Paul’s defender, motivator, encourager, and friend. Although, they later had a conflict over who to take with them on a missionary journey, it doesn’t take away from the fact that in a lot of ways, Paul wouldn’t have become the man he did, if God had not placed Barnabas in his life.
Paul and Jon Kreft both had to deal with naysayers and doubters. Having to deal with people refer to you as a hypocrite and murderer or a druggie and a waste of talent. Luckily these guys both had men who saw something in them, who invested their lives in these men, didn't give up on them, and helped these men achieve lives worthy of living.
What are YOU doing to help mentor someone today?
Anyone who has read my blogs regularly know about my relationship with Jeremy. Jeremy and I met at the Franklin County Courthouse, where he was on probation for simple assault. Jeremy was living in a tent under a bridge just behind the courthouse. His older brother, uncle, and grandfather were all in prison. His relationship with his dad barely existed. I befriended Jeremy, and after a period of time, allowed him to come live in my home. Several ground rules were set. No drugs, no alcohol, and get a job. It's now been almost eight months since he moved in. Jeremy has been working as a busboy at a nearby hamburger restaurant. He is 100% drug and alcohol free. In fact, this past Sunday, May 19th, marked the one year anniversary of him being drug free! That is a major accomplishment, in which we should all applaud! Together, we've set up goals such as getting his high school G.E.D. Things are not perfect, but Jeremy has come a long way since the day I first met him! He has grown, and I have grown as a result as well. We have been going to church together on a weekly basis. We are both growing spiritually. Several times, Jeremy has shared with me the same thoughts that Kreft shared, "Mark, if it weren't for the help you've given, I'd either be in jail or dead!" And each time, I give praise to the Lord and Heaven above that we were able to connect with each other!
Not everyone is in a situation where they can take someone in to their home and life to the degree that I have with Jeremy. But everyone can and should invest time in another person's life. Who do you know that needs help? Can't think of anyone? Pray for God to open your eyes and heart, and He will show you! The eternal rewards will be out of this world!!!
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