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By Dean Kelly

I attended two Christian colleges. I went two years to Alabama Christian College (now Faulkner University) in Montgomery when it was a two-year college. I transferred to Freed-Hardeman College (now Freed-Hardeman University) in Henderson, Tennessee and finished my degree in Bible there. 

Both schools hold special places in my heart. I met my future wife at Freed-Hardeman, and we married while we were there. Later, I taught at Faulkner for about 20 years and my wife worked as a librarian there for almost 25 years, most of it as director of libraries. 

In 2001 the Faulkner University Eagles traveled to Kansas City and won the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) men’s basketball national championship. Last week, the Freed-Hardeman University Lions made the same trip to Kansas City and won the 2024 men’s national championship. 

In Freed’s victory, they trailed by 13 points about midway through the second half. In a back-and-forth game, Freed trailed by 6 points with :54 left in the game.The Lions turned up the pressure, made shots and free-throws and got crucial rebounds. They outscored their opponent 10-0 in the final :54 to win 71-67. They never gave up!

Note Paul’s words in Galatians 6:9,” And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”  In living the Christian life, we should never give up. No matter how bad things may seem, never give up. Never lose heart!

Congratulations to the Lions on keeping their eye on the goal of winning the National Championship, and the great effort they put forth, never giving up. But greater congratulations to all those who commit themselves to the goal of heaven and keep their eye on the cross throughout their journey, never giving up!

Dean Kelly is minister at Highland Home Church of Christ.