You are invited to hear former New York Jet and Minnesota Viking defensive end Joe Jackson. Joe will be speaking at River-Life Family Worship Center on Saturday July 18th at 6 pm. For nine years Joe Jackson thought there was no greater passion, fulfillment and challenge than spending his Sunday afternoons sacking a quarterback. In his rookie season he finished second in quarterback sacks and was an all rookie selection. After a nine year career which included playing in a Super Bowl, NFC Championship game, Grey Cup and playing with NFL hall of Famers: Joe Namath, Fran Tarkenton, Carl Eller, Alan Page, Warren Moon, John Riggins and others, a knee injury forced him to retire.
Joe Jackson grew up in a good Christian home in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was baptized and became a member of Second Trinity Baptist Church at the age of twelve years old. Yet h.e never committed his life to Christ until later. Joe struggled as a youth with a lack of self confidence and low self esteem. Standing almost six-feet tall and one hundred and seventy-six pounds in only the six-grade Joe towered over his friends and classmates. This distinction made him different. He felt odd, weird, and clumsy. He sought acceptance from friends and gleaned in their approval. To be thought of as special in the eyes of his peers meant everything. Soon poor choices and peer pressure led Joe to juvenile detention with reform school on the horizon. He began to see his dream to one day play in the National Football League slip away not to mention the big disappointment he was to parents and family. Joe needed a priority change. He needed God.
The Lord began to graciously work in Joe Jackson’s life. He gave his heart to Jesus Christ during his freshman year at New Mexico State University. Through the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ, The Navigators and The Fellowship of Christians Athletes Joe’s life was dramatically changed. Today he travels world wide as an evangelist. He is Pro director of Athletes International Ministries, an outreach to professional athletes and coaches. In addition he serves as Church Evangelist at Phoenix First Assembly of God Church, Tommy Barnett, Pastor.
River-Life is located on the East edge of Albia, at 1932 664th Ave. For more information go to rlfwc.com or call 641-932-5151.