Former Athlete Turned Faithful Farmer Visits Christian School
Jason Brown, a North Carolina farmer whom Grace Christian School students and Grace Brethren Church parishioners assisted during his sweet potato harvest in November, recently visited those who helped out.
by Jonathan Weaver
More than a dozen Grace Christian School students only got one day with former athlete and farmer Jason Brown during their November Mission Trip to North Carolina.
So Brown came to West Kittanning – the farthest north he has traveled - for a visit.
Students and Grace Brethren Church parishioners picked sweet potatoes at First Fruits Farm in Louisburg, North Carolina during the 2nd Annual Harvest Festival two months ago, but his recent trip allowed him to share his story and answer questions about his faith, his football career and his family.
A former National Football League center, Brown chose a life of service instead of pursuing a new football contract in 2012. He was inspired by his older brother, Lunsford – a former U.S. Army intelligence officer who was killed in action in September 2003.
“When I turned 27 years old, I started to reflect back on my life and looked at (Lunsford’s) life and everything he had accomplished in the 27 short years that he walked this Earth,” Brown said. “And it wasn’t even close.
“I honestly can’t fill his shoes, but it’s something I can strive for.”
Brown planted five acres of sweet potatoes in 2014 and 10 in 2015 – thanks to the help of local students and the Society of St. Andrew nonprofit hunger relief organization.
But, Brown said it was his faith that gets him through each harvest.
“If you ever want God to laugh, tell him your plans in life,” Brown said. “I could’ve kept playing football, but God had a different plan and I wanted to make sure that I was obedient.
“Yes, we’re trying to grow food and help the needy, but more so than anything, we’re trying to share love first. We’re trying to share the love of Jesus Christ before we give away a single sweet potato,” Brown said.
More than 30,000 pounds of sweet potatoes were donated in 2015 to feed impoverished families. He hoped to double his planting this Summer.
Brown is also supported by his wife, Tey and four children: eight-year-old JW, four-year-old Naomi, three-year-old Noah and one-year-old Tre.
“You are all truly a part of our family, and we are so humbled to be a part of yours,” Brown said.
Principal Darlene Edwards said the mission trip was memorable and appreciated Brown’s impromptu journey to Armstrong County as well as his humbleness.
She hoped students will be able to travel on another mission trip next school year.
Local News | jweaver January 4, 2016
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