I’m Jared Vernon and I want to share with you what FBT means to me.
Most importantly, it was here that I accepted Christ as Savior. I spent my teen years at FBT & FCS, and God used a message by Chris Edwards to bring me to the realization of what Christ has done for me.
Second, many of my most important earthly relationships began on this property. I met my wife here, and many of my closest friends were introduced in the halls of FCS many years ago.
Third, I am thankful for being taught a biblical worldview by the church and school.
After graduation I began a 10-year military career. One of my greatest challenges was the opposition to my worldview. No longer was I at home or at FCS, I was now in an environment that exposed me to people with many different ideas and life experiences.
During multiple deployments I was encountered the intense realities of our fallen world. During those times, I was not always everything I should have been, but the Holy Spirit was there to convict me, my wife and friends from FBT always supported me, members of the church and school staff prayed for me, and the Lord put people in my life that encouraged me to stay in God’s Word.
I am so grateful to the men and women that decided to serve God here. Without their influence and without Christ I believe that my experiences would have overwhelmed me.
The foundation instilled in me and the Christian examples I was able to observe during my youth helped me navigate life’s obstacles while holding on to my faith. I was far from perfect, but Christ still used me. Even today friends that I served with reach out when they have questions about spiritual things. This has given me the opportunity to share the gospel on more than one occasion.
I am so grateful to the men and women that decided to serve God here. Without their influence and without Christ I believe that my experiences would have overwhelmed me.
Recently, my life has come in full circle. My wife and I both serve in different roles at FCS. I have the privilege to Coach and Teach; to work with young people like others did with me.
I have seen my daughters accept Christ. My 6-year-old son constantly reminds me “dad you’re strong but God’s stronger.” He sings songs about Jesus and quotes verses from memory.
My wife and I now build relationships with young people to strengthen their worldview. We want them to know that with Christ first they will be the better parents, spouses, friends, and people regardless of the circumstances they experience.
I am grateful for the difference this place has made in my life. Everything would be vastly different if I had ignored how God wanted to use FBT & FCS in my life.
I am not a finished product, but I am thankful for my past and present experiences with FBT, and I look forward to how it will continue to impact my life in the years to come.