Name: Bob Young

Hometown: Beresford, S.D.

Occupation: Football coach and math professor (retired); director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Coaches Ministry for the state of South Dakota (part time).

Church affiliation: Baptist

Age: 68

Married: Yes

Spouse’s name: Diane

Kids: David (47), Steve (45), Jeri (44), Melissa (37)

Hobbies: Golf, watching almost any sport, watching and playing with grandkids and traveling with my wife, Diane.

Bible character you are most like and why: I think probably David because he made a lot of mistakes but God still used him in the Kingdom.

Person most influential in your spiritual life and why: Pastor Roger Fredrikson. Why? I met him while attending the University of Sioux Falls and he was the pastor at First Baptist Church. He really made the Scriptures relevant and applicable to life. He introduced me to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in 1958, which had a major impact on my 41-year career in coaching and now as the director of the Coaching Ministry in South Dakota. I still consider him as a mentor in my life today.

What issue are you most concerned about and why: Spiritual apathy. As a nation founded on Christian principles, I see so many other forces drawing us away from God. Child abuse, pornography and abortion — it breaks my heart, and I’m sure God’s also, to see fun-loving children being used and abused. The war on terrorism — it seems to have no solution at this point because of the spiritual commitment behind the actions of the radicals and the hatred that they have for the United States.

When and where do you find time to meet with God: I find myself more and more meeting with Him all during the day, whether it is the time spent in some devotional material and reading related Scriptures, meeting and praying with coaches early in the morning in Biblical study groups we call huddles, times of study and prayer with our own FCA staff, listening to Christian radio or tapes as I travel and especially listening and worshiping together with others during Sunday and other services.

What in your spiritual life has surprised you: I guess the main thing that has surprised me as I move into my later years of life is the impact and influence that a consistent spiritual life can have on others. I believe that it was Mother Teresa that once said: “Preach the Gospel all the time and if need be use words.” As I went through my life, I adopted the following phrase that characterized my life:
“Inadequate but Faithful.”