By Message Staff
PINEVILLE – With the start of Louisiana College’s fall sports season less than two weeks away, Athletic Director Reni Mason shared his spiritual vision for the upcoming school year with individuals attending the monthly First at First Business Leaders Luncheon.
“I am responsible for 330 athletes that are just starting their lives and sometimes because of positions and titles they think we’ve always been there, like we’ve never lived what they’ve lived,” Mason said Monday, Aug. 6, at the gathering inside First Baptist Church in Pineville. “My challenge this year is to allow the Holy Spirit to direct me where to show young people some of my pains in my life and how I overcame certain things.”
Mason has served as head men’s basketball coach since May 2015, and was promoted to athletic director the following year. During his interaction with LC’s coaches and players, Mason emphasized leading with the right attitude.
“One of the things I impress upon our coaches all the time is the example that we set has to be from the heart,” he said. “It doesn’t mean we’re going to be perfect, for we all know there is only one perfect son and that’s Jesus. What it does mean is we have to do the best we can every day to be an example.”
Much like on the athletic field, Mason said Christ followers take to their own spiritual battlefield every day. Therefore, he encouraged believers to use their God-given gifts to advance His kingdom and drown out the darkness with the light of Christ.
“Encourage yourself in this battle because the battle is not going to stop anytime soon,” he said. “The adversary is still going to be there in so many different ways.
“Always desire to plant good seed,” he continued. “Because the Bible declares when you plant good seed, you have the right to expect good harvest.”
During the first Monday of every month, speakers like Mason share their thoughts and expertise about business from a Christian perspective. Past speakers have included LSU Baseball Legend Warren Morris, LC President Rick Brewer, Baptist Message Editor Will Hall, Pineville Elementary Principal Erin Stokes and LSU-Alexandria Head Men’s Basketball Coach Larry Cordaro.
The next First@First is scheduled for Sept. 10. LSU-A Professor Elizabeth Beard will be the guest speaker. Anyone interested in attending for the cost of $10, which includes a lunch, may do so by prepaying via credit card at fbcpineville.net or paying at the event. However, an RSVP is requested by Sept. 7 by emailing pastoroffice@fbcpineville.net.
