March 3, 2015
For Immediate Release

 

By Josh Christian, student news writer

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — “Chris Thrasher had an unbelievable personality and infectious spirit,” Jim Hardy, assistant athletic director of Campbellsville University, said, speaking in an address titled “Moving from Passion to Presentation” about Chris Thrasher, CU 2009 alumnus and football participant who died on Feb. 15 of an apparent heart attack. Thrasher was only 28 years of age.

“Chris moved from this life to the next having confidence in his eternity,” Hardy said. “For some of you and some of your friends, they won't know the answer when they get to the next life.”

Hardy spoke about the need for Christians to move from passionate people to people of action.

“Fishing is a passion, a hobby, and a release for me,” Hardy said.

Holding up a bag of soft plastic fishing bait, Hardy explained that passion was an important factor in one's life.

“What you're passionate about drives you,” he said. “If I don't put my lure in the water, I won't catch a fish.”

Using the illustration of fishing, Hardy explained the importance of putting action to words. This was a direct connection to one's faith, suggesting that talking about it isn't enough.

“Talk is cheap,” Hardy said. “Actions speak louder than words.”

Hardy quoted the Book of James from the Holy Bible, using the quotation from James 2:14, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save them?”

Hardy encouraged students to “get in the game.” Yet, Hardy also warned that once one decided to get in the game, the devil would try to interfere.

Hardy suggested that athletic teams, as well as the coaches, attempt to keep their focus on the Lord using a slogan that reads, “I Am Third.” This is a phrase taken from the “I Am Second” campaign. “I Am Second” is a campaign that stresses the importance of putting God first. However, as Hardy explained, the team took it one step further, including not only God but also other people before themselves.

Concluding, Hardy showed pictures of mission trips that athletic teams have been on to illustrate what “being in the game” looked like.

Jim Hardy, assistant director of athletics, said passion isn't enough - you have to have action, too, at Campbellsville University's Chapel service. (Campbellsville University Photo by Rachel DeCoursey)

Hardy has been a long-term member of the Campbellsville community, having graduated from CU in 1985, and having made a career coaching and teaching at Campbellsville High School before coming to Campbellsville University.

Jim Hardy shows off his fishing bait - fishing is his passion. (Campbellsville University Photo by Rachel DeCoursey)

 

Also at chapel, Dr. Lisa McArthur, professor of music, performed “Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho” on flute.

The Rev. Ed Pavy, campus minister, gave the invocation and welcome.
A moment of silence was held for Thrasher and his family during the chapel service.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,500 students offering 63 undergraduate options, 17 master's degrees, five postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.