Tag Archives: Joseph Feeley

Joe and Kay

Posted on March 4, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Last weekend, I attended a benefit concert for one of my former students.  While listening to the music, speakers and video, I am touched by the legacy these two students have left behind.  Joseph Feeley was a gifted athlete, solid believer and destined to play professional baseball or become a long drive champion.  Meanwhile, Kaylyn Warren was an aspiring actress in school plays, talented singer and godly leader.  Unfortunately, each were taken away, struck down by vicious cancers.

And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary, Luke 18:3.

Like the tribulations of Job, somethings will never make any sense.  Subsequently, those who endure horrific conditions are forever linked by time.  From an earthly perspective, parents, relatives and students were robbed of spending more time with their friend.  On the other hand, each were relieved of their suffering and reunited with God the Father in heaven.  Trying to comprehend the Lord’s grand design can be overwhelming.  Thus, for now, all I can grasp is that by dying, these two teenagers impacted their peers with a persistent faith.

I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth? – Luke 18:8

Over time, its easy to lose touch with the people you care about.  Yet, wherever you are, its crucial to find a ministry to poor your heart and soul into on earth.  Although, it may take some time to locate one that you believe in, God has a special place for you if you are willing.  Sure, there are distractions, trying to grab your attention.  Nonetheless, if you want to make an investment for eternity, remember the example of Joe and Kay so that others will be touched by your deeds when your time on earth runs out.

by Jay Mankus

 

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What Did I Do to Deserve This?

Posted on November 1, 2015 by expressyourself4him

On October 21st, the 2015 World Long Driving Champion was crowned on the Golf Channel.  However, there was one competitor who should have been there, but God had another plan.  One of my former students, the starting center fielder for Liberty University at the time, began to dabble in long drive competitions.  During a round I played with Joseph, he drove over the first green, a 380 yard par 4.  On the second hole, his tee shot plugged by the 150 marker on a par 5.  Joseph Feeley was destined to contend for this championship, but the Lord took him home before ever finishing college.

If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king, Daniel 3:17.

Another friend had just received a full time job at a local university.  This meant his daughter’s final two years of tuition would be free along with an opportunity to complete his masters.  After years of frustration, things were finally coming together.  Then, out of the blue, within a two day period, my Christian brother lost his job and father to a heart attack.  In the weeks and months that followed, one of his initial thoughts was “what did I do to deserve this?”

So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” – Daniel 6:16

When Daniel was thrown to a lion’s den, I wonder what was going through his mind?  On their way to being thrown into a fiery furnace, did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego second guess their decision not to bow down and worship the god of Nebuchadnezzar?  At some point during a trial, human nature is bound to cause individuals to question God?  In the end, time is the great equalizer, providing insight to the how’s and why’s.  Yet, nothing is guaranteed, a waiting game until your last breath.  Thus, the next time you experience heartbreak hotel, seek the Lord for comfort, peace and understanding.

by Jay Mankus

 

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A Class to Remember

Posted on May 10, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Over the weekend I made my first venture down to Lynchburg, Virginia to see my niece graduate from Liberty University.   As I listened to Jeb Bush, the keynote speaker address the commencement crowd, I pondered about the hundreds of students I taught in high school over a decade.  After a couple of minutes I was drawn to a class to remember.

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”- Acts 17:5

Every so often a teacher encounters a classroom full of angels.  While each may be rough around the edges, inside hearts of gold set the tone for a special connection.  Back in 2005-2006, I had the pleasure to create my first Bible elective: Biblical Leadership.  Little did I know back then that those 13 individuals would make such an impact for God’s kingdom.

No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. – Romans 4:20-21

One of these students, Joseph Feeley went home to be with the Lord after a courageous battle with cancer.  Prior to this diagnosis, I was introduced to this warrior for Christ.  Joseph inspired his classmates to transform the spiritual climate at Red Lion Christian Academy.  Daily discussions turned into slices of heaven on earth as each student spurred one another on to leave a legacy of faith.  Although only 12 remain living today, I will always treasure the year I spent with this class to remember.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Field of Faith

Posted on March 23, 2012 by expressyourself4him

Today at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time in Bear, Delaware, a special dedication took place.  Hundreds of people gathered around a baseball field to pay tribute to a fallen hero.  He wasn’t a hero in a worldly sense, but this young man had a faith few ever reach on earth.

Joseph Feeley III started as a freshmen for Liberty University, playing center field at a Division 1 school.  After a successful first season, nagging injuries his sophomore year prevented Joseph from obtaining his full potential as a player.   Despite transferring to Frostburg State for his final season, Joseph never forgot who he was playing for, the Lord Jesus Christ.

While Ray Consella built a fictional Field of Dreams in Iowa,  Joseph Feeley III has established a Field of Faith at Red Lion Christian Academy.  There isn’t a cornfield fence which allows you to go back in time, revisiting the games greatest baseball players.  Instead, the Number 7, hovers above the scoreboard forcing those who enter this field to ask, who is Joseph Feeley?  Though, this man of God no longer roams center field, Joseph’s legacy will live on through those who communicate his story of commitment, dedication and faith in the midst of cancer.  LIVE IT and people will come to Jesus!

by Jay Mankus

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Feeling 4 the Feeley’s

Posted on March 6, 2012 by expressyourself4him

Sometimes in life, we have to put aside our own needs and extend a helping hand to someone else.  This morning I am reminded of the Feeley Family who laid to rest their 23 year old son last night.  Galatians 6:2 says carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Joe Sr, Joseph’s father is a man of character, faith and passion.  Although, when you lose the apple of your eye, as Joseph clearly was, each day without your one and only son must be difficult.  Therefore, I ask the entire Christian community, to carry Joe Sr’s burden today and for many weeks to come.  May the words of Psalm 34:18 be fulfilled in Joseph’s dad, that the Lord will be close to him and renew his crushed spirit.

As for Karen, Joseph’s mother, she has been a biblical example of faith, like Job.  On Karen’s Caringbridge site, she has poured out her heart, revealing the biblical truths God has shown her through these last 3 years.  If anyone can claim Galatians 5:25, it was Karen, who was led by the Holy Spirit day by day.  Like Job, the Feeley’s have lost almost everything during their quest to care for their son.  Therefore, I ask the Christian community to pray that Job 42:12 be fulfilled in their lives.  That God in His almighty power, will provide and restore the finances lost, on Joseph’s cancer treatment.

Finally, I ask you to lift up Jullian, Joseph’s little sister and Janie, Joseph’s girl friend, who stood by him to the end.  These 2 woman have suffered greatly and have sacrificed their time to love and support Joseph.  In their moment of sadness, pray that Isaiah 40:31 will be fulfilled in Julian and Janie.  When you think of the Feeley or see them in person, remember the words of the apostle Paul in Galatians 5:6b, “the only things that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”  As you feel for the Feeley family, show them the love of Christ in their time of need.

by Jay Mankus

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