Impacting lives is something Florida A&M football players Lamar Clark and Nay’Ron Jenkins greatly cherish.
Earlier this month, the Rattler duo took their servitude abroad on a weeklong mission trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
While there, the FAMU players and their fellow FCA members spread the importance of Christ and introduced American football to the Argentinian youth.
“I didn’t know what to expect, but from the jump, when we got there, everyone was very polite and welcoming,” Clark said. “Everyone was so engaged to learn about football and Christ.
“The way we grew relationships in that week timeframe was truly amazing. Going there inspired me to bring that eagerness to learn and grow back to the team and community.”
To make the Buenos Aires trip a reality, Clark and Jenkins were tasked with raising $2,500 apiece within a month to cover their travel, food, and lodging expenses.
Describing the fundraising efforts as “intimidating at first,” the FAMU players were able to quickly reach the financial threshold after an article published by the Tallahassee Democrat and the Rattlers appearing on the O&G StrikeZone. Former FAMU player Dr. Timothy Childs, a linebacker for the Rattlers’ 1978 NCAA Division I-AA championship team, and his family made significant donations to both Clark and Jenkins.
“Rattler Nation is one of one. Nobody else is going to come through like them. So, I had no doubt in my mind,” Jenkins said, giving props to FAMU supporters for helping them raise money for the trip. “They make sure we don’t go without. I thank God for them and the ‘FAMULY’ that we have.
“I can’t wait to be a part of the alumni and be able to give back to the new generation.”
Experiencing different parts of the world can provide a newfound outlook on life.
Seeing Argentina’s haves and have-nots gave the FAMU football players a renewed appreciation for the fortunes they enjoy at home.
“It was a culture shock,” Clark said.
“Being from the United States, it’s pretty easy to get accustomed to and comfortable with certain things others don’t have. Some restrooms didn’t even have toilet paper. It’s easy to be caught up in being ungrateful for certain things because you’re so used to it being accessible to you.
“It shifts your mindset to be more grateful and seeing how easy you have it compared to someone else.”
What Jenkins picked up quickly was the children’s eagerness to be educated on American football, a sport he plays on the NCAA Division I level.
Though American football isn’t popular in Argentina, those taught treated the contact sport as if they would pursue a career in it.
“It was cool to be accepted by them and be willing to learn about Christ and American football,” Jenkins said. “They’re playing for the fun and love of the game. Many are still texting me and asking me different questions about football.
“That’s motivating for me. The game is played to be loved and cherished. We’re trying to grow the sport.”
The FCA has already begun preliminary discussions about another mission trip to Buenos Aires next year.
Clark and Jenkins plan to be in attendance again. And they will recruit more FAMU football players to go with them.
“Hopefully, we can do it again. We’re trying to get a trip going next year with more guys from our team,” Jenkins said.
On a trip that the FAMU football players educated but also learned many different lessons from many walks of life, Jenkins has one thing he wants to do before he returns to Argentina.
Brush up on his Spanish.
“I got to freshen up on my Spanish. That’s the main thing because I feel I was lacking in that,” Jenkins said. “But just being around different people and creating relationships is the cool aspect of knowing our influence on them.”
BOLD = SWAC
* = Neutral Site
Gerald Thomas, III covers Florida A&M University Athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at gdthomas@tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee.
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