Liberty student-athletes spread Christ’s love at annual Christmas event for families with disabilities

Through a partnership with local nonprofit Hope Out Loud, 46 Liberty University NCAA student-athletes helped transform Cedar Oaks Farm into the North Pole on Sunday, where they ministered to families impacted by disability.

The third annual A Day at the North Pole event provided a unique opportunity for families to enjoy Christmas festivities in an environment specifically designed for them, featuring a petting zoo, a live nativity, craft stations, a variety of holiday-themed games, face painting, holiday sing-alongs, and more. Student-athletes assisted at activity stations and formed a joyous welcoming party to greet guests as they arrived.

Liberty Assistant Student-Athlete Development and Engagement Coordinator Kelly Scott (’23) said events like this allow student-athletes to exhibit the university’s core tenets of love, care, and service.

“I believe this event has all three of those in action,” she said. “It’s really cool for our athletes to give back to the community. When they leave an event like this, all of them leave with a smile on their face and feel so fulfilled.”

Freshman Jack Davis, a defenseman on the men’s soccer team, said the special needs community has a special place in his heart because he has a sister with Down syndrome.

“It’s been the biggest blessing in my life having a sister with Down syndrome,” he said. “She’s maybe viewed life through a different lens than most people. Connecting with these people, I know what they are going through. They need community. I’m sure these families have had this on their calendar for months in advance, and I’m glad we were able to help them with that.”

By ministering to the community, student-athletes are provided opportunities to share the Gospel and the love of Christ with others, regardless of whether that message is shared verbally or solely through acts of service.

“Sometimes people get a little nervous talking about the Gospel or talking with others about their faith journey,” said swimming & diving junior Faith Forsberg. “For us, learning through interactions with our fellow teammates and other people at Liberty, we know how to share our love and be a light to others. Showing that light and being kind to people can have a huge impact on their lives.”

Sunday’s festivities also included a brief Gospel message presentation to reinforce the true meaning of the Christmas season and to assure families that they are loved and cared for by an all-powerful God.
Hope Out Loud was started by the Barrick family in the years following a terrible car accident in 2006 that left one family member, then 15-year-old Jen, with traumatic brain injuries and lasting mental impairments. Rising above the tragedy, Jen and her family devoted their efforts to caring for other families facing the challenges of caring for disabled loved ones.

“We just want to share the love of Jesus,” said Andy Barrick, Jen’s father. “A lot of families are overlooked, so we just want to create a special day for them, if they are blessed by disability, where they are the focal point of the day.”

“I love seeing the joy on everyone’s face, especially the kids,” he added. “They minister to me more than I minister to them. It’s great to see them so happy and see the families together for a day where they’re cherished and loved.”

One couple shared their appreciation for those helping at the event to those with disabilities. Sharing they have a son with a disability, they noted that this event helps families in the special needs community come together for support and encouragement.

A Day at the North Pole is just one example of Liberty student-athletes’ involvement in recent community outreach initiatives. In October, Liberty Athletics collected 8,769 food items for local food pantries through the Trick Or Treat So Other Can Eat initiative. Earlier this month, student-athletes performed a Flames Entertain talent show for residents of Runk & Pratt Senior Living Communities, and partnered with Hope is Everything, Inc. to do Christmas shopping for foster children.

“Our university does so well with community outreach,” Forsberg said. “Liberty prioritizes getting out and supporting others. Like Christ loves us and supports us, He wants us to do that with people in our community.”

 “(Service) kind of makes you take a step back and realize you are blessed to go to a school like this that prioritizes community outreach, to ultimately spread the Gospel and the love of Jesus,” Davis said.