SWU presents Blackburn with Courage Award
Davey Blackburn shares his heart during an athletic awards presentation April 26 while holding his son, Weston.
On April 26, the university presented Blackburn with an award to recognize his passion for leading others to Christ, as well as his courage in facing personal tragedy.
He was presented the courage award, an honor given to a student-athlete who has shown “a remarkable amount of determination in academics, spiritual life and athletics, while maintaining overall balance in the face of demanding physical and mental challenges.”
While playing on Southern Wesleyan’s NCCAA National Championship Baseball Team, Blackburn developed a passion for evangelism, sharing his faith with teammates and helping to start Ignite, a ministry “for athletes and by athletes.” He was also named the inaugural Mr. Warrior Award winner in 2007.
Following his graduation, Blackburn became a youth leader NewSpring Church in Anderson, then, with NewSpring’s backing, he and his wife Amanda moved north to Indianapolis to found Resonate Church, a congregation that experienced significant growth after initially meeting in their home.
Life for Blackburn dramatically changed when Amanda and their unborn daughter died as a result of a shooting during a Nov. 10 home invasion.
“Through the past five months we had felt the prayers of the SWU community and felt the prayers of this entire country, and I really honestly believe the true courage award goes to Amanda and the way that she lived her life,” said Blackburn, accepting the award with his son Weston in his arms. “There’s not a chance in the world we would have been able to make it through these five months without the Lord; He’s been very good to us, very faithful to us through it all. Without the friends and family who have surrounded us – not the least of which is the SWU family – I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Blackburn was recognized during the SWUPY Awards, an annual event that honors the university’s student-athletes.
Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused learning community devoted to transforming lives by challenging students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. For details about degree programs, go online to swu.edu.
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