If you'd rather place an order by talking to one of our cheerful order desk clerks, please call 1-888-232-4444 (USA and Canada only) or 250-383-6864. From Europe, ring our UK order desk clerk at local rate number 0845 230 9601 (UK only) or 44 (0)1865 722 113.

Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within: A Christian Student Athlete's Spiritual Journey Through the Doors of College and Beyond

by Miguel R. Viera

167 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #06-0375; ISBN 1-4120-8619-1; US$14.75, C$16.96, EUR12.12, £8.48

What started out as a dream for a child transformed into a full scholarship to play college football. Little did he know what awe-inspiring plans God would reveal to him.

About the Book

This Christian autobiography talks about the dream of a small boy to follow in the footsteps of his childhood role model to earn a full scholarship in college football.

Everyday children are influenced by athletes in high school, college and professional sports. This book offers insight into the world of a high school and college student athlete. It shows that it is possible to make the right decisions along the way and encourages student athletes to become the role models this society desperately needs.

When changes occur and adjustments need to be made, this books offers sound advice on transitioning from high school to college in pursuit of a bachelor's degree and playing college football. From getting redshirted or injured to having to transfer to another college, it explains the steps to take while continuing to persevere in the classroom and on the field.

College is a time when many student athletes "soul search" to find that balance to juggle life's complex load involving serious questions about future aspirations. This spiritual journey addresses thought provoking questions involving Christianity that student athletes have been longing to have answered. It also talks about how to effectively play for Christ, while witnessing to others and giving all the glory to God.

One day will come when every athlete will have to hang up their cleats and enter the "real world." This book addresses making that transition and finding out what it is God wants to continue to do in your life.

I pray that you will take the time to read a true story that encourages and inspires student athletes, parents and coaches to walk on higher ground and awaken the spirit within. Together we can soar to new heights and rediscover the reason we were created by the very hands of God.

About the Author

Miguel Viera, his wife, Tiffany, and son, Mason, currently live in Jamestown, NC. He works at the Deere Hitachi Construction Machinery Corporation as an Accountant. The family attends Friendly Avenue Baptist Church where Miguel is a Deacon, Co-Teacher of the Homebuilders Sunday School class and involved with the Greensboro Jail Ministry.

The creation of this book has led Miguel to start a new ministry called "Playing for Jesus Ministries." This ministry is focused on unleashing the power of student athletes on and off the playing field one Christian at a time. This will be accomplished through a monthly newsletter distributed via email that offers biblical insight for Christian living and also gives student athletes the opportunity to share their accomplishments through Jesus on the playing field. If you would like to receive this newsletter or share an encouraging story about your sport, please email us at viera40@msn.com or visit www.myspace.com/viera40.

Miguel is available for motivational speaking engagements at churches, high schools and colleges upon request. His hopes for the distribution of this book are to solely spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and revitalize the significant importance of positive role models for our younger generation through Christian student athletes.

If you enjoyed reading this book and it has changed your life in some way, we would love to hear about your story. I hope you made the decision to receive Jesus as the Lord of your life. It is the biggest decision you can ever make and one I promise you will never regret. One day spent with Jesus Christ is far better than a lifetime spent without Him.

Testimonials

Nationwide Acclaim for WALKING ON HIGHER GROUND AND AWAKENING THE SPIRIT WITHIN

"Very seldom does a young man sit down to write such a compelling account of his Faith journey. All student athletes, indeed all students will benefit from the candor and sincerity Miguel displays in this book."

-Bill Curry, Former Head Football Coach
University of Kentucky

"I feel that this is exactly what our young student athletes need in this day and time. It provides natural and spiritual insight of what a high school football player deals with when making the transition from high school to the college level, not only on the field, but off the field as well. This book should be required reading for all incoming freshmen football players on every college campus in the country."

-Johnny Shelton, Area Director
Central North Carolina FCA
Free Safety, Atlanta Falcons (1988)

"Student athletes have long needed a book that speaks to the dynamics of their high school and pre-college experiences, one that can help them identify with the pressures and temptations of all sports. Miguel Viera's first person account of such a life has much to offer to those who are truly searching for purpose and direction in lives immersed within the world of student sports."

-Dr. Pat Cronin, Pastor
Friendly Avenue Baptist Church
Greensboro, N.C.

"If you want to experience major college Football, and Life, from an athlete's perspective, and get the TOTAL picture, Miguel Viera delivers it. This is a special young man, with a special message. I highly recommend this book."

-Rob Oviatt, Assistant AD, Physical Development
Washington State University Athletics

"Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within was a terrific and enlightening story of a Christian student athlete's life. Each chapter built on each other like scenes from the movie "Hoosiers." I recommend this book to all families, especially those that have aspiring student athletes in their lives."

-Lee Pena Jr., International Treasury Manager
The Sherwin-Williams Company
Cleveland, Ohio

"On Higher Ground is a must read for any athlete being recruited to a Division I athletic program. Miguel details the challenges, the hopes and dreams of prospective college athletes. He presents this journey in the context of solidifying his own faith in the love of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. His story of accomplishment, faith, perseverance, and courage will be inspiring to all. With the strength of the Lord beside him and the power of hope and optimism, Miguel achieved his life long dream. He details the challenges and excesses of big time college sports. Others will find his story inspiring, filled with personal anecdotes and a message of what God's love can provide for those seeking answers to life's perplexing questions. Miguel's calling to enrich the lives of other people, young and old, by sharing can change your life forever."

-Bob Lake, Head Football Coach,
Cloverleaf High School (1986-1999)

Excerpts