In the realm of education, there is a significant challenge that many children face: the struggle with reading. This issue impacts their future opportunities and potential for success. Malcolm Mitchell, a Super Bowl champion and former NFL player, understands this struggle firsthand. As a child, he faced difficulties with reading that could have derailed his life. However, he transformed those challenges into a mission that aligns with core evangelical values of empowerment, education, and uplifting others.
Mitchell’s journey is a powerful testament to the importance of literacy. Growing up, he was more focused on sports than academics, and he only managed to read at a junior high school level despite his athletic success. However, he discovered the empowering effects of reading—how it could open doors and create opportunities. He began to enjoy reading, realizing it was fundamental to building his self-confidence and intellectual capabilities. This realization ignited a passion within him to help others who face similar challenges in literacy.
A crucial aspect of Mitchell’s mission is the recognition of the relationship between faith and perseverance. He attributes his ability to overcome adversity to his strong faith. In moments when he wanted to give up, it was his belief and trust in God that kept him pushing forward. This resilience is an inspiring reminder for families in the evangelical community: fostering faith can lead to remarkable transformations not just in personal lives, but also in the lives of others through charitable actions and initiatives.
To inspire young children to embrace reading, Mitchell penned a book called “The Magician’s Hat.” This story not only entertains but teaches children that reading is a powerful tool, capable of helping them achieve their dreams. The narrative emphasizes that the most impressive magic trick of all is unlocking a world of knowledge through books. In doing so, Mitchell embodies an essential evangelical principle: teaching the next generation to value knowledge and the transformational power of education.
Mitchell’s efforts extend beyond just writing. He founded the Share the Magic Foundation, aimed at improving literacy rates among children. With thousands participating in his programs, the Foundation has impacted many lives by fostering a love for reading. This aligns with the biblical principle of stewardship—taking care of the gifts entrusted to us by God. In this case, the gift is the ability to read and learn. By equipping children with books and encouragement, he is ensuring they are prepared for the challenges of life and the responsibilities of adulthood.
The evangelical community can play a vital role in this literacy mission. Parents and grandparents are called to actively engage with children, encouraging reading as a fundamental part of their development. Studies have shown that reading aloud to children from a young age significantly boosts their cognitive development. Evangelicals can promote reading by providing tangible books, rather than relying solely on screens, fostering rich conversations that enhance children’s ability to grasp language and ideas. As community members come together to support literacy initiatives, they can create lasting change that reflects their commitment to faith-based values. The collective effort to uplift youth through reading is a powerful undertaking that connects deeply with the principles of service and education that the evangelical community holds dear.
