The family of Alex McClelland will share “Reaching Out: A Young Man’s Story of Faith, Courage and Commitment” on Wednesday, Dec. 5, at Bluffton University. The presentation will take place twice, from 4-5:30 p.m. and 7-8:30 p.m. in Yoder Recital Hall.,

Alex was a student at Bluffton University and a member of the Beaver football team during the 2007-08 season when he experienced pain on his sacrum bone. The pain increased with time, and in April of 2008 he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. He died from cancer in the summer of 2009.

As a child, Alex was introduced to his faith by his family; he learned Bible stories and went to Sunday school. As he grew older, he spent less time nurturing his relationship with God. However, the diagnosis set him on an inspiring and incredible faith journey. 

“Alex tried to pray, but discovered that it felt empty. Without a relationship with God, prayer was simply ‘words’ without feeling,” explained members of Alex’s family. “He could not connect to the Almighty being to whom he was praying. Through encouragement, Alex's persistence to rediscover God and God's unconditional love, Alex experienced a miracle that set him on a journey that has helped to teach countless young adults to understand that God can change their life. They simply have to reach out believing that the Lord will reach back."

Former football coach for Bluffton, Greg Brooks, will also share about Alex’s impact on campus and beyond. Brooks is an area representative for Fellowship of Christian Athletes in North Carolina. Alex’s family says the event will help attendees “learn how their own faith journey can be transformed.”

This event, sponsored by Bluffton University Campus Ministries, is free and open to the public.