It is with a conflicted heart that I pass on the news of a recent tragedy in Florida. 
Early this morning, Orland Huddle Leader Roy McConnell (center photo right with Teammates Tom Gale and Steve Culley) was called home to be with the Lord. Roy was on vacation with his family near St. Petersburg, FL and went to see a late night movie with his three adult sons: Roy III, Nathan, and Kelly. On their way home, they were hit (T-boned) by a speeding driver who was under the influence and ran a red light. Roy and his three sons were pronounced dead at the scene. Roy was 51 and leaves behind his wife Amy, sister and Teammate Deb McConnell, brother and Teammate James, and nephew and Teammate Dave, as well as two other siblings and extended family. Roy III and Nathan were also married with one young child each.
Early reporting: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/crime/os-four-dead-orlando-20100801,0,7811484.story
Roy was a friend, brother, and wonderful servant leader within FCA. He became the Endurance Orlando Huddle Leader in 2007 and has been instrumental in organizing and encouraging our Ministry Team and Huddle growth in the Orlando area, as well as the entire state of Florida. Recently, he was the point man in our EMI Florida Retreat, held this past April. Regarding this event, he just lived out the word servant before, during and after; doing the hard work to bless others. Roy was so excited and passionate about transparently living out his faith, and I am touched by how genuine he was in connecting with others.
I am confident that Roy is in the presence of God as I type this, and my heart celebrates as I smile, thinking about what that must be like. He will be missed though, personally as a brother, and ministerially as a partnering servant. My heart also breaks for his family and closest friends, as they begin the process of mourning his passing. It is in this light that I seek your prayers for them. I also seek your prayers for how the Lord will be glorified through this, perhaps through impacting many more to seek and find Him as Roy’s testimony is shared in the coming future.
We are prayerfully pursuing how we may bless Roy’s family and friends during this time, coordinating our communication through Teammates and friends Steve Culley and Don Patton. I will keep you all posted as more is learned in this regard.
Lastly, I take this moment to remind us all of how important our mission is, individually and collectively. Tomorrow is guaranteed to no one. We must go tell the world about Jesus!
For His Glory,
Chris Anderson
Below: Roy at the recent EMI Retreat, sharpening his skills at sharing his faith in Jesus. He was so excited about bringing the Florida Team together and becoming better equipped to make disciples! He is a servant leader who is already greatly missed.
Posted on
Sun, August 1, 2010
by FCA Endurance