CCO Campus Ministry

Why Pittsburgh Steeler Daniel Sepulveda gives to the CCO

This article first appeared in the fall 2011 issue of On Campus magazine.

Daniel Sepulveda is best known as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ premier punter. One of four brothers, Daniel grew up in a strong Christian home. He went to Baylor University, where he received the Ray Guy Award given annually to the best punter in college football. When he moved to Pittsburgh, he felt isolated, in part because of his choices to avoid the temptations of the celebrity lifestyle of the NFL.

After several months, Daniel went online to seek out a Bible study for newcomers to Pittsburgh and found the CCO’s Mitch Hill at Bellefield Presbyterian Church. Daniel invited Mitch to disciple him, and now Daniel has become an influential leader, speaking to thousands of CCO students on multiple campuses each year and at the Jubilee conference this past February. Daniel powerfully presents the message of Christ’s forgiveness and transformation to college students. He is also a person who is generous to the Lord and to the CCO.

What principles guide your financial giving?
The principles that guide my giving are the same principles that guide my obedience to Christ. I try to say “yes” when I’m offered the opportunity. I just want to obey God’s word. I don’t know that I’m generous; I just want to be obedient. I know that I sometimes think that my time is mine, my body is mine, my money is mine. But the Word tells me otherwise. Everything belongs to God. And I have to pursue Him moment by moment by being obedient.

Why do you give to the things you do? Why do you give to the CCO?
My picture of giving comes from my dad. I’m a young believer, so I don’t have a lot of experience. I lean toward ministries that distribute the Word of God. I feel that it’s very powerful when people hear the Word of God—it changes people’s lives. The CCO is like that. It’s Christ-centered and it cares about what the Bible says. And it’s had a personal impact on my life.

What do you think it means to be generous?
Giving generously will probably be hard. If it’s not hard, then you’re probably not doing it right. First, you should have a heartfelt communication with God before you give. Then you will be able to give—even when it’s harder than you thought you were capable of.

The CCO depends on the generous giving of thousands of individuals each year. These people often give sacrificially beyond their tithes because they believe in the life-changing and world-transforming possibilities of this ministry to college students. We hope that their stories inspire you—as they do us—to an even greater commitment to generosity.

If you have any questions regarding the CCO’s ministry, or if you would be interested in considering a deferred gift, please contact our Vice President for Advancement, David Brewton, at 412.363.3303.

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