By TESA STRASSER

The Press-News

The 21st annual Alive Christian Music Festival was held June 18-21 in Canal Fulton. There were many musical artists and speakers to be heard, including Skillet, Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns and Toby Mac. Families, couples and youth groups filled the dusty paths lined with carnival food vendors.

Swimming was available at the lake and interesting booths to visit in the vendor's tent. Many camped at the nearby campgrounds and toward evening the smell of campfires filled the air. Groups of lively young and not-so-young people threw footballs or Frisbees in grassy areas throughout the park. The weather even cooperated to make an enjoyable time for thousands of people that made the trip to Canal Fulton's Clay's Park for the Alive Festival.

On Thursday morning at 10 a.m. one of those speakers, Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn, shared his heart. He said he is thankful for his parents and an uncle who helped lay a firm foundation for his Christian walk. He was raised in a Christian home, but really became close to God with his involvement in Young Life during high school. He learned it is important to spend time with God and know Him as a friend, he said.

As he left Dublin, Ohio, to pursue his college career at Notre Dame, Quinn continued to be involved with Young Life. He encouraged each young person at Alive to get involved in a youth group or Young Life group where they will be encouraged to grow in their faith.

"We all need a savior, and we all need encouraging friends," Quinn said.

He shared that it is important to read the word of God every day so that in hard times, the principles in it will be deep and "we will react naturally in a Godly way."

After the heart-to-heart visit with Quinn, Dr. Joe Savage, president and founder of Winners Influence Network, led an interview with him. Savage is also the brother of Phil Savage, general manager of the Cleveland Browns.

Quinn now lives in the Cleveland area with Flash, his two-year-old English bulldog. Quinn has two sisters. Laura is married to A.J. Hawk, a former Ohio State linebacker and 2006 first-round draft pick for the Green Bay Packers. His younger sister is a soccer standout and referred to as the "best athlete in the family."

Despite his successful athletic pursuits, Quinn stressed education is very important. Knowing that athletic careers do not last forever, during the off-season he is taking law school classes.

In closing the interview, the two men encouraged listeners to remember "God made you, He has ordered your steps, and He desires a relationship with each of you."

By the way, Quinn and Savage both predict a Browns win over the Steelers next season!

Alive Director Bill Greaning closed out this year's festival by thanking Quinn for coming to the event.

"I'm sure there are at least 10 other places he could have been this morning, but he chose to come here, and he comes for free," Greaning said.