"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth
in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
When star quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow decided to write the words John 3:16 in black under his eyes before a football game, he had no idea what those words would come to mean to the world.
Within minutes of Tim taking the field, more than 94 million people worldwide took to the Internet to read that line of scripture, setting Google on fire. The curiosity of millions led many people to discover the importance of one of the most iconic Bible verses of all time.
After the game, Tim told the media that it showed the impact those simple words could have on the world. His interview is posted on YouTube.
“I could wear something under my eyes and millions and millions of people were going to Google it,” Tim said. “I really had a platform.”
Next February, Tim will share more about his life and faith as he speaks at the 19th annual Vero Beach Prayer Breakfast. The breakfast takes place Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, at 7:30 a.m. under a tent in Riverside Park in Vero Beach.
Prayer Breakfast founder John Bona said he was thrilled when Tim agreed to address the Prayer Breakfast and he hopes he will share more about his faith with those who attend.
“It’s been more than 10 years since Tim wrote those words in eye black during a football game and people still remember,” said Bona. “God used Tim to spread the Gospel and it shows how much God rules.”
In addition to his sporting career, Tim is most passionate about his work with children throughout the world through his Tim Tebow Foundation. The foundation assists children with life-threatening illnesses, taking care of thousands of orphans worldwide by providing life-changing surgeries for children in the Philippines. In addition, the Tim Tebow Foundation sponsors Night to Shine, an event geared to providing those with special needs a safe space to have a prom.
Tim was born in 1987 to Baptist missionaries Pam and Robert Tebow and lived in Makati Philippines until he was three. Vero Beach residents may remember Pam Tebow’s appearance at a local fundraiser for The Buggy Bunch last year. The Tebow family then moved to Jacksonville, Florida. He is the youngest of five children. In 2020, Tim married Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, Miss Universe 2017.
Tim is the author of four New York Times best-selling books including Through My Eyes, which was named the number one sports and religion book in 2011. Other books include Shaken - Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life’s Storms; This is the Day, and two children’s books called Bronco and Friends - A Party to Remember and Bronco and Friends - Mission Possible. His newest book, Mission Possible One-Year Devotional: 365 Days of Inspiration for Pursuing Your God-Given Purpose will be released this month.
The 19th Annual Vero Beach Prayer Breakfast takes place on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 7:30 a.m. at Riverside Park in Vero Beach. Doors open at 7 a.m. Tickets are available at www.verobeachprayerbreakfast.com.