Game-Changer

Welcome Dan Kirby to The Lemonade Stand! Known as Angie Chung-Kirby’s devoted husband and biggest cheerleader, Dan has turned his own sour moments into a testimony of hope. Losing his father to a tragic accident at sea as a high school freshman, his mother to breast cancer in his early thirties, and later facing divorce after 23 years of marriage, job loss, and dealing with deep depression, Dan’s world was shaken. Yet, through the unwavering support of his extended family and the resurrecting power of Jesus, he found healing and purpose. For over 30 years, Dan poured his heart into special education and coaching varsity football and track, shaping young lives with the same compassion he shows his beloved dogs and everyone he meets. Married to Angie for nearly four years, Dan presses forward, living out God’s calling with a heart full of love.

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For over 30 years, I've had the incredible privilege of working as a high school teacher and football coach. In the classroom, I have worked with students who face unique challenges and have helped them to find their potential. On the field, I have coached athletes to push them past their limits and fight for victory.

Beyond lesson plans and playbooks, my best moments are when I walk alongside people--students, athletes, and strangers alike--through life's toughest moments. My wife, Angie, and I have been invited to speak to countless individuals in crisis, people who want to change but need help to make a fresh start. I've learned one unshakable truth: the only way to completely turn a life around is through Jesus.

People have to do life differently if they want to live different. In my 56 years, I have seen heartbreak and hopelessness, loss and resentment, and the answer is always the same—J E S U S. He is the only choice that consistently brings healing, purpose, and lasting change in people's lives.

Who is Jesus?

Now, some of you might not really know who Jesus is. Let me break it down for you: Jesus is the Son of the one true God, Jehovah--the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He's not just a historical figure or a good teacher; He is divine and eternal. This might blow your mind, but He has always existed. He was, is and will be forever. He left the glory of heaven to show us how to live and offer us a way back to God. He was sent to earth on a rescue mission! (John 1:1-3)

The Reality of Sin

We all sin. Sin is an archery term meaning to "miss the mark." When we miss the mark, it separates us from God. None of us are good enough to be in God's presence or to earn our way into Heaven. Sin is not just about big mistakes; it's the small stuff too. I've seen it in my own life--times I let pride or anger take control. I can't fix it on my own; it's like trying to score a touchdown when the goalpost is a mile away. We can't do it on our own. (Romans 3:23)

The Gift of Salvation

John 3:16 tells us, "For God so loved the world that He sent His one and only Son," to teach us how to live and to be our sacrifice for our sins, making us acceptable in God's eyes. So how do you earn this? You can't! Jesus freely gives it. All you have to do is ask Him. It's like a coach who would take a penalty for his player, letting the team stay in the game. It's simple to ask Jesus to forgive and be our Savior, but it changes everything. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Making it Stick

But here’s what I want you to remember: I want this to "stick" so you don’t backslide in your relationship with Jesus. You need to stay in the game; you are not a benchwarmer. You are a starter, and you need to do things so that you can be a finisher, too. Talk to a pastor. Read your Bible. Attend a church that has altar calls. Step out of your pew and walk down front. I understand it’s tough; I’ve been there. Some churches may ask you to raise your hand with every eye closed, and that's a start. But I want your decision to follow Jesus to "stick" for a lifetime! (Philippians 2:12)

Confession and Relationship

The Bible says that if you confess Jesus as your Savior to others, then Jesus will confess you to His Father. It's not about showing off; it's about owning your faith. The moments when you speak publicly will strengthen your own commitment to live different and walk with Jesus. There is nothing that will help you more than having people who know your decision and are there to help you. (Matthew 10:32)

More Than a Religion

This isn’t about religion; it's not about a set of rules or rituals. It’s a relationship with the King of the Universe! I often think, "What if all of this isn’t true?" But then I look at the story of Jesus—it’s the perfect story. God creates man, man messes up, and God sends a rescue mission in the form of a baby who was born to die because we can’t earn our way to Heaven. It's like a coach who designs a play so flawlessly that it guarantees victory every single time. Jesus is that victory. He's done it for me, and I know He will do it for you. (Romans 5:8)

Your Challenge

Here's my challenge to you, straight from my heart, ask Jesus, "Are you the promised Messiah? Are you the Son of God?" Be honest. He loves you, and I believe He will answer you. Jesus has answered those who were followers of other gods when they sought the one true God. The Bible tells us that for lasting change in our lives, we need to repent. What does repent mean? It’s like walking toward something dangerous and deciding to turn 180 degrees and walk the other way! This is a choice. Asking Jesus to be the Lord of your life is a choice—the best one you’ll ever make! I love you, and I want to share my Jesus with you. I've seen it change my students, my athletes, and my own heart. I love you, and I want you to know my Jesus. (Acts 3:19)

A Dream of Urgency

I want to conclude with a dream I had about seven years ago. I found myself in a subway, possibly in New York City. A train was approaching, and somehow, I knew this train was going to Heaven. However, it was leaving very quickly, and I started grabbing anyone I could: adults, kids, babies, the elderly in wheelchairs. I was desperate to get as many people on that subway train as possible! I was running, shouting, pulling people toward the doors, and my heart was racing. I knew that this was the last train, the last chance people had, to gets things right with God.

In my dream, I was working as hard as I could, and then I woke up in a cold sweat. That dream reflects my heart—I want everyone to be on that train with me--my students my athletes, my family, my friends, and you. I know that everyone will not choose Jesus, and that breaks my heart.

So, I ask you, will you be on that train with me? (Matthew 28:19-20)

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If you have questions or would like to talk with Dan, please send him a message at makelemonade4Him2day@gmail.com. Just put "DAN" in the subject line and we will make sure that it gets to him.