Speakers for MNYC '09
Neal Gooch
Neal became a follower of Christ as a freshman student-athlete at West Ga College, where he was significantly involved in pioneering the Campus Outreach (CO) ministry. Over the next 4 years as a university student Neal was involved in being discipled, discipling men on the football team, participating in CO retreats, conferences and projects to help him and others grow spiritually. He studied Business and on the athletic side still holds several records for his defensive efforts as a 4 year starter at Linebacker on the football team. Neal has invested the better part of the last 20 years being a Witness of Christ to Students and University Ministry Staff all over the Southeast and around the world. It was while serving Christ while leading a CO Cross Cultural Project to Thailand in 1993, that he met his wife Jennifer.
Today, he and Jennifer and their 4 boys are living in Johannesburg South Africa where Neal directs CO-Johannesburg (COJ), serving Christ and 20 COJ staff on 4 campuses in connection with 4 different indigenous churches and church plants in two cities.
Neal loves being a husband and a dad, playing sports, watching sports, movies, and music, reading biographies, history, pop culture and almost anything that is a huge challenge… including, walking with God, studying the Bible, sharing the Gospel with those who know and do not know Christ.
Derrick Moore
Derrick Moore now holds a leadership role as the Developmental Coach/Chaplain for the Georgia Institute of Technology, in Atlanta, Georgia. Derrick serves as an advisor and counselor on behalf of the Athletic Department, and provides assistance in the areas of leadership, team building, relationship development, and personal fulfillment. Derrick and his wife, Stephanie are proud parents of three children.
Derrick is a former NFL Running Back for the Atlanta Falcons. His career also led him to the Detroit Lions where he played alongside Hall of fame Running Back, Barry Sanders. As the starting back for the Carolina Panthers, Derrick holds the expansion rushing record for a running back, which stands to this day. Next, Derrick spent two outstanding years with the Arizona Cardinals. He was an All-American Running Back for Northeastern State University and was provided the unique opportunity of being the Keynote Speaker at his own commencement. His other collegiate honors included becoming the most valuable player in both the Hula Bowl and Blue-Gray All Star football classics.
