"Never Get Tired of Doing Good” – A Life-Changing Message from Kurt Schwartz

Dear Best of LinkedIn Reader,

Never get tired of doing good." – 2 Thessalonians 3:13

Sometimes, life throws you into a room with someone who shakes your core, wakes you up, and makes you rethink everything.

Yesterday was one of those days.

I was on a private Zoom call with Michael Franzese—yes, that Michael Franzese, the former mafia boss turned God-fearing Christian Influencer. If you don’t know him, let’s just say he once had the kind of power that made Wall Street brokers and Hollywood execs look like small-timers. He walked away from the mob, found God, and now runs an Inner Circle where he drops wisdom, hosts private meetings, and brings on some of the most fascinating guests you’ll ever hear.

And yesterday, he introduced us to Kurt Schwartz.

And let me tell you—I was floored.

Meet Kurt Schwartz: The Man Who Sees the Darkness and Still Chooses the Light

Kurt Schwartz doesn’t sugarcoat his story.

Kurt Schwartz’s journey is a raw, unfiltered testament to the power of resilience, faith, and relentless dedication. As the Executive Director of Inspire Sports Camps (ISC), Kurt has spent over a decade pouring his life into inner-city youth, offering them a lifeline of hope, love, and transformation through faith and sports.

But his story didn’t start there.

Kurt grew up in a working-class family in the Midwest, where he learned early on the value of hard work and perseverance.

But life wasn’t always kind.

He faced his share of struggles, including bouts of self-doubt and moments where he questioned his purpose. It wasn’t until he discovered his passion for youth ministry during his time as a camp counselor that everything clicked.

“I saw kids—kids who had been written off by society—light up when someone showed them genuine love and attention,” Kurt recalls.

“That’s when I knew I had to do something more.”

After years of working at some of the nation’s largest Christian camps, Kurt noticed a glaring gap: there were few faith-based programs tailored specifically for underserved urban youth. These kids, often labeled as “troubled” or “at-risk,” were being overlooked.

Kurt knew he had to change that.

In 2010, he founded Inspire Sports Camps (ISC), a Gospel-focused sleep-away sports camp designed to give inner-city kids an unforgettable experience—one where they could encounter Jesus Christ in a fun, engaging, and transformative environment.

The Mission: Love, Hope, and Transformation

ISC’s mission is simple yet profound: every child, regardless of their background, deserves to experience the love of Christ.

“These kids come from broken homes, tough neighborhoods, and situations most of us can’t even imagine,” Kurt explains. “But when they step onto that camp, they’re not defined by their past. They’re loved, valued, and reminded that they have a purpose.”

The camp offers a mix of sports, Bible studies, and mentorship, creating a space where kids can be kids—while also discovering the truth of God’s love.

One camper, a 12-year-old boy from Chicago, shared his experience: “I came here feeling like nobody cared about me. But at camp, I found out how much I am loved. I was broken when I got here, but now I feel whole.”

The Impact: Small Acts, Big Changes

Kurt’s philosophy is rooted in the power of small acts of kindness.

“It’s not about grand gestures,” he says. “It’s about showing up, listening, and letting these kids know they matter.”

One story that stands out involves a 10-year-old boy with a history of anger issues. During a meal, the boy became visibly upset, convinced that other campers were talking about him. He confided in a counselor, saying, “If it weren’t for God, I would’ve hurt someone.”

That moment was a turning point.

Through patience and understanding, the counselors helped the boy navigate his emotions, teaching him healthier ways to cope. By the end of the week, he was a different kid—more confident, more at peace, and more open to the love around him.

Kurt's Background: The Making of a Leader

Kurt’s journey to founding ISC wasn’t a straight path. Before diving into youth ministry, he worked in corporate America, climbing the ladder but feeling increasingly unfulfilled.

“I had the title, the salary, the perks,” he says.

“But something was missing. I realized I wasn’t living for something bigger than myself.”

That realization led him to leave his corporate job and pursue youth ministry full-time. It wasn’t an easy decision—financially or emotionally—but Kurt knew it was the right one.

“I’ve never looked back,” he says. “Seeing these kids’ lives change? That’s worth more than any paycheck.”

The Ripple Effect: Year-Round Commitment

ISC’s impact doesn’t end when summer camp is over. Kurt and his team stay connected with campers throughout the year, offering follow-up programs and partnering with urban-based leaders to provide ongoing support.

“These kids face challenges every single day,” Kurt explains.

“We can’t just show up for a week and disappear. We have to be there for the long haul.”

The Takeaway: Never Tire of Doing Good

Kurt Schwartz’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have when driven by faith, compassion, and a refusal to give up.

As Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Kurt’s life is a living testament to that truth. Through Inspire Sports Camps, he’s not just changing lives—he’s changing futures.

So, the next time you feel like your small acts of kindness don’t matter, think of Kurt Schwartz. Think of the 10-year-old boy who learned to control his anger. Think of the 12-year-old who found hope.

And remember: your actions, no matter how small, can create ripples that change the world.

Never Get Tired of Doing Good.

The world will tell you to focus on yourself.

To only give when it benefits you.

To measure success in dollars, likes, and accolades.

But God calls us to a different scoreboard.

The truth is, it’s easy to get discouraged.

Maybe you’ve been the good guy and people have taken advantage of you. Maybe you’ve helped others and never even got a thank you. Maybe you’ve gone out of your way for someone who didn’t deserve it.

Do it anyway.

Because you don’t do it for them. You do it because that’s who you are.

You do it because you’re called to be a light in a dark world.

And sometimes, that light? It’s as simple as holding a door.

Your 7-Day Challenge: The “Kurt Schwartz Test”

I left that Zoom call with a fire in my heart.

And I want to challenge you to something.

For the next seven days, make it your mission to do one intentional act of good every single day.

No, not just the convenient ones. I’m talking about real, intentional, go-out-of-your-way acts of kindness.

• Let someone cut in front of you in traffic—even if they don’t “deserve” it.
• Compliment a stranger on something specific.
• Send an encouraging message to someone you haven’t talked to in a while.
• Tip extra. Even if it hurts a little.
• Look someone in the eye and say, “I appreciate you.”

And then?

Come back and tell me what happened.

Let’s flood the comments with stories of people proving that goodness isn’t dead

Because the world needs more people like Kurt Schwartz.

And maybe—just maybe—it starts with us.

Final Thought

Kurt Schwartz didn’t just talk about goodness.

He lived it.

And if a man who has seen the absolute worst of humanity can still believe in the power of kindness—what’s our excuse?

The world will tell you kindness is weakness. That goodness doesn’t matter. That you should take care of yourself and let others fend for themselves.

Don’t believe the lie.

Because one act of goodness can be the difference between hope and despair for someone else.

And if that’s not worth doing, I don’t know what is.

So go out there—and don’t get tired of doing good.

Until next time.

Stay well. Swim strong!

Warmly,

David

Mentor, Writer, and Faithful Servant of God

P.S. If you’re not in Michael Franzese’s Inner Circle, what are you even doing?! ??

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? Published by: David Vogel, in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire