4 Things I love about working with FCA

Nearly 10 years ago a close friend introduced me to the fine people who work with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in the Kentuckiana area. When we met then, I did not know how much God would bless me through their ministry and their devotion and commitment to Christ. Here are 4 things that I love about working with FCA:

1. Needed Relationships. I want to be a person who is making a positive difference in the lives of young people. Our schools today are full of students who are in need of friends and mentors. Our city is full of churches of people who want to do that. But there is a disconnect. It is not all that easy to make these relationships happen. We want to, but it is a challenge. FCA creates a situation to make these relationships happen. Last fall, I was able to spend hours with a group of soccer players who do not know Jesus. I bought them meals. Gave them rides. And we talked a lot about many things – high school soccer, food in other countries, and also Jesus’ death on the cross. There are so many players & coaches around the city that I now consider dear friends. Were it not for FCA, those relationships would have never happened. “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” (1 Cor. 9:22-23)
2. Challenge Accepted. Coaches, teachers, counselors, administrators everywhere are continually challenging their students to step it up and be leaders. So many young people today have a desire or passion to lead, but they are held back by some fear or nervousness. FCA is specifically intentional about cultivating good leadership in Christian student-athletes. This point is very convicting and encouraging. I have seen numerous students go from being quiet and tentative to out-spoken and confident. Not only in what they believe but also in their work ethic on the field or court. Look around the broad sports landscape today and you will see that many of the well-known leaders are believers in Jesus. They have accepted the challenge. I am thankful for FCA focusing on this aspect of life, competition and faith.
3. Do all things with excellence. FCA wants everything to be done well. And that is fitting. God has told us “Whatever you do, do all things for the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31) and “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” (1 Cor. 9:24) Winning is not everything, but it is certainly a goal and priority. You play to win the game. I am thankful that FCA does not shy away from this message. There are too many people today who seem to think that your athletic performance does not matter as long as you’re “focused on God.” However, God would say otherwise. When one is playing sports, they ought to do it all for God’s glory and to the best of their God-given ability.
4. Changed Lives. I love working with FCA because God is saving people through their work. I know of so many student athletes who have been literally changed by God because of the work being done by FCA. There are UofL athletes who have come to me hungry to know God and His word. There are middle schoolers who are finding their purpose and identity through FCA. And there are high schoolers passionate to give themselves to the work of God. It is incredible to see a student-athlete who is wandering through life lacking motivation who finds Christ. Once they come to know Jesus, their approach to all things changes. This is happening all around us. The basketball player at University of Louisville; the cyclist at P.R.P. High School; the track star at Fairdale High; or the soccer player at Manual High; just to name a few. And what is so great is that so many of us can list off many, many more students who are finding the meaning of life through FCA. I am thrilled to be involved in this great work. “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Cor. 6:11) “But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 15:57)