BY JESSICA LORENZETTI, Junior
BLYTHEWOOD
-- The Fellowship of Christian Athletes
(FCA) has been impacting athletes lives across the nation since it’s
establishment in 1967.
“I have
seen many students come to know Christ who did not know Him, and I have seen
many students grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. I still hear
from former students on occasion who tell me that FCA opened a door that
changed their lives,” FCA leader Amy Whitfield said.
FCA
allows students to grow closer to Christ through speakers and Bible studies.
“Many
students have a belief in Jesus Christ, but they are not studying the Bible on
a regular basis. FCA can be an avenue that leads some students to really
get into God's Word and understand what He desires for us. It's all there
in His Word, our road map for how to live. One of the goals of FCA is for
athletes and coaches to use their influence to impact others for Christ.
Because athletes and coaches are admired in our society, they are
uniquely positioned to reach out to others,” Whitfield stated.
Students
are also able to grow in their faith through their fellowship together with
teachers and other students.
“I have
seen numerous students who may not have otherwise known each other become
friends through FCA. It is a great fellowship with other Believers, and
we strive to be welcoming to anyone that comes to a meeting. We have had
students who have come out of curiosity because they hear the music or have
come for the snacks grow into some of our most dedicated members,” Whitfield
commented.
Part of
the FCA meetings for Blythewood include worshiping Christ with other students,
participating in small group Bible studies, watching testimonial videos, and
fellow-shipping over monthly pizza.
“The
fellowship of FCA is a key aspect. By connecting with individuals on a personal
level, they become more receptive to the message you're trying to get across to
them, especially if they've never heard it before. I also enjoy the fellowship
between the FCA leaders during planning meetings and things like spontaneous
parties. The only thing better than serving the Lord is serving with a friend,”
junior Maddie Hanna stated.
FCA also
helps create leaders and confidence out of students who feel the calling to
help lead other students in their walk of faith.
“Through
participation in the student leadership team, the group that plans and leads
all FCA meetings and activities, students learn various leadership skills and
gain confidence in many areas. I have seen very shy students become more
comfortable leading devotions, praying with their peers and gain interpersonal
skills through joining the leadership team,” Whitfield said.
Students
who take part in the leadership team are able to enhance their leadership
skills and boost their confidence through speaking about their faith and the
trials they have faced as they walk closer to Christ.
They have
also been able to be a guide to other students who they may have otherwise
never encountered.
“FCA has
helped me grow closer by being able to minister and witness to people I am
involved with on an everyday basis, whether I know them or not,” Hanna stated.
FCA
allows athletes to excel on the field through the growing relationships with
each other and Christ.
“Fellowship
of Christian Athletes has allowed me to grow closer to my friends who are on my
team. Participating in fellowship together has strengthen those
relationships through learning about each other’s trials but also through
knowing that we can go to each other and ask for advice, knowing we will get an
answer that will help us in our walk with Christ,” sophomore Isabel Byrd
stated.
The Bible
studies also allow students to learn how to respond to situations in a way that
is beneficially and positive in their life.
“Some of
our Bible studies and devotions connect the parallel of the right things to do
in life with the right things to do on the field. The FCA Competitor's
Creed is a good example. It is a guide for our attitude and our actions in
sports and in life. Ultimately, everything we do should be for God's
glory,” Whitfield said.
The
messages and people from FCA teach students lessons that help them through
their high school career as well as the rest of their lives.
“FCA has
become such an important part of my life over the years, that it is difficult
to express just exactly what it means to me. Without FCA, I would not
know many of the wonderful people (adults and students) that I know today.
Many of those people have touched my life and impacted my walk with
Christ. FCA is a source of joy, strength and inspiration for me,”
Whitfield stated.
The
Fellowship of Christian Athletes has made an impact on all who are involved.
