Can you picture it? A seed is planted, a young girl waters it, and God helps it grow. It happens all the time, but it’s still extraordinary to watch it unfold.
From the quietest moments of prayer to uplifting worship, FCA Buckeye Border’s Leadership Camp transformed 8th grader Alani Haas’ relationship with Jesus, and she couldn’t wait to share her excitement. “After all my experiences at FCA Camp, I knew I couldn’t keep it to myself, so I had to go share it with other people including my basketball and volleyball teammates,” Haas said.
Haas had never openly shared her faith with her teammates, and her teammates had never attended an FCA Huddle. But the seed planted in Haas’ heart at camp was about to change things. When her volleyball season started, she excitedly shared her experience with her teammates, and they began a team Huddle with FCA Area Director Rex Stump.
“I was nervous to share my faith before, but after FCA Camp, I became bolder in speaking for God,” Haas said.
Stump had a special way of connecting and encouraging the team to reflect on how their faith influences their everyday lives. The girls couldn’t wait for their time together each week. By the end of the season, the team was praying together after each game, and every girl had led the team in prayer at least once.
“It was awesome to see God’s Word and His love in action,” Hass said. “I was joyful knowing the turnouts, but I also knew I was not done yet because basketball was to come. I was still a little nervous, but I knew this was in God’s hands and it would work out fine.”
Through Haas’ faith-filled leadership, the basketball team also started its first-ever Huddle. Not only was Haas’ team meeting at center court to pray at the end of each game, but the opposing teams were joining them (some were even the first to ask)! God’s love was growing through action.
“I was happy God’s Word did not only spread through my school, but other schools as well!” Haas exclaimed. “Bringing God’s Word into sports helped everyone not only play their best but also play fair and honest. This is showing me how powerful God’s Word and His love really are!” The seeds that were planted at FCA Camp began transforming athletes’ hearts on and off the court.
Haas added: “FCA Camp brought me closer to God in ways that strengthened my faith. The speakers helped me focus on different ways I could reach people through Christ and they were inspirational. They also helped me find ways to improve my relationship with God.”
The seed was planted for Haas at FCA Camp. By sharing her faith, she continued to grow and God took care of the rest. And a volleyball and basketball team were introduced to Jesus because of one athlete’s passion for God.
Read more stories about FCA in Action or learn more about FCA Camp.
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