This article appears in the Spring 2023 issue of the FCA Donor Publication. The FCA publication is a gift from our FCA staff to all donors giving $50 or more annually. For more information about giving, visit here.
More than 68 years ago, God put a vision into the heart of an Oklahoma basketball coach named Don McClanen. Several others caught onto it, including Major League Baseball’s Branch Rickey and businessmen like Paul Benedum, Dr. Louis R. Evans and Dr. Roe Johnston. Known as some of FCA’s Founding Fathers, these pioneers helped establish the ministry we serve in today.
Over the years, notable coaches and athletes have gotten involved in FCA to both help it grow and reach more people for Christ. Today, many who attended some of our first events, especially the camps at Estes Park and Black Mountain, fondly reminisce about the time their favorite sports star taught them how to be a better competitor while introducing them to Jesus. I have met hundreds of teammates over the years who tell me story after story about how God used FCA to establish their lifelong walk with the Lord. It’s encouraging to hear these testimonies as"Stories from both the past and the present are important not only because they keep us focused on our mission, but they remind us of the promises of God."
-Shane Williamson, FCA President/CEO we pursue our vision: To see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.
Stories from both the past and the present are important not only because they keep us focused on our mission, but they remind us of the promises of God. In Joshua, God tells him to “be strong and courageous” as he leads the Israelites into the Promised Land. As we continue to follow the Lord’s lead to reach every coach and athlete—in every sport, every level, every community, every country—we must remind ourselves of this same command. We must be strong and courageous as we pursue new things. We must remember the faithfulness of God in the past as we focus on our future.
For over six decades, the Lord has been with FCA. We’re prayerfully asking Him how to continue to engage, equip and empower coaches and athletes around the world. If we’re going to reach every generation, we must press forward with the confidence in who God is. He has given us every example of His character through His Word: He’s a Deliverer. Helper. Miracle-worker. Promise keeper.
Whether you’ve been a part of FCA for decades, or you recently joined us as a supporter and volunteer, thank you for teaming up with us. We look forward to pursuing God’s greater promises together.
Shane Williamson
President/CEO
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