“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Kimberly Johnson is no stranger to FCA. Her husband has been on staff for more than 12 years and their family has been faithful in sharing the FCA mission. But, when God gave Johnson a vision to start an equestrian ministry with FCA, she had no idea what He meant or what to do about it. Especially because FCA didn’t do horse ministry.
Yet.
“My family and I were newly into horses when God spoke the words horse ministry to me,” recalled Johnson. After spending nearly one year praying for guidance and clarity, Johnson launched the first FCA Equestrian Huddle in Kansas City. That first Huddle started with 12 kids and has grown to more than 40 kids and their families. They now have an equestrian summer camp, competitive drill team and horse academy in addition to Huddles, reaching riders of all ages and abilities.
"It has been incredible how God has helped this ministry grow,” said Johnson. “Cross Creek Saddle Club’s indoor and outdoor arenas, trails and obstacle course are such a blessing to FCA Equestrian in Kansas City. We host Huddles there, and it is a great opportunity for people to meet and ride with other horse kids in our area and grow in their relationship with Jesus.”
Equestrian ministry is unique in that it involves the entire family. The kids come to ride their horses, and their families stay to fellowship, share a meal and study God’s Word together. “One of the biggest blessings of this ministry is that I get to do it with my family. We have four children who all love to ride and compete. I love having our children serve right alongside of us,” shared Johnson.
Life change is happening in horse arenas.
After a full day of horse camp, riding in the heat, Kendra Zerr’s daughter could not wait to get home and share her experience. “I expected to hear about her growth and development in her horsemanship and riding skills. However, she was so excited to tell me about where her small group conversations meant to her. She said, ’Mom, it finally clicked, and I get it! That joy and peace we talk about. I actually FEEL it. I feel it in my heart. We talked about John 3:30 (“He must increase, but I must decrease.") and how He is greater. Thank you for letting me go to camp!’ She was beaming with gratitude and light. We are so thankful for FCA providing a place for these kids to come together and experience the Lord. The impact has been incredible.”
After attending an FCA Equestrian Huddle, another athlete decided to go to church to seek the Lord. This had been on her mother’s prayer list for many years. And another athlete decided to give her life to Jesus after hearing the testimonies of her teammates.
From riding and roping to barrels and poles, equestrian athletes of all ages and abilities are growing in their sport and in the Gospel. New equestrian resources and playbooks have been created, and FCA Equestrian Huddles have been launched in Georgia and Maine, with more growth on the horizon. It is truly an exciting time in the equestrian world.
From rodeo to eventing, dressage to trail riding and reining to hunters, FCA Equestrian is sharing the Gospel with equestrians of all ages and abilities at horse shows, clinics, camps and events across the nation. FCA Equestrian’s goal is engage, equip and empower every horse enthusiast in every discipline, at every skill level and at every age to unite and change the world through the Gospel. They are introduced to the Gospel and encouraged to grow their relationship with Jesus Christ and share it with other equestrians.
To learn more about FCA Equestrian and to find programming near you, visit www.fcaequestrian.org.