Over the last 10 years, FCA has experienced steady growth around the world. Our vision, “to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes,” is being fulfilled in more than 90 countries.
Recently, FCA hosted its 6th annual International Capacity Conference (ICC) in Dubai. ICC is a strategic event that rallies international leaders and gets them excited about what God is doing and wants to do through FCA all over the world.
With 140 leaders in attendance and 45 countries represented, this year’s ICC was the largest international gathering for FCA to date. The conference included sessions for training, worship and fellowship under the 2020 ministry theme of 100% based on Mark 12:30: “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.”
As a new feature of ICC, there were 14 workshops to train international leaders to effectively do ministry. They learned about training and resources, how to recruit and develop volunteers and staff, and how to minister to donors and board members so they can build a healthy foundation for FCA to grow in the communities they serve.
FCA wouldn’t be what it is today without competition. One of the highlights of the week and another new feature of ICC was a multi-day sports competition. Staff were divided into five-person teams and competed in various sports like soccer, volleyball, dodgeball and a team relay. Endurance was also put to the test in the exhausting fitness challenge.
The afternoon competitions were a fun and strategic way to get staff reenergized for the remainder of the days, and they built team camaraderie. Twelve teams competed; a team from Eurasia was crowned the ICC competition champion.
The ICC brings unity, direction and passion to the FCA family. As international leaders gather, they experience God’s grace and favor.
On the final night of ICC, leaders shared about the impact the event had on them.
“What impacted me the most was when I came to learn about the practicalities of E3. That was a game changer. As I go back home, I know we may run around the field and do a lot of things, but if Christ is not exalted so we can draw people to Him, this ministry has no meaning. We must be able to see how we can do sports the best way, but at the end of the day, be able to exalt Jesus so He can draw people to Himself.” —Fred from Kenya
“I am the first FCA person in my country, but I understand that I am not alone. We are all together here. As I go back home, I do not want to be a consumer, but a blessing to others.” —Pavel from Central Asia
“My wife shared with me verses from Isaiah that say, ‘For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. … They will someday honor me before the whole world.’ It’s exciting to see what God is doing in this family of FCA.” —Jim from USA
“It has been a breath of fresh air to come to a place where we are not afraid. We are praising God and worshiping freely together in every tongue and many nations.” —Kathryn from Mongolia
As a global ministry, FCA leaders are joined by one vision, one heartbeat and one calling—to reach every coach, every athlete and every community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Check out the video for a recap of the ICC in Dubai!
