I grew up attending a small country church in South Carolina. In church at least three times a week, I learned a lot of the Bible, but unfortunately it was in my head and not my heart. When I was 17 years old, my Green Sea Floyds High School coach, Tim Renfrow, invited me to FCA Camp at Black Mountain, North Carolina. There, Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Reggie White gave a presentation about having a relationship with Christ, something I immediately knew I didn’t have. I accepted Christ that Wednesday night, and my life has never been the same. Now I start every day in the Bible, along with a cup of coffee. God’s Word isn’t just something I know about; it’s transforming my heart and mind.
“Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy,” (Ephesians 4:22-24).
Today, millions of coaches and athletes will step onto a track, mat, court, field or other sporting stage to compete. Some of them may be like I was—they grew up in church, but they don’t yet have a personal relationship with God. Others may have never heard the name Jesus Christ. And some may have accepted Him, but they don’t have anyone discipling them. This is why FCA exists. We have staff and volunteer leaders all over the world who are sharing the Gospel to make disciples who become disciple-makers.
Our 2021 theme is PURSUE, and together with you, we are in pursuit of seeing coaches and athletes transformed by Christ. How do we know if we’re hitting the mark? In some ways, we look at the numbers. We keep careful records about things like how many Bibles are distributed; how many FCA Camps and Huddles are hosted; and how many faith decisions get made so we can steward our resources and gain insight into how God’s moving us forward. But we know that numbers don’t tell the whole story. It’s the stories we hear every day, like those you’ll read in this publication, that testify to God’s movement throughout FCA.
Someone just like you gave a scholarship that sent me to FCA Camp in 1986 where I became a follower of Christ. I wouldn’t be the father, husband, coach and leader I am today if not for that investment and this ministry. I pray every day that more coaches and athletes will come to know Christ, grow in Christ and help others do the same. Thank you for your prayers and investment. Together, we are bringing Jesus to the next generation.
Shane Williamson
President/CEO
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