Athletic fields are known for intense competition, exhilarating wins and, sometimes, crushing defeats.

Next month, though, more than 500 fields nationwide will be home to worship, prayer and spiritual commitment by the country’s young people.

On Oct. 11, hundreds of thousands of students will gather on playing fields for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ 14th annual Fields of Faith. The event is a student-organized and student-led gathering that encourages young people to engage the Bible and commit their lives to Christ.

Last fall, thousands of lives eternally were changed on 519 fields across the country. The 2016 event set a new record with 192,000 in attendance. Even more important, 7,414 attendees made first-time faith commitments, 8,612 recommitted their lives to Christ and 8,781 committed to reading their Bible.

Jeff Martin, FCA’s executive vice president of ministry advancement, originated the event in 2004. Fields of Faith is a peer-to-peer event that inspires students to refuel their faith and get back to the basics of reading God’s Word through worship and personal testimonies.

“Now in its 14th year, Fields of Faith truly changes lives,” Martin said. “From the student leaders who take on the responsibility to bring Fields of Faith to their communities to the skeptical or hurting teen who might be attending for the first time, we see time and again that Fields of Faith motivates, energizes, rejuvenates and unites. Jesus takes hold of lives right there on the athletic fields, and we are continually amazed at what He does each year in young peoples’ lives.”

Students huddle for prayer during a Fields of Faith event in 2016.

Said Chris, a past Fields of Faith attendee: “We are ready to see the Lord use this moment to launch a season of revival that will bring many students to a saving relationship with Jesus! All of the youth ministers here are networked and committed to serve together in unity!”

Added Zach, another past Fields of Faith attendee: “We totally rocked Fields of Faith! It was such an amazing experience to see so many teens there, so much more than I expected! Most of them were really into the worship and what we had to say with the testimonies and scriptures! God is AWESOME!”

Those interested in more information on bringing Fields of Faith to their area may visit fieldsoffaith.com.

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