As FCA International continues to expand its global reach, new opportunities and measurable milestones are being reached. Such was evident at a groundbreaking Tom Landry Associates (TLA) event held in Seoul, Korea, this September. It was the first-ever event of its kind held outside of the United States.

Divisional Vice President of East Global Jin Kang and Chief Field Officer Dan Britton recognized seven high level partners who have donated at least $10,000 annually to FCA Korea. This included four families, one foundation, one church and one business.

According to Britton, one of the more powerful moments was when some of the donors’ spouses and children were given the chance to speak. “It was very moving,” he said. “It wasn’t just about the money that had been donated. It was about life transformation. The kids shared how they now understood why their fathers were so committed to this ministry.”

Since 2012, FCA Korea has tried to establish in-country support on two separate occasions, but to no avail. A major shift took place, however, when Kang invited Dr. Changwon Kim to take over as chairman of his Board last year. Dr. Kim challenged other board members and key donors to step up and now Korea is no longer relying on money from the U.S.

“Dr. Kim has exhausted his influence within his network to encourage them to be a part of FCA Korea,” Britton said. “We’re here today because of that leadership. It was a big shift. It wasn’t money coming from the U.S. to support an international work. Instead, God raised major donors in country to support the work in that country. It’s changing the narrative. It’s changing the storyline.”

Bringing more high-level donors into the fold has resulted in more than the obvious benefits of self-reliance and sustainability. It has also created a greater level of synergy between the field ministry and the donors who are paying closer to attention to how their resources are impacting athletes and coaches.

“We’re changing the culture,” Kang said. “It’s very different for our global ministry. But we’re trusting that this is what God is calling us to do.”

The ceremonial luncheon was also part of the East Global National Director’s Meeting where 13 international leaders representing 10 nations gathered for training. During the conference, Kang challenged those in attendance to find at least one TLA donor in their country for the next fiscal year. They then saw firsthand how Korea has successfully implemented the TLA program.

“Our leaders get it,” Kang said. “They see the potential across their international regions. Once they find that first TLA donor, that will give them the confidence to build partnerships with more high level donors in the future.”

Britton is likewise hopeful that Kang’s leadership in Korea and across the East Global Division will spark similar change in other international regions.

“Our international leaders are now understanding that the expectation is not to receive funds from outside of their countries but to raise up families, businesses and churches to fund their ministry locally,” he said. “There’s opportunity to leverage key people of influence to set up an example of what it looks like to be a major donor. There are key people that are ready to give at a higher level that we want to celebrate and acknowledge around events. We’re learning from each other. They don’t have to come to the U.S. to see and experience this.”

Kang wholeheartedly agrees with Britton’s sentiment and has a strong conviction that what’s happening in Korea is just the beginning for FCA International as a whole.

“God is a universal God,” Kang said. “Each of us has a unique part to play in helping expand the Kingdom. God is preparing people all around the world to bring in the resources for every nation.”