This article appears in the Fall 2023 issue of the FCA Donor Publication. The FCA publication is a gift from our FCA staff to all donors giving $50 or more annually. For more information about giving, visit here.
Instrumental in helping FCA Utah get started, longtime board member Ron Goch cares greatly for the coaches and athletes of his state to come into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church. Goch is so invested in the ministry, this past summer he took up the challenge to walk across Utah in 30 days to raise awareness about FCA and fundraise for future staff.
Over 40 years ago as a college freshman student-athlete, a friend invited him to a Wednesday night FCA Huddle at Winona State University in Minnesota, where he played football and ran track. He remained involved in the ministry after graduation and moving to Ogden, Utah. Soon after, he joined the state board and has been instrumental in leading the growth of FCA in Utah ever since.
So moved by the ministry and interactions he had with people along his walk this past summer, Goch felt a calling into full-time ministry himself. He is now making plans to join FCA staff, heeding the call of the greater purpose God has for his next season of life.
How has being involved with FCA impacted your faith?
All the opportunities I’ve been blessed with through the years to be involved with FCA—Huddles, camps, leadership board and various events through the years—have always helped strengthen my faith while providing me an incredible platform to share my faith.
Why is it important to have FCA and areas of local ministry?
FCA Huddles, camps and the most recent All Ability initiatives are opportunities to experience faith in places the church may not be reaching. FCA is a great vehicle to engage, equip and empower coaches and student-athletes who can then disciple others.
What has it meant for you to be involved in FCA as a board member?
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed and been blessed to help initiate and lead an FCA Leadership Task Force when we collaboratively launched FCA in northern Utah 13 years ago. I then served on the Leadership Board with some amazing and gifted community leaders. We’re now running that same play in southern Utah, as we’re initiating an FCA Leadership Task Force to fulfill FCA’s vision and mission throughout the southern part of the state.
What did you take away from your Walk Across Utah?
The walk is something God placed on my heart to do, and He’s been my teammate in this journey since my first training walk. I had many neat experiences, but probably three of my biggest takeaways are: 1) Always trust in God 100%; 2) Take time to rest—truly rest; 3) There’s so much more I can do to positively impact others.
How has God revealed His greater purpose for you?
A year ago, we were kicking around ideas for an initiative to increase Utah’s FCA presence and resources throughout the state, and I felt God place it on my heart to walk across Utah in 30 days–over 500 miles and one million steps—to achieve our goals. It was a God-size goal that challenged me physically, mentally and spiritually like never before, but because He placed it on my heart, I knew we’d accomplish it together.
What is something God has been impressing on your heart lately?
The walk was an amazing experience for an amazing sports ministry, and it was on the walk I gained clarity in three areas of my life: My faith and God calling me to full-time ministry with FCA; my family and the desire to invest more time with my wife, Susie, our children and grandchildren; and my passion for and enthusiasm to be more impactful in humanitarian initiatives.
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Photos courtesy of Ron Goch