Hometown: Indianapolis
Class: Senior
Notes:
• All Great Lakes Valley Conference (2012)
• Indiana Intercollegiate All “Little State” (2011-13)
This story appears in FCA Magazine’s November/December 2014 issue. Subscribe today!
“Indeed, God is my salvation; I will trust Him and not be afraid, for Yah, the LORD, is my strength and my song. He has become my salvation.” – Isaiah 12:2
As captain of the University of Indianapolis cross country team, Jacklyn Howland brings an encouraging spirit to both her teammates and FCA Huddle. The Indianapolis native has—quite literally—gone where the Lord leads her, leaning on God’s strength to push herself and trusting in His direction, even when it might lead her down unforeseen paths.
FCA: How did you come to run at the University of Indianapolis?
JH: It was a “God moment.” I did not want to go [here]. My mom told me I should apply, so I did, but I had this block in my mind and I would try to say, “OK God, I’m open-minded, I’m up for whatever. Just give me a sign.” But I just wouldn’t listen.
One night I drove around the interstate crying and praying, and God was like, “You’re going to go to U-Indy and it’s going to be great, and I’m going to do great things at Indianapolis.” I had this incredible peace about it. I’ve never regretted that decision. I love my coach, I love what we do, I love the people here, and I love my team.
FCA: How has running cross country impacted your faith?
JH: I know God’s put me here for a reason. I remember after a workout last year, one of the girls was going through difficulties, so Coach asked, “Jackie, will you pray?” We stood in a circle in a field on a sunny afternoon, and they literally invited me to share God’s love with them! They invited me to share the truth with them. That’s placing it in your lap. And it was just really cool, like, “Wow, God. Thanks!"
FCA: How has your faith developed while at school?
JH: God calls us to work as if we’re working for the Lord and give our all, all the time. That means I’m going to be a positive person and encourage those around me. Not only do I love Jesus and want to glorify Him with that, but I love running and want to put my all into it.
This year I’m a captain, and that’s a new challenge. There are a lot of times where I say, “OK, God, I really need some help on this one! It’s getting hard and You promised to give me strength and promised to pull me through, and You’ve never left me yet; You aren’t going to leave me now.”
FCA: What does FCA bring to your life?
JH: I’ve connected with other athletes who are Christians. Having that time together is really cool. Getting to know the people who come and being able to hang out and have fun and talk about Jesus and what the Bible says is important. I was involved in high school and was a leader my junior and senior years and got to go to a leadership camp at Indiana Wesleyan. I’m also an FCA leader at school and would love to see a lot of my teammates come to FCA or church with me.
FCA: Looking at your relationship with Christ, how have you relied on Him?
JH: Coming here, I had to figure out how to be just me and Jesus. I’m realizing He’s not going to let me go. He doesn’t ever leave me; He’s been with me this entire time. And He’s still working things out for me.
I can always look back and go, “OK, God, You are faithful to Your promise. First, You made me a promise, and second of all I can look at all the promises in the Bible where You were faithful to fulfill all of those. You’re going to be faithful with me. And I might not know how or what Your will is going to look like, but I can trust that You have a plan and You have a reason and You’re with me.”
FCA Sponsor Quote:
“Jackie truly has a servant heart and passion for other people. She encourages her teammates day in and day out and wants them to know the love of Christ. Her faith in the Lord is what helps her succeed in her sport and in life.”
-Aimee Drabyn-Coonfield, Assistant Volleyball Coach, University of Indianapolis
–This article appears in the November/December 2014 issue of FCA Magazine. To view the issue in its entirety digitally, click here: Nov/Dec 2014 FCA Mag Digital
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Photos courtesy of UIndy Athletics