CARROLL COUNTY FCA STORIES OF IMPACT

360 Coaching

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 15:34:02 GMT

360 COACHING - WHAT IS IT?

What is 360 Coaching?

That’s a great question and I will get back to you on that. Let me first share with you some thoughts on my past sports experiences as an athlete and coach. As I take a look back, the number one goal was to win. Knowing we wanted to win, the focus shifted to developing and improving our strength, power, speed, cardiovascular, quickness, repetitions, techniques, and then our tactics for winning a competition. Focusing on these areas for development and improvement are good things, and necessary if you want to improve as an athlete and coach, but they are all 1 ^st Dimension. The 1 ^st Dimension focuses on developing and improving the body, the physical.

Now let’s talk about the goal of winning. Who likes to win and hates to lose? I raised my hand with you. But I have changed my thinking that winning should be the number one goal. Why? Well think about this. If the number one goal is winning, if you lose, does that make you a loser? Isn’t there something more important that you can take away from every competition that has more value than a win?

My name is Doug Newton and I first got connected to FCA as a Board member in 2012, then in 2016 our Board was introduced to 360 Coaching, and I volunteered to investigate and learn 360 Coaching and then train coaches in the concepts and strategies. In December 2021, I joined the FCA staff as I felt God wanted me to put all of my efforts into 360 Coaching and being a resource and support to coaches in our community.

So, what is 360 Coaching?

360 Coaching helps you identify your purpose, your why. Why do you coach, lead, teach, parent?
360 Coaching helps you determine what legacy do you want to leave on the lives of those you interact with.
360 Coaching teaches you how to coach and lead all 3 dimensions of an individual – the body, the mind, and the heart so you are coaching and leading the whole person.
360 Coaching challenges you to consider putting your faith in Christ so you become a complete coach and leader.
360 Coaching helps you put together a 360 Coach plan so you will live a life that leaves a legacy of good.

I have to be honest with you, I am a Christian and have been for many years, but I had never thought about everything listed above except the faith part. My question was, why didn’t anyone teach me these things, or challenge me to think about them? I felt that every coach needs to be introduced to the concepts and strategies of 360 Coaching. Coaching from a 360 perspective will make life more rewarding as a coach and you will be more successful as a coach.

You may be wondering what are the other two dimensions of coaching? We have already talked about the 1 ^st Dimension, the body, which focuses on developing and improving our strength, power, speed, cardiovascular, quickness, repetitions, techniques, and our tactics for winning a competition. The 2 ^nd dimension is the mind which focuses on coaching motivation, confidence, emotions, team cohesion, and goal setting. The 3 ^rd dimension is the heart which focuses on coaching identity, character, significance, values, self-worth, and purpose. I think you will agree that everything listed for the 2 ^nd & 3 ^rd dimensions is important, but no one is coaching these concepts, or teaching strategies for these dimensions which means we are only coaching one third of every athlete. Could we possibly be getting the most out of every athlete if we are only coaching one dimension?

I mentioned that I no longer think winning is the number one goal in sports. The number one goal for coaches should be to leave a legacy of good on every athlete they coach. That every athlete they coach will take what they learn from their coaching experience to be successful in life, to be a good person, and to have a personal relationship with Christ. Wins and championships fade away but great relationships with your athletes never fade away.

The more I taught 360 Coaching, the more I felt that the leadership concepts and strategies were not only good for coaches, but also good for all adults, parents, teachers, business leaders, everyone. Bronwyn Taylor who participated in Huddle 1 of 360 Coaching decided she wanted to join our team of 360 Coach Huddle leaders and had this to say about her 360 Coach experience.

Our team of Coach Huddle leaders take coaches, parents, and other leaders through 360 Coaching in three 7-week 360 Coach Huddles. A Huddle is another name for a Small Group. At the end of the 21-week journey we want two things for those who attend.

1. We want every participant to have a 360 Coach plan so they can live a life that leaves a legacy of good on every person they interact with.

2. They will decide to join an Ongoing Coach Huddle so they can continue to grow in faith and become more like Christ.

As I reflected on what is taught in 360 Coach, I feel that every church should add 360 Coach to their discipleship process. I say this not as an FCA staff person but as a retired Pastor of Small Groups and Discipleship. If I were to start from scratch to build a discipleship process, 360 Coach would be included. Think about this, when have you ever been taught in a discipleship process how to coach and lead a person in the areas of motivation, emotions, team cohesion, identity, self-worth, purpose, etc.? Why not? If we learn these things, won’t we be better able to model Christ than if we don’t know?

There is so much more to share about 360 Coaching and the best way to learn more is to sign up. We are offering six 7-week Huddles that start in October. You can click on this link here to see the available Huddles and to register.

I hope to see you at a 360 Coach Huddle.

Doug

Being In The 99

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 00:53:05 GMT

Being In The 99

In the gospels of Matthew (18:10-14) and Luke (15:1-7) Jesus tells a parable about a shepherd with a flock of 100 sheep. He acknowledges that if a single sheep wanders from the flock, the shepherd will leave the 99 others and go on in search of the lost one. He then says that God’s pursuit of us is the same as the shepherd’s pursuit of his lost sheep.

My first summer interning with FCA (Summer 2019), I was a lost sheep. Prior to that summer (my freshmen year of college) I was living a life that, from the outside looking in, seemed fiercely on fire for the Lord. I was heavily involved in my family’s church (the church I grew up in), I was playing lacrosse at a Christian University, and I was fundraising for an internship with FCA. But behind closed doors I was a totally different person. My words and actions were disrespectful, lacked integrity, and were littered with pride. I had great influences in my life, for sure, but kept some bad company that, because of my immaturity at the time, swayed my decisions. I had everyone fooled. Not to say I didn’t have my convictions and the Holy Spirit wasn’t working on me, but my flesh was loud and my desires weren’t aligned with God’s. I was a lost sheep looking for a greener, fuller, and “happier” pasture.

Fast forward to early in my internship with FCA. The three other Carroll County interns and I were sent to the Mid-Atlantic College Camp (MACC). This weekend retreat is designed for college athletes to be discipled under FCA college staff for a weekend and to develop relationships and a foundation that we could leap from into whatever the summer and our upcoming semesters held. For us interns, it was an opportunity to get filled up as we prepared for a summer of pouring out. And this camp rocked me. With daily prayer, worship, devotions, and constant fellowship with like-minded community, I was deeply convicted. Unfortunately, my initial reaction to my conviction was to dwell in my guilt and shame. I convinced myself that in order to be able to run to the Father, I had to first deal with my own sins and change my ways. It wasn’t until an FCA staff member, who I still have a relationship with to this day, took me aside and told me that sitting in guilt and shame, and trying to fix it on my own was absolute denial of the gospel. It was almost as if I was saying that Christ’s death on the cross wasn’t enough to cover the wages of my sins or didn’t account for my shame. And I am so thankful for such a simple yet profound explanation of a truth I grew up knowing.

This led to a summer of authenticity in my joy, confidence, and fire for the Lord. Not to perfection, as that’s not the gospel message either; but I spent the summer in daily accountability, fellowship, discipleship, and service all in the name of Lord. That was the summer I served with FCA internationally, nationally, and locally. It was from this moment on that I was no longer the lost sheep. And when I was found, my union with Christ was triumphant. Matthew 18:13 says “’And if he [the shepherd] finds it [the sheep], truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.’” (NIV). This is because the whole goal is for all the sheep (or, metaphor aside, all of us!!) to be under the watchful protection of the shepherd (redeemed back to the Kingdom of God).

Though it is a truly an awesome, grace-filled, and joyous occasion to be welcomed into the flock, what happens within the flock is an equally beautiful thing. Luke 15: 6-7 talks about how the shepherd who finds the lost sheep invites all his friends and neighbors to come rejoice with him because the sheep is found. And, as a member of the 99, we can rejoice in how God fiercely searches for and lovingly welcomes home the lost one. We can live in abundance knowing that the flock is faithfully and gracefully pursued and protected by a truly good shepherd (Luke 10:1-21). While I am thankful for the how I experience the gospel and meet God in a transformative way as the lost one, I am so blessed to be walking in it daily and growing more intimately with Him now that I joined the 99. Carroll County FCA played a huge role in my testimony and as a prospective staff member, I am excited to use my role to impact the lives of other young athletes who may be living like the old me.

Heather is in the process of coming on staff with FCA and could use your help in meeting her financial goals so that she can impact coaches and athletes in Carroll County.

Feel free to reach out to her directly if you would like to learn more.

hburnham@fca.org

Come Together!

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 17:54:37 GMT

Have fun. Serve. Honor.

In the wake of some of the strangest years of this generation, there has been so many polarizing topics rise to the top. (Insert your polarizing topic here). I won’t list these in fear you will scroll on by. Even spending time together has become hard to do, that is where I want to take off from, by just simply asking the question why?

Why are we so busy that we don’t make time for the people that we find life giving, and helpful for our soul? How do we prioritize healthy friendships? Do we even know what that looks like anymore? Why do we over analyze every social interaction and stress out our minds and bodies? Could our expectations be so high for every experience that we are just tired of being let down? May I offer a simple solution that I pray brings people together in the future.

While living a life that I hope reflects the love of Christ, it is imperative to have fun , serve , and honor . That is what comes up over and over again as I look over the last few years as I work for FCA and our family grows.

Have fun .

Go out, stay in, do something that makes you happy, then tell others. Do fun things with others. Don’t wait for that special occasion but do fun little things often. Have someone over for dinner, call a friend, read your bible a little longer, or take a walk. It can be as simple or as extravagant as you want it to be. The important thing is to laugh and enjoy the time God as given to you.

Serve .

Again, simple on paper, but find ways to serve daily. Make a breakfast for your spouse, invite others into a project, or sign up for a mission trip. While serving remember you are doing something that helps one of God’s favorite people. When we remember who we get to serve, the actual task makes no difference.

Honor .

First and foremost, honor God. Thank him, for the ups and downs, for the unpredictable life we get to live, and for the abilities you have. Honor one another, how we talk to and about each other. Treat people in a way that makes them feel special, ask good questions, and really listen. Pump the breaks and call, text, message, like a post, and spend time with each other. You may end up really liking the person you are getting to know.

Some of the best times of my life have been when I get to do these three things all together. Serving with a church in Nicaragua, led to incredible relationships, and so many incredible experiences. Honoring the Lord led me to a ranch where I was able to live out a dream I didn’t even know I had. All while serving kids and adults who had been through some tremendous hardships. All of these and so many other examples rush through my memories. It makes me want more. I want to know Jesus deeper through the experiences that are still to come. Pray for those experiences and relationships this week!

Lastly, two scripture that come to mind that have driven me to want more and have motivated me to have less anxiety in my life, all while cherishing people more are:

Hebrews 10:25

²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—

and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

John 10:10

¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.

These are verses that I think about almost daily, and I hope you do to. Thank you for reading this far. I pray it helps you to serve and honor others and God with much joy and a fun that is contagious!

May God Bless and Challenge You!

Britton Hastings

It's All About Relationships

Sat, 28 Jan 2023 10:19:20 GMT

When I took over as the Director for Carroll County FCA in the summer of 2022, I knew that my heart was for relational ministry. But what did that mean? As I read through the Gospels and see the daily life that Jesus and His disciples lived together, I thought to myself, is this feasible? Can we live in relationship like Jesus did? Will our efforts even make a difference in people’s lives as it did the disciples and those they witnessed to? Relational ministry sounds good, but in this world of bigger, faster, and stronger, where the strength is in numbers and social media presence is king, can slowing down our local ministry and building lifelong relationships really make a big impact in our fast-moving world? In the last six months, God has encouraged me and answered with a resounding YES!!

Here are some examples of how God used others to answer the questions of my heart.

Tracy Kent is on our local FCA Board of Directors. She chooses to give back to a ministry that has given so much to her and her family. Here are her words on how a relationship with her field hockey coach changed the trajectory of her life. “My (college) field hockey coach was our FCA campus leader and from her I heard for the first time how I could have a personal relationship with Jesus. I made this commitment through my FCA Huddle and my faith and spiritual life have never been the same. I met my husband through FCA and all three of our children have been joyfully involved in FCA for many years.” So stay with me here, a relationship with a coach years ago led to her commitment to Jesus which led to meeting her future husband. Her marriage led to her children being involved with the ministry which led to her daughter taking part in our FCA internship program. Her daughter met her future husband during that internship and now they both are heavily involved with the FCA ministry in Carroll County. Talk about impact!

Jarren Rutter is a young man that I have been spending time with since he was a toddler. His family and I have had a close relationship for over twenty-five years, and they were very influential in my early walk with Christ. Jarren is a college student now and we grew extremely close during the pandemic as we decided to start meeting one on one in a discipleship format. We discussed the people of the bible, the ministry of Jesus, God’s calling in our lives, and other things that helped us grow as Godly men and great friends. Jarren was an FCA leader for me at FSK High, a very influential captain on the football team there, and has helped impact young kids at our summer camps. Our relational journey hit a high when he asked me to baptize him in front of our church family. This was one of the highlights of my life. To think where I was without Christ and where I am today with relationships like the one I have with this young man, truly blows me away. Only God could write this story.

Devyn Schuman is another young life that God has used to encourage me through this ministry journey. Our relationship started when I first accepted the role of Area Rep for Carroll County FCA and I started our new club meetings at Northwest Middle School. Devyn was one of my first FCA leaders and her love for Jesus was evident from day one. Over the years, Devyn and I have spent a lot of time growing in our roles, our relationship, and our faith. Devyn continued to serve as a leader for me through middle and high school and we still connect regularly as she navigates her way through college. Devyn provided another highlight for my life as she recently gave me the honor of baptizing her in front of our church family. Knowing that this relationship is a lifelong friendship and that it started because of our obedience to God’s calling in our lives helps me remain encouraged in this journey, even through the toughest times.

These are just a few examples of how spending time with individuals can influence the masses. These were direct answers from God that illuminated the influence that just a few of the relationships I have made over the years have made an impact and will continue to do so. I am encouraged heading into 2023 that slowing down and spending time with people as Jesus did over 2,000 years ago won’t lead to us falling behind in the race that is life. Instead, we may cover more ground than ever.

So what have I learned in these last six months? Spend time with people with no distraction. Be genuine. Love hard and love well. More doesn’t mean better. Value relationships. God is faithful, true, and always good!

It All Started With an Internship...

Sun, 16 Aug 2020 00:32:28 GMT

It All Started With an Internship...

We are impressionable, we need guidance, we seek approval, we desire experiences that allow us to make a difference.

“FCA full time, that’s not for me”, I thought to myself as my time at McDaniel was coming to a close. “You don’t have to be in full time ministry to do ministry” rang through my head. But then why do I have a desire to push towards working as a missionary? Should I chase this, is this a selfish desire, can I provide for my family doing this, are some of the questions that were running through my mind.

It all started with an internship in the summer of 2015 at Crossroads , Joe Laughlin, the youth director at the time provided me with the opportunity to serve, lead, travel, and experience the provision of God while being challenged along the way.

It was such a wonderful experience, even if it meant getting up at 4am, having a phone stolen in the jungle, prepping a 100 ft. slip and slide…these are stories for another time. It was full of deep study of theology, simple conversations with students, and for the first time being immersed in a lifestyle that was more about bringing glory to God than anything else.

That summer internship experience was pivotal for me, it changed the entire direction and mindset I had going back to college. I had new goals and dreams and was ready to continue to grow and to lead. God provided financially, with lodging, with food, with relationships, and community so fast I almost couldn’t keep up.

Now as I help with the internship within the Carroll County FCA world, I strive to provide an experience that pushes college aged student athletes to take their relationship with the risen Jesus to the next level. We try to give a realistic image of what it takes to be full time with FCA, and learn how our faith in Jesus is not just something we do, but it is who we are. It is woven into every aspect of our life. It is not a Sunday thing, or where we work, or an organization to volunteer for. It is about a Christian lifestyle that is centered on Jesus and his great commission!

The FCA internship has been a great launching point for young student athletes to get a glimpse of what full time staff is all about, it has been used to demonstrate that you can live a Christian lifestyle no matter what your occupation is. Here are some quotes from past interns:

“My experience with the FCA internship helped me realize my true worth in Christ. It helped show me what it really means to follow Jesus, pray, and study the Bible and not go through life lukewarm” - Jeanine Kent

“The internship was a great experience. It gave me an inside look to how a ministry operates behind the scenes. I loved going to work every day, and I made some great friendships through it. It drew me closer to the Lord and I would recommend it to anyone thinking about applying.” – Jake Leitner

“My experience within FCA’s internship changed the direction of my life entirely. My mentors for those few months were used by God to literally change the trajectory of my thinking and ultimately lead me to falling in love with the Lord and breaking my heart for what breaks His. From humility to patience to community to discovering my calling - each piece of the puzzle started to fit together after serving and learning through this ministry. I will forever be grateful to the FCA staff for allowing me to accept God’s grace for my life and live out my purpose. Not to mention, having mentors that will be there for me anytime. I still consistently reminisce on days in the CCFCA office.” – Meghan Schmidt

Community During Covid-19

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 21:14:02 GMT

Community During COVID-19

What a weird and scary time this has been in our history. In a time when we have been busier and more distracted than ever, a pandemic hits and the world as we know it stops right in its tracks. Meetings have stopped. Gyms are closed. Sport seasons are frozen. Jobs are lost. No restaurants, stores, or playgrounds can be frequented. Church is closed!! So what do we do? What do we think? What do we do with our time? How do we, that do ministry for a living, love and

serve each other? How do we offer ourselves as the hands and feet of Jesus when we can’t be around each other? Well, I have been fortunate enough to help lead a team of volunteers at a local food pantry at Uniontown Bible Church every week. Together, we have found a way to serve, love, and get to know our community through this amazing outreach! Here’s a little about what has been happening.

THE WHAT

In addition to my full time position as an area rep for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes , I work part time for Uniontown Bible Church as the church’s Connecting Manager. Through prayer and conversation, God led us to begin collecting food for the community in mid March and to start handing it out weekly in our drive up food pantry. We put out the need for donations and the community answered. Tons of meat, eggs, milk, and produce began to come in from our local distributors and farmers as well as canned goods from our congregation and so, our food pantry

began handing out food on a weekly basis to people who needed it. We have been able to bless over 100 families a week and will continue to do so as long as the need is there. God continues to provide more than enough resources weekly which has been an amazing thing to witness.

THE WHO

I personally have been blessed to serve beside my beautiful wife and daughter every week at the food pantry. Watching them give comfort and love to the people who come to get help has been one of the best parts of this experience for me. We have also been blessed to have a number of volunteers who have joined our team every week and their selfless effort and willingness to serve has been a huge encouragement to me. Most people are uncomfortable asking for help and we see that in their eyes and hear it in their voices when they pull up in their cars. My girls and our volunteers have done a great job of quelling those fears and explaining that we need to serve and support each other during times of crisis and having that opportunity blesses us immensely. We have been blessed to serve families from Union Bridge, New Windsor, Taneytown, Keymar, Westminster, Littlestown, and as far out as Frederick. This has been a

community outreach in every way.

THE WHY

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give

his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

“For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you
have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.” (Hebrews 6:10)

“And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that
please God.” (Hebrews 13:16)

I feel like we have all been in need in one time or another. Where did you go? Who did you go to? Being a believer welcomes us into a family. His family. During times of celebration we should be celebrating together. During times of mourning we should be mourning together. During times of need we should be coming together to make sure that none of us goes without. I have seen these things in action in the months that we have been doing this. I have seen people give sacrificially to people they don’t even know. I have seen people receive more than just food as I

have witnessed people pour out their hearts and give their lives to the Lord. I have heard incredible stories of hardship and have celebrated perseverance. I have been able to build new relationships with people I have never met. I have been able to love my neighbor as myself and have watched my wife and daughter do the same. I know there are many service projects going on throughout our area, but this one will always hold a special place in my heart. I have seen the

presence of God, the character of Jesus, and the fruits of the Spirit on full display. This is what the church looks like. Not a building, but a family of believers being the hands and feet of Jesus as the world falls apart around us. Now that’s community!!

By Chris Sturdivant

Through the Valleys

Sat, 06 Jun 2020 15:05:31 GMT

Athletes and coaches alike have good days and bad days. Somedays, it can easily be hidden. Practices and games might help relieve the mental and physical pressures caused by upcoming exams, family-induced stresses or depressive moods. Other times, it’s not so easily hidden and it shows up in different ways- attitude, performance of play, or in what is spoken. We all know what it feels like to have a rotten day. No matter what sort of day you may be facing in practice, on game day, at home, or school or any other place, this truth remains: God is with you in the valleys

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Psalm 23:4

The psalmist, King David, walks in confidence and comfort instead of fear. Understanding WHO God is impacts the psalmist’s well-being. David is able to declare “I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” There is peace when fully surrendered to God. When athletes understand the presence and preparedness of their coach, it changes how they respond under the pressures of practice or game day. This points to a second truth: God will lead you through the valleys.

Timothy Ateek, a speaker from Breakaway Ministries speaks well on Psalms 23 on their podcast episode titled The Valley of the Shadow of Death.” Take some time to listen as he speaks on the matter of how in our pain, it can rattle our beliefs in God and how it forces us to determine what we really believe to be really true about God.

Where in your life might someone/ something else get the credit for the good times in your life where God gets blamed for the bad things?

If God is our good Shepherd, then our goal must be: grateful in the good times and faithful in the bad times. Whether it be a good practice or maybe a loss on game day, your current circumstances do not exceed the plans God has for your life. He is always more than what you know Him to be.

Ravi Zacharias once said, “You’ll never get to a person’s soul until you understand their hurts.” Jesus understands our hurts, more than what we could ever comprehend. He experienced the valleys, he was tempted, he mourned, he was rejected, abused, all because of His love for us.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

John 3:16-21

Consider : “Can God lead you through a moment or season of deep darkness and still be fully good, fully trustworthy, fully faithful, and fully worthy of your life in worship?”- Ateek

My hope is that your answer would be “Yes” to that question. I, as well as FCA staff, believe, love, and serve this God- who is fully good, trustworthy, faithful, and worthy of each of our lives dedicated to worship Him in everything we do.

My prayer is that my heart, as well as yours, would be inclined to ask God: “Teach me your ways, O God, I will walk in your truth. Unite my heart to fear your name.” Psalms 86:11

Harmony in the Household

Mon, 18 May 2020 18:08:22 GMT

Harmony in the Household

What a peaceful word, HARMONY .

Take a deep breath, and just exhale... “ harmony .”

You’re already feeling some peace, aren’t you? But how elusive is lasting harmony when we’ve been in the same house with the same people for what has seemed to be an eternity?

Here are some truths that I have had to repeat to myself throughout the lockdown that have not only helped me find peace of my own, but also helped me to maintain a servant’s perspective.

Be Patient . Oh man, am I bad at this one! I seldom have enough patience to work through my own school/house/work stuff and now I’ve got to work through these math problems with little sister?? Yes, we do! The Israelites were perhaps the most impatient, short-sighted, ornery people group described in the Bible, but through the whining and complaining, the idolatry and the adultery, God remained patient with them, his chosen people. The same Spirit of patience now lives in us, hang your hat on it and lean into God through those moments when you can think of nothing you’d like more than to storm off and quit!

Be Humble . Jesus is our Lord and Savior, but how often do we really dig into that? Growing up, I had always heard something along the lines of Jesus being my “Lord and Savior,” but so often we emphasize Him being Savior and miss the idea of Him being Lord. Jesus is both and; His desire is not only that His people find life in Him but also that we do life with Him. That looks like hitting our knees everyday with a prayer of surrender and taking action when the Spirit is prompting us to make moves. When we get in the habit of submitting everything we are to God and being obedient to what He asks of us, we will find that humility comes far more naturally.

Be Gracious . This is a big one! Our homes will never be harmonious if we keep track of every blessed wrong that others do to us. We can do everything else right, but when we decide to hold onto the anger and the frustration that are bound to build up quickly when people are held in close quarters with one another, we will be miserable. Forgive quickly and forgive fully. Nobody’s Perfect. That includes you, you are going to have to forgive yourself for being a jerk to your spouse or for being harsh with your children. First and foremost, you must apologize, but dwelling on and harping on yourself will only lead to you and those around you missing the joy that God desires for us.

So, what does it take to have harmony with those whom we spend the most time? Love . We love because Jesus first loved us, but love is such a loaded word that gets watered down in today’s culture to merely mean fondness or affinity. I think Paul has a much more holistic definition of love in his letter to the Corinthians :

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

Strengthen Your Quarantine!

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 16:20:50 GMT

Strengthen Your Quarantine!

An FCA Quarantine day definitely looks different from the norm. From a staff perspective, yes, I am home. Yes, I am getting some extra precious quality time with my 6-month-old daughter, Maci. Yes, Ashli and I am able to spend more time together. Yes, I am able to get projects done around the house that I have wanted to do for year.

One thing that I refuse to let happen is to let this quarantine pass and not come out of it stronger. Stronger both mentally and spiritually. I have always felt closest to Jesus when I have margin mentally. With margin in my schedule, it makes it that much more important to be intentional with my time, making sure it is spent well.

This is a paradox of the rigid schedule D1 Lacrosse during my college days. With a full load of classes, practice, lifting, film, study hall, bible studies, etc. I didn’t really have a choice on how I spent my minimal free time. There were a few windows of time that I needed to eat, complete homework and other miscellaneous things.

I know that when I don’t have a packed schedule, it can be harder to get things done or feel accomplished at the end of the day. There are a few things that I am making sure that I am doing to combat those things and add structure to my day.

• WAKE UP EARLY.

o I wake up at 6am to start coffee, journal, study scripture, and leadership for at least 1 hour before Maci wakes up..

• WORKOUT DAILY.

o Could be a run, cutting down trees in my yard, in home workout.

o This also allows me time to think. Thinking = Creativity & Vision.

• TIME BLOCKING.

o Relying heavily on my calendar app. To set structure to my day.

• LEARN SOMETHING NEW.

o IG Live, TikTok. New ways for me to communicate the Gospel and FCA.

Our ‘busyness’ looks different during these months of quarantine. I know I spend a lot of time on Zoom with countless meetings but without commute time, many face to face meetings, etc. This has opened up a new window of time in my schedule. I am making sure to be proactive in filling that time with things that will sharpen me. My challenge to you is to identify your rhythm, be intentional, and come out of this quarantine stronger both mentally and spiritually!

Just Try

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 13:49:53 GMT

The origin of FCA at McDaniel College is one that you simply cannot make up. The goal was pure, all we wanted to do was spend time together and find a place where we belonged for reasons deeper than our majors and what sport we played.

Five or six student athletes met with a youth pastor who had a heart for college athletes in the basement of the Gill Center one night in the fall of 2013 and that was the start of the planning and dreaming. We had to just show up and give it a try. I had been recruited by coach Hoyt (head football) coach. He was a catalyst for leadership, personal development, and his faith was so attractive to me because it was woven into everything he did. That was one of the first times I had ever seen that in a person, let alone a coach. Joe Laughlin was the next, “that” youth pastor (now part time FCA staff) that had a heart for little McDaniel College. He met with us right where we were. We could not have predicted the growth that was to come because of a simple meeting.

The Timeline

• 2013 fall initial meeting started to spend time together

• 2014 met more regularly led to planning and dreaming the Wednesday night huddle

• 2014 started a guys breakfast study/fellowship time at Plum Krazy Dinner.

• 2015-16 school year started the Wednesday night huddle continued with the guys breakfast study

• 2016 Wednesday night continues to grow, lots of first timer people – students are excited to get their own FCA shirt and bible.

• 2016 girls started a bible study with the McDaniel softball character coach

• 2017-18 FCA votes for a leadership team and is a recognized club on campus!

• 2017-18 leadership meetings start meeting regularly at Joe’s house

• McDaniel huddle has continued to go through peak and valleys, and now has a girls and guys bible study meeting during the week, in addition to the Wednesday night meetings!

• Currently they are still meeting faithfully and every year there is a need for Jesus to be made famous on that campus more and more every year!

Diving Deeper into the Start

We continued meeting, We started by simply going to Joe’s house, to watch games and eat some incredible food thanks to his wife! The Laughlin’s invited us, college kids into their home to eat and spend time with their family. This was a strange concept at first to us, but we loved it. We just had to trust and give it a shot.

Strategy Moving Ahead

Two quotes from Andrew Roberts set the framework for what our strategy would be. One being “Lets be regulars at a diner.” The guys started going to Plum Krazy Diner on Friday morning that week to talk about a few verses in the bible and to eat together. We quickly became regulars there and it was my favorite part of the week - full of great conversations, advice, insight and my first taste of authentic Christian community. We were there because we wanted to, all we did was show up!

Andrew Roberts said “I just want some good wholesome fun.” A strange sentence that took us all off guard, it remains a joke to this day between our little group. The stigma of the boring judgmental Christians had been felt on the McDaniel campus, and we were out to break that stereotype. So we moved toward personal growth - through meeting with Joe and going to church together, through time together the huddle planning started to form,. We just had to give it a try even though we were far from perfect.

The late nights at the Laughlin’s turned into great memorizes of fun and fellowship, and eventually turned into a time to plan and pray for our school, that was where the idea of a “late night huddle” in the press box was born. A place that was open to all student athletes. “Let’s keep it simple, play some games, hang out, and hear a lesson or speaker.” That was the decision. Plain and simple. Our initial leadership team just asked and invited, we found most people were so friendly and open, and we were able to use the press box for our meetings. All of those things came together and we experienced growth very quickly.

Leaving it Behind in Better Hands

As the original team graduated, the future was uncertain for McDaniel FCA. I can remember praying with my roommate George who was now a regular at FCA, received his first bible, and met the Lord personally after one of Joe’s talks. We prayed with all our guys at Plum Krazy one Friday morning for the next batch of leaders that were going to take FCA to the next level. God answered that prayer much faster than we expected.

There were a few that really stepped up led by Kyle Savick (the first official FCA president) and a few others. They got the FCA club “officially recognized” by the college and put some real framework around leadership positions, doing studies together, branching out and starting a girls bible study, and a more intentional guys bible study. It spread to teams with character coaches and every team on campus started to have people involved in the Wednesday night huddle.

A “Different” Culture

The friendships were real, the talks were authentic and challenging, the community was attractive. It became a place where anyone could come and feel loved and accepted for who they are, while being lovingly challenged to turn your life over to Jesus Christ. “It feels like a family,” as communicated by Alyssa Swartz in her testimony, and that is the feeling from many others too.

Being faithful to meet on Wednesday nights started in the 2013-2014 school year. They are still meeting in the same place today! The McDaniel huddle is a beautiful picture of what God can do when we are faithful with a little.

Showing up is the battle, staying constant through the ups and downs of life is the key. Because of the faithfulness of the leadership of students and staff has made Wednesday night a highlight for hundreds of student athletes at McDaniel college over the years.

Going Strong

The McDaniel FCA group was started by a few, that had very little knowledge about FCA and were relying on a very simple foundation of who Jesus is and wanting to share it with others. But God sent a few leaders at the perfect time that encouraged us to try something new. They pushed us to stop relying on our own strength and give it up to the Lord. When we did that, I really felt the peace of God in my life and that has led to an incredible involvement and impact for McDaniel students.

Today McDaniel has a full leadership team. They are planning meetings, male and female bible studies, and discipleship groups. There are people now on staff that came through the “FCA McDaniel Farm System.” McDaniel sends volunteers and interns to camps all over the region to serve coaches and athletes.

Growth continues through the imperfect student athletes at McDaniel college, that is how God works. We just have to show up. We must be willing to try when we are uncomfortable, if we are always comfortable, we will never grow.

God calls us to fully rely on Him. Through FCA at McDaniel, I learned so much about taking risks and just trying, letting God have control, and getting out of his way. My challenge is to ask yourself, “Where is God calling you to simply take a chance and show up?” Just wait and see what God is going to do, it might be nerve racking but you won’t be disappointed.

A Snapshot of FCA

tnared@fca.org (Trevor Nared) — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 02:22:24 GMT

Hi! My name is Noah Williams and currently I am a junior at Carroll Christian Schools. Every year my school does a great program where they have every high schooler participate in an internship for a week in March to get some experience in the workplace. I heard about an opportunity to intern at FCA through a family friend and decided, since I am a believer in Christ, a huge sports guy, and play three sports, I would take it up.

So, this past week I interned with FCA in Carroll County and really enjoyed it. Every person I met was very welcoming and personable, whether it was a current intern, a previous intern, a volunteer, a staff member, or just someone involved with FCA. The whole staff was extremely nice and made me feel at home. I thought it was awesome that the work environment was very relaxing and fun but also very relational and loving.

Something neat that I got a chance to do throughout the week was work on my testimony with Brandon and Luke. I was never asked to do something like this, besides telling people parts of my story. However, thinking about what has happened in my life, how sports have tied into it, and most importantly, how Jesus has worked in my life, has really opened my eyes to how beneficial it can be for yourself when you think about it as well as for others when you share it.

Working with the more technological side of FCA was very interesting and a little bit of a learning experience. It was awesome seeing how FCA does their Instagram posts and presentations. I got to work on making a presentation for their Internship Handbook and make a few Instagram posts with verses on them while also learning about a program called Canva.

I was also shown how FCA staff meetings operate by sitting in on one, being a part of one through a zoom call, and seeing individual staff meetings being done. Devotions, talking about the devotions, and talking about life were all things that were a part of the meetings besides the main topics. I thought that was really great because it improves the spirit of the meeting overall and also builds the relationships between staff members.

A big part of FCA that I never knew about is the huddles that are done at middle schools and high schools. I got the chance to go with Chris to a leader meeting at Manchester Valley High School and then an actual huddle at North West Middle School. Both events were very cool to watch and be a part of. To me, the idea of teens leading their peers in devotion and wanting their peers to connect with Jesus is fantastic and something that should be implemented outside of FCA huddles as well. The community that it builds between the teens and their peers as they connect in Christ is awesome.

Another thing about this internship was that everyone, the staff, was very focused on getting to know me, making me feel welcomed, and encouraging me to get involved with FCA. Whether it was going to get a meal with me, talking with me about my life, or just making jokes, they were always doing their best to make me feel comfortable. The environment created was fun and relaxed, which I think should be the environment in every workplace.

In the end, I felt like this internship was a great learning experience, but even more than that I felt like it was a great opportunity to build relationships with some awesome Christian people and grow my relationship with Christ. I would definitely like to get more involved with this group and the FCA organization as a whole.

ASK Me!

hboyle@fca.org (Heather Boyle) — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 14:51:08 GMT

ASK Me!

The First ASK

I am currently going through some keepsake boxes and in the process, I came across my old yearbooks from high school. As I browsed through them, I found this picture of me and a few of my classmates that attended an FCA retreat in Marshall, Indiana. I don’t remember much about the retreat, but I remember I went because one of my favorite teachers, Mr. Trueblood, asked me if I would like to attend. This was in the fall of 1985 and little did I know the path my life would take one year later when, at the beginning of my senior year of high school, my mother died of a brain tumor and I had to move to Maryland to live with my dad.

I don’t bring this up to focus on the events of my life but to highlight the simple act of an ASK - how God can use one person, one event, etc. to bring about His purposes

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

The Second ASK

In 2009, my oldest daughter decided to play volleyball and joined the Baltimore Bravehearts, a homeschool high school girls volleyball team. I quickly became involved in the leadership of the team and by 2012 we found ourselves without an oversight program. My dear friend, who took over the leadership of the team, looked at many alternatives in the homeschool community and decided to meet with Brandon and Mike McMahon, another FCA staff member, in December 2012 to look into becoming a part of the FCA Teams Ministry. I was ASKED to join that meeting and my friend wisely decided that was the direction our team should take. That was the beginning of our relationship with FCA and the fruit of that ASK is the continuation of the Braveheart program and the start of the FCA MD Volleyball club program.

“After meeting with Brandon and Mike, I began to realize that joining with FCA isn't just a formality, providing an umbrella with insurance, it is a ministry. This means joining with FCA is more than just having the cross on our logo and contacts within the sports community but signifies that we are intentionally building into the lives of our athletes, coaches, and their families so we all grow in our relationship to Jesus Christ.”

Belinda Roettger

The Third ASK

I knew at some point before my kids were completely out of the house, I would need to get a job. I didn’t want just ANY job though. I wanted a job that mattered and was mission oriented. So, when I received an email from Brandon in 2014 ASKING if I knew anyone that would be interested in a part-time job as an administrative assistant for Carroll County FCA , I told him I would like to be considered. I loved sports and I loved the idea of working for an organization whose mission was to reach others for Christ.

The Influence of an ASK

I have now been working for FCA over six years. My job has allowed me the opportunity and flexibility to learn new things each day and broaden my skills. I get to interact with and serve some pretty amazing people. I am constantly encouraged and challenged to grow in my relationship with the Lord. I take pride in the fact that my main role with FCA is to make sure our staff can focus on their calling to fulfill the mission and vision of FCA .

I truly believe God used these personal ASKS , as well as other events in my life, to direct my path toward FCA and to its mission. I know that my role is part of God’s plan and has a purpose beyond what I may be able to see.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

What have you been ASKED lately? I hope and pray you answer these ASKS so that you can see how God can use you to fulfill His purposes.

Carroll County FCA’s 2020 Power Camp

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 21:09:37 GMT

Carroll County FCA’s 2020 Power Camp

What is Power Camp

Power Camp is a week long multi sport camp for boys and girls entering their 4th through 8th grade school year. We invite young athletes from all over the county and beyond to participate in their sport of choice for a week full of instruction, inspiration, and spiritual guidance. This summer, these young athletes will be able to choose to participate in either soccer, softball, basketball, lacrosse, wrestling, or volleyball. The coaches for each sport are made up of local high school and college coaches who volunteer their time to teach these young athletes how to play in a way that glorifies God and experience the joy of participating in sports. Our camp counselors, who we call Huddle Leaders, consist of local high school and college athletes who have been involved with FCA leadership on their campuses and their teams. Combine that with the wonderful staff at Springdale Preparatory School, who will host our camp for a second straight year, and what you have is a true community event.

Why Power Camp?

Our FCA staff around the world have been battling a growing culture of instant gratification and the rise of depression and anxiety among young people. With the development of technology, the art of authentic relationship building has started to be replaced with social media and instant messaging platforms. This has been evident in homes, schools, and the athletic fields. Opportunities like our Power Camp gives us a chance to engage athletes at a young age and teach them how to build and value those relationships with their teammates and their coaches and compete at a high level with respect for their opponents and their sport. Sports are meant to be enjoyed. At Power Camp, we teach them how to work hard to be successful without losing that joy for the sport they love. Above all else, we encourage them to be a constantly growing version of themselves through a relationship with Jesus.

Who is Power Camp?

There are so many testimonies that encompass who Power Camp reaches and impacts. Here are just a few lines from some who have experienced camp in the past.:

“FCA Camp was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had!”

Basketball Camper Abbie

“Power Camp is the best week of the summer!! You get to dive in deeper with your sport and your faith with THE coolest people!!”

Lacrosse and Program Staff Heather

“Coaching volleyball is one of my favorite hobbies! I love seeing players work hard at a new skill, struggle, overcome, and implement it in the game. At FCA Power Camp, athletes did just that! They showed huge potential and skill growth, but most importantly, they grew together in their relationships and in their faith each day as they were challenged by the sport both physically and mentally. I was most taken back by the heart that the teens and adult leaders put into each camper. To be able to connect, mentor, coach, and share two of the things we love most (sports and Jesus) with young people is both refreshing and fulfilling. I was asked questions that challenged my knowledge and my beliefs. I was confided in by the girls who trusted me so quickly. I was there with the campers through happy tears, sad tears, frustrated tears, and laughing tears. As an adult leader and coach, I feel so blessed to help provide an opportunity for kids to learn the life lessons that come from volleyball through Jesus.”

FSK High and Power Camp Head Volleyball Coach Serra Berry

Want to be a part of Power Camp?

There is always a need for others to get involved. Contact Chris Sturdivant at csturdivant@fca.org to see how you might be able to get involved.

Zane Lewis - His FCA Story

Sun, 09 Feb 2020 22:18:52 GMT

Zane Lewis - His Story with FCA

Zane's journey hasn’t been perfect, but that is OK because his Savior is. Zane is able to grow in his faith in Jesus, and also been share it with his teammates and classmates at WHS and now Shepherd University through FCA. Your support allows us to provide teams in our community with Character Coaches, equip students to lead FCA, send athletes to camp, to ultimately have life changing stories just like Zane.

Meet Luke Ridgely - Our Newest Staff!

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 13:55:26 GMT

Describe your FCA Background. My involvement with FCA was really a big happy accident! When I was in High School (WMHS, Go Falcons!!) I was heavily involved with a ministry called Campus Life, and the winter of Junior year I had heard that there was a club called FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) that met during flex so I decided to check it out. Getting there, I realized there was very little about the club that I recognized from my past experiences with Campus Life, but the time spent was deep and relational and I wanted to get more involved, so after a few months of attending I became a leader with WMHS FCA! Fast forward to the winter of my freshman year at college, I had little contact with anyone with FCA and was actually looking to intern with Campus Life. After doing some digging, a friend who had interned with Campus Life told me that they were not accepting any more interns, but that FCA was! This led to one of the most transformational summers I have had to date, and was where I fel

How WE Can Make the World a Better Place

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 20:38:37 GMT

Everyone knows what the “Golden Rule” is, treat others the way you want to be treated. Simple enough right? If this rule has been engrained in our minds from such an early age, then why do we have such a hard time following it? Seriously, stop and think about that for a second. I am still waiting for you to stop and think about it! Why is it so difficult for us to treat others kindly or in the same way that we would want to be treated back? The goal of this article is to get out what FCA is trying to do now with the people currently in the organization. FCA’s mission is to present to athletes and coaches, and all whom they influence, the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church. Fellowship of the church could be stretched as far as going out and treating people in an incredible and Godly way that blows people back. The challenge is expanding that group so that it can positively affect more people, which would lead to the world being a better place. I hope that all of you who read this article will either being to or continue to implement these values into your life. After you have begun this process, I would strongly encourage you to share this article, or share these core values with three people. If everyone single person shares it with three people, it will continue to multiply, and before you know it, you will have played a part in making the world a better place. You will be witness to living in a world where people treat another the way they want to be treated. And if people took the Christian value mentality, using some of the core values would make everyone a better person, even as Christians we work on this kind of thing everyday. Nobody is perfect, but by practicing some of these core values for not only Christians to live by, but for society to live by. These values, if implemented in a small grass roots movement could change the world, and for the better.

Eight core values for everyone to live by: 1. GRACE- Giving people more than they deserve. Don’t be afraid to give somebody another chance, everyone is entitled to making mistakes every once in awhile. Treat others with grace and that grace will hit you in return at some point. 2. HOPE- This is not any promise from ever being harmed, but a value that establishes that GOD is always present. 3. FAITH- The way we get to an actual deep level of all and any relationships that we have. 4. LOVE- Loving unconditionally, even the ones who do not love you back, kind of like the expression, “Kill them with kindness”. 5. JUSTICE- FOR ALL PEOPLE! Not simply the individual! This is a construct that is in favor of those at a disadvantage. 6. JOY- It is extremely difficult to construct this concept into written “law” but acting with joy, this is an essential and necessary social value. Acting with joy in all things we do can demonstrate a more positive outlook on life, and you never know when this could be the difference maker for an individual. 7. SERVICE- There can be meaning found in serving others without expecting anything in return. It is taking out all the selfishness and taking away the self centeredness. The ironic part about this one, is that if you do your part and serve someone, hopefully they are practicing the same values and will serve you back. It will feel even better when you were not expecting it. 8. PEACE- Most people think this just means the absence of war or fighting, but it also needs to be a positive well-being. One must be at peace with himself before acting with peace towards others. Take the time to come to peace with yourself, you will be amazed at how it will change your life.

FCA is trying to instill these values in it’s members, this organization is striving for the greater good. I am so proud and happy to say I am an active member in FCA on McDaniel College’s campus. I want to be the person who started this grassroots movement, which is called “FTGG” by the way and that is an acronym saying, “For The Greater Good”. So really take a good look at these values, implement them for yourself, and then share my movement #FTGG. Together you and I can make this world a better place, but it all has to start with the way we treat one another. Always remind yourself, treat others the way you would want to be treated.

Wed, April 19, 2017 (1732 comments)

Welcome to the Team Britton Hastings

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 20:38:33 GMT

We are beyond excited to announce that Britton Hastings is joining FCA Staff!

Over a year ago Ashli and I, along with our staff and Leadership Board, began praying that God would call the right person to join us in going after this vision to transform Carroll County. Our prayers were answered last Friday when Britton accepted the position to become the Southern Carroll FCA Area Representative!

Britton is a recent graduate from McDaniel College who brings a vibrant ministry background to FCA. Through high school and college, he has lead Young Life in many different capacities. When arriving on campus as a freshman football player at McDaniel, Britton helped establish and grow the first FCA Huddle, as well as leading an FCA Bible Study for male athletes. As a junior in college, Britton interned at Crossroads Community Church where he helped serve locally and abroad.

While at McDaniel, Britton was instrumental in the life-change of his roommate and teammate, George. Britton invited George to FCA on campus as a freshman where George received his first bible and heard about Jesus clearly for the first time. George is now a key leader at McDaniel FCA and is leading service projects on campus through Operation Christmas Child. All because of the influence of a bold teammate.

Britton will be going to FCA's National Support Center in Kansas City, MO from February 20-22 for training before he begins the fundraising process. Once fully funded, Britton will serve Southern Carroll County (Liberty, Century, South Carroll, the feeder middle schools, community teams, etc.). We are excited to watch how God uses Britton on these campuses and in this community!

Why are you excited to join FCA Staff?

"I have been working in the South part of Carroll County with Young Life at Century High School and South Carroll High School. That experience has given me a heart for that part of the county. Having a small taste of FCA in high school and then helping to start the FCA huddle at McDaniel College really made me interested in FCA. I had never been involved in a ministry that had a goal of reaching athletes and coaches specifically. I have been playing sports my entire life and feel called to full time ministry. Having a passion for both sports and middle and high school kids only makes sense for me to join the FCA family!"

THE HASTINGS FILE

Full Name: Britton Marcus Hastings

Birthday: July 27, 1994

Wife: Morgan Hastings

Hometown: Shippensburg, PA

College: McDaniel College 2016

Major: Business Administration

Minor: Sports Management

Sport: Football - Wide Receiver

Interests: Hunting, Fishing, Camping, Hiking, Movies

Favorite Food: Tacos, Apple Pie & Ice Cream

Bible Verse: 2 Cor. 5:17

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!”

Interesting Fact: Graduated from college in 3.5 years and got married 2 weeks later!

Favorite Vacation: Honeymoon in Punta Cana

We would love to invite you to help Britton join FCA staff by supporting him on a monthly basis!

Support Britton!

Our Trip to East Asia

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 20:38:32 GMT

Our vision to see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes is truly taking root. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes partners each of the 12 regions in the United States with an international 'Super Region'. The Mid-Atlantic region is partnered with East Asia.

From February 19 - March 2, Ashli and I traveled to Bangkok, Thailand for the first ever East Asia Capacity Conference! We joined 9 other FCA Staff from the Mid-Atlantic, and 40 staff/partners from different parts of East Asia. In addition to the trainings on sports ministry through camps, huddles, community, fundraising, etc., we were rejuvenated by the relationships we developed with our East Asia teammates. We have some incredible, dynamic leaders who are making a great impact on this part of the world. Ashli and I also learned that approximately half of the staff from East Asia are serving in 'closed countries', places where you can be imprisoned because of your faith (some have experienced this personally).

In 2011, I first felt God calling me to full time ministry. It was in Haiti on a dirt field, playing soccer with kids that didn't speak English; I realized the power of ministry through sports. God spoke to me in a similar way while in East Asia. Through stories of an FCA teammate developing relationships by playing soccer with 7 Muslim students every Sunday. Another FCA teammate who has been imprisoned 7 times because he is bold in his faith. Others who are faithfully serving in countries where less than 1% of the population are Christian. They are not always able to publicly verbalize their beliefs, but they are faithfully living out their relationship with Jesus through sports ministry.

The last 4 days of our trip the Mid-Atlantic Staff split up and visited different staff throughout East Asia. Ashli and I went to Singapore with Reon (Singapore's Area Director) and his wife, Rosemary, who were incredible hosts. We saw the sites, ate the food, and got to see FCA in action. We visited 2 campuses, a coaches huddle, staff meeting, and helped with a lacrosse clinic. Our biggest take-a-way was the amount of quality time we spent at each ministry. On average, it was 3 hours. The Coaches Huddle, for example, started with 2 hours of basketball, 30 minute small group/huddle time, then 1 hour for lunch together. That is how you build deep, authentic relationships!

I am extremely excited as this is just the beginning of the relationship between the Mid-Atlantic and East Asia. As of June 1, 2017, Mark Stephens will become the Regional International Coordinator and continue building upon this relationship and ministry partnership with East Asia. Carroll County FCA is honored to be a supporting partner of this growing ministry. Our local leadership board is discussing strategic ways that we can work together with our East Asia teammates, and we pray you join us!

Thank you for your continued support.

Wed, March 15, 2017 (38 comments)

George and Olivia's Incredible Camp Stories

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 20:38:28 GMT

Serving at FCA Kutztown was an incredible experience. I made friendships with huddle leaders that I know will last forever, but more importantly I was able to connect with 11 other high school students and help strength their connection with Christ. In my huddle I had a camper who stood out the most and his name was Rayshawn, a 17 year old high school senior who was “accidentally” was put in my huddle full of high school freshmen. At first he seemed unhappy with his huddle and asked if he can be switched to a huddle with guys of his age which is completely understandable, but one of the FCA coordinator reached out to Shawn and explained to him how this is a god opportunity to be a leader to these younger guys, and thankfully he stayed. He lead the huddle by example, was very interactive in our discussion time, and on the third night he gave his life to Christ and encourage the younger guys to trust the process, to pray and read their bible. Shawn shared a little bit about his situation at home and being surrounded by drugs, violence, and gangs, but his trust in god is pushing him to be that light back at home and helping his friends from falling into the wrong path. Putting Raysawn in my huddle was no accident but it was God’s purpose because he was a role model to the younger students in my huddle.

-George Gil, McDaniel FCA '17

I got the opportunity to serve as a huddle leader at Kutztown’s All Sports Camp with FCA. Myself and the other softball huddle leaders felt as though God truly handpicked our huddles as all of our campers seemed to be able to relate to our individual testimonies. There was one girl in my huddle who I felt may not know the Lord and I could see she was struggling with something in her life. I shared bits and pieces of my testimony with my huddle to get my girls to open up more. My huddle really opened up with each other and I learned more about the one girl in my huddle I mentioned. She relates so much to someone in my life who had a great impact on my testimony. In chapel one night, I found myself opening my journal to take notes as usual, but instead I started writing down a prayer and I lifted up the girl in my huddle. Short after, the Huddle Leaders were called up to stage to pray with those campers who want to give their life to Christ. I prayed with one of my campers from Leadership Camp, which was amazing and the next thing I know, the girl I was just praying for walked down and was ready to give her life to Christ. It was one of the most remarkable things I have ever been a part of and I thank God for letting me be a part of it!

-Olivia Kipe, McDaniel FCA '17

Wed, August 16, 2017 (3 comments)

Alyssa Schwartz's Testimony

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 20:38:26 GMT

I grew up in a Christian household with my mother, father, and two brothers. We attended several different churches throughout my earlier years, but despite this we were constantly involved in the church. As many young people do, I attended church because that is what my parents did. It was fun and something to do but I was too young to have a personal relationship with Christ. I barley even understood faith and never read scripture. Moving forward, middle school gave me the opportunity to attend a strongly developed youth group. Two friends gave me this opportunity and constantly encouraged me to be a part of it. At this point, I started getting more serious with the content of the message rather than just the environment of hanging out with my friends. I eventually attended a Winter Retreat in January of my 6th grade school year. I was intrigued by my other friends' relationships with Christ, and I knew that I wanted that same connection. I made the decision to give my life to Christ after worship one night. I had spoken to my leader about what this commitment meant. She prayed over me and guided me through asking Christ into my heart. After this, my life was never the same, and I am so grateful for this.

From this point on, the remainder of middle school and the beginning of high school felt so easy. I had like-minded friends, a great family, and support for everything I was involved in. I was simply going through the motions of school, three sports, and church on Sundays and Wednesdays. I could feel the Holy Spirit in my life, but I was never challenged to really step out of my comfort zone and stand up for my Savior.

The first time I had to make a stand for my faith was in my junior year of high school. My closest friends who had been by my side since the 5th grade made the decision to hang out after prom and partake in drugs and alcohol. These were choices they had never expressed interest in before. After sorting through all of this in my head, I knew my morals and beliefs would not support me joining. It was time for me to make a choice that was hard but necessary. After attempting to change their minds, I made the sacrifice to lose the friends that had been my only outlet for years. My identity was changed and stripped away from with the loss of these friendships. It was at this point that I realized I was idealizing these people, and that their love for me was conditional. Through this situation I was finally able to see the only person in my life that would love me unconditionally was my Heavenly Father.

It took me until the following summer to step back and see how I could live out my faith daily. I went into my senior year of high school on fire for the Lord. Senior year was the best year of my high school career. I found new faithful friends, joined more clubs and new activities, and had so many amazing opportunities come my way. Most importantly, I found my home for the next four years, McDaniel College.

Coming into McDaniel, I was scared and nervous, but I found my friend group on the Hill quickly. I was able to connect with my lacrosse team and even find people outside the team to hang out with and balance my social life. Throughout my freshman year fall semester, I was peer pressured into doing things I regret more than anything. I became wrapped up in the wrong crowd, because I was doing all I could to fit in and be accepted by people I had barely met, even though it was through decisions that were not supported by my morals and faith. That fall was filled with mistakes; however, coming back to my home for winter break I was confronted by Christian friends and they spoke encouraging words to me about the changes I needed to make.

When I returned to campus for the spring semester, I started coming to FCA on Wednesday nights. I immediately felt welcomed and loved by everyone in that room. I listened to Joe speak about college life and ways to avoid peer pressure and felt accepted and loved by God rather than the crowds of college. After attending FCA for the whole spring semester, I knew FCA was where I needed to be, a group I needed to identify myself with. When I tore my ACL and MCL at the end of my freshmen season, I immediately knew to only praise God as a way to push through. This was a valley that He needed me to get through. I prayed more and more and found strength in the limitations that a 9-month recovery gave me. My injury only made me stronger in my faith and more grateful for a healthy body.

My second year at McDaniel started much more positive than the year prior. I knew from the beginning that if I surrounded myself by Christians at FCA, I would find the drive and motivation to worship and praise God. My relationship with Christ just kept getting stronger. I was more and more involved in FCA and by the summer before junior year, I was able to play for the FCA Women’s National Team at Lake Placid. I was able to connect and meet so many other girls that were going through the same phase of life as me. To this day I am inspired by the people I have met through FCA.

Currently, I have been given the opportunity to speak at Fields of Faith in Carroll County, be a huddle leader, sign up for FCA leadership camps, and now I look forward to spending my summer doing two of my favorite things; praising my Lord, and playing lacrosse. He has blessed me with a body able to compete on the field and has given me the passion to worship and spread his holy name across McDaniel College, Maryland, and hopefully beyond these state lines. FCA has impacted my life so positively and helped instill in me a stable and passionate life for Jesus Christ.

Wed, October 31, 2018 (21 comments)

A Gospel Opportunity Through a Shoebox

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 20:38:24 GMT

Operation Christmas Child at McDaniel

McDaniel FCA hosted their third annual Operation Christmas Child packing party on October 28th. Over 100 participants and FCA supporters spent the afternoon filling shoe boxes with items ranging from hygiene items to school supplies to toys and clothes. By the end of the day, over 231 shoe boxes were packed and ready to go with an additional 15 boxes needing a few additional items. OCC organizers and McDaniel students, Allie, Kaylee, and Megan, were thrilled that they exceeded their goal of 200 shoe boxes by 50. According to Connie Finch, the OCC Project leader, the girls went above and beyond by going "door to door" on campus collecting cash to purchase items for the shoe boxes as well raising $1378 through a fundraising page set up on the Samaritan’s Purse website to help cover shipping expenses.

While each shoe box provides for the physical needs of children, more importantly they provide an opportunity to share the gospel. Each time these shoe boxes are distributed worldwide, the gospel is presented, and children are invited back to attend a 12-week Discipleship Program called The Greatest Journey (which is done in their language and through the local church). They learn more about who God is, who Jesus is and how they can grow in their faith. Once they complete the program, there is a graduation ceremony where the children wear caps and gowns, receive a "diploma" and their own Bible in their language. Over 157 million shoe boxes have been distributed by Samaritan’s Purse since 1993 which means over 157 million children have heard the gospel.

The McDaniel OCC organizers are already looking forward to next year’s packing party and will begin planning within the next 2 weeks. A couple goals mentioned are a year-round collection plan as well as encouraging corporate/small business donations. Be on the lookout for opportunities to support McDaniel FCA and Operation Christmas Child throughout the year.

YEAR # of BOXES PACKED

2019 GOAL = 400

2018 250

2017 166

2016 163

Sun, November 4, 2018 (3 comments)

Here's to 2019!

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 20:38:23 GMT

My life changed over the past four days as I had the best experience of my entire life. we go into this camp with the #1 goal of sharing the Word with others, but it’s extra rewarding that we gain so much in the midst of the giving.

I opened up the leadership camp application too many times without applying for it.

I applied, but didn’t think I was going to be able to go as we didn’t have enough campers signed up yet. God reminded me that I should always remember his plan and faithful promises as I received a phone call on Wednesday inviting me to be a huddle leader. I hopped in the car on Saturday morning with friends and a grateful heart.

McDaniel fam rolled up to FCA Leadership Camp this week.

We met new brothers and sisters in Christ, we laughed, we sang, we cried, we worshipped, and we shared the Word with high schoolers. We were there to not only pour into each other, but pour into them. We ended 2018 praising the Lord in fellowship and we started 2019 praising the Lord in fellowship. After midnight, we gathered in circles and prayed and prayed and prayed. All weekend we sang. There is so much hope and reminder in a room full of singing youth who have their hands lifted to Heaven. We slept on church chairs, we barely slept at all, we stayed up late for hours for and through Christ acknowledging His power and His Word and His Message and submerging ourselves in fellowship and then went and learned line dances and laughed until we cried. We learned to let go of what we are gripping onto in order to make room to allow God to put more in our hands. We played sports a little too hard, we competed, we learned how to work for the Lord in all that we do, we shared testimonies and thoughts and we opened our Bibles: we all - staff, huddle leaders, campers - had our lives changed, and most importantly: we got to play a part in other followers (or even non-followers) stories and walks of faith. My huddle told me they learned to be positive in all circumstances in order to change perspective - which is a game changer. To be servant leaders, and to give glory to God for everything.

God had been nudging me to seek out the FCA internship. I kept ignoring Him and listening to fear, even though I know my heart is in Him and in the FCA ministry.

This weekend, I opened my bible in a circle of girls and tried to give them as much of Jesus as I could. Growth multiples in communities or circles.

I solidified my passion for not only Him, but for this ministry and sharing his Word, even though I am new at this.

Yesterday, God allowed me to cross paths with two staff members who talked to me about the internship. They needed one more girl intern.

God couldn’t of made it any more obvious. I quickly became the newest FCA summer intern (Western Maryland) within minutes. I cannot wait to see how God uses me in that experience.

God let’s us combine fun, competition, and fellowship. We get to learn about Him through sports, through songs, through experience, through study. I got to play soccer for hours this weekend, but I also got to spend time with like- minded Christians and become a missionary of his Truth, all in the same day, all in the same building.

We have a platform. Leaders, athletes, followers of Christ. We learned to use our talents to speak of God’s victory. FCA unites us and changes our lives. This organization serves all. This organization glorifies Him. Let us be vessels. Let us be the salt and light.

#fcanook

-Desi Sweeney, McDaniel College

Thu, January 3, 2019 (36 comments)

The Pickett's Trip to Singapore

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 19:04:16 GMT

When I mentioned to my husband Kevin that I was interested in going to Singapore to serve at the International FCA Conference in December and then asked him if he would like to go, he said, "What will we be doing there?" I replied, "I don't know the exact details, but we would be available to serve in any way needed. We met with Mark Stephens, the Mid-Atlantic Area Director for International FCA and Kevin posed the same question, I think he wanted a more concrete answer than what I gave him. Mark said, "You both would serve in a ministry of prayer and presence." So with that answer, we both proceeded to make plans for a trip to Singapore.

Several weeks later, Carrie Hudson, the admin in charge of this conference, called and asked us about our service in our local church and what we may be interested in doing at the conference. Knowing I had been a part of Mark's Thursday morning prayer team, she asked if we would be interested in leading a prayer team. We both thought that would be a good idea and Kevin agreed to be available to help lead the worship music too. So we organized a 30 days of prayer leading up to the trip and prayed together as a couple in preparation for leading this prayer team; a first for us and a first for International FCA.

Mark's words were prophetic as we did serve in a ministry of prayer and presence while at the conference. We started the day with prayer time at 6:30 am and then continued to pray throughout the day with FCA staff and often their spouses who were in attendance. Our ministry of presence included hearing many of their stories on how God led them to Him, often in miraculous ways, and how God led them into sports ministry.

Needless to say, we were so inspired by these international believers and their passion for God and their service through sports ministry. Many of them risk their lives, their property and their families as they live in Communist and/or very restrictive countries. They are ordinary people who do extraordinary things, yet who struggle like we do. They, like Paul, in Philippians 3:8-10, "....count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him......

We have many God stories we can share with you that space won't allow in this report but here is one neat God story...

We have made many new friendships and feel like we now have family all throughout East Asia. In fact, we plan to continue praying with them via Facebook live video or Whats App. We are honored to be a part of this amazing ministry and to continue to minister to our brothers and sisters in the LORD through this ministry of prayer and presence.

In His Service,

Kevin and Dawn Pickett

Mon, January 21, 2019 (404 comments)

Summer Time in Malaysia

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 12:55:30 GMT

My Team

I joined a team of eight through FCA international to support FCA staff in Malaysia! Talk about an all-star cast!! We bounded quickly and have been continuing the inside jokes and prayers for each other.

God doesn't call the qualified but he sure does qualify the called! We were the first team sent to Malaysia and it could not have gone any smoother! Glory to God!!

My Experience

I've said it once and I'll say it again, God is funny. And not just in the "ha-ha" sense (although I did spend a majority of the trip laughing with others). But think about it; the opportunity for this trip came out of nowhere for me and I had just returned from another FCA trip with my college lacrosse team which meant I had to fundraise again, I didn't know any of the people on my team well or anything about Malaysia, and I had nothing in common with the campers I interacted with. Despite all that I saw God's kingdom grow right before my eyes and made the best relationships with the coolest people (already a trend for my summer)!! On paper, this doesn't make sense but, because of faith, it doesn't have to.

Another thing that I can't help but smile about is the theme verses FCA has chosen for this summer; Matthew 28:19-20 (The Great Commission). These are some of my favorite verses and are what I use to define what I feel God is calling me for. I didn't know these would be the verse before I joined the FCA family as an intern, but I know now it's not by coincidence but by design. Haha good one, God!

My Huddle

We served the Malaysia staff by volunteering at their sports camp, forming relationships with their campers, competing with and against them in sports, and sharing with them the gospel and love of Christ!

My huddle was Huddle Love which is fitting as the word "love/loved." seems to be a theme in my life especially recently.

Three of the girls in my huddle were Buddhist (the three on the right side of the picture/to my left). The one was already bought in to the idea of Christianity. The other two had limited knowledge but by the end of the week they unknowingly told me the gospel!

Leading my huddle in discussion after listening to our speaker! We discussed how we are, in fact, created and with intentionally unique purposes!

One of the five (yes, five!) meals we ate per day with our hosts! They love to show love through food and boy were we loved and loved well!

by Heather Burnham