Minnesota FCA SPRING MINISTRY UPDATE
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Build Tomorrow
Minnesota FCA staff members are like-minded in why we do what we do...to impact the world for Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. Our greatest joy is learning that a coach or an athlete has made a commitment to Christ or to serving him as Lord! We take seriously the Great Commission of "going into all the world..."
Currently, we are striving to triple our impact by the year 2020...reaching three times the coaches and athletes in schools, youth programs and in non-traditional sports. This will take more prayer, staff members, volunteers, training, and financial resources. The Build Tomorrow campaign is a multi-faceted effort to create increased awareness of the Minnesota FCA brand, maximize the use of technology and social media, and provide our staff across the state with unified and increased support services from the state office so they can spend more time with coaches, huddles and camps.
The goal for 2020 is to have 42 staff members reaching 300 campuses, 66 coaches study groups and 27 camps. Already we have 19 staff members (a 38% increase since 2010) serving 126 campuses, 20 coaches study groups and 15 camps. We are reminded that "in Christ, all things are possible." As we make our plans, we are trusting God to direct our steps (Proverbs 16:9). The stories inside this newsletter tell the wonderful work that the Holy Spirit is doing through the 19 staff members serving Minnesota FCA across the state. Thank you for your prayers, volunteer hours and faithful financial support as we BUILD TOMORROW to reach a generation for Jesus Christ!
Glenn Martin MN State Director |
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"Spur one another on toward love and good deeds,
not giving up meeting together, but encouraging one another" Heb. 10:24-25
On a recent January evening, excitement grew as Elk River FCA Huddle members watched their ranks almost double in number. After some music, conversation and a competitive game, West Metro FCA Rep, Jake Vanada, shared from John 8 - Jesus, the Light of the World. "The coaches and athletes were definitely dialed in to the truth of God's word," said Vanada. "It's amazing to share this message with public high school students and coaches, and see their hearts respond." That night, 22 kids prayed to say yes to Jesus in their life. Coach Breyen, Elk River Huddle Coach, ordered 35 devotional books to use for follow up with these students. Putting their faith to work, student leaders from the Huddle will be spurring their peers on toward love and good deeds, teaching them what it means to follow Jesus and be a true "Christian Athlete" - not just an "athlete who happens to be a Christian." Your financial support helps this happen - Thank You!
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Kari (center) with friends
Kelly & Emily from The WELL.
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The WELL:
FCA's Ministry to College Women
The WELL was launched this past fall as a way to minister to college women (athletes and non-athletes alike). Joy Gardner, FCA College Ministry, applies scripture to the topics that concern young women today. "It's important that we provide a safe environment for women to open up about tough issues, grow in their faith and learn how to share that faith with others," said Joy. Already there have been many stories of life change stemming from this ministry. Kari Disney, a freshman at St. Kate's, shares her experience - "A friend invited me to The WELL, and it has been an absolutely amazing experience. I have given my life to the Lord and I'm learning from the Bible what God says about so many different things. This group meets me where I'm at and allows me to ask questions."
And pointing women to Jesus is the answer!
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God at Work in the Middle Schools
Jim Kunz, MN Valley FCA Rep, is excited to see how God is bringing more and more middle school students to FCA Huddles to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. "At Fitzgerald Middle School (Mankato), we are averaging between 100-140 students in attendance each week," said Jim. "It's exciting to see what God will do as we continue to stick to the basics of fun, prayer, and teaching spiritual truths."
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Students from Fitzgerald Middle School's Huddle
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The commission Jesus gave to his disciples, and to us, is to "go and make disciples...teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." That's what happens in FCA Huddles. Kids first hear the truth of God's word - then they learn how to live it. Your financial support provides the resources to equip the coaches and leaders who teach these young athletes. Thank you!
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"If One Falls Down, His Friend Can Help Him Up..."
Ecclesiastes 4:10
 Breanna Steele, a sophomore and soccer player at Minnesota State University-Mankato, recently shared how God brought her from tragedy to healing using other believers - including fellow FCA members from MSU. Growing together in faith, pointing each other to Jesus the Ultimate Healer, and supporting each other in love - that's the role of an FCA Huddle.
This is an excerpt from the testimony Breanna shared at a recent FCA gathering...
"My dad had cystic fibrosis. Even though I didn't attend church that often (mostly on holidays), every night I prayed for my dad to get better. One December morning in 2004, God finally answered my prayers. My dad received a double lung transplant. After surgery, he seemed like a new man - able to do physical activity without running out of breath so easily. In 2006, my dad went back to the hospital. An infection was forming on his lungs. I prayed and prayed to God, hoping he would be able to help my dad beat this infection and be healthy again. In July of 2007, my dad passed away. Questions started going through my head like, "How could God allow this tragedy to happen?" "Why was God punishing me?" My questions never seemed to be answered. I wasn't sure if I could ever trust God again. I had prayed to him every night, and I felt failed by him.
Although I knew there was a God, I hadn't truly felt his presence until ninth grade. I found youth group was a place for me to comfortably talk about my grief and my dad, and talking with our youth group leader also helped. After high school, I was worried I wouldn't find a place where I could comfortably talk about God. I didn't want to end my journey with God, but I didn't know where to start either. In college, God brought me to FCA where I've come to understand God's plans for me a little bit more. I still have unanswered questions, but I am glad that He has guided me to where I am...with people who have helped me believe in Him again. Bad things happen. But God always has a plan for us...He will always be there for us...He will never stop loving us."
Praise God for His work in and through Breanna!
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Meeting People on Their Own Turf and Snow!
 The impact of Minnesota FCA is reaching beyond our state - even beyond the borders of the United States. FCA is working with the International Series of Champions (ISOC) Professional Snocross Racing circuit to bring Gospel of Jesus Christ to pro and semi pro drivers.
Jake Vanada, West Metro FCA, works with ISOC at every stop of the tour, leading many of the Snocross "Chapels." "We get to bring truth, hope, and life to these guys who are always racing every weekend and really aren't able to be at church," explained Jake. "This racing crowd is a driven and motivated group of athletes, but most don't know the Lord. Standing on the platform that FCA provides, we get to bring the bold truth of Jesus Christ to them."
 At a recent Michigan race, Jake delivered the Opening Ceremony prayer - that webcast was watched by more than 500,000 people around the world. We know this about God's word: "I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it." Isaiah 55:11
FCA's Jake Vanada, delivering the opening prayer on the big screen.
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FCA Camps - Encouraging athletes to be RELENTLESS in loving others, serving others & reaching others with the Gospel 
This year, RELENTLESS was chosen as the theme for FCA's 2013 camps. While our theme may change from year to year, our mission remains the same: To provide young athletes with a unique opportunity for outstanding athletic, spiritual, and leadership training so that they can influence their world for Jesus Christ. FCA Camps are a time of "inspiration and perspiration" designed so that each attendee will experience:
* Unbelievable fun * Outstanding sports training
* Awesome speakers * Incredible friendships * Life change
Our camps are staffed with high school and college coaches, professional athletes, and current and former college athletes who serve as role models for campers both on and off the field of competition. Every year we hear from campers and parents about lives that are changed and dedicated - or rededicated to Jesus Christ. But that's just the beginning. We have 110 FCA Campus Huddles across Minnesota that continue to disciple athletes once they return home. And the faithful giving of believers like you, helps sustain this life-changing ministry. Thank you!
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2013 FCA Camp Schedule
- Jr. Sport Camp - Marshall
May 22 Grades 3-8 - FCA Frazier Football Clinic - Eden Prairie
June 9 Grades 6-9 - FCA Hockey Camp - Alexandria
June 9-13 Ages 9-17 - Jr. Sports Clinic - Mankato
June 10-13 Grades 2-8 - Sports Camp - Decorah IA
June 24-27 Ages 12-18 - Youth Sports Camp - Cannon Falls
June 26-28 Grades 1-6 - Golf Camp - Becker
July 7-10 Grades 7-12 - Jr. Sports Clinic - Owatonna
July 13 Grades 4-8 - Youth Sports Camp - Rochester
July 15-18 Grades 2-8 - Motocross Camp - Pine River
July 15-19 Ages 6-Adult - Youth Sports Camp - Elk River
July 23-25 Grades 6-8 - Jr. Sports Clinic - Waseca
July 30-Aug1 Grades 4-8 - Leadership Camp - St. Paul
August 2-4 Grades 10-12 - Baseball Clinic - St. Cloud
Aug 6 - Jr. Sports Clinic - Fairmont
August 6-7 Grades 4-8
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NW Region Huddles Meet For
Fun, Fellowship & Spiritual Growth
High school and college FCA Huddles from across the Upper Northwest Region of the state met on February 9th for their 1st Annual Winter Rally, held at Crookston High School. The purpose was fun, fellowship, and most importantly, spiritual growth. "Huddles competed in a variety of different games," said Craig Mabis, Upper NW Region FCA rep, "But the highlight of the event was the testimony of starting line backer, Grant Olson, who played for the National Championship Bisons (NDSU). Grant shared an amazing story of how God's perfect timing and healing power changed him permanently from the inside out.
"The power of God, demonstrated in the life of a believer, is a powerful witness!
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How To Reach Us
Minnesota FCA Staff
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