As a blazing fire roared in the background, a large group of eager students and leaders gathered to unwind and share personal testimonies.
November 23 marked the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) annual bonfire. The event which hosted about seventy PB student-athletes, is intended to ask questions, hear testimonials, spread the gospel, and show that one’s relationship with God is enjoyable and that one is not alone. For those in attendance, the profound impact of this community on young lives was brought to light. For two of the leaders of the event, Essien Ford, an FCA coach, and Michael Andrew Foster, an FCA mentor and pastor, FCA is an exceptional community for kids to join because it fosters both personal and spiritual growth.
Ford and Foster are two dedicated men deeply involved in FCA. During the event, Ford shared his journey, emphasizing that success isn’t solely about achieving the highest accolades. “The pressure of success and if it doesn’t happen the way you want it to, it doesn’t mean your life is over. It doesn’t mean you’re a failure. No. To the contrary, you’re already made in Christ,” he explained. This perspective highlights FCA’s focus on building a strong relationship with God. This, in turn enhances the work ethic and joy, independent of external validation.
Foster, who has been a mentor and pastor for nineteen years, discussed the holistic development that FCA promotes. “What’s really important is knowing that you have a relationship with God and that really leads into not only your sports, but your development as a young adult to college and onwards,” he noted. This underscores how FCA not only supports athletic growth, but also prepares kids for future challenges by instilling core values and a sense of purpose.
The Annual FCA Bonfire is the third event FCA holds from the start of the school year. This event was created to share people’s testimonies, share the gospel, ask questions, and understand that your walk with God isn’t alone and can be fun.
Foster and Ford touched on the supportive community within FCA, with Ford mentioning that achievements in sports and academics are “a plus; that’s icing on the cake.” However, according to Foster, the real value lies in the camaraderie and the shared journey of faith that FCA offers. This environment nurtures a sense of belonging and encourages kids to strive for excellence, while staying grounded in their faith.
Foster added, “Being part of FCA means you’re part of a family that supports you on and off the field. It’s about more than just winning games; it’s about winning in life.” This sentiment captures the essence of FCA’s mission to develop well-rounded individuals who are equipped to handle life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes stands out as a transformative community for kids. By prioritizing spiritual growth and offering unwavering support, FCA helps young individuals navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience. As Foster and Ford passionately conveyed, being part of FCA is about much more than sports—it’s about building a strong foundation for a fulfilling life.
