Connected: Pray the Truth

As athletes, we’re used to powering through on our own strength. For a team workout, we put in as much energy as possible to gain muscle and agility. For managing a full day of classes, practice, or travel for games, we push ourselves to gain the upper hand on academics and athletics. We’re competitive and we like the challenge to take on a lot and land on top.

But in God’s Kingdom, we find our strength in surrender and accepting we can’t do everything on our own. That’s why we look to God as our strength as we turn to Him with our hurts, our hopes and take time for fellowship with Him.

Since God is the source for our wellbeing, it’s important to stay as in tune with Him as we can. Just as God’s Word is an anchor for our souls, so is prayer. It keeps us connected to the living God who orders our steps and provides for our needs. 
Thank You!
"Thanks to your generous giving efforts, I was able to attend Training Camp at the FCA Support Center in Kansas City, MO. I had a great time growing in community with new and veteran staff members. I feel more equipped and empowered to go out and do the ministry before me in our local area. I am ready to capitalize on all that I have learned! Thank you so much for your support!" ~ Shelby Fulk, Area Representative
Coach / Athlete Spotlight
Coach - Darren Hess

Where do you coach?
Normal West High School
How long have you coached?
31 years
What is your primary sport to coach?
Football 
How long have you been involved in FCA? I have been involved in FCA for around 25 years
Why/How did you get involved in FCA?
I initially got involved because I had assistant coaches who were involved. This grew into one of the biggest components of my player development on how to become good men in life. I could not think of a better man to imitate than Christ and his teachings. 
How has FCA helped you to know and grow in Christ? It has helped me to truly study the scriptures. Our coaches huddle at West has spent time looking at bible passages and applying them to our coaching, player relationships, and family. I was raised in a catholic family who went to church and had classes, but we did not spend a great deal of time outside of church reading the scriptures. This has made me appreciate the scriptures more than in the past.
What legacy do you hope to leave as a coach? My legacy will be in reconnecting with my former players in 10 to 15 years and to hopefully see the kind of men they have become - men that respect family and women, are good fathers and husbands, and who care about their community and others. My hope is that I have led, or been part of, a program that is more than just wins and loses. It's more about family culture that brings people together and helps its players develop and grow. 
What is your favorite Bible verse?
My favorite Bible verse is 1 Chronicles 22:11-13, 29:19 - This helps me pray for those athletes whom God put under my charge as a coach. In other words, make time for prayer for your family and team. (It is about leaving a legacy)
Athlete - Tanner Laesch

Where do you attend school?
I attend Lexington HS
What grade are you in?
I am a junior (11th)
What is your primary sport? My primary sport is football, but I also play basketball, baseball, and participate in Track and Field.
How long have you been involved in FCA? I have been involved with FCA since 6th grade.
Why/How did you get involved in FCA? One of my friends told me about FCA and I went to a meeting. I loved it because of the positive energy from the group and it felt like a good fit for me and my faith.
How has FCA helped you to know and grow in Christ? It has helped me to know more about God and all of the things He does. It has also helped me realize I am not perfect, but through Christ I can be the best person I could be.
What legacy do you hope to leave as an athlete? I would like to show future 
athletes that you can be an athlete and still make sure you have quality time for God.
What is your favorite Bible verse? My favorite bible verse is 1 Timothy 4:8 - "Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come."



Make an Impact on Coaches and Athletes in North Central Illinois!
More Than Relevant

With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers winning Super Bowl LV, consider sharing this story of Tampa Bay kicker and friend of FCA, Ryan Succop.
FCA IN ACTION
The Power of Influence

Han-min Cho, an avid sports fan, grew up in the church and was familiar with FCA as his father Yonghun Cho is a Korea FCA board member and a Tom Landry Associates supporter. But faith was never in the forefront of his mind; sports and other teenage interests taking priority.

Cho attended an FCA Camp two summers ago not with the hopes of drawing closer to God but playing catch with his favorite ball players in the Korean Baseball Organization. However, God knew how to capture the heart of Cho, and it began with a baseball.