Northwest Michigan FCA January Newsletter

Happy New Year! We are so excited to see what God has in store for us all in 2024!

Our two prospective staff, Chloe Cook in Gaylord and Rebekah Cotton in Traverse City, are both closing in on reaching their fundraising goals. They are both a huge answer to prayer as FCA ministry continues to grow in Northwest Michigan. If you are interested in helping financially support Rebekah or Chloe, you can visit our Staff Webpage Here.

The new FCA ministry theme for 2024 is 24/7. This year we will walk through what it looks like to go from 'Overwhelmed to Overflowing.' With the constant grind as a coach and athlete, it is easy to get caught up with the busyness of this world. Follow along as we discover how to intentionally fill our time with God so we can live through the overflow of His love. You can explore our resources and theme at fca247.org

We are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting our first ever FCA Outdoors Camp! This Camp will be held in Grayling, MI May 3-5, and registration will be opening next month. Stay tuned for more information.

The first-ever Elementary Huddle will be launching at Clare Schools on Monday January 15th! For more information about our Huddles, visit our Area Huddles Page.

In Christ,

-Jen Yost, Area Director

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

Testimony Spotlight

Riley Scollard, Traverse City Central Junior

I grew up going to church but I never truly knew who God was. I felt like I was too sinful to pursue a relationship with God, so I constantly relied on sports to validate my worth. I felt mentally exhausted chasing unrealistic expectations of what I thought would bring me true happiness. I had a void that remained empty the more I tried to fill it with worldly things. One day during track practice I bursted out of the blocks and instantly felt a pop in my hamstring. I immediately felt a shock of pain shoot through my leg. I’ve never felt more hopeless than in that moment. I spent countless weeks of track season going through a never-ending cycle of pushing myself too early and re-pulling my hamstring. I craved validation through sports more than ever. I wanted to compete more than anything to prove my worth to myself. “What if I’m never the same athlete?” “Why am I not healing faster?” “How is my injury a part of God’s plan?” I spent countless months asking myself these questions.

During track season I realized I needed a distraction from sports, so I made the decision to attend a Christian camp over the summer. I didn’t know what to expect but I knew going to camp would be a good way to grow closer to God and deepen my friendships. I remember looking around and seeing God work through so many different people. Throughout the week I felt an immense wave of the Holy Spirit during convos with people and worship. I’ve never felt God’s presence as vividly as I did that week. I was truly fulfilled; a feeling I hadn’t experienced in a while. I was so eager to learn more about how to grow even deeper in my faith and keep my fire for the Lord burning. I knew after that week I’d never be the same person I was before. When I got back from camp I felt like a whole new athlete. I spent most of the summer training for hockey season. Hockey became so much more fulfilling because I knew no matter what the outcome is God loves me, and my hard work is a way of glorifying him.

Sports no longer define my worth. Sports change constantly; one day everything will be going your way and the next day sports can give you a different outcome, but God’s love never changes. I now realize that my worth is not defined by anything in this world. Proverbs 3:5-6 says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths”. This experience taught me to trust in God's plan over my understanding because his plan for our lives is so much better than we could ever imagine.

Registration is open for Michigan FCA Sports Camp! The early-bird rate of $200 is available for the first 300 registrants or until 2/29/2024- whichever comes first. The early bird rate is is $125 off the full registration price!

REGISTRATION

Pistons FCA Day

Michigan FCA has partnered with the Detroit Pistons for an event on Saturday January 27th and you're invited! Tickets range from $26 - $55 and include unlimited hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, water, soda, and more. Check out this great opportunity!

Link to Tickets

Wisdom and leading for staff (Jen, Rebekah, and Chloe) and board members.
Soft and teachable hearts of athletes and coaches, and that God would draw them near.
Continued ministry growth- that God will continue to raise up more adult and student leaders who are disciples that make disciples.
Increased funding to support ministry growth.
FCA Outdoors Camp planning.
Arnold Sarya Memorial Golf Classic.
Our international partners in the Nordic Region.