Greetings!
I pray your 2024 is off to a strong start! In my last Ministry Update, I encouraged us to look for opportunities to read the Bible with others in the coming year. Isaiah 55:11 reminds us that God's Word will not return void, and while other devotions, Christian books, podcasts, sermons, videos, etc. can be helpful; nothing substitutes for the living and active Word of God! Every moment we spend reading, studying, listening to, meditating on, memorizing, praying over, sharing, and obeying God's Word with others is a moment well spent.
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When it comes to reading and studying God's Word with a friend, I also encouraged keeping it simple. There are some fantastic Bible study methods out there, and if there's one you like, go for it. However, if you're looking for a simple resource to help you, your friend, or a small group, consider Discovery Bible Study (DBS). This tool is not unique to FCA, but it's the one we teach and encourage for our small groups (Huddles) to use as we equip coaches and athletes with God's Word. I invite you to take a look at this download and consider giving it a try. Regardless of the method you use, I pray your 2024 is saturated with the truths and promises of God that can best be found in the pages of the Bible. For God's Glory!
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Advancement Summit
Each of the fifteen US regions has four staff members who specialize in a specific subject matter and serve with the goal of increasing the effectiveness of the staff in that region. FCA calls these subject areas "Advancement Lanes," and they include Board & Donor Advancement, International Advancement, Ministry Advancement, and Talent Advancement. For the past seven years, I have been helping staff in the areas of recruiting, hiring, training, and developing staff as the Northland Regional Director of Talent Advancement (RDTA).
In late November, approximately 50 Advancement Regional Directors from around the country gathered in Kansas City for a few days of training and meetings. It was a blessed time of fellowship and equipping. I provided a little training on vetting applicants for spiritual health and maturity, we discussed and solved some issues, and I was encouraged and sharpened in my role. Overall, it was a great trip and recent ministry highlight.
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Northland Staff Celebrations |
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New Staff:
- Hannah Schmieg - Northland
- Cole Morgan - Rochester, MN
- Matt Warren - Duluth, MN
- Gavin Bowser - East Metro MN
- Collin Hemann - West Metro MN
- Dwight Nelson - North Metro MN
- Jay Mayes - Minneapolis Lacrosse
- Dave Bentrud - St. Cloud, MN
- Jake Koenes - U of Sioux Falls
- Jenn Ekiss - Wausau, WI
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Prospective Staff:
Hired contingent upon raising ministry support.
- Mike Seiffert - St. Cloud, MN
- Steve Russell - MN Hockey
- Cionda Holter - Minot, ND
- Evan Eriksmoen - Bismarck, ND
- David Foster - Augustana
- Joz Carrillo - SDSU
- DJ Davis - Twin Cities Collegiate
- Joshua McLouth - Wausau, WI
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Please pray for these new staff and their supervisors. May they feel equipped and confident for their role, and may God provide the resources necessary for them to minister with freedom. May God's favor be upon them as they Engage, Equip, and Empower others to make disciples of Jesus! |
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Milwaukee Metro Director
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FCA Camp Registration is Open |
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God changes hearts and lives through FCA Camp! So many show up because they want to get better at soccer or football or name your sport. They leave a new person - excited about Jesus and helping others follow Him! Oh, and they also get better at their sport and have a ton of fun. As you consider your summer plans, I can't encourage you enough to send your child, grandchild, neighbor or friend to camp. I'm confident that you and they will be glad you did! Please reach out to me with any questions. |
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Black Hills Sports Camp
Black Hills State University
Spearfish, SD
June 18 - June 21
19 Sport Choices
7th - 12th Graders
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Leadership Camp
University of Northwestern
St. Paul, MN
Aug 1 - Aug 4
Ministry Leadership
9th - 12th Graders
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Northland Sports Camp
Bethel University
St. Paul, MN
June 25 - June 28
12 Sport Choices
7th - 12th Graders
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2024 Ministry Theme Announced: 24/7 |
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As a coach or athlete, it can feel like the hustle and grind never stops. How you spend your "24/7" matters. Jesus is ready to give you the rest and rejuvenation that you need, you just have to slow down enough to receive it. Learn how to go from being overwhelmed by the demands of sport to living from the overflow of hope and joy that comes from Jesus.
"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
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We've had a blessed winter season. We love Thanksgiving and Christmas, and with 3 birthdays in December, it feels like we party straight through that season. Suzanne coached two basketball teams this winter - the Canton 7th grade girls and Daniel's 6th grade team. John gave wrestling another shot, and Micah started martial arts. Elijah launched a weekly small group Bible study for a bunch of high school boys (including John). After helping train up another leader, it has already split into two. Daniel also launched a pre-practice Bible study for his basketball team. All three of them are part of the FCA D-Group I lead (see last update), and I'm blessed to see them minister to their peers. We had a blast attending a SDSU playoff game on their run to a second National Championship. It's crazy to think that Elijah will be attending there in seven short months. We're now wrapping up winter and looking forward to spring!
Through all of this, we say a heartfelt thank you to all of you who partner in our ministry through prayer and financial support. You are a critical part of our team, and we are so blessed to walk with you!
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Would you partner with us in making disciples of Jesus through sport? |
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