Northwest Michigan FCA August Newsletter

Announcing our new Prospective Staff!

We are THRILLED to introduce our THREE new Northwest Michigan Prospective Staff! Lord willing, Rebekah Cotton will be serving as the Grand Traverse Area Representative, Chloe Cook will be serving as the Gaylord Area Representative, and Hank Schemmel will be serving as the Cadillac Area Representative. All of them will be traveling to our FCA Support Center in Kanas City, MO August 14-16 for FCA Bootcamp. This 2-day intensive training is focused on Biblical Fundraising. We would love for you to join us in praying for Rebekah, Chloe, and Hank as they begin their fundraising journeys to come on staff full-time with FCA!

I'm Rebekah Cotton and I am from Traverse City, Michigan. Growing up, the soccer field was a second home to me and God used that space in amazing ways to continually draw my heart closer to him.

After graduating from Spring Arbor University and wrapping up my fifth year of collegiate soccer, I felt God ask me to surrender my career plans, move back to Traverse City, and spend time seeking his presence before stepping into the next season.

It has been a blessing to learn through different opportunities in my career thus far and evaluate various future positions, but until FCA came along, I did not feel a clear calling in my heart. When I saw the application to serve with FCA, I immediately felt a strong alignment with where God has been leading me as I have been seeking clarity in his will for my life through his Word, intentional prayer, and close mentors.

Through the evaluation process for FCA, God has continued to grow a burden in my heart to walk alongside others and share the good news of the Gospel through the influence of sports. Playing soccer has been a gift to me and I pray that others can experience the joy that can be found when we live in relationship with Christ and use our gifts for His glory.

Looking back at each step that has led me to this opportunity, I am reminded of Esther 4:14, where Mordecai suggests that Esther should view her life as handcrafted by God for an eternal purpose. He encouraged her to reflect, "Perhaps you were created for such a time as this?" It is humbling to trace God's hand in allowing me to be part of what he is doing here in Traverse City and I am beyond excited to see how he continues to move in our city.

Hello everyone!

My name is Chloe Cook and I am currently working to be the FCA area representative for Gaylord, MI. A little bit about me... I am a newlywed of one year. My wonderful husband, Ryan, is the reason I am able to follow the call to work in ministry and encourages me to follow the Lord in all things!

I was a high school graduate in 2020. Since then I have attended a discipleship training school through Youth With a Mission and served in other ministries. My heart is for Jesus Christ and teens/young adults to know Him, not just know about Him.

I am very excited to be on the team at FCA. The vision and mission of this Christ-centered ministry is easy to be passionate about because it is the gospel. I look forward to engaging, equipping and empowering student-athletes, coaches, and all members of my community for the Kingdom of God. 

Hi, My name is Hank Schemmel. I’m originally from the East Coast but have spent the last 6 years living in Michigan and going to school. I am very passionate about God, and sports, and look forward to getting started with FCA.

I’ve grown up playing every different kind of sport possible and landed on basketball. After being fortunate enough to play basketball through high school into college at Grace Christian University, I decided that through prayer and submission to God’s plan it was time for me to move on. I then began a career at Chick-Fil-A where I worked for almost 3 years. Again I felt the Lord wanted me to move because he had something else planned for me. I really have a heart for coaches and athletes and seeing Christ honored and glorified through athletics. 

I’m really excited to see the life changing powers of Jesus Christ work within others through athletics. That is why I’m most excited to join FCA. I’m looking forward to creating relationships loving on people and spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. 

Throughout my life I can see how God has been working through me and prepared me for this opportunity. I’m so excited to share in the success and failures sports brings but also with that an eternal perspective that is worth so much more than just a game. 

Northwest Michigan FCA Leadership Summit

If you are a current FCA Leader, or if you are interested in learning more about getting involved with FCA, you are invited to attend our Leadership Summit!

This event will provide an overview of the history, vision, and mission of FCA, as well as training on how to start and effectively lead a FCA Huddle. It will be a great opportunity to meet with other FCA leaders, and food will be provided by Chick-Fil-A!

Incase you missed it- make sure to check out our 2023 FCA Sports Camp Highlight Video!