Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Friends,

I want to share a ministry with you that has really touched my heart and given me great encouragement over the last month or so. The ministry is called Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

I have been participating in this group since the middle of September when our local chapter hosted “See You at the Pole,” a morning, before School, prayer and worship time. I was privileged to be asked to lead a few song for the gathered students. After that, the director invited me to the weekly meetings where I participate in the conversation, lead in prayer, and lead the students in singing a couple of songs.

Today was especially wonderful as I was able to lead the kids in singing a couple of hymns: I Need Thee Every Hour and There’s Room at the Cross. How thrilling to lead these ‘modern’ kids in singing of ‘ancient’ hymns that are so often neglected as irrelevant and outdated.

In our local group, we have upwards of twenty kids per week–at times we have been over thirty. It is remarkable that in the middle of a public school, before the day begins, once per week, kids between the ages of 11-13 are gathering to worship Jesus. FCA has become, for me, an extension of my own ministry here in Madison. I am able to get to know the kids on a personal level and pray for them during the day and throughout the week. Since I also work at the Middle School during the lunch period five days per week, I am also able to hold the kids accountable for their behavior and character.

Still, the main idea is that Christ is being worshiped in the public school. What a joy to hear the sounds of worship echoing throughout the halls and the Name of Jesus being exalted by these kids. There’s not a lot that middle school aged children are doing at 8 AM, but here’s an example of kids who are getting up a little earlier, coming to school a little sooner, all for the purpose of fellowship and worship in Christ. It must be true that the Lord works in strange ways and in strange places. Kids who may never darken the threshold of the church building are learning about Christ in a public school, praying together, and singing songs. Praise God.

Finally, I have found that this is a great way for me to give another hour to one of my sons each week. We go to FCA together and there witness together our faith in Christ. It is a joy to be so blessed. Do your best to check out and support this Advance Sign of the kingdom at work in a community or neighborhood near you.

Soli Deo Gloria!