“I just want to be a faithful servant.”
“There could be no greater reward for me because the only things that last in life are God’s Word and people. If I can share God’s Word with people and they can find a new sense of significance in their lives of how God can use them as a teacher and coach to see other people transformed - that means the world to me because I was part of that story. For me, there could be nothing more rewarding. I just want to be a faithful servant”
Randy Jensen who spoke those words is celebrating 40 fruitful years with The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and FCA is celebrating 40 years of impactful ministry with Randy. (It takes more than one story to share that kind of history and impact.
Read the first story here.)
Persistence and Perseverance
Randy is an expert at getting people to say “Yes.” Shelley Pearson is a newer staff member who learned this early on: “I’ve heard people say, ‘Oh, if you see Randy’s name on your phone, he’s going to get you do something.’ Sure enough, he called, and I answered (some would say that was a rookie mistake). He asked me to join a game show he was putting on at the fall staff retreat. There was no way I could say no to the level of enthusiasm Randy brings to the table!”
Others know the same enthusiasm with some added persistence. Randy invited Coach Dukes repeatedly to coach at sports camp. Dukes said, “I played Moses and made every excuse I could NOT to come to Camp! Then one year ('91), [Randy] called at "the last minute" and implored me to come to Camp as [his] Assistant Director had to bow out. I reluctantly accepted, and it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life! It began a string of 17 (I think) years in a row helping at
Sports Camp and
Leadership Camp!”
Ask almost anyone who knows Randy, and they will share a story or two about how Randy never gave up and how they are glad he didn’t.
Steve, another donor said this:
“Randy’s dedication to God and FCA has been a real blessing to me and my family . . . Randy is a true servant of Jesus Christ!”
“His fierce commitment to the students and coaches has been exemplary. Minnesota FCA is a strong and vibrant ministry because of his longevity, faithfulness, and devotion. Student athletes throughout the great state of Minnesota have been impacted by his incredible zeal for the proclamation of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.”
Alan, Donor
“Randy is a child of God, a great role model for thousands of people, and has made a significant and positive difference in the lives of so many, including me.”
Mark, Athletic Director
“I have been involved with Minnesota FCA for forty plus years and have had the privilege of working with Randy for all of those years. We have worked together on camps, clinics, breakfasts, and a variety of other outreach activities. Randy is truly the face of Minnesota FCA. Randy is one of the most dedicated, passionate, and hard-working individuals I know. He is committed to reaching students and coaches with the Gospel of Jesus.”
Dwight, Coach
“Sally and I have been blessed through our involvement in FCA for over 40 years. While our culture has weakened spiritually in many ways, FCA has remained strong and committed to Christ and God's Word. Randy Jensen has exemplified that with his strong, faithful, and steady sharing of God's principles to the next generation. What an example he has been to us and all those he has interacted with--a great leader and faithful servant.”
Gary (former board member) and Sally, Donors
“Just to give you an idea of Randy’s loving serving heart, when our family house burned down, he showed up about a day later and left a large box of clothing, wall hangings, and other helpful items. He didn’t want to disturb us during a busy time, so he just called me to tell me that he had left the box for us at the school. I used the FCA backpack that he brought that day for all of my baseball game charts for the next 9 years. Like everything Randy does, he did this without fanfare, and without drawing attention to himself. He just did it out of the love of Christ that flows through him.”
Bucky, Coach
“Randy has always been a great role model for how to love people like Jesus! I have always appreciated his upbeat attitude and desire to spread the joy, peace, and eternal hope that is found in Christ and Christ alone! Randy is a tremendous servant.”
Matt, Coach
“He modeled what it meant to be a godly husband and father which I was starved for not having a Christian dad growing up . . . He would encourage me in matters of Christian doctrine and theology. I have fond memories of spiritual talks with Randy and his encouragement.” Dana, athlete and former FCA staff
“I got to serve as a huddle leader at the very first MN FCA Leadership camp. I knew from that experience Randy was an amazing, servant leader!! I’m so glad I know him.”
Robin
“Randy has been an amazing leader with FCA and is a great role model. He has paved the way for Minnesota FCA to be as successful as it is today with God’s grace and mercy. He has been a great mentor and friend to me during my twelve years on staff. Randy is the G.O.A.T. of FCA.”
(G.O.A.T. = Greatest of all Time),
James
Randy is a brother, friend, father-figure and mischief accomplice all wrapped up in one. I love him dearly as a brother in Christ and hope he sticks around to see me hit 40 years on staff…”
Brent (who has been on staff for three years 😊)
“More than once he has caught me off guard with a change-of-voice phone call . . . Randy’s way of leading is mixed with creative ideas and humor. I am honored to be his friend through our FCA connection.”
Bob
“Randy is such a joy to work with. He has taken me under his wing ever since I joined FCA. He also greets me with a huge smile and big hug, which always fills me with joy. He is a special man of God. I am so very thankful for him. I thank God that we met for lunch that one snowy January afternoon 4 years ago.”
Jake
“My mentors frequently remind me how ‘it's all about relationships.’ Randy's faithfulness cultivates trusted, meaningful relationships. Randy's teachable, approachable, and humorous posture has a way of drawing all types of people to him which means they'll come to hear more about Jesus.”
David
“Randy and his wife, Lisa, met with Zach and me while we were trying to discern if Zach should come on staff with FCA. They were so encouraging and attentive to our questions and concerns. They made us feel good about taking the leap of faith into support raising after hearing that their family lived off of one FCA income for many years while their children were young.”
Tanja
“Randy always shown his deep care for not only myself but my family as well.”
Donna
“I’m thankful for Randy because he challenges himself on new things and is courageous enough to talk through it as he ministers to others. He listens well and cares about the heart of someone first. He’s a true disciple- walks the walk and talks the talk.”
Donita
“Encourager, Teacher, Friend, Mentor, Teammate, Coach, and most importantly Disciple-Maker (2Tim2:2)! He demonstrates the important balance of “speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15).”
John
Good and Faithful Servant
Randy’s personal vision statement is this: “to see a spiritual legacy where scads of people are living in vital relationship with Jesus Christ and earnestly seeking to serve and honor the Lord in every area of their lives.” Based on the words of those above and hundreds more who have been influenced by Randy’s servant heart, he has clearly carried out that vision every day of his life.
A former teacher, coach, and athletic director who has known Randy for many years sums up how many feel: “Congratulations Randy on 40 amazing years with FCA! YOU HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN SO MANY LIVES! Randy, you have been the face of Minnesota FCA for 40 years. Each and every day through those years, coaches, athletes, friends and families have known your only purpose has been to lead people to Christ! Well done my friend!" Neil, former teacher, coach, and AD
Well done, Randy. We are looking forward to many more years of ministry for you and FCA.
