Northland FCA Sports Camp Inspires Discipleship!

As a new graduate of Redwood Valley High School committed to attend and play basketball for Bethel University next fall, I'm so excited to see what God has in store for me and incredibly thankful for what He's already done in my life! The Redwood Falls Area FCA Huddle has been such an encouragement to me over the years. Gathering each week with peers to fellowship about Jesus has shown me that I am not alone in my walk with Christ and has ultimately helped fuel my faith.

Last year, I was encouraged to attend Northland FCA Sports Camp when Robin Knudson visited our huddle to talk about the benefits of camp. I was intrigued by all that camp had to offer so I decided to go.

The time I spent at Northland Sports Camp truly moved me. It was the best week of my summer! I grew closer to Jesus through each message shared, game played, huddle that gathered, worship service led, and quiet time I spent. FCA Camp provided a beautiful opportunity for me to engage with other youth praising the Lord and working together to build a strong foundation in Christ. While I treasure the new and God-honoring friendships I was gifted at camp, I left camp with the best gift of all: a new and deeper love for Jesus.

God knows all the days He has planned for us; He knows each step that our future holds. I know now that He sent a friend along with me to camp to hear the same call to discipleship that I did.

At camp, we learned about people in the Middle East who hide Bibles and use blue light to read coded passages of scripture in secret for fear of getting caught, punished, or even killed. I was immediately convicted as I have the ability to access and read my Bible freely whenever and wherever I please. How could I not share this Good News when there are people risking their lives to read God's Word?

Upon returning home from camp, my friend asked if I would be interested in leading a Bible study here in our hometown. We were both nervous as it was scary to put ourselves out there in front of our friend group however, we decided to trust God and take a leap of faith.

A group of 8 of us starting meeting on Sunday evenings about a month after returning from camp. We have continued to meet nearly every Sunday since (September 2023 – present). We have read and discussed FCA's The Core, watched a video series on how to lead as a Christian athlete, and are currently making our way through 1 Corinthians.

This Bible study group has experienced immense individual growth in our personal relationships with Jesus. We have stewarded a God-glorifying community with each other and have grown to challenge, love, and encourage one another as sisters in Christ. What a blessing it is to see firsthand how discipleship allows people to receive the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior.

I am so thankful God knew the steps I would take and the encouragement I would need to disciple others in Jesus’ name.

Northland Sports Camp played a huge role in helping me understand that I don't have to be a Biblical expert or even trust in my own abilities to accomplish something that the Lord has called me to do. Trusting in Jesus means knowing He will give me words to speak and the strength I need to carry out His calling on my life.

As a basketball athlete, FCA has taught me that discipleship can take place anywhere, even on the court. There is a sweetness in understanding that you are performing for the glory of God. FCA has a poem entitled The Competitors Creed that I read before every basketball game. It reminds me of who I am in Christ and why I compete. This poem, along with my conversation (prayer) with God gives me peace of mind before entering competition and reminds me to set my eyes on the One who has given me these gifts and talents.

Praise God for using FCA to fuel my faith and my relationship with Jesus so that I can boldly live out the call He has on my life.

If you're thinking about going to Northland Sports Camp, do it! It will grow your relationship with Jesus and with those around you, it will equip you to do all the Lord is calling you to do, and it will empower you to carry out your calling with courage and boldness. Friends, cancel your plans and get to camp!