Impact and Influence – Kyle’s Story

Shelley Pearson • Dec 10, 2020

Impact and Influence.

These two words are often used related to FCA ministry.

But what do they even mean? And how do they relate to the ministry of FCA?

Influence = “to have an effect on the condition or development of”

Impact = “the force of impression of one thing on another”

Ask Kyle Dahlstrom whether The Fellowship of Christian Athletes had an impact on his life in high school and continues to influence him today, and he would give a resounding, “Yes!”

Kyle’s story with FCA starts like many others. As a freshman, he was invited by a friend to attend a huddle at John Marshall High School in Rochester, Minnesota. He went a couple times that year and a few more times the next year, often because some upperclassmen were involved that he looked up to. It was a fun time where he could meet others who shared his faith.

But it wasn’t until his junior year that he really got serious about his involvement in FCA. James, FCA Area Director for southeastern Minnesota, noticed potential in Kyle and invited him to join the leadership team. Kyle agreed, and that time as a leader helped him grow in many ways. Kyle and the other two leaders set out to invite everyone they knew to the huddle – friends, teammates, and classmates. Kyle said, “Our main goal that year was to really grow in numbers, and we increased the numbers [of the huddle] by three or fourfold. That kept us involved.”

Kyle built strong relationships with people in FCA who influenced him then and continue to impact him today. “FCA surrounded me with lifelong friends who believe what I do. I switched friend groups, and a lot of that is due to FCA. FCA allowed me to find friends who shared my faith and would challenge me. That happened in high school, and that group of us is still together.”

Today, Kyle supports James and the ministry of FCA in southeastern Minnesota for two main reasons: first, because of the impact FCA had on his own faith walk and life skills. “FCA gave me a great opportunity to be a leader and improve in public speaking and other simple life skills. That was very helpful going into college when you have to present in front of people and lead others. I am very excited and glad I was able to learn how to do that through my time in FCA,” Kyle said.

The second reason Kyle gives to FCA is because he trusts James and FCA to bring Jesus to high school students. “I understand James’s mission, and I trust that the money I am donating is going to a good cause and something I’ve experienced myself. I trust FCA’s mission and know the positive impact it’s having on the local youth.”

James didn’t realize the depth of impact FCA had on Kyle throughout high school. “After high school, we stayed connected a little bit and then reconnected over lunch at Chick-fil-a during Christmas break a few years ago. By this time, Kyle had started his current job. He shared his desire to support and connect with FCA in the Rochester area but was living in the Cities at this time.”

That could have been the end of the story – a desire to support the ministry but not doing so because of proximity. But Kyle’s desire to help was stronger than that. James said, “A few weeks later, I received the email notification that Kyle had joined the monthly support team. I was overwhelmed with emotion because of his generosity. I am grateful for Kyle and his support, but most importantly I am grateful to call Kyle my friend. It is amazing how God works and I’m so glad that I was able to meet Kyle all those years ago!”

The impact James had on Kyle’s life didn’t stop in high school. Even today, James continues to minister to alumni, donors, coaches, and athletes. Kyle said, “He has always been very intentional in reaching out to people. He has kept in touch with me throughout college and even after college. It’s been great to maintain that contact with him. He sends periodic Bible verses and words of encouragement. He’s always thinking about the people who support FCA or used to be involved in FCA.”

When asked what scripture influenced Kyle’s faith through FCA, his answer wasn’t one from high school. Instead, it was something he received as a donor. “James sends occasional texts and updates, and he sent one recently – James 1:2-4 – ‘Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.’ He sent that to me three or four months ago, and it’s one of my favorites that I’ve gotten from him.”

Impact and Influence. Kyle experienced both of these with James, his high school FCA huddle, the friends he made there, and the life skills he gained as a leader. He continues to be impacted today as he experiences the joy of giving and continual encouragement from James.

Minnesota FCA and its staff are grateful for the support of hundreds of people like Kyle who support the ministry of FCA. In this month where non-profits all around the country are asking for donations, know that your donations to The Fellowship of Christian Athletes will be used to further the Kingdom of God and prepare young people to influence and impact their worlds for Christ. If you are interested in giving to Minnesota FCA or to an individual staff member, please click here.