On Sunday, September 14th Southwest MN FCA hosted our 2nd annual donor dessert event called "Taste of Gratitude." This event was created to be an evening of sincere appreciation for FCA donors who faithfully help to further the gospel in Southwest MN. We tailor this evening to share the personal impact donations have on students, coaches, volunteers, families, and communities. This year's event hosted several student speakers and a coach who each shared the impact FCA has had on them. From local huddles to FCA camps and Coaches' retreats, the gospel is being shared and lived out, transforming hearts and building Christ-centered community across the region.

Coaches TimeOut (CTO) is FCA’s marriage ministry, prayerfully designed to help coaches and their spouses grow deeper in their walk with Jesus Christ while strengthening the covenant of marriage He has established.

In the high-stakes world of competitive sports, coaches are often pulled in every direction working long hours, traveling, and facing relentless pressure to win. Though many strive to leave the stress of the job at the gym or on the field, it often follows them home. But God never intended for marriage to take a backseat to success.

At CTO, we believe that with Christ as the foundation, coaches can pursue both their calling and a Christ-centered marriage. FCA staff and their spouses come together to help CTO events focus on helping coaches and their spouses to reinvest relationally, rest meaningfully, and renew spiritually.

The SWMN FCA Board started back in 2011 with just 8 board members. Based in the hometown of FCA's Area Rep, Robin Knudson, the board worked together to host potlucks, coaches banquets, and to organize concert fundraisers. As FCA's reach in Southwest MN extended, more board members were added to work on the ministry.

In 2023, Robin took on the role of Southwest MN FCA Area Director. With the addition of teammate and Administrative Assistant, Wendy Graven, and the continued growth of Southwest MN FCA, the board has changed in both structure and leadership style to accomodate a further reach of the Gospel.

SW MN FCA hosted 300 campers, 94 huddle leaders (high school and college kids), 22 coaches, and 45 volunteers from across Southwest Minnesota at Jr. Sports Camp this year. Wow! We are blown away by God's faithfulness to provide campers, coaches, and volunteers for this event year after year. Praise the Lord for 14 years of FCA Camp here in Southwest MN! Thank you for your support, your encouragement, and your prayers.

Read along with us as we share some camp takeaways from campers, parents, coaches, and volunteers that are sure to warm your heart and make you smile.

YME FCA began hosting this event in 2023 with the intention of creating a fun, positive atmosphere for everyone, athlete or not, to come together, let loose, and most importantly hear the Gospel. Volleyball is just a tool to accomplish our mission of sharing with others the hope we have in Jesus Christ!

We aim to share and glorify God by opening the night in prayer and having our FCA huddle stand in recognition of their participation, which opens the door for them to have conversation with others. We also invite a guest speaker to come and share their testimony and proclaim the Gospel to a gym full of students, athletes, staff, parents, and grandparents! 

Every other year Robin Knudson takes students who desire leadership training and participate in FCA at Marshall High School to FCA Leadership Camp in St. Simons Island, Georgia; the same camp Robin gave her life to Christ at as a high schooler! This has become a highly anticipated camp for those who attend the Marshall FCA huddle. Campers receive excellent training on how to be disciples who make disciples by way of FCA's E3 model of engaging, equipping, and empowering.

MN FCA has offered up a challenge to each regional FCA Area Director to engage their communities in supporting their area's CAMP SCHOLARSHIP fund! Southwest MN FCA will receive matching funds (up to $1000) for all scholarship specific financial donations made between now and May 1st! Many camp scholarships are given every year to student-athletes and coaches who participate in FCA locally and desire to attend FCA Camps.

Southwest MN FCA gave out $8700 in scholarship monies from the summers of 2023 and 2024! Those scholarships helped send 97 athletes and coaches from Southwest MN to camp! Your donation matters!

Let's ask Southwest MN FCA Area Director, Robin Knudson about camp scholarships...

Read along to learn how the Lord moved Springfield teachers Katie Wilhelmi, Taylor Milbrath, and Joeli Kretsch to help students start an FCA Huddle!

Read along and learn how God used FCA to equip and empower Jackie Molden, former Marshall FCA huddle athlete, to grow her faith and ultimately live from it. Looking back at her life through FCA she tells of God's grace and mercy and kindness.

FCA Huddle Coaches, Linda Saugstad and Jessica Swedzinski, host athletes from the SMSU Women's Basketball team in their homes each month. Click to read a powerful testimony from SMSU Mustang, Allison Mibrandt.