Stories From The Field

Almost 50 years ago, a young hockey player named Dan arrived at Minnesota State University Mankato (MSU), ready to make his mark on the ice. Little did he know, his journey would soon intertwine with something far greater than sports—a faith-driven mission that would span over the next five decades. It all started when he was introduced to FCA at MSU. This introduction would set the stage for a lifelong commitment to faith and community service. At MSU, Dan was welcomed into the FCA community under the guidance of Dean Bowyer, the Head Baseball Coach, and Butch Raymond, the Head Boys Basketball Coach. It was a time of personal discovery and growth, both spiritually and in his personal life. Around the same time, Dan met Kris Nieno, who would later become his wife. Kris’s father, Bill Nieno, was a well-respected figure in the FCA community, honored with an induction into the MN FCA Hall of Faith in 2002. Reflecting on his early experiences, Dan shared, “My time with Young Life in high school made my faith real and opened my eyes to the FCA in college. With Kris’s family being so deeply involved with FCA, it marked the beginning of a 50-year journey with the ministry.” This journey has been marked by a deep commitment to spreading the Gospel and supporting others through the organization. After college, Dan’s involvement with FCA continued to grow. He began attending an FCA Bible study for businessmen and later took on a significant role as a member of the Minnesota FCA State Board of Directors, even serving as the Board Chair. “Being on the board allowed me to forge great friendships and enjoy the sports ministry aspect,” Dan recalled. One of the highlights of his involvement has been sponsoring the Minnesota FCA Golf Classic tournament for an impressive 44 years and counting. As Dan’s family grew, his commitments shifted. He took on coaching roles, including being an assistant coach for three hockey teams and serving as President of the Booster Club for his daughter’s gymnastics team all in the same year. During this busy period, he took a brief hiatus from FCA. However, his passion was reignited when he met Ron Backes. Dan began supporting Ron’s ministry to coaches through FCA financially and established the FCA 100 Bill Nieno Memorial Bike Ride fundraiser. This summer marked the 14th annual Bill Nieno Memorial Bike Ride, and it brought a new dimension to Dan’s legacy. His 15-year-old granddaughter participated for the first time, raising nearly $3,000 and praying over the group before the ride. “It’s incredible to see my granddaughter, who is a talented basketball and softball player, actively involved in FCA at Champlin Park High School and unabashedly strong in her faith,” Dan said with pride. His oldest daughter’s three young boys have also engaged with FCA camps, continuing the family’s tradition of involvement. Dan is particularly moved by how the bike ride has impacted his family. “It’s amazing to see how our little bike ride has not only supported FCA financially but also helped us spread the Gospel within our family and community,” he said as he shared about how the fundraiser has motivated his brother to prioritize his health and faith, demonstrating the broader impact of their efforts. The initial goal of the bike ride was to raise $10,000. However, the fundraiser consistently raised over $50,000 annually thanks to Dan’s willingness to share the opportunity with others. For example, Dan invited his dentist to participate in the bike ride this summer – “That’s such a great thing that when you can invite somebody to do something with the FCA, it will lead to an opportunity for witnessing.” “While the financial support is crucial for Ron’s ministry, the real value lies in the stories and witnessing that have emerged from it,” Dan explained. He views FCA as a platform where his skills and passion for athletics intersect with his faith, offering a rewarding experience that far surpasses his contributions. Dan’s commitment to FCA reflects a deep-seated belief in the organization’s value. “We have a lot of ways we can spend our time and money,” said Dan. “As a certified financial planner who works with investments, I’ve always felt like I want to put my money where there is value. As a value-investor, it’s never been hard to send money to FCA because I see it as so effective in a subset of the world that I love – athletics. I feel like FCA works.” Continuing on, Dan shared, “I’ve always felt that FCA is a place where I can effectively use my talents and resources,” he said. “You can’t outdo God or outgive God. Whatever you put into it, He finds a way to match or double it.” As Dan looks back on his journey, he is filled with gratitude for the opportunities FCA has provided and the ways it has enriched his life and the lives of those around him. “It’s wonderful to see the impact FCA has on youth and how it continues to influence our own family,” he said. “It’s a joy to witness the next generation embracing the same values and continuing the legacy.” Dan’s story is a testament to obedience. Through his unwavering support of FCA, he has not only helped spread the message of Christ but also continued to impact his family for generations. Thank you for following God’s call on your life and for your willingness to share it with others, Dan!