Stories From The Field

Another shared something many of us need to hear: "It impacted me by showing me that I'm not alone in my struggles. I have people around me going through the same things. Then it helped me realize there was only one plan—the Cross." A first-time camper described discovering not only a deeper faith, but a community of people walking through similar challenges: "I realized the people around me were having many of the same struggles I was. It helped me learn how to walk through those things with the Lord while building meaningful friendships. I can't wait to come back." That may be one of the greatest gifts of camp. Students discover they aren't alone. They learned that everyone carries burdens, that Christ meets them in those struggles, and that authentic Christian community is a powerful reminder of God's love and faithfulness. These six students represent just a small glimpse of what God is doing through FCA Camps across Minnesota. As they return home, back to classrooms, locker rooms, practices, and everyday life, our prayer is that what God began this week continues to grow. Jesus never promised His followers an easy life. In fact, He promised we would face trials. But He also promised His presence. Would you join us in praying for these six young leaders? Pray that they would continue putting Christ first, boldly living out their faith, and sharing the hope they found at Leadership Camp with teammates, classmates, friends, and family.

2026 marks 15 years of Jr. Sports Camp in Southwest MN!

 Please join us in praying for each of these interns by name throughout the summer. Pray for their own spiritual walk - that they would be open to hearing what Holy Spirit has for them and grow to be more like Jesus. And, pray for the young athletes that they will be ministering to - that God would give them the words to say and open the hearts of campers and huddle leaders to be ready to receive Truth.

In Redwood Falls, the impact of FCA and FCA Camps is showing up in real and tangible ways. The Redwood Valley Area FCA Huddle has sent several kids over the last few years to Northland FCA Sports Camp! What God ignites at camp is proving to grow, shaping and transforming athletes and their teammates long after they return home. For Redwood Valley Area Huddle leaders, Matt and Amber Lundeen, that transformation is exactly why they are eager to send athletes to Northland FCA Sports Camp each summer. “Matt and I are passionate about sending kids to camp because of the great impact they receive by being around Christian coaches and huddle leaders,” Amber shared. “We also love the challenge and encouragement they get from the nightly speaker. They don’t get that at other sports camps.” These differences shift perspectives, challenge athletes in their faith, and multiply impact once back home.  “We’ve seen athletes set up Bible reading plans where they text each other each night sharing what they are learning and we’ve also seen them encourage other teammates to come to our weekly Friday morning Huddle. The athletes become more serious about making their faith their own after experiencing camp.”

When Matt first stepped into his role with FCA, one of his priorities was simple - get to know the communities he was being called to serve. As he began building relationships and gathering support, he met with a local community leader who was well-connected and supportive of FCA. At the end of their conversation, she gave Matt a list of people connected to schools across the area who might be open to FCA ministry. One of those names was Sarah Petite at Esko High School . When Matt reached out, Sarah responded right away. He visited her near the end of the 2023/24 school year, and it didn’t take long to see her heart. She loved the Lord, cared deeply about students, and had a long-standing desire to see something like FCA exist at Esko. “I had wanted something like this for years,” Sarah shared. “I knew there was a hunger for God, and if I could help fuel that fire for Jesus while encouraging strong character in sports, it was worth it. More than anything, I want these kids to know Him personally and become champions for the King of Kings.” With that shared vision, they made a simple plan - stay connected through the summer and look toward launching a huddle in the fall. 

Simon Mwanamoya was our longest-serving FCA staff in southern Africa. He used relationships through soccer to disciple athletes, equip coaches with the Gospel, and expand Discovery Bible Study across his country. Minnesota FCA is aligned with five countries in Southern Africa : Angola, Botswana, Seychelles, Zambia, and Zimbabwe as well as British Indian Ocean Territory. The story below is from Shelley Pearson's ( Northland FCA Regional Director of Ministry Advancement ) newsletter. ---------- After Simon was killed in that car accident in Zambia in November, I questioned why God would take Simon when he was doing such amazing ministry. And beyond that, why would God have us go on a trip there just days before He would take Simon home? What purpose did our trip serve? What in the world did God have planned? And again, God taught me that He always knows better. Because we went: We were able to build relationships with the Amazing Grace leaders, coaches, and athletes so we can encourage them. We have a greater understanding of the challenes so that we can better walk alongside. Dave (my donor that came on the trip and wasn't sure why God had him there) is mentoring Roy as he learns to lead well, and he has been helping to raise funds to bridge some gaps in funding so ministry can continue. God sent us because He was going to take Simon home. That is sobering. And humbling. And I am so thankful to be part of His plan. Look at these pictures. This was an incredible celebration on Easter weekend. As the Amazing Grace Football Club celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ, they also celebrated God's redemption for their team and for the ministry God started many years ago through one humble man, Simon Mwanamoya.

“Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.” - Oswald Chambers