We Are Better Together

Shelley Pearson • March 25, 2022

We are better together.

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." – Helen Keller

"None of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful." – Mother Teresa

"Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results." – Andrew Carnegie

We are better together.

“For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body—so also is Christ” 1 Corinthians 12:27.

“Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm? And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.

We are better together.

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes could not accomplish the vision of FCA to “see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes” without hundreds and even thousands of truly amazing partners: donors, volunteers, coaches, athletes, staff, prayer warriors, and so many others.

The list is so extensive we could never tell every story, but we will highlight two of our financial partners today and keep sharing the stories of other partners in the months and years to come.

Adam and Caitlin Thielen

Adam Thielen is a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings. He and his wife, Caitlin, are committed Christ-followers who share the heart of the mission and vision of FCA. This led them to partner with Minnesota FCA on GiveMN Day 2021. Amy Sinclair, Executive Director of the foundation, said, “The mission of the foundation is to help youth reach their full potential. [Adam and Caitlin] love a lot of programs that work in the platform of sports because they both learned so many character qualities and life lessons through their participation in sports and it’s gotten them everywhere they are today."

Over the years, God has grown in them a desire to reach those who may not have the same opportunities they had growing up. Amy said, “Both Adam and Caitlin really believe that the zip code that kids grow up in should not dictate whether they are successful ultimately in life. They just want to give them the same opportunities as other kids so they can reach their full potential in life.” Last fall, the Thielens asked Amy to find a faith-based organization in Minnesota or North Dakota that uses the platform of sports to reach kids who need that extra boost. She found Minnesota FCA’s urban ministry in Minneapolis.

Through their generous partnership, over $25,000 was donated to urban ministry after GiveMN Day. This money helps send athletes to camps and retreats. It pays for transportation for those who otherwise might not be able to participate in activities. It helps urban staff carry out daily ministry at four high schools in Minneapolis. Through their partnership and generosity, Adam and Caitlin are impacting individuals who will go on to impact the world for Christ.

Dan and Kris May

While the Thielen Foundation is a new supporter of FCA (and one that we hope will last for many years to come), other partners have walked alongside the ministry for many years. Dan and his wife, Kris, have been giving to FCA since 1980, one year after Dan started his career in financial advising. Since that first $70 check, they have made hundreds of donations to FCA, largely supporting FCA staff member Ron Backes as well as state initiatives. They give to FCA because they believe in the mission and vision. Dan said, “When you think about giving, especially from someone that’s an investor, I’m going to invest in something that works, that can grow, that has impact, something where I can see results.” He sees that impact and those results in FCA.

Dan knew nothing of FCA growing up, but FCA made an incredible impact on Kris as a young girl when her dad (beloved wrestling coach, teacher, interim pastor, and FCA Huddle Leader at Marshall High School) would drive kids to FCA summer camps in Estes Park, Colorado. FCA was a huge part of Kris’s childhood, and when she shared her experiences with Dan, he knew he needed to get involved. For years, they have organized a 100-mile bike ride to raise funds for FCA. Dozens of family members are involved, and they continue to invite more people to join them. It is great for bonding, sharing the message of the Gospel, and raising money to further the work.

Through their partnership, athletes and coaches have come to Christ, grown in discipleship, and become more Christ-centered in their roles as coaches and athletes. FCA staff cannot carry out the purpose of FCA without the generous investments of donors like Dan and Kris May.

Side note: Adam Thielen and Dan May share an alma mater. Dan said, “It’s interesting that two Minnesota State - Mankato grads are featured in this article. Clearly one athlete is much more famous than the other.” 😊 He also remarked that Adam is his favorite Vikings player.

Financial Partners

God calls people to give at many different financial levels. The Thielens and Mays have responded in obedience to that call, and there are others who have also responded in obedience, like the little girl who gave $2 toward the bike ride, which was almost all she had. The impact of that gift touched many hearts, and just like when the widow put in the two small coins that represented everything she had, God will use every penny given to further the Kingdom in greater ways than we can imagine.

We are grateful to every partner, whether they give a million dollars or five dollars, whether they volunteer for three hours or three hundred hours, or whether they have led an FCA huddle for 40 years or one year. Every person who has stepped out in obedience to come alongside this ministry is a tremendous blessing to FCA.

Thank you to the Thielens, Mays, and thousands of others who partner with us to bring the Gospel to the world.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Connect with us:

Subscribe to Blog: