NE Florida FCA News & Updates

FCA CAMP IMPACT

FCA CAMP IMPACT

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We hope you enjoy these special thank you notes from our coaches and athletes who are deeply appreciative of the experience you afforded them through our FCA camps.

FCA CAMP IMPACT

In late December, Northeast Florida FCA student athletes Hayley Friedl and Olivia O’Leary, from Jacksonville University, joined 20 other athletes from around the country on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Israel. During their trip, Hayley and Olivia had the opportunity to tour the city of Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, and the Jordan River , as well as many other parts of Israel. Bible stories came to life as the two walked the streets of Jerusalem and stood in some of the same places where Jesus performed miracles. Both Hayley and Olivia returned refreshed and strengthened in their faith! As the two continue to lead the JU campus huddle, this trip will forever be imprinted in their hearts and will bring others closer to Jesus Christ through their testimonies. JAX Collegiate FCA is excited to send student athletes to Israel each year in hopes that more students will continue to develop their love for the nations and gain insight on the importance of missions.

Although our world is changing rapidly, our work and commission as disciples has and will not. Christ’s command and FCA’s mission of disciple making remains our passion. We wake each day with a firm calling to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church, and I’m deeply thankful for the generosity and kindness of those who make this ministry possible. As I reflect on what we have seen the Lord do over the last 6-9 months, not only do I sense a growing momentum, but I also find myself in deeper awe of the Lord’s faithfulness, kindness, provision, and leading our NE Florida FCA family. Celebrate with us a few of the ways FCA has continued to grow and impact lives across NE Florida in 2021: We are looking forward to welcoming five new staff members to the NE Florida FCA team as they wrap up their fundraising: Nita Camacho, Duval River East Administrative Assistant, Brayden Guzzone, Duval River East Ambassador; Stewart Hamrick, Nassau Ambassador; Scott Olson, Duval River West Area Representative; and Derek Reeves, Duval River East Collegiate Ministry Ambassador. We now have 5 of our desired 7 geographic area boards launched across NE Florida. In January, we had 2 boards consisting of 7 total board members. Today, there are 5 boards, consisting of 29 total board members. We thank God for the foundational footing and stability that is being established in each of our local areas because of the members sitting on these boards. On May 5, 2021, we were invited to take part in an online Giving Day. During this single-day event, we surpassed our $15,000 goal, raising more than $18,000 entirely dedicated for 2021 Summer Camp Scholarships. This was an incredible springboard, enabling NE Florida FCA to award almost $21,000 in camp scholarship assistance this past summer. These scholarship dollars impacted 162 athletes, 30 coaches (and 9 spouses), and represented 18 different school campuses across NE Florida. June 11-13, 2021, 250+ coaches and spouses across Florida gathered for Coaches Time Out, a much-anticipated weekend get-a-way hosted by FCA for coaches and their spouses to reconnect, relax and refresh around topics of faith, family and finances. For the 23 coaches and spouses from NE Florida that attended, we received an overwhelmingly positive response of how much this weekend was needed. We praise God for the 39 coaches who made faith decisions that weekend. 45+ coaches across NE Florida came together weekly during the months of June & July for FCA Coaches Summer Season, a time of fellowship, Bible study and professional development over lunch. July 5-9, 2021, 320+ FCA middle and high school student leaders across the state of Florida gathered for Lakeland Leadership Camp, a week of competition and leadership training enabling students to head back to their campuses this fall better equipped to lead and serve in the name of FCA. We were excited to have 19 student leaders from NE Florida growing in their leadership this summer to impact their campuses this fall. July 19-23, 2021, 1,037 coaches and athletes gathered for two sessions of FCA Football Camp. 355 coaches and athletes attended from NE Florida. During these camps, over 60 athletes made faith decisions! We are excited to be deepening our relationship with Roberto Medina and Omar Carrasco, who lead FCA ministry that NE Florida partners with in FCA’s Latin America South Region, and the country of Bolivia in particular. Monthly Zoom prayer calls and education on how we can serve their growing needs as they too lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church has been a blessing! As we turn our attention to the start of a new ministry and fiscal year, please join me in praying over the following God-sized goals and needs: The recruitment and hire of two Area Directors for St. Johns County & Duval River West areas The recruitment and launch of Area Boards in Baker County & Duval River West areas God’s clear and compelling call on the men and women who will chair our boards in NE Florida An increase in NE Florida FCA Champions—board members, donors, staff, and volunteers For continued growth in relationship, service, and support of our International Ministry Partner, FCA Bolivia, in FCA’s Latin America South Region More coaches and athletes discipled—who go and make disciples Don’t forget that you can join us weekly in praying over specific prayer requests for NE Florida FCA. Join our NE Florida Prayer Team, or learn more by visiting www.NEFloridaFCA.org/prayer-team . August 1, 2021 marked the start of my twelfth year with FCA. Seeing where the Lord has led us these past 11 years is humbling and exciting! Yet, none of it happens without your prayers, time, and generous financial support! Thank you! Your prayers, love, encouragement, and support keep our NE Florida FCA team moving forward with great anticipation and thankful hearts. Thank you for being an instrument of God in my and our team’s life to remind us of His steady and constant provision. Your teammate in the Gospel,