Fellowship of Christian Athletes celebrate 21 years of Faith in schools
MADISON – The Northeast Alabama Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) has had 21 years of causes to celebrate, thanks mostly to volunteers who give their time to assure today’s youth have the opportunities to share the messages of their Faith in the confines of local schools and support of the athletic teams that are also a big part of the FCA work.
Huddles is a term the FCA uses for its gatherings in a variety of locales throughout North Alabama and are comprised of athletic teams, classroom groupings and organizations which look to FCA to spread the word of Christ in group settings, such the ones on the most recent upcoming schedule in the immediate Madison area. Those gatherings include Middle School WEST Huddle at Clift Farms Oct. 17 and 24 and Nov. 7 and 14 from 3:30-4:30 p.m.; Madison County WEST High School Girls (only) Huddle at Clift Farms from 7:00-7:45 a.m. Oct. 20 and Nov. 3; Madison County High School Guys (only) Huddle at Outback Steakhouse on Whitesburg Drive in Huntsville at 7:15 a.m. Oct. 17 and 31.
Currently, the FCA elementary and middle school Huddles are thriving as young students are stepping up with boldness opening in prayer, sharing Bible verses and leading their peers with genuine excitement. Seeing Faith grow at such a young age has been remarkable.
Recent months have been showcased by High School Huddles on school campuses as students were seen digging deep into the FCA Core Values while sharing their testimony, practicing key spiritual disciplines and growing through the gatherings with other students. The month of September was especially powerful as students united across campuses for See You at the Pole, lifting their schools and communities in prayer. October is being featured as the time for the Fields of Faith, where students boldly challenge one another to stay rooted in God’s word and the areas FCA strongly believes in. The FCA describes the current generation as “disciples who are making disciples.”
On the college front, the FCA UAH Leadership Team is energized and ready to make an impact on the campus located in West Huntsville. The Leadership Team’s first huddle united athletes from five different teams, and they quickly jumped in by planning and hosting an outreach kickball tournament to keep the momentum going.
FCA leaders also met with five coaches on the UAH staff over a lunch. The FCA representatives shared practical leadership insights to equip and empower them as they guide their teams.
One of the most exciting and moving experiences has been the FCA opening the doors into the locker rooms, especially of football teams, of local schools prompting powerful moments to encourage players and coaches, pray with them and share the hope of what the Gospel teaches. Youth pastors have also played a part in the festivities who have gone the extra mile to partner with FCA and speak truth into the lives of student-athletes.
One of or possibly the most popular events on the FCA upcoming schedule is the annual Iron Bowl Prayer Breakfast Tour where former Alabama and Auburn football players share their lives and speak of their Faiths. This year’s gathering just before the Iron Game between the two schools is scheduled for Nov. 21. Full details will soon be available on the FCA website.
To contact the Northeast Alabama Fellowship of Christian Athletes, visit the organization’s website at www.northalabamafca. org or call 256-509-3692.
