It has been seven days since we got back from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes' Student Leadership Camp. Seven days to ponder upon and unpack those 'mountain-top' days.
My husband became the FCA representative in Western KY a little over a year ago. As we get FCA up and running in the schools here, our hope is to send many athletes to this life-changing leadership camp. I have been to many student camps over the years, yet none really compares to this one in my opinion. It uniquely combines athletics, leadership skills and Christ all in one camp. It teaches students to be leaders for Christ on their school campuses. Oh, how I love this camp! In the next several paragraphs, I will attempt to give you a glimpse of what FCA camp is like.
First, when I think of FCA Camp, the picture that comes to mind is of the one below. The worship is outstanding. There is just something about seeing a bunch of rough and tumble athletes praising the LORD with everything in them.
Second, hearing college athletes share their testimony of God's work in their life is both inspiring and moving. As they authentically share their failures and successes, this roomful of ball-handlers, runners and jumpers can relate all too well.
Third, the preaching each morning and evening was challenging and from God's Word, straight up and non-sugar-coated. The word of the week was 'Relentless', based on Hebrews 10:39:
Fourth, the atmosphere at camp from the first moment that campers arrived was one of servitude. Steve Wiggington, FCA dude-in-charge, had a separate meeting with the male campers from the get-go, emphasizing the fact that they were to go out of their way to be gentlemen to the ladies, opening doors, taking their plates, letting them eat first, etc. Oh, how these boys rose to the occasion! All week long, I got pampered and spoiled, as men young and old took my plates and opened doors. It was a precious thing to witness in mass. It also made me sadly realize how rare of an occurrence it is to see this these days.
Fifth, the Faith Walk on Saturday (when campers divide up in small groups of 3-5 and go door to door, politely requesting the homeowners if they can ask them a few spiritual-type questions) began with much timidity and hesitancy, but ended with students overcoming their fears as they realized that it is not difficult to ask stranger's questions that often ended in sharing their faith!
While many think this kind of Gospel-sharing is not effective, I would have to disagree. God cannot be nailed down and put in a box--He moves and works in ALL kinds of ways, including short conversations with strangers. Indeed, God shone in unbelievable ways that day, as students came back and shared how they saw Him work... including an older couple in town going out of their way to come on campus, find some of our staff members and share with our whole group of students how God used the students that came to their son-in-law's door that day...that their conversations with him had ultimately led to this young man making the decision to surrender his life wholeheartedly to the Lord. This day was my favorite by far. It seemed as though something changed in the demeanor of those students that day...a 'joyful seriousness' overtook the atmosphere.
Sixth, the cardboard testimonies on Saturday night were powerful. I don't think I will ever tire of cardboard testimonies! The last testimony of the night was by one of the students that we brought:
As campers whooped and hollered, I am pretty sure there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
Seventh, the competitions that went on all over campus were just down-right fun. And--well, competitive! Not to mention, we couldn't have ordered better weather right in the heat of summer!
Eighth, walking around campus and witnessing students in groups praying, reading their Bibles and sharing their struggles with one another was a beautiful sight to behold. Each camper is in a huddle group which is led by a college student. The groups spend time discussing real life struggles the teenagers are facing and what the Bible says about it.
Ninth, the FCA Bible every student leaves with is enough in itself to go to this camp each year. I got one this year and I am LOVING it so much. We have spent many mornings this past week as a family using the questions that are sprinkled through the text as conversation starters during our family devos. It has much added commentary and thoughts specifically related to the teenage student-athlete. Tenth, the campers had sessions in which they are given ideas on how to go back to their school campuses and be leaders for Christ on their sport's teams, at their schools in general, or in the community. They brainstormed ideas and ways to start an FCA Huddle at their school.
Eleventh, Eric and I got to spend some wonderful, quality time with other staffers--people I am sure we would be best of friends with if we lived in the same town. I enjoyed all of them so so much. Also, the kids of the staff members had a 'kid's camp' each day. They got to know all of the other staff member's kiddos. It was so precious. At the end of the week, they performed a 'rap' for all of the campers, with break dancing and all! My boys loved kid's camp, especially my youngest!
Future Camp huddle leaders :)
Twelfth, while this is not entirely important, I can't help adding it. The food at Campbellsville University is INCREDIBLE! It is not like regular cafeteria food at all. If you don't go for any other reason, go for four days of yumminess! :)
As we were packing up to come home, one of the students we brought looked at me and said, 'It's going to be hard to go back to the real world. Everyone here is so nice.'
It's true. It's a cozy, friendly, inviting environment. There is a supernatural presence working, weaving, and pouring in for the four days of FCA Camp. Student-athletes make friends with other student-athletes from other schools--often resulting in future college roommates. It makes leaving a bit difficult, to say the least.
You don't have to live in Kentucky to come to this camp. We had many students from surrounding states--some from as far as Georgia! So my last few words to you are--if you have a teenager, make it your goal next year to send him or her to FCA Leadership Camp! You and your teenager will not be disappointed!
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