Dear FCA Friends,

All four pillars of FCA came together last week when 17 coaches from 11 different high school campuses and several hundred athletes were ministered to by a group of men from our community at the annual “Kickoff Camp” held at the University of Tampa. For three of the schools this was their first “Kickoff” experience.

The event began with volunteers and board members cooking and serving dinner to all that attended. Philip started the program by asking the group a series of sports trivia questions. Those that answered correctly were rewarded with hats, tee shirts and Bibles. Steve then interviewed two young head football coaches, Jason Stokes from Gaither and Jeremy Earle from Jefferson, about how their relationship with Christ helps them meet the challenges they face in coaching.

 Pictured above: The players getting food before the event. And Steve’s interview with Coach Stokes (left) and Coach Earle (right).  

The program was wrapped up by Pastor Barry Rice, a two time collegiate power lifting champion who shared his love for the Lord in his passionate description of the crucifixion and his display of physical strength. He captured everyone’s attention when he broke a baseball bat over his knee, bent rebar in his teeth and a frying pan with his bare hands, and tore phone books and a license plate in half. As the evening came to a close Pastor Barry challenged the players and coaches to make a life changing commitment to Christ. As a result 22 players made first time decisions, 6 coaches and 3 players rededicated their lives, 44 committed to playing drug free, 10 wanted us to share more with them and 21 stated that they needed a Bible. The men’s group from Grace Family Church was on hand to provide one-on-one counseling for those that made decisions that night.