CELEBRATING THE WIN!
The Stories Of God Changing Lives
East Coast FCA Shootout
On Saturday, January 17th, Florida East Coast Archers and FCA Outdoors hosted the East Coast FCA Shootout in Melbourne, FL.
Approximately 400 archers and their families were in attendance at the event, which took place at First Baptist Melbourne. Nine schools total were represented from Boca Raton to Bradenton Beach. We were able to spread the Word, literally, thanks to the FCA Outdoors resources we had available. A box full of Bibles and Devotionals were quickly handed out to those in attendance. We had a display table and made an announcement they were available. There was a run on Bibles like it was black Friday!
It really was awesome, we had intended to hand out the Bibles with the prizes but so many people requested the Bibles, they never made it to the award ceremony! One kid was so overwhelmed he asked numerous times if we were sure he could have the Bible, for free? It was such a blessing to be able to represent the Lord and share the gospel along with our team's Bible verse to the mix of Christian, private, and public schools that were in attendance. (Philip 3:14, we press toward the mark).
The event was an amazing ministry opportunity, and the schools in attendance asked that we please host again in the future.
FCA Outdoors Youth Hunts
God is using FCA Outdoors Youth Hunts more and more as a great opportunity to share the gospel and experience God in His great creation with young hunters! Two of our recent hunts:
South Georgia Youth Deer Hunt-
We just wrapped up our first-ever Youth Deer Hunt, and it was a huge success! Out of our 6 young hunters, 5 harvested a deer, and for 4 of them, it was their very first!
The day started with a pre-hunt devotion in which students dove into God’s Word, followed by some range time to become comfortable and confident with their rifles. Lunch was graciously provided by our amazing host, and the afternoon hunts didn’t disappoint — many deer were seen, and even a large black bear tried to crash the party at one of the stands!
Each student was accompanied by an FCA Outdoors volunteer and guide from the host property who helped film their hunts, and after the harvest, the students learned how to properly clean and process their deer.
Indiana Youth Hog Hunt-
FCA Outdoors Youth Hog Hunt was a success in more ways than one. We may have gone to hunt hogs, but God had a bigger plan. Two people recommitted their lives back to Jesus right there in the box blind, surrounded by His creation. Hearts were changed, and faith was renewed in a powerful way.
First Annual FCA Outdoors Backcountry Camp
Our very last camp of the summer was our very first annual FCA Outdoors Backcountry Camp! We hiked 25 miles around the Cranberry Glades Wilderness Area over the course of four days, taking on rugged terrain and setting up camp each day at a new site. Campers spent the late afternoons resting in God's creation, catching fish and engaging in fellowship with one another. Mornings were spent chatting about truth from God's Word with a deeper dive into Scripture each evening, looking into our camp theme, GLORY, and discussing what it means to move from chasing our own glory to reflecting Christ's and giving all glory back to Him!
We can't wait for year two!
FCA Pacific Northwest's Reined Cow Horse Camp
In June, the Pacific Northwest FCA Outdoors hosted the first ever FCA Reined Cowhorse camp. We were blessed to have for our clinicians, five of the most accomplished competitors in the sport, including the top female in the sport Sarah Dawson, the face of the sport Nick Dowers, and former World‘s Greatest Horseman champion Shane Steffen among others.
The 53 middle school, high school, and college athletes
received highest level instruction in the NRCHA (National Reined Cow Horse Association) disciplines of cutting, reigning, and fence work.
In addition, 18 auditors (non riding participants) joined the event.
With the 60 plus volunteers required, 110 horses, and 150 head of cattle, this could possibly have been the largest equine event ever undertaken by FCA anywhere around the world.
Not only were our participants blessed to learn from some of the best in the sport, but they got to hear how Jesus has been riding with our champions throughout their careers, and how they have learned to give Him the GLORY through the highs and lows. Their humble and transparent sharing, was used by the Holy Spirit to move 7 to make decisions for Christ! One of which was a fellow clinician who at the final chapel testified that he had been freed from his plan to commit suicide when he returned home from this event. As a result of his powerful and emotional testimony, 10 more gave their hearts to Christ!
Praise God! as He is moving in the equine sports world through the efforts of faithful FCA staff and volunteers.
Western Nationals Archery Tournament
The NASP (National Archery in the Schools), CenterShot, and JROTC Archery held their western nationals at Louisville, KY May 8-10. Approximately 17,000 students from across the country competed for team and individual awards including thousands of dollars in scholarships. FCA Outdoors was blessed to have a booth where “The Four” was shared thousands of times by staff and volunteers. Thousands of The Four wristbands were distributed and hundreds of Outdoor devotion books were given to Huddle leaders and coaches. FCA Outdoor staff member Dennis Stubbs sang the National Anthem and EVP Paul Dennis was asked to share The Four at one of the Awards Ceremonies. The FCA Outdoor team was blessed to be busy sharing, serving, and praying with many students, parents, and coaches. Many FCA staff are involved in hosting and ministering at archery tournaments, and it was a blessing to serve at the world’s largest.
