The year 2009 marks another year in our 55 year history reminding us that God is faithful. Thanks to the efforts of over 800 Fellowship of Christian Athletes staff across the country and thousands of volunteers, FCA rolled out several major initiatives and saw amazing numbers in the impact the organization is making throughout the world. To celebrate how God is using this ministry, FCA is pleased to present the top ministry highlights of 2009 and wholeheartedly thanks each and every staff member for their ongoing dedication.
1. Over 1.8 million are reached through the FCA ministry, and most importantly more than 35,000 individuals indicated their decision to receive Jesus Christ as Savior.
2. FCA Camps produces new record breaking numbers – almost 47,000 attendees participated in 302 camps in the U.S. and overseas.
3. Fields of Faith grows to more than 400 athletic fields across the country reaching more than 100,000 with peers challenging each other to read the Word of God and come to faith in Jesus Christ.
4. Donnie Dee is appointed FCA Executive Director/COO and Project Lighthouse is launched.
5. Online is a key tool to expand our ministry impact with the launch of several major initiatives: Campus 101, FCA Resources and FCA Life.
6. FCA Coaches Ministry launches r12, a coaches’ discipleship program based on Romans 12 partnering with Chip Ingram.
7. Realtime III draws more than 900 FCA staff and spouses to Kansas City to be filled up, appreciated and encouraged through “faith, fun and fellowship.”
8. FCA Sport Specific Ministry adds two new sports: wrestling and surfing.
9. FCA launches it first international sports internship program in Italy.
10. FCA is honored by two highly prestigious organizations: Charity Navigator gives it top 4-starr rating to FCA’s development efforts for the third consecutive year and Chronicle of Philanthropy names FCA in the top 400 non-profits in the U.S.
We also have many noteworthy accomplishments across our areas. We would like to make special recognition of one this year that is particularly amazing in its feat. In November, Gary Brasher, a 51 year-old from Arizona, completed three Ironman Triathlons in 3 days (422 miles!) to raise camp scholarship support and awareness for FCA. Gary was saved at an FCA camp.
And, FCA’s Hall of Champions this year honors Bob Lilly, Larry Mise, Ken Hatfield, and former FCA President Dal Shealy.
