Over the past two summers, an FCA team from Hillgrove High School in Powder Springs, Georgia, embarked on a mission to serve the children of São Paulo, Brazil. What began as an effort to make a difference in others’ lives turned into a life-changing journey that forever changed their own.
Led by FCA Representative Kristin McLendon and Hillgrove teacher and lacrosse coach Alicia Acton, the trip became much more than a series of lacrosse clinics. It became a story of faith in motion, hearts stretched and horizons widened.
Kristin, a former youth pastor with 18 years of experience leading international mission trips, recalled how the opportunity first came together.
“The girls on our lacrosse team kept asking me to take them on their very first overseas mission trip,” said Kristin. “I really wanted to make it happen for them and reached out to our FCA partners in Brazil to see if we could make it work. Lacrosse was also recently announced as an Olympic sport for 2028, so we ended up having more invitations to come and teach lacrosse in São Paulo schools than we had time for.”
With a team of seven, the group traveled to Brazil in the summer of 2024 and spent their days teaching lacrosse clinics at schools across the city. At the end of each session, a student-athlete from Hillgrove would share their personal faith journey, and the group would present the Gospel. What began as a dream quickly became a living testimony of God’s provision and purpose.
News of the trip spread throughout Hillgrove High School, sparking new excitement among students and coaches who wanted to serve alongside FCA. Kristin began planning another trip for the summer of 2025, this time with a mixed group of student-athletes, college students and coaches from different sports and generations. Together, they returned to Brazil to run an FCA Power Camp.
“It was beautiful seeing each generation pour into the next on this past trip,” said Kristin. “We served a small town just outside of São Paulo with about 80 kids that came to the camp. It was an incredible gift from the Lord to serve, and we’re glad how everything came together.”
For Alicia Acton, the trip became a deeply personal reminder of why she teaches and coaches.
“For our students, this experience really solidified their faith before stepping out into the world on their own,” she said. “This second trip felt like we could be more present with the community, and it was great working with the local team on the ground. We had debrief time every night to reflect on what the Lord was doing in our hearts, and we had worship. It was powerful.”
The impact extended far beyond the Georgia group. Jean Marco, a Brazilian teammate, shared his gratitude.
“It was great to be serving God with the FCA team,” he said. “I could see each team member dedicating themselves to their service with much love and affection. We saw the joy in the children’s eyes and the love in the hearts of each one serving. I feel honored to participate in everything that God has done through FCA. It is great to serve in love and see a legacy left.”
Tiago Goffert, another Brazilian team member, echoed those sentiments.
“During that week, [the FCA team] blessed our students with love, joy and the Gospel,” he said. “Their servant hearts encouraged me personally and showed the kids what it means to follow Jesus.”
As Kristin looks ahead to future trips, she hopes that more students can step out of their comfort zones and experience God’s handiwork in different parts of the world.
“Sometimes it looks like going into Atlanta and serving the homeless, or it’s getting on a plane and seeing a part of the world you’ve never experienced,” said Kristin. “It’s very eye-opening for student-athletes at a young age. If you can grasp and respect these differences early on in your walk with the Lord, you will mature in your faith. It’s a privilege to provide that opportunity to go to the nations.”
Please pray for Hillgrove High School FCA’s continued partnership with the Sǎo Paulo team in Brazil.
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