Born and raised in Baldwin City, Kansas, Kelly Carr is fond of her town. The former teacher and mother of three knows its people, their ways and their pain, so she couldn’t help jumping into ministry through volunteering. 

After Baldwin City experienced a series of suicides that rocked their community, Carr felt called to start something to bring hope to local Baldwin High School. Following an inaugural fall community kickoff in 2021, Carr sowed seeds and watched God move the next generation toward His heart. From organizing FCA Huddles and praying for God to raise up student-leaders to acting as an FCA Camp emcee and Character Coach for Baldwin’s girls basketball and cheer teams, Carr continues to champion FCA and bring God’s light into the lives of athletes. 

How did you start with FCA? 
When my boys were little, I found myself drawn to be serving where they were. When they entered high school, my husband and I wondered who was serving the kids. I kept becoming more aware of the struggles and darkness there, feeling pulled to do something. I knew about FCA from my husband Pete’s and my time at college, and the more I started reading about it, the more it was easy to get it going. I feel like I blindly stepped into this — like “We’re going to be FCA” — and I filled out the information to be a volunteer. 

What have reactions from the students and community been like? 

It feels like FCA has bonded our community. Everybody was on board, and our community churches would ask, “What do you need? Donut money? People to bring Bibles?” We started meeting on Wednesdays, and I’d meet with Johnson County Representative Jodie Karsak and started planning “Fifth Quarter” events after football and basketball games. 

What has God shown you while being a volunteer? 

You’re always thinking, “Is this accomplishing something? Are they getting the seeds that are planted?” And maybe I won’t see [the fruit]. Maybe it’ll be 30 years from now, and that’s okay — resting in knowing and trusting I need to be obedient, but it is the Lord who is growing these kids and our community. Last summer, I got to witness students meeting in parking lots for Bible study and see their love for God. It’s been neat to look back and see He has been faithful. Getting to be a part of it has been something I’ll never forget. And He is not done yet! 

What have you learned through this journey? 
Anytime you’re asked to prepare a lesson, you learn it in a deeper way. I’ve always felt like having to teach something drives things deeper into my heart. There are a lot of times when I’m like, “Oh, I’m going to need to say something here.” Being prepared in the Word and in my relationship with the Lord sets me up to serve.  

Not that I have been perfectly obedient, but in Hebrews 11:6, it says God rewards those who seek Him, and the reward is more of Himself. Maybe that’s been my reward in this: more of Him. It’s been a fun journey.  

What would you say to someone who is considering getting involved with FCA?

Step out and move forward and keep learning. FCA prepares us so well as volunteers. There’s wonderful training out there, and you’ll grow in personal and spiritual ways.  

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