A Movement Is Growing at Liberty High School

Dear Eastern Iowa FCA Family,

Sometimes the best “good news” doesn’t come with a spotlight. It shows up quietly, over time, through consistent presence and bold faith. 

It looks like a coach who notices when a student is carrying something heavy and chooses to step in with encouragement. It looks like an athlete inviting a teammate to a Friday morning huddle. It looks like a group of students deciding, together, that their identity is bigger than a scoreboard. 

That’s what we’re seeing right now at Liberty High School, and we wanted to share a campus feature with you because it’s a clear picture of what God is doing through FCA. 

Coaching for God’s glory is changing the atmosphere 

When Liberty coaches were asked what it means to coach for God’s glory, one theme kept surfacing: freedom. 

One coach described it as “freedom, knowing that the victory has already been won… give my best… and let Jesus take care of the rest.” Another shared that coaching becomes a daily opportunity to love on athletes, encourage them, and support them when they’re down, the same steady presence Jesus gives to us. 

Those words matter because they reflect what we’re seeing on the ground: coaches building relationships that go beyond the game, discipling students with consistency, and creating a culture where faith and character aren’t extras. They’re foundational. 

For athletes, putting God first is “refreshing.” 

Liberty athletes shared something we often hear when FCA is thriving on a campus. When students begin to see their sport as worship, everything shifts. 

One student said it’s about noticing God in “the little things” throughout the day. Another said living for God’s glory is “refreshing,” and that it gives them the motivation to worship and thank Him daily. 

That kind of language doesn’t come from a program. It comes from a heart that’s waking up to who God is and what He’s doing in their life. 

FCA is building leaders and creating real community 

At Liberty, FCA is becoming a place where students and coaches are finding community, confidence, and peace. 

A student leader shared that stepping into leadership this year felt like “the next step” God had for them. Another student shared how God has brought a new sense of peace, even helping with testing anxiety, and how it’s ignited a “new fire” in their faith. 

For coaches, the weekly rhythm of Coach Bible Study, prayer walks, and accountability has also become deeply meaningful, helping them set perspective for the day and keep Christ first in a demanding season. 

The ripple effect is real: curiosity, courage, and growth 

One of the most encouraging parts of this story is the momentum. What’s happening at Liberty is spreading, not through hype, but through students living differently and inviting others into it. 

We’re seeing: 

• More students showing up on Friday mornings and bringing friends 
• Students becoming curious and asking real questions about faith 
• More guys engaging and building a stronger brotherhood of encouragement 
• A noticeable difference on the field with more self-control, more respect, and a different kind of leadership 

One supporter and disciple-maker even shared a moment that says a lot: a player chose not to trash talk and instead responded with, “God loves you.” 

A moment we won’t forget: on-field prayer that started with four 

And then there’s this. 

At the very first game, four players quietly went down to take a knee and pray between the national anthem and the coin toss. 

The next week, there were about 15. 

Then 30. 

Soon after, the whole team. 

God is stirring something at Liberty, and it’s the kind of reminder we all need. He often starts small, and then He multiplies. 

How you can pray 

Would you join us in praying for Liberty High School? 

• For students who are hurting to find hope and truth 
• For bold student leaders who invite others into community 
• For coaches who disciple with consistency and courage 
• For continued growth, not just in attendance, but in spiritual depth 

Thank you for being part of what God is doing through FCA. Your prayers and generosity make stories like this possible, not only at Liberty, but across Eastern Iowa campuses where students and coaches are searching for something real.