FCA All Abilities - Creating Opportunities for Every Athlete!
BUILDING SPACES WHERE EVERY ATHLETE BELONGS
When people say time goes by fast, they aren't kidding. It has been an amazing few months and I wanted to share how your support continues to help lay the foundation for All Abilities FCA in Iowa.
Eastern Iowa FCA hosted their annual fundraising event, Night of Champions, where the vision and mission was shared. It was a beautiful event where not only was I humbled to share the gospel but my friend Jacob Steele, who has Down Syndrome, prayed for 300-400 people. We were both nervous but after we were done, we both said let's speak in front of 500 or 600 people next time.
This was a beautiful reminder that this ministry is not simply creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate, it's about recognizing the leadership, gifts, and faith they already bring to the Body of Christ.
ALL ABILITIES CAMP PLANNING
We also held a camp planning meeting at Camp Courageous with leaders and volunteers who are helping bring this first ever camp vision to life.
Those that came together for this first meeting are pictured to the right (R-L): Jake Leohr Area Director, CEO of Camp Courageous Craig Stadtmueller, myself, Rachel Patterson FCA Admin Assistant, Aaron Reasland Regional Director or Ministry Advancement, Amber Pugh FCA Ambassador All Ability, and Katie Ryan, Community Engagement Director. This group not only brought insight from FCA, but we had a parent of a child with disabilities, a brother who has a sibling with a disability, coach of Special Olympics, Coaches, previous teacher in special education, Camp Courageous's capabilities, and the desire to serve this ministry. We are building something new together to serve others that God already had in store.
Camp Courageous has been an amazing partner and we know God has more in store for All Abilities.
Our First Camp will be September 26th at Camp Courageous.
MONTICELLO FCA END-OF-YEAR EVENT
The Monticello FCA's End-Of-Year Montcello event was held at our house. We heard High School Seniors encouraging younger classmates about how their relationship with God carried them through challenges, taught them to trust Him, and reminded them not to worry about what others think about their faith.
They shared scripture that each one clung to during High School and I want to share one with you:
Macy D- Proverbs 3-5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not not lean on your own understanding".
To be young enough to realize that we must go to God first and not to lean on our own understanding which can be jaded by anxiety, worry about others, etc. They continue to encourage me.
God is moving across Eastern Iowa and I'm thankful for your support so we can join God where he is at work.
Please pray for those listed above in camp planning and the communities we are to reach. That the campers, the parents, and volunteers will all be blessed by this camp.
