Welcome Heather McDonald!

Dear Eastern Iowa FCA Family,

Life and ministry have been full lately, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to introduce myself. This past year has been a meaningful season of change for our family. I'm Heather McDonald, mother of 3, and wife of 17 years to Luke McDonald. Most days my life is a mix of sports schedules, connecting with others, and trying to keep everyone fed. In September 2024, God placed a clear calling on my heart to step away from a 15+ year career I loved to dedicate this season to my family. After a few months at home, I began to realize that He was also creating space for ministry. 

Fellowship of Christian Athletes has been part of our family's life for many years through huddles, coaching at camps, and friendships with staff, so it felt like a natural step, but I didn't know where. When I received a phone call from a dear friend at FCA, Aaron Reasland, sharing that FCA was expanding into new ministry spaces, it caught my attention. As we talked about the growing vision for All Abilities ministry, something clicked. 

"All Ability" refers to coaches and athletes who compete with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, emphasizing the inclusion of all categories within the disability community. All Ability reminds every participant that they are created in His image with purpose and fully loved by God. This environment is part of FCA's broader mission to engage, equip, and empower all coaches and athletes, including those with disabilities, to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. The first FCA All Abilities Camp was held in Akron, Ohio in 2021. Since that time, the All-Ability ministry of FCA is growing. 

As I talked with Aaron, we walked through a series of life events where they saw God using my life. God had clearly opened our heart for expanding our family through adoption, I am an aunt to two beloved family members with special needs who profoundly impacted my life, and I live in a community with a year-round special needs camp, Camp Courageous. I remember hanging up the phone and I said to my husband, this makes sense. I could see how God had prepared my heart for this long before the opportunity ever came. 

FCA's vision to reach EVERY coach and athlete in more environments has opened the door for ministry opportunities. I'm excited to be stepping into this role and thankful that God invites us into His mission