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June is here, and as we approach the official start of summer, I'm going to take a small break from our current discussion regarding spiritual disciplines. We will be returning to this topic again, and often, but this month I want to capitalize on the current season as athletes continue to gather together for training and racing. As I've considered this, I'm going to re-load an edited version of an article I wrote back in March of 2011... Join Another Team!
I begin this article by expressing my joy and thankfulness that the Lord has brought you to the ministry of FCA Endurance. I celebrate our growing unity, both nationally and locally, and it is my prayer that the Lord continues to grow and unite this ministry in significant ways for years to come. That said, I'm serious... as a part of your ministry with FCA Endurance, I encourage all of you to join another local endurance-related team or club.
 A paraphrase of our mission might be: present Jesus to endurance athletes and make disciples in partnership with the Church. To accomplish this, we must continue to build relationships with those who don't know and trust Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Our Biblical command is clear, "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20a HCSB). So here's my question, "How many non-believers are you spending time with and influencing for the Kingdom?"
As disciples who enjoy endurance sports, we have a unique opportunity to impact others within the endurance community for Jesus. In most cases, to do this effectively, we must intentionally invest in building loving relationships with those who don't know God. Thankfully, many of these athletes are self-assembling in local clubs and teams in your communities. Rather than praying and waiting for them to come to you, I encourage you to go to them (but continue praying!). Join their club/team, participate as you're able, and invite the Holy Spirit to work through those relationships as you intentionally invite others to become disciples.
As you consider what this might look like for you, I realize that there are limitations on everyone's time. As such, I simply encourage being a wise steward, intentionally investing your endurance-related time, lest it be a fruitless, self-centered endeavor. Other teams and clubs often provide a way to meet, serve, and love people who are likely not going to church or seeking Christ. Within this context, we bring the Church to them, building genuine and trusting relationships that may bear the weight of the gospel we live and teach - with our actions AND words.
Lastly, as you engage with your endurance community, hold fast to Biblical truth and don't for a moment compromise our King. Go boldly as a loving and courageous ambassador, demonstrating a radical love and proclaiming a radical message!
 As we begin a few ministry updates, we first want to celebrate that our Huddle ministry went international in May with the formation of our San Juan, Puerto Rico Huddle! This is a huge step for FCA Endurance as we continue to strive towards our vision of seeing the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of athletes and coaches! Please being praying for this new Huddle and our Puerto Rico Huddle Leader, Ricky Ufret. May the Lord do a mighty work in and through this new Huddle as they make disciples in Puerto Rico through endurance sports.
 We also want to celebrate all that the Hampton Roads Huddle (VA) has been up to. Under the servant leadership of Whitney Dunning, they have been busy! Theyhave had the team tent up at a number of events this spring, serving coffee and water to racers and spectators, handing out resources, and of course connecting people with FCA Endurance. They also set-up a mock transition station during a recent triathlon's packet pick-up. This is a great way to serve athletes and build relationships! Please continue to pray for Whitney and our team on the ground there... they are having an impact (and a lot of fun!)!
 In terms of event ministry, we had a great team on hand for the 2014 Wildflower Triathlon Festival in May. FCA Endurance had a booth at the race expo and God opened many witnessing opportunities through meaningful conversations with those passing by. We also hosted a Prayer Service, participated in the Sunday morning church service, posted ministry signs along the course, and of course had Teammates ministering through racing! Thank you to Troy and Robin Soares for leading our ministry efforts and to all those who served, prayed, and raced boldly for Jesus! (Thanks to contributor: MN Teammate Amy Will)
We also want to celebrate another international opportunity as two of our faithful German Teammates, Daniel and Kathrin Manweiler, hosted a simple Iron Prayer at the St. Croix 70.3. We're so grateful for their hearts for ministry and willingness to lead and serve as the Lord leads them around the world for endurance events. If you're willing to help lead an Iron Prayer as you travel or where you live, please see the planning steps on our Events Resources Page  As we close, I'll pass on a few additional updates:
- May Match Praise: Our May Match goal of $20,000 was met through AMP commitments and single gifts during this past month. Thus, all $20K will be doubled! We are praising the Lord for His goodness and abundant provision as delivered by so many faithful, generous investors in our mission. We also say thank you to each person who made a gift, as well as the family who provided the match. We are indeed blessed by an amazing team that is committed to accomplishing our mission!
- Daily FCA Endurance Prayers: Would you like to receive a daily FCA Endurance prayer request? If so, please join our Prayer Team and "follow" the comments. You'll receive a prayer request daily and have the opportunity to join with other Teammates around the world in unified prayer for our ministry and other requests that are brought to our attention.
  New Women's
V-Neck Shirt: Valley Bike and Ski has a new women's casual v-neck shirt available. While the photo isn't on the site yet, it is ready to ship. Check it out!
- Tent & Flag Opportunity: We are exploring a FCA Endurance custom tent and flag order. If you are interested, please contact Chris Anderson, and he'll get you the details. Orders are due by June 15, 2014.
- Needed: Prayer Team Leader - Do you have a heart for prayer? Are you a "Prayer Warrior?" Are you called/willing to help serve, organize, and encourage our Teammates and Prayer Team members in growing as men and women of prayer, all while bringing FCA Endurance regularly before the Lord? If so, we need you! Please contact Chris Anderson to explore this opportunity.
God bless you as you make disciples this summer! For God's Glory! |
