Greetings!

The fall is always a special feeling in the ministry. This remains the same even as I've fully transitioned into serving as the Director for the Greater Twin Cities (all youth levels, collegiate, and pro sports) which still includes discipling and doing life with collegiate student-athletes and coaches.

As middle and high school students begin preparations for their first campus huddles, we have the privilege of serving the adult huddle leaders who volunteer to serve within their local communities. FCA is known for being volunteer intensive and for partnering with local churches as it even states in our mission statement.

In the past, each sub-area of the Greater Twin Cities would hold a training. This year marked the first time we collaborated as a Greater Twin Cities area at large, hosting the “Twin Cities Fall Summit.” I've been painting a picture that we're better together in trusted Kingdom partnership across and beyond FCA.

The result was a way more inspiring environment of 61 adults volunteers gathering and 15-20 more registering for a virtual option later. It empowered us as staff to grow together, not reinvent the wheel, and step into our unique gifts better while positioning the volunteers for greater growth and encouragement as they even shared ideas across areas and rivalries.

Jummy Barlass, Prior Lake HS Huddle Coach, said about this evening: “What I loved most was simply being in the room and looking around and seeing every table full of adults who are deeply invested in the lives of students," says Jummy, who has led a Huddle for two years. "I think our youth get a bad rap these days and some people just want to give up on them. But people in that room want to see the youth in their area come to know the Lord and grow. It was exciting and encouraging."

Eric Lashbrook, the Pastor of Student Ministry at Eagan Hills Alliance Church and the brand new FCA Huddle Leader at Eagan High School, appreciated that the training didn't feel "corporate....There was so much passion," Eric said.

"You could see it wasn’t just a program — it was a calling. There was love, discipleship, and genuine care driving everything.” Both Eric and Jummy were humbled to sit with and meet Huddle leaders with decades of experience.

We wrapped up the evening, and you would think that after three hours of training on a Sunday night, people would hurry out to their cars to head home. But these huddle coaches wouldn't leave the room! These men and women were empowered. They were united in their resolve to lead coaches and athletes into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church. They lingered and wanted to know when the next training session would be. 

The way you partner with FCA and me also has greater impact, joy, and witness as we're better together. Thank you for your obedience to Jesus and joining in that reality!

In the mission with you,

David

I had the privilege of kicking off our training by preaching from Ephesians 4:1-16. A great reminder that we all, as part of the body of Christ, where each gifted in such a way that the gospel is glorified and made known to those who yet to know through our unity & teamwork along with how FCA "gives the ministry away" as we "equip the saints for the work of the ministry".

What a gift it is to link arms with these volunteers from around the Greater Twin Cities area!

Celebrating Laurice's first podcast episode after he interviewed me and we've grown close since this Mac student started living in our home this June

Sage and Santi are quite the duo

U of St. Thomas Huddle as I get to focally disciple 5 of these men with Steve Harrell, a cherished friend and volunteer

Linking up with our awesome East Metro FCA staff to support Parker Theis, a man I love after years of discipling him and having him live in our home, in his first game as Woodbury HS defensive coordinator

Fishing with "Sagey Pooh"

We show up for St Thomas football practices on Thursdays...even when it rains

Prayer Praises and Needs

• Praise: That we now have two right fit Directors in the Northwest Metro and Twin Cities Collegiate.

• Prayer: The Greater Twin Cities area has multiple Area Director positions that, if the Lord wills, need to be filled.
• Please pray that the information about these positions reaches the laborers for the East Metro, South Metro, Southwest Metro, and Pro & Elite Sports.
• Please pray for discernment as our hiring team opens these positions, reviews applications, and conduct interviews with no rush to fill them just to be filled.

• Prayer and Praise: Please pray for me, the staff I oversee, and our volunteers as they address greater spiritual curiosity within our communities. The pains of this world are pale in comparison to the glory of heaven, and there is a stirring in the hearts and minds of our coaches and athletes.



You're Invited to Join Me!

• "Faith Legacy" Launch: Paul Olson is launching his website with vision, resources, and trusted content around leaving a godly legacy. This evening celebrates that launch while also bringing together key voices and people to hear more about moving from success to significance. It'd be great to have you join me this evening as it's open to anyone!