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FCA BEND NEWS, UPDATES AND EVENTS
AUGUST 2026
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TEAMWORK -
Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people
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As the 2025–26 year comes to a close and I begin planning for a new fiscal year, I find myself grateful for the opportunity to slow down, sit, and reflect on the goals I set out to accomplish—and, more importantly, to see how God answered prayers along the way.
One of the greatest things I have learned this year is that He is always at work.
He is working in the lives of the people who cross our paths in ways we often don’t see coming. We pray for someone to say yes, and then we get to watch what God does with that simple act of obedience. So often, I don’t even know the full impact of what is happening until a parent, teacher, coach, or athlete shares a story about how FCA has made a difference in their life.
The fruit of the Spirit is mighty!
Many of you know my story of how I first became involved with FCA—a true “Here I am” testimony. What continues to amaze me is the people God brings into my ministry story who are willing to raise their hands and say the same thing:
“Here I am. Send me.”
Today, I want to give a special shout-out to Rebecca, our FCA Bend Administrator, who has jumped in with both feet and wasted no time learning the behind-the-scenes work that keeps FCA moving forward. She has become the teammate I needed to help keep our boots on the ground, our eyes focused ahead, and our ministry moving forward.
I am so grateful for the people God continues to place around me and for the many ways He reminds me that this is His ministry, His timing, and His work.
As we look toward a new year, I am trusting that He is already preparing the way for FCA Bend to continue pursuing our vision: to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.
Thank you for being part of the story.
All for Him,
Jean
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YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS THIS YEAR’S
SPORTS-THEMED FUNDRAISER!
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We’re kicking off this year’s event with a tailgate-style dinner made possible by our incredible Title Sponsor, Pahlisch Homes!
A special thank-you to Mountain Burger for providing the tailgate menu, featuring beef sliders, chicken skewers, and more to fuel up our guests for an evening of fun and friendly competition. And don’t just come hungry—come ready to play! Dress in your favorite team gear and test your skills as you kick field goals, sink three-pointers, make some putts, and toss some cornhole—all while helping raise funds for FCA camp scholarships, campus huddle ministry and continue to launch more sports ministry in Central Oregon.
It’s going to be a night filled with great food, friendly competition, and an even greater purpose. Come ready to PLAY, GIVE, and MAKE AN IMPACT!
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FUEL THE MOVEMENT
We are hosting our Night of Champions dinner on Saturday, Sept 12 at Westside Church, and I wanted to personally ask if you would consider hosting a table.
There is such a unique opportunity right now through coaches and athletes. They have influence in kids' lives in a way very few people do, and at the same time, so many young people are struggling with anxiety, isolation, and a lack of consistent adults pointing them toward Jesus.
That is really why FCA exists. We believe this is a pivotal moment for the ministry in the Pacific Northwest, and this dinner is a chance to bring people into the vision and invite them to be part of what God is doing.
Hosting a table would simply mean inviting a few people you think would be encouraged by the mission and giving them a chance to hear the stories and the impact firsthand. Would you be open to that?
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There is simply no better place to be in June than the FCA NW Sport Camp in Nampa, Idaho! Each year, this camp reaches full capacity and takes over the campus of Northwest Nazarene University, bringing together hundreds of athletes, coaches, and volunteers for a week of sports, community, and faith.
This year, Central Oregon athletes filled the vans and headed to camp, accompanied by volunteers who gave their time to serve as assistant coaches, prayer warriors, and staff support.
But the impact of camp doesn’t stop when the vans return home.
One of our volunteer medics brought his daughter to camp, where she participated as an archery athlete. The experience impacted both of them so deeply that they returned home with a new vision—to start an FCA Archery Club right here in Central Oregon!
Another first-time volunteer, recently retired from the workforce, was blown away by the impact he witnessed from morning to night. Seeing 80 college students pour into the lives of 550 athletes as huddle leaders gave him a firsthand look at what happens when people are willing to invest in the next generation. He came home asking, “How can I get more involved?”
That is the beauty of FCA ministry. One week of camp can spark a lifetime of impact. An athlete is encouraged. A volunteer discovers a new calling. A new club is envisioned. And the Gospel continues to move from one coach and athlete to another.
Because of the generosity of our supporters, we are continuing to build momentum across Central Oregon and find new ways to reach every coach and athlete with the hope of Jesus Christ.
Thank you for helping make this impact possible!
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PROVEN: GROWING THE NEXT GENERATION
We wrapped up our summer camp season with the second year of FCA Bend Power Camp, designed for athletes ages 5–11. And what a year it was! This year’s camp doubled in size from last year, with 70 young athletes joining us for two days of sports, fun, and learning what it means to live PROVEN in Christ.
We could not have made it happen without the continued partnership and support of Hope City Church, whose adult volunteers came alongside our local middle and high school FCA leaders. Together, they created an environment where our youngest athletes could compete, build relationships, and grow in their faith.
It was especially exciting to watch our local FCA student leaders step into their roles as huddle leaders, investing in the next generation of athletes. They weren’t simply teaching sports—they were modeling what it looks like to follow Jesus.
Throughout camp, our athletes had the opportunity to use their God-given abilities on the field, while also asking questions, learning about Jesus, and discovering what it means to produce fruit in their own lives.
They left camp carrying more than memories and new skills. They left with a challenge and a verse to carry with them: “My Father is glorified by this, that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples.” — John 15:8
What started as a small camp just one year ago is growing into something much bigger—and we are excited to see where God takes it next.
Thank you to everyone who prayed, volunteered, partnered, and gave to make FCA Bend Power Camp possible. You are helping us reach the next generation through the sports they love and point them toward the Jesus they need.
| | LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER FLAG FOOTBALL COACHES | | |
Together, we are helping raise up the next generation of leaders who compete with character and live with purpose. If you have a passion for coaching, mentoring, or discipling young athletes, we would love to connect with you. Whether you have years of coaching experience or simply a heart to serve, there is a place for you on our team. | Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown. 1 Corinthians 9:25 | | LET'S FILL THE STANDS AND WORSHIP TOGETHER | | |
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JEAN THORSON - FCA BEND AREA DIRECTOR - JTHORSON@FCA.ORG - FCABEND.ORG
PLEASE SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER WITH SOMEONE WHO MIGHT WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT FCA
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