FCA BEND JUNE UPDATE

Who are the Real Champions?

Although many of you couldn’t join us in person for our recent Night of Champions event, you were most certainly there in spirit. The theme of the evening was "Direction Matters", and together—no matter the miles between us—we are helping guide hundreds of coaches and athletes toward the ultimate direction: a deeper relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

So, who are the real champions?

You are. Each one of you who reads these monthly updates, who prays, gives, and encourages. Because of you, over 480 young hearts are joining the smiles in this image for Team Jesus. Thanks to your support, 13 FCA Huddles across Bend, LaPine, and Sisters schools are actively equipping and empowering students through God’s Word. These students are choosing to grow in their faith—right in the middle of their school day.

Many of the kids in the photo below have been with me since the very beginning of my “yes” to FCA. Their journey reminds me of my days coaching softball teams and fitness classes—how the daily grind pays off. Now, instead of just training physical strength, they are committed to strengthening their spiritual walk. They understand the greater goal: to do all things for His glory.

As the school year winds down, we’re already gearing up for a full, joy-filled summer—complete with sports camps, weekly park huddles, mountain biking groups, leadership discipleship, and, of course, some sweet treats together as we prepare for next school year.

Thanks to your generosity, we met—and surpassed—all of our 2025 school year goals! Your prayers, time, and financial gifts made it possible. We’ve created a momentum of growth—doubling in size year after year—and now we look ahead with big vision and expectant hearts.

Here’s what’s next—we’re believing to double:

• The number of students attending weekly FCA Huddles (900+ weekly)
• Attendance at Fields of Faith this October (400+)
• Our volunteer and staff teams to meet the growing need (30 adult volunteers, 4 full-time staff)
• The number of Bibles distributed (300+)
• Participation in FCA Sports programs (100+)

Thank you for being part of this incredible movement.

You are the true champions of FCA Bend—and I am so grateful.

All for Him,

Jean

FCA PNW REGIONAL STAFF CONTINUES TO MULTIPY

Every other May, our Pacific Northwest FCA family gathers for a special time of celebration, prayer, and unity. What once felt like a small team has now grown into something much bigger—so much so that we’re now taking statewide group photos to capture the incredible growth!

These are the hands and feet of Jesus in Oregon, working together across the PNW with one purpose: To see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. What a joy it is to serve alongside this passionate team!

Leaders Who Lead Are

Headed to College

This year, 13 FCA Bend Senior Athlete Leaders crossed the graduation stage—and are now stepping into the next chapter: college life. Some will even continue as student-athletes, carrying their leadership and faith with them.

Please join me in praying for these bold young men and women as they step into new environments. Pray they find FCA huddles, young adult ministries, and local churches where they can stay grounded and grow even deeper in their walk with Christ.

Let’s celebrate them—and lift them up in prayer as they live out their faith beyond high school.

Pictured: Aiden and Eric, proud Bend High graduates, wearing their FCA Leadership Cords.

Their journey is far from over! They’ll be serving as Huddle Leaders at the PLU Multi-Sport FCA Camp in July—mentoring middle school athletes and continuing to lead by example.

Jean Thorson - FCA Bend Area Director - jthorson@fca.org