FCA Bend Quarterly News & Updates

Mar 2026 | Spring

TODAY IS A NEW DAY

I recently completed a women’s study in Proverbs, and as we wrapped up, I was reminded of this simple truth: every day, I have a choice. Each morning I get to stand at the start of the trailhead and ask my Father to lead the way—to guide me in the direction He has planned.

Who will I meet today that needs to see the Light of Jesus?

"For a command is a lamp, teaching is a light, and corrective discipline is the way to life." - Proverbs 6:23

I want to encourage each of us to walk in the confidence that the victory has already been won. It has been proven. And we get to represent Team Jesus as we follow the path He lays out for us each day.

My prayer is that this newsletter blesses you and reminds you that through your generosity and prayers, lives are being changed and Kingdom growth is happening. You are making a difference, and I am deeply grateful for each of you who takes the time to read and be part of what God is doing here in Bend.

All for Him,

Jean

WELCOME TO THE FCA BEND TEAM

In my last newsletter, I asked for prayer as we sought to fill key roles to grow the FCA team in Bend. Thank you for praying—God is answering! I’m excited to introduce a few new teammates who have said YES to FCA:

FCA Admin Assistant – Rebecca Adams

Rebecca has seen firsthand the impact of FCA through her sons’ involvement in school huddles. Stepping into this role is a direct answer to prayer for her—a way to serve and help grow God’s Kingdom in our community. While much of her work happens behind the scenes, I’m confident you’ll also see her creating opportunities to serve both on and off campus. Her family loves sports in every season and spend as much time as possible outdoors.

FCA Ambassador – La Pine | Josh Kirchhoff

Josh serves at High Lakes Christian Church alongside youth pastor Isaac O’Claire, who encouraged him to explore the ambassador role in La Pine schools. As he and his wife, plant roots and grow their family, Josh brings a background in teaching and a passion for connecting with students. He’s eager to step onto campuses and support student leaders in their FCA huddles as well as create off campus huddles on the bike trails.

FCA Sports Director – Bend Clubs & Leagues | Nate Bamford

Nate and his wife, Cam, spent time in prayer asking how to use their love for sports to follow Jesus more intentionally. After experiencing FCA through their son flag football season in 2024, they knew they wanted to be part of the mission. Since then, they’ve helped launch our first club baseball team—and when asked to join the staff, they said YES! Please keep their family in prayer as they begin raising support to grow FCA Sports in Bend.

Prayer Requests:

Community support for each new staff member in their roles
A dedicated space for the FCA Bend team to meet and grow
New doors to expand ministry, clubs, and leagues
Protection as we share God’s Word
Resources to equip and empower those we engage

FCA BEND WEBSITE

A REAL good TIME!

Every two years, FCA gathers staff from around the world for a special weekend called REALTIME—a time to worship, hear testimonies, receive teaching, and simply be refreshed.

It’s a powerful reminder that we are part of something so much bigger—seeing the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.

This gathering was created by Les Steckel, whose heart for this ministry continues to impact generations. Many of you who attended FCA Cup 2024 had the chance to meet him and hear his passion firsthand. He continues to remind me where my strength comes from and to trust in the work God has prepared each day.

Needless to say, this weekend filled my cup and reminded me once again: He is faithful.

CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS

DISCIPLES MAKING DISCIPLES

Student leaders at Bend High set a goal to share their testimonies with their peers at FCA. What they didn’t expect was the ripple effect—other students began asking to share their stories as well.

Each week, these students are growing closer, diving deeper into God’s Word, and holding one another accountable to live for Jesus daily. It’s been incredible to see their boldness and unity grow.

PARNTERSHIPS

Local business partnerships continue to be a huge part of building FCA in our region.

We recently launched a new huddle at Three Rivers School in Sunriver. A local deli, Josie K’s, generously donated cookies for the students. One student walking by asked if he could have one—we explained it was for FCA. So he came in, stayed for the huddle, and left with a goal to pray every day that week.

It’s so much bigger than a cookie—but your support is what helps create these moments that open the door.

BIBLES IN HUDDLES

With the school district restricting the use of phones on campus, we have enjoyed the opportunity to pass out over 120 bibles to take the place of the You Version app we once encouraged them to use. Either on their phone or in their hand, our goal is to give them no excuse not to be able to read the Good Word.

E3 Strategy - Coaches

We are continuing to build something intentional for coaches in our area. George Bender, who leads our Coaches Ministry, is faithfully ENGAGING coaches through a monthly breakfast designed just for them.

This month, Coach Sal Cesario, offensive coach at Caldera, took time to EQUIP and EMPOWER those in attendance by sharing his personal coaching journey and reminding them of their “WHY.”

The impact of a coach goes far beyond wins and losses—each of these men and women has the opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the hearts of their athletes, one that extends well beyond a single season.

FCA SPORTS

Please keep these 11 young athletes and their coaching staff in your prayers as they begin their 2026 season. Over the past two months, the Saints have been faithfully developing not only their baseball skills, but also their faith—through weekly devotionals and time spent journaling after practices.

They are excited and ready to represent Team Jesus both on and off the field.

UPCOMING EVENTS

REGISTRATION

Volunteer Interest Form

NW SPORT SUMMER CAMP

June 22–26, we’re heading to Nampa, Idaho for another incredible summer at Northwest Nazarene University.

A key part of this camp is making it accessible to every athlete. Through scholarships and transportation support, we’re able to help students experience a life-changing week.

If you’d like to sponsor an athlete, please consider a one-time gift to our camp scholarship fund. $600 sends one athlete to camp.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Jean Thorson FCA Bend Area Director | jthorson@fca.org | 541-410-2628

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