For our local area of FCA ministry in Central Kentucky, this fiscal year in our calendar has been deemed the "Year of Evangelism." Taking note from the Samaritan woman at the well in John chapter four, we want to be a people who boldly proclaim, "come and see a man..." (v. 29). We long to follow Paul's example as he expresses in 1 Corinthians 9 that he will gladly become all things to all people for the sake of seeing even some saved (v. 22). The body should go and speak because they have seen and heard, and they should do so with urgency, out of love for others. Our minds are fixated firmly upon this belief as we aim to incorporate more and more intentionality in gospel conversations/appointments and salvation invitations this season. What a privilege is it to be commissioned by Christ in this good, eternally-impactful work, and what a gift it is for your support of this ministry and us as we walk in obedience to do so! We are excited for this new year and eager to share just a few snippets of how we have begun this "Year of Evangelism" in the month of September below.

 
 

Team Huddles on Campus

Many of our wonderful student leaders and staff lead individual Team Huddles across UK's campus to provide a more intentional, intimate environment for small group discussion and spiritual growth through Bible study and fellowship. Currently, we have 11 Team Huddles gathering this term. Seen here are two of those groups during their meetings--the men's baseball team led by staff member Alex Degen (left) and the women's group from the co-ed swim and dive team run by student leader and FCA intern Lily DeLong (right). Please be in prayer for all of these studies as they seek to learn together and create Christ-centered community

while also trying to reach teammates with the gospel!

 

Huddle Teaching

Mid-month, Multi-Area Director Aaron Hogue led our time of teaching for UK students. He taught on John 15, which is the passage for this year's ministry theme, speaking specifically about the importance of abiding in Christ. We are not called to bear fruit of our own accord in our own strength, nor to even focus on bearing fruit at all. First and foremost, we are called to abide in the Vine. He challenged athletes to meditate on this passage and choose to remain in Jesus above all else. Thanks for a great lesson at Huddle, Aaron, and for your leadership!

 

UK Stunt Athlete Speaks at High School

One fun opportunity members of our UK FCA student leadership team and other equipped athletes in the Huddle have is to go speak at lower level middle and high school FCA Huddles! Some even serve as Character Coaches for certain schools and teams. Last month, UK stunt athlete Teagan Wright had the privilege of leading the girls who cheer at Morton Middle School (her alma mater) in a devotion at their Huddle. What a sweet way to put being a disciple who makes disciples into action and to grow in leadership and faith! Thank you, Teagan, for investing in this way!

 

Monday Night Testimonies

Testimonies are a powerful tool the Lord has given us to proclaim to others His goodness and grace that we have experienced personally. They are stories of salvation in Christ and God's continual work in our lives. We take this gift very seriously and allow space for the sharing of testimonies weekly at our Monday night Huddles. Some who shared in September (from left to right) were Taylor Pitts (athletic trainer), Rachel Zerega (UK cheer), and Jackson Wyatt (UK track). Thank you, all, for your boldness and obedience to share! The gift of encouragement you provided to us through your words was an incredible blessing.

Keep pointing the glory back to the Father!

 

Transylvania University Multi-Sport Huddle

Transylvania University has kicked off its Multi-Sport Huddle for the year, and we are looking forward to seeing what the coming months have in store! This group continues to grow, and we are thankful to staff member Victoria Fragoso for her leadership on this campus and for how she is investing in the spiritual

growth of students. Keep praying that there will be an

awakening and plentiful harvest in Christ at Transy!

 

Second Street Elementary/Middle Huddle

Central Kentucky West FCA Director Bug Brown serves many schools in her area, one of which is Second Street. Last month she was able to distribute FCA Athletes' Bibles to the students in the school's Huddle. Many kids were excited to receive the first Bible they have ever owned! The opportunity to bless these children with a copy of the Word of God is a both a gift to them and us and is made possible because of generous contributions from donors like you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Your faithful partnership allows us to continue to reach coaches and athletes in our region with the Gospel and invest in their faith. Eternities are

being impacted because of touch-points such as this!

 

Guest Speakers at Sayre School FCA

The Huddle at Sayre School in Lexington has outgrown the ability to gather within their school building and now meets during their gatherings at a local event venue. What a wonderful "problem" to encounter! This photo was taken during one of their meetings in September at which the group heard from UK football players Tavion Wallace and Brock Coffman. What a privilege it is to serve this campus and help point its students to Jesus! May we steward it well, Heavenly Father!

 

Lexington Soccer Club Bible Study

Heather Summers--FCA staff member--has the blessing of serving as one of Lexington Soccer Club's chaplains for the women's team. Here they are seen having their group Bible study together led by Heather. What a wonderful opportunity this is for FCA to serve in a different capacity at the professional level! Our organizational mission is "To lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church." This avenue of ministry is a gift because it allows us to strive for exactly that: "every." We praise God for this lane of Kingdom work!

 

See You at the Pole

Thank you for joining us in praying with students for "See You at the Pole" on September 23rd! It is always such a blessing to witness young athletes intentionally gather in prayer for their schools and communities! Amongst other schools,

groups who joined in this time of prayer were Midway University, Great

Crossing High School, Elkhorn Middle School, and more.

 

We cannot wait to see what else the "Year of Evangelism"

has in store! All glory be to Christ!

How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news. But not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed our message? So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ. (Romans 10:14-17)