When I think about what FCA has done in my life, I think less about the impact of just one person or a few people, and more about the impact of a local, national, and global community of Christ-followers and sports enthusiasts. My parents met in part through FCA, so you could even say I wouldn't be here without it!
From my days participating in the early years of FCA Flag Football in Sioux Falls, to being involved in my high school and college huddles, and now to staying connected to FCA as a coach, I feel so grateful and blessed to look back on all the ways Christ has kept hold of me through the highs and lows. He has continually shown me that the worst defeats, the most ill-advised sins, and the most discouraging failures can never separate me from His love. In the most challenging moments, I am amazed just how often Christ has used one of my peers or mentors in the FCA community to remind me of the truth that no matter where I go, Jesus remains right there with me.
This summer, my grandmother entered hospice care just as the Black Hills FCA Camp was about to begin. Prayer and consultation with relatives led my wife and I to decide to follow through on going to camp, and I cannot overstate how faithful and good God was in that difficult time. To be surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ in worship and prayer throughout that week made all the difference, and God answered our prayers to see Grandma Esther one last time before she passed the following Sunday.
As I think on the many incredible people I have encountered through FCA, I feel certain that we have all experienced those valleys of life at one time or another–those moments when the devil does all he can to make us feel that we are alone. What a blessing and privilege to be able to see that lie for what it really is! Thanks be to God for making us brothers and sisters in Christ, and thanks be to God for the work He is doing through FCA to continue to make and mold disciples of Jesus.
-Adam Presler, Jefferson High School Assistant Wrestling Coach
