FCA - The Past & The Present

Last night I had the honor of speaking to the Cornell/Ithaca Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  As a high school student finding a Christian campus group was an important part of my college search and thankfully one that led me to FCA.  I remember meeting with Coach Tom Howley on my recruiting trip and being impressed with his passion for life and heart for Jesus.  Coach Howley continues to influence the lives of Cornell Athletes with his excellence in his work and the clear evidence of Christ like character. 

As a freshman at the members of FCA were very encouraging to me. I remember Mike Muccio and Brad Kahler giving me rides to events and encouraging me throughout the week.  It was there kindness that spoke so clearly to me as a freshman searching for a place to belong.  Throughout the remaining years of college I became involved in the leadership of FCA and developed my strongest friendships within the group.  It was a thrill to watch God work in people's lives during that time and the leadership experience that I gained there has severed me in many capacities.

My best friends from Cornell 

So when Coach Howley sent me a message last week asking if I could speak I didn't hesitate at all.  It was a joy to have my wife Shelly come with me this time.  The message of hope that our story represents was an encouragement to many of the members.  It was very timely for one young man who had been questioning whether waiting for a godly woman was worth it.  God has perfect timing.  We were able to pray for him and encourage him that he is on the right course.  That guy is going to be used powerfully by the Lord and one day a woman is going to be blessed to call him her husband.  We need more men like him.

It was such a joy to watch the Lord at work among the group.  They were wrestling with how to reach the campus and how to lead people into a deeper place of worship.  They were stepping out in prayer in small groups and facilitating opportunities for members to serve.  It reminded me of the same struggles that we were faced with in our time.  As we drove home afterwards I was inspired by the faithfulness of God and the hope that was represented in that room.  Thank you Lord for the opportunity just to see what you are doing there.  Coach Howley and the FCA leadership team at Cornell & Ithaca, keep up the good work!

An FCA picnic at Stewart park