We heard from Chaplain Adrian Depres, Conditioning Coach Dan Austin and Offensive Guard Kaleb Broome from the University of South Carolina. From the University of Nebraska Assistant Coach Ron Brown and I-Back Curenski Gileylen shared of their faith and love for God. It was overwhelming how the Lord reminded us through the testimonies of both Coach Ron Brown and Junior Kaleb Broome whom had been adopted of our ultimate adoption by our heavenly Father.

We finished with Keynote Speaker Ken Smith who shared a story of a young autistic boy who was in his church’s play. Because of his disability, the only role he had that the teachers thought he could not mess up was to deny Joseph and Mary from the inn. All he had to do was say “there is no room in the inn”. But this young boy just could not do it! Instead of denying them he said, “Jesus must have a room…you can have my room”. Clearly the play was thrown off track, but the young boy got it completely right; we should always make room in our “inn” for Jesus.

Our annual golf tournament was hosted at the Mission Inn Resort and served as a special “thank you” to our Olympian Sponsors and financial partners whom give from their hearts to see our community impacted for Christ. There is no doubt that FCA would not be able to operate and do what the Lord has commissioned us to do without these community leaders.

Jeff Duke, our Keynote Speaker opened our eyes to how truly important the work of mentoring our coaches has become. A poll of one of our local high school football teams, found that 68% of the athletes lived in a fatherless home. Therefore, by default coach represents the father figure in many of their lives. So the question arises again, “who is mentoring the coach”? FCA!  Visit our new website to find out how you can join our team.

But the celebration did not stop there. Shortly thereafter, we hosted our annual Christmas where past and present board members, staff, honored coaches and students were able to fellowship and recap on the great things the Lord has and is doing in our communities. We were blessed with the coaches and athletes from Lake Mary High School and their testimony of how during one of the toughest times in a young athletes life, the Lake Mary coach was not only able but also willing to step in and mentor them through. There is nothing better than when people come together, with one purpose….to see every community, every campus and every sideline filled with those ready and willing to serve. We praise God for all He did in 2011, but know that even greater things, greater community partnerships are yet to come. Don’t miss out in 2012…..stay connected with FCA.

Every year, the Central Florida FCA Chapter has the privilege of honoring one individual with the Henry H. Stuart award. This award honors one who has exemplified Christ-like servitude in order to advance the Kingdom in their community and through FCA. This year our recipient was Christopher King. Christopher King has served as the Leadership Board Chairman for the Central Florida Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is a current Board Member of the Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation. He also serves as a Board Director of the Social Enterprise Fund, a philanthropic effort to support social entrepreneurship in Haiti and Nicaragua to create jobs, feed families and elevate hope and opportunity. Christopher was the driving force behind securing a grant to fund the development of the Central Florida FCA Urban Initiative.

This year’s theme is Gamechanger: Make a Play and is based on Acts 2:36. Gamechanger examines four key relationships that every Christian must engage in to become a Gamechanger: relationship with Christ, relationship with yourself, relationship with other Christians and relationship with the world. This powerful training will challenge campers to grow in their sport and become a Gamechanger in their own lives.

We recognize that FCA Camp is not possible without the hearts and hands of many volunteers, donors and staff who sacrifice their time, resources and talents each year at camp. They are the ultimate Gamechangers! We at Central Florida FCA are thankful for you, our faithful teammates who partner with us to provide athletes and coaches the opportunity to reach their God-given potential by offering comprehensive athletic, spiritual and leadership training in a camp environment.

This year, 1856 campers were trained at camps. At these camps, 169 people made first-time commitments to Jesus Christ. We are praying for even more Gamechanging decisions in 2012.

1614 Central Florida Students Attended Camp

242 Central Florida Coaches and Spouses Attended Camp

53 Central Florida Volunteers Assisted with Camp

64 Central Florida Students re-dedicated their lives to Christ

Now that is something to celebrate!