Endorsing God

The ever-famous MTV program “Jersey Shore” is noted by one of it’s high profile characters named “The Situation”, aka Michael Sorrentino.  Sorrentino is best known for his abnoxious behavior, mistreatment of women, ab crunches on the beach, and sporting his Abercrombie and Fitch gear.  However, in August, A&F approached Sorrentino, offering to pay him to “shop somewhere else” so their company’s image wouldn’t be tainted.

So brings up my question to all of us…how is our reputation as Christians?  Would God want us “sporting” our Christian voice as we take the fields for game time, or walk the hallways of our schools?  Or do our Integrity, Character, and Manners taint the glory of God and get in the way of our friends following Him?  Before we go bashing and mocking guys like ‘The Situation”, let’s take a good look at ourselves.

Better yet, I challenge you to ask a friend sometime this week — “Am I a good representation of Christ?”  2 Corinthians 5:20 - “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” 

Adam Braucher
NOVA FCA Director

Prayer beyond the camp

As the 2011 Summer FCA Camp season is approaching its end, we look back with great memories, many smiles and huge praises! Watching the Lord at work in the lives of the campers anywhere from 8 to 18 years old and beyond for most of our volunteers is such a blessing for the FCA staff. We only hope that the changed lives and mountain-top experiences many campers and volunteers may have does not end during camp season. Please join us in prayer for the remaining months of summer as we lift up to the Lord all those who attended Leadership Camp, Power Camp, Salisbury Camp and next week’s Gettysburg Lacrosse Camp. Lord, May the hearts You have reached during this camp season be changed forever and constantly draw near to You in the days, months and years to come. You are Good!!! In Jesus Name, Amen. -HB

Power Camp Day #4

campers kneel down at the end of an awesome dance dance revolution session!

Power Camp keeps getting more fun! Thank you God for giving us some amazing weather, which just makes things more enjoyable!! The cheerleaders were out on the fields cheering the other sports; the soccer teams finished their world cup tournament; and the basketball tournament is going strong. Today’s theme was about why it is important to have fellowship with other followers of Jesus. Torrian Pace, former Chantilly HS graduate and Youngstown State running back, closed the day with how God has gotten him through life. Can’t wait for tomorrow. Parents day starts at 1pm in the cafeteria.  -R. Gwinn

Power Camp Day #3

This morning Tommy Corcoran, the Cedar Run Community Church Youth Director and Power Camp Wrestling Coach, spoke about what it means to have a “game changing” stance after accepting God’s gift of salvation. Coach Corcoran shared the story of Zacchaeus and how he had to get into a position to see Jesus and experience Him personally! Sam (grey shirt) told me that he really enjoys Power Camp because it…. “helps him get closer to God and keeps him out of bed all summer.”  -R. Gwinn

Power Camp Day #2

Day 2 of Power Camp was another great day. Campers wore their favorite High School clothes and enjoyed the warm day. I had the opportunity to coach the football boys on their throwing mechanics and the 3 step drop back pass. Coach Mark (green shirt) split up the basketball boys into NCAA and NBA teams for their 3 on 3 tournament. At the end of the day, FCA Staffer Heather Braucher spoke about her experiences as a college field hockey player. Heather wasn’t a Christian when she played so she challenged the campers to have a relationship with Jesus and to live out their faith on the field and off. A special thanks goes out to the Westfield HS Mom’s in Touch group for providing the snack, and thank you Coach Porter (Fairfax HS) for leading the coaches in their discussion. Campers, wear your favorite college colors tomorrow! R. Gwinn

Power Camp kicked off!

Today was an awesome first day at the Northern VA Power Camp. Members from The Journey Church opened up the first morning chapel with an introduction to the week’s theme of Game Changer: Acts 2:36, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah!” Then the 130 campers started their day of practice at one of the 8 sports offered. Some FCA Lacrosse staff visited, and Coach Helmer led the cheerleaders in practice (pictured). After two practices, snack, recreation, huddles, and a speaker (Elizabeth Gauf, a Bucknell lacrosse player) the campers are excited for the rest of the week! Don’t forget to send your camper tomorrow wearing his/her favorite high school apparel (if they have some).

Perishable Crowns, Imperishable Significance

Pictured above is Todd Lalich, who helped present Emily Esposito, Wes Stonelake and Coach Bill Gibson with the FCA West Springfield Female Athlete, Male Athlete, and Coach of the year for 2011. Photo taken at the Service Memorial for West Springfield High School  graduates who gave the ultimate gift for our community.

The Bible speaks about athletes competing for “perishable crowns,” awards that don’t last forever, often finding their way into the dumpster years later.  Yet there is significant emotional & perhaps even spiritual meaning behind every trophy or award we are given.  As Christians there is even more power in presenting awards, the ability to connect, encourage, identify, and recognize the things that matter most. When we give an award in love, not only do we help the honoree recognize what is best, pure, and blameless (Philippians 1:9-10), but we also remind ourselves to recognize it and strive for it.  As followers of Christ in a culture that is busy, stressed, and uptight, let’s stop and celebrate God’s potential and success, and victory, in as many people as we can.  Let’s give awards of all kinds, whether it’s a plaque, a trophy, or a very simple “keep it up,” “you did the right thing,” or “I’m so proud of you, that took courage!”

Charles Mann serves at Oakton’s FCA

On friday May 13th, Oakton’s FCA leaders, classmates, friends and family enjoyed an evening of food fellowship and inspiration as 4-time Super Bowl Champion and former Redskin Defensive Lineman Charles Mann shared his life and testimony. The students and guests not only heard about his battle wounds as an NFL champion, but his heart for Christ and how HE changed his life. After Charles Mann spoke, the students had an opportunity to get his autograph, introduce themselves and check out his superbowl ring! We are so grateful for the time Charles Mann took to speak into the lives of FCA’s youth, family and friends as well as the collective efforts of the FCA leaders, parents and donations from Glory Days to make this event such a success! -HB

Egghead for Jesus?

The term “egghead” usually isn’t a compliment.  But in Jon’s case it is!  After reading this hopefully you’ll want to be an “egghead” for Jesus too.  Jonathan is finishing his freshman year at Liberty.  He played Lacrosse for Edison HS, and was our scholarship award winner because of his involvement in his school’s huddle, Power Camp, and Leadership Camp.

Jonathan is looking to join NoVA FCA as an intern this summer.  Before we even finalized the deal, he was already thinking of ways to raise funds.  He asked students at Liberty to donate to FCA, and in return they’d get a chance to crack an egg on his head!  He raised about $100!  

How far are you willing to go for Jesus?  Do you care too much about yourself and your image to stand out for the Lord?  Jon’s way of raising funds not only was successful, but it was fun.  Jon reminds me of the heart of so many in the Bible we read about who were faithful to the Lord, even at the expense of their own reputation.  Jon’s actions remind me to be an “egghead” for Jesus!

Building Coaches

Coaches spent some quality time with God near the ocean.

Recently, coaches from the Mid-Atlantic region met to talk about what it means to coach Biblically, to have some solitude with the Lord, and to discuss discipleship within the athletic community. We also spent lots of time praying for each other, our communities, and our families. Here are a couple ‘take-aways’ from the weekend:

• Prayerfully choose who to invest in for growth, but he has to have strong convictions, humility, and a desire to stay on the path.
• The best work is usually done with a few
• The way to grow is by giving your life away
• Change always occurs in the presence of God
• My life needs to be a holy virus that is sustainable and will multiply
• My life shouldn’t be sin management

Please take a minute and pray for ONE coach you know! R. Gwinn