To GOD be the GLORY!

Brian Mitchell — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Well, we continue to hit the ground running as FCA Ministry is spreading and making an impact on our school campuses, coaches and communities. I am grateful for God's favor with us as HE continues to open doors for us to minister. I also am mindful that all that we do and that we are blessed with is for HIS Glory. I recently spoke at a FCA Huddle at Crane High School. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 it talks about our gifts,

"There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all."

I shared with them that our gifts are:

G - God Given

I - Individually made for you

F - For HIS glory

T - Team Buidling

S - Selfless

As I spoke to them it was a gentle reminder for myself to keep things in perspective in relation to the favor we are being shown. KEEP GOD FIRST! IT'S NOT ABOUT US!

NAIA Division II Mens Basketball Tournament

We were presented the opportunity to serve as chaplain for the NAIA Tournament again this year. What a great tournament it was for FCA Ministry. We kicked off our time with a FCA Coaches Fellowship Breakfast with Marvin Daniels from Kids Across America speaking. Throughout the tournament we provided prayer support, pre game devotions and support to players and coaches.

FCA Christian Athlete of the Year Banquet

On March 31 we had our FCA Banquet where we recognized some area athletes for there Christ like character and athletic achievements. It was well attended with 17 table sponsors and 144 people. Joe White with Kanakuk Kamps was our guest speaker. At the end of the evening Wyatt Stephens Galena High School and Haylee Kell Houston High School were named Male and Female Athletes of the Year. They were each awarded a $1000 scholarship. Wyatt will be attending Hannibal LaGrange University playing basketball and Haylee will be attending Central Methodist University playing volleyball.

FCA Leadership Camp

On July 2-7 at Point 11 on Table Rock Lake we will be hosting our 3 FCA Leadership Camp. Enrollment is steady with almost 100 kids preregistered. Lee Rouson from the New York Giants will be our chaplain for the week. Worship will be led by Jon Gray. This week will provide a unbelievable opportunity for our student athletes to learn how to organize, lead and implement new ideas into their FCA Huddle Ministry on their school campus. "In the Zone" is this years theme from Ephesians 3:20, “Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think—according to the power that works in you”

Ministry Update

Campus Ministry - 1114

Coaches Bible Studies - 4 Studies and 32 Coaches

Special Events - 319

Certified Huddles - 32

Please take the time to follow us on TWITTER @SOCentralMOFCA

Be blessed and have a great Spring!

Winter Update

Brian Mitchell — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT

What a great first of the year it has been with South Central MO FCA! We continued our Coaches Bible Studies by diving deep into 1 Corinthians 9-10. It is such a blessing to spend time with our coaches and studying the word of God with them. I feel like we are all growing and each week God always has a relevant message that is exactly what needs to be heard.

Our Chapel Service is in full swing by providing Pre Game Devotions to the Men's Basketball Team at College of the Ozarks. I enjoy the opportunity to spend time with the team. Thanks to Joe White, Ward Wiebe, Brad Dolloff and Marvin Daniels in partnering with us when I couldn't be there. What a blessing they have been! Ricky Jimmerson and Bruce Morgan from Kids Across America will be helping us out later on this season.

We had the opportunity to partner with Ava, Blue Eye, Crane, Hollister and Reeds Spring Schools by bringing in former New York Giant Running Back Lee Rouson. In 3 days Lee spoke to over 3500 students about bullying and challenged the students to ask their self the question, "WHO ARE YOU?" The responses we got back from the schools and students were very positive.

Recently we held our 3rd Annual FCA/Cantina Laredo Night with the Bobcats and Lady Bobcats. Following the C of O Women's and Men's Basketball Game, 200 people joined the teams and coaches for a catered Cantina Laredo Fajita Dinner. Thank you to Chris Lemons of Cantina Laredo and the College of the Ozarks for their support of FCA.

Thank you for all your prayers and support of South Central MO FCA! God is growing the ministry and we are so excited that each week over 1200 students, athletes and coaches get a chance to fellowship with each other in their Huddle or Bible Study.

Many God continue to bless you!

HEART

Brian Mitchell — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

A GREAT Semester for FCA!

Brian Mitchell — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Well, it has been awhile and I do apologize! It has been an incredible semester of ministry for South Central MO FCA. God is working in a big way through FCA as we are seeing our coaches, students and athletes continuing to step up in their schools and make a difference. It is fun to see a player motivated by his/her relationship with God and how their play CAN glorify HIM! A Coach who is building his/her team around the foundation of Christ or implementing a Team Bible Study after practice. Schools who are seeking help by using FCA Resources that are giving them different ideas on how to handle difficult social issues. I have not been more excited about the ministry of FCA and what it is doing.

"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

1 Timothly 4:12

FCA Summit 2011 "In the Light" was a huge success as 389 students, athletes and coaches on November 19 came to the campus of College of the Ozarks and enjoyed a day full of worship, breakouts, games and speakers. The crowd was moved by Jimmy Cummings and his band who led worship throughout the day! Devon McDonald former Indianapolis Colt was our keynote speaker and brought some great words of wisdom about sharing your witness. He also shared his thoughts about purity with the guys. The girls also had the opportunity to hear some great information on purity from Alexis Ware former Texas Teach Basketball Player. We organized some time for our coaches as well and Jason Reinsch, College of the Ozarks baseball coach led those breakouts. Our 20 College Huddle Leaders got the chance to spend some quality time with their groups and help the High School and Jr High kids understand how to be a light in their school and be the best at sharing their witness. The day concluded with a trip to Silver Dollar City.

On December 10 we hosted our 2nd Annual FCA "In the Huddle" Event featuring JJ Heller and her husband Dave. The evening started off in the Family Life Center at FBC Branson with a dinner catered by our friends from Florentinas followed by dessert from Cold Stone Creamery. After everyone finished we made our way down to "The Well" Coffeehouse in the basement of FBC Branson where JJ Heller, contemporary christian artist did a 45 minute concert for 124 people. The event was organized to raise awareness about the work being done by FCA in South Central MO. Jimmy Funderburk, Board Chairman and Don Hoeck, Board Member announced the 50/$50 Campaign inviting individuals, couples or families to pledge to $50 a month to South Central MO FCA and be a apart of the "Home Team" If you are interested in helping South Central MO FCA reach it's goal of 50 NEW donors, go to our website www.socentralmofca.org and click on funding then monthly donation. The ministry of FCA in South Central MO is getting so close to reaching it's monthly budget by residual gifts. Thanks for your help!

Our goal is to keep you informed with everything that is going on with FCA so we have begun using Tweeter! Please take the time to set up a Tweeter account by going to www.tweeter.com and then follow us @SOCentralMOFCA!

1189 students, athletes and coaches each week in Campus Minstry

30+ coaches in 4 Bible Studies a week

11 Counties and 88 Schools

Going Strong in the Fall of 2011

Brian Mitchell — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Here at South Central MO FCA we are enjoying the fruits of our labor by seeing the ministry exploding with wonderful stories from our Campus Ministry this Fall. Recently our Huddle Leaders and student athletes met at the See you at the Pole event which is held each year. Most See you at the Pole events in our area are sponsored by the FCA Huddle in their schools. Read below the excitement of one of our Huddle Coaches:

"I just wanted to share the blessing I had this morning at the SYATP. We had the biggest turn out that I can remember! One count was about 45 kids with some coming in late and about the same number of adults. One of the kids led a couple of praise songs, a local pastor shared some thoughts, and one of our FCA members closed with prayer. The local church then served sausage biscuits, donuts and drinks. A great morning!!"

I sit her overwhelmed by God's love and grace for us and how HE will use us to glorify HIM if we are obedient to HIS calling on our life.

"God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."

1 Corinthians 1:9

FCA SUMMIT 2011

VIDEO LINK: http://youtu.be//ep71JArMaSk

A Pastors/Youth Pastors Appreciation Luncheon will be held on October 27, 2011 from 11:30am - 1:00pm at the Youngman Agricultural Building on the campus of College of the Ozarks. This FREE lunch will give us an opportunity to share with the area Pastors and Youth Pastors what FCA is doing in the area and also give us chance to see how we can work together.

FCA MISSION

"To present to athletes and coaches and all whom they influence the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving HIM in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church."

Per a request from our Coaches we will be hosting on our website a "Coaches Fuel Daily Devotion" in conjunction with Joe White and Kanakuk Kamps. Joe has a video based daily devotion that he is pushing out now and we are going to use his content and place it on our website for our coaches so that they are able to comment and communicate with other coaches about the devotion and how it is impacting their life. They will be able to subscribe to the devotion just as people subscribe to this Blog and it will be sent out to them on a daily basis via email. We are excited and grateful for the partnership with Joe White and Kanakuk Kamps in supplying our coaches with a daily devotion. Here is a sample of what our coaches will get each day:

Fuel Up John 7:14-18 from Joe White on Vimeo.

Click on Link to view video: http://vimeo.com/26698076

When the project is finished the coach will receive the video, questions and a section where the coaches can interact about the devotion.

Thank you for supporting South Central MO FCA. Already this fall we are reaching over 1200 student athletes a week with our Campus Ministry and hosting 4 Bible Studies a week for our area coaches. Please keep us in your prayers and know that we are grateful for all that you do for FCA. May God bless you!

Let's get going!

Brian Mitchell — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Well the summer has flown by and it was a great 2 1/2 months for FCA. We saw kids saved and leaders strengthened through our FCA Camp at Point 11, teams encouraged and built up through the Team FCA program and many more opportunities were presented to us to share the vision of FCA.

"Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is truly plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

Matthew 9:37-38

It is a blessing to be chosen by God to lead and work in this ministry of FCA. I become more excited for this Fall as I begin to talk to coaches and receive emails from students who are eager to begin their campus ministry or begin a new campus ministry at their school. The opportunity has not been greater for us to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

On Tuesday August 16 we held our 3rd Annual Coaches Breakfast sponsored by Clell Wade Coaches Directory. Over 60 Coaches and business leaders joined us at C of O to hear Patrick Baldwin, Men's Asst. Basketball Coach for Missouri State University share a message about humility, charity and being a coach. Coach Baldwin did a wonderful job sharing stories and most importantly letting the group know how he has allowed his relationship with Jesus Christ lead and influence his family, players and teams.

Next week we kick off our 3 Coaches Bible Studies and most of our Huddles begin meeting. Be praying for South Central MO FCA as we begin our new season of ministry. Thank you for your support! Blessings to you all

Cherishing Relationships

Brian Mitchell — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

A big part of what I do for FCA is building relationships with our students, athletes, coaches and those who volunteer or give to the ministry of FCA. It is a blessing to have the opportunity to get to know people better and genuinely invest into their lives. These last two weeks have been fun because I have had a chance to catch up with coaches at summer tournaments, shootouts, camps, ect while my kids are participating in them. I was with my son and daughter for a couple of days at the University of Kansas. It has been a blessing in many ways to have a longstanding relationship with the Men's Basketball Department. One of the dearest people I know is Joanie Stephens who has served as the Administrative Assistant for Roy Williams and now Bill Self. As Joanie and I were visiting my son was standing with us and listening to us share stories. We shared alot of laughter and some tears with everything that has happened in those 16 years. It was made very clear to me during our conversation that it is our responsibility to take care and pass on the legacy of relationships entrusted to us from God.

In 1 Peter 3:10-12 it says:

"For He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it; for the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

I am grateful that I have grown to cherish relationships and to take the time to invest in them. The foundation that South Central MO FCA is being built on is strong and genuine relationships with our coaches, students, athletes and donors. It is my prayer that we continue to keep the legacy of relationships that we have healthy and strong.

Please feel free to share our website www.socentralmofca.org to all you know and encourage them to sign up for the "In the Huddle Blog". God bless you!

Praying for Eastern Oregon University

Brian Mitchell — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

I had the blessing of serving as Chaplain for the Division II Men's NAIA Basketball Tournament on the campus of College of the Ozarks, Point Lookout MO in March. Also, good friend Kris Davison of McDonalds ask FCA to partner with them as Honorary Coaches. This year we drew Eastern Oregon University as our team. Head Coach Issac Williams, his staff and players were a joy to be around and to serve. Coach Williams called me Monday night and let me know that Hailey Pearce Head Volleyball Coach had passed away from a car accident. Please keep her family, players and EOU in your prayers.

Car Accident Claims Life of EOU's Head Volleyball Coach

Barrett Henderson, Assistant Athletic Director

Email to a Friend | Print

7/19/2011 3:02:00 PM

LA GRANDE, Ore. (EOU) -- Hailey Pearce, head volleyball coach at Eastern Oregon University, died Monday as the result of a motor vehicle accident.

“Hailey made an immediate impact at our university and in the Cascade Collegiate Conference,” EOU Athletic Director, Rob Cashell said. “She was a fantastic coach and more importantly a wonderful person. Our players, staff and everyone who knew her all feel a great loss.”

Pearce joined EOU's coaching staff in 2010. Prior to that she was an assistant coach at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Mont., her alma mater. Coming to EOU was a return “home” for Pearce, who grew up in Walla Walla and has family throughout the area.

Members of the university community were notified of Pearce's death this morning and urged to keep her family in their thoughts and prayers. A scholarship fund has been established in her memory. Individuals wishing to support the fund should direct their contributions to the EOU Foundation and indicate the Hailey Pearce Memorial Scholarship.

For additional information contact University Advancement at 541-962-3740.

Eastern Oregon University serves students and communities throughout Oregon with a special focus on rural, regional and distance learning. Programs are delivered on campus, online and onsite in La Grande and at 16 regional centers and include; liberal arts, business, education and cooperative programs in agriculture, nursing and dental hygiene

Grateful for the Opportunities

Brian Mitchell — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Last week I was given the opportunity to work with Coach Steve Shepherd and his C of O Basketball Camp. This was the second year that we have been given the opportunity to implement FCA Devotions, videos and encouragement to the boys attending camp and to the coaches instructing camp. We also made available FCA God's Game Plan Bibles and 46 boys took advantage of receiving a bible. 124 boys from 7-12 Grade attended the camp. It is always a blessing to serve along side Coach Steve Shepherd and his staff.

We have secured our main speaker for the FCA Summit coming up in November. Devon McDonald played with the Indianapolis Colts from 1993–95, Arizona Cardinals from 1995–96 and the Tampa Bay Storm from 2000–02. He played Outside Linebacker and attended the University of Notre Dame. While at Notre Dame he was a National Champion in 1988, Team Captain in 1992, All-American HM in 1992 and MVP of the Cotton Bowl in 1993. While with the Colts he was named "Unsung Hero of the Year" by the Colts fans in 1993 and Colts Special Team Player of the Year in 1994. It was a blessing to get the opportunity to work along side Devon while I served as Midwest Regional Director for Sports World Ministries. Devon will bring passion, encouragement and an unbelievable message to our students, athletes and coaches at this years FCA Summit "In the Light"

The Forsyth Girls Basketball Team and Coaching Staff took on the Team FCA Challenge by going through 9 elements of the Challenge Course at Pt. 11. It was a great day as the girls and coaches approached each element with confidence and as a team they completed each element. The girls appreciated the fact that they learned to communicate better, work through strengths and weaknesses as a team and learned more about their teammates by doing the Team FCA Challenge. This was the 5th Team this summer that we have had the opportunity to work with. Way to go Lady Panthers!

Thanks for supporting South Central MO FCA. God is moving in our area in a mighty way. Please continue to keep us lifted up in prayer. Please share our website www.socentralmofca.org and Blog to anyone who would be interested in learning more about what FCA is doing. Blessings to you all.

In the Light

Brian Mitchell — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

One of the many blessings of living on the Lake south of Branson are the great places to have quiet time with the Lord. I have been in constant prayer about our theme for this years FCA Summit being held November 18-20, 2011. In 1 John 1:7 it says, "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." Through the meditation of this verse and a desire to teach our students, athletes and coaches to use their influence to be a light for their school, this years theme is "In the Light" Final details about this years Summit will be ready for the schools in August.

Last Thursday I got the chance to spend some time with Branson Coach Casey Carpenter and 20 of his Jr High Kids. We took the kids through the Team FCA Challenge Course at Point 11. Even though the rain delayed us a bit the groups were able to get through many of the elements. It was great to see them learn how to communicate with one another in a tough situation and help one another physically through the course. On July 18 we will be taking the Forsyth Girls Basketball Team through the course.

Thank you to all of you who support South Central MO FCA. Please feel free to pass along our website address www.socentralmofca.org and direct them to our Blog. God bless you!

Ozark Mountain Legacy, Coaches Golf Outing and Misc.

Brian Mitchell — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

It was such a blessing to be asked to be a part of a Ozark Mountian Legacy Youth Charter Meeting. Within this group we discussed the "Youth Culture" as we see it in our specific areas of work and ministry. The vision for the meeting was to become more intentional and cooperative in helping our young people, build a stronger sense of purpose and experience a greater sense of community and community values and become the most effective future leaders of our area and of our country. Other meetings will be held along with discussion on how we can implement tools to help our youth to have a positive impact on the community as they grow to be our future leaders.

A group of 6 Forsyth Coaches and myself enjoyed a FCA Coaches Golf Outing at Holiday Hills in Branson. It was nice to spend time with the group of coaches who were involved in our FCA Bible Study during the school year. Early in the round of golf I got the blessing of seeing Jim Voliva, Head Girls Basketball Coach hit a hole in one!

I know that some of you when receiving the Blogs via email arent receiving the videos and pictures. To see the pictures and watch the videos you can do two things: 1. Just click on the Blog Title and it will take you to the origianal Blog entry which will have the videos and pictures. 2. In the future I will include a link for you to click on to see the videos. For the last two videos I have placed the links below. Enjoy your 4th and may God Bless You!

Wayne Simien - http://youtu.be/5_yWgOv2oes

FCA Camp Video - http://youtu.be/4Pqrlzy7hjQ

Southern MO FCA Leadership Camp 2011 VIDEO

Brian Mitchell — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Music Credit to Tedashii, Lecrae and Sons and Daughters.

FCA, Basketball Camp and Friends

Brian Mitchell — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Last week I got the opportunity to serve along side Head Men's Basketball Coach Steve Shepherd and his camp staff at the Bobcat Basketball Camp held on the campus of College of the Ozarks. Each day 76 campers were challenged with a devotion in the morning and spiritually based videos were shown in the afternoon and evenings with follow up . It was great to be available to answer any questions about the devotions and videos and get the chance to fellowship with the coaches from the area and some members of the C of O Men's Basketball Team. During the 3 days of camp we also made available the "God's Game Plan Athlete's Bible". Over a dozen boys took advantage of receiving a bible. Here is one of the videos shown at one of our sessions.

What a blessing it was to catch up with some friends from Iowa, Kansas and Mississippi who support South Central MO FCA. Each of these families were in town enjoying the ministry of Kanakuk and KAA. Thanks to all of you who support us in the work that we do with our students, athletes and coaches.

I am finishing up a highlight video from this years FCA Leadership Camp. This will be posted soon. Have a great week and may God Bless You!

FCA Camp and Planning

Brian Mitchell — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMT

What a blessing it was to serve as Camp Director for FCA Camp again this summer. Over 100 campers and coaches joined us at Point 11 a former Kanakuk Kamp located on beautiful Table Rock Lake. Campers had the opportunity to do Tree Tops, swim, canoe, kayak, play any kind of sport they wanted and participate in many Cabin Competitions. This years theme was Game Changer from Acts 2:36. The Campers were challenged and reminded each day of their relationship with Jesus Christ, relationship with self, relationship with others and how they can take all of that to impact the world for Christ! At weeks end 22 campers rededicated their life to Christ and 6 received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior for the first time. A huge thank you to Michael Boggs for leading worship and to our speakers: Marvin Daniels, Ward Wiebe, Dana Thomas and Matt Houston. A special thanks to the Point 11 Staff for serving us. What a blessing it was to see our Huddle Leaders die to themselves each day and pour into the campers! Way to go Colby, Jesse, Jose, Caleb, Kellye, Courtney, Lora, Shelby, Carlie, Haley and Kayla. We kept our Camp Nurse Leigh Jewell busy as well. Great job! Planning has begun for our 3rd Annual Coaches Breakfast being held at the College of the Ozarks. Last year we had over 80 in attendance. Within the next 30 days we will be announcing this years FCA Summit theme. We will be partnering with College of the Ozarks and Silver Dollar City again this year.

FCA Golf Classic

Brian Mitchell — Thu, 26 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Thanks to all of you who braved the weather on May 20 and helped us finish up our 3rd Annual Golf Classic held at Murder Rock Golf and Country Club. We appreciate your support of South Central MO FCA!

In two weeks students, athletes and coaches will join us at Point 11 from June 6-11, 2011 for the Southern MO FCA Leadership Camp. If you are interested in joining us for camp click on the Camp tab above.

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