Brandon Graves was on an adventure. Having boarded a bus in Branson, Missouri, he arrived at the Greyhound Bus station in downtown Kansas City at 5:00 p.m. on a Sunday evening in June. It didn't occur to Brandon that it was Father's Day, nor did it matter that he didn't know a single soul in Kansas City. Someone was meeting him, and he was on his way to his first FCA Camp in Estes Park, Colorado.
Brandon's father, a Vietnam veteran who lost a leg in combat and won a Silver Star, succumbed to alcohol shortly before Brandon was born. When his mother couldn't take any more of her husband's anger and rage, she eventually walked out. Brandon lived with his father's meager care, and consistent abuse.
"In order to turn away from my home-life, I focused on my schoolwork and God. It wasn't long before I made nothing less than A's and knew the contents of many books of the Bible. I began to pray all the time and talk to God, like a little kid talks to an imaginary friend."
Brandon credits three teachers with "seeing something special" in him. Interestingly, each of those teachers was involved in the FCA Huddle in Brandon's school. Mrs. Daugherty recognized and encouraged Brandon in his gift for writing. Mrs. Gerlach helped him mature in his role as a leader in his Huddle, and Mr. Dolloff encouraged Brandon to go to FCA Leadership Camp, and helped him secure a camp scholarship.
"At camp my faith took a huge leap. Now, even more than ever before, I have a love for His word and a burning passion. Every speaker spoke of something in my faith that I wanted and needed, or something God was telling me I needed to get rid of."
This summer, Brandon's father kicked him out of the house, and he is living with his mother. That means he is going to a new school. More than ever Brandon will need the support of an active, FCA Huddle in his school, and caring people - coaches, teachers, volunteers, and students - who will support and encourage him. A place where students can find others who share the trials of growing up, the comfort of knowing Jesus Christ is there for them, and the adventure of discovering His love.
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is the only organization in our schools that gives students a sports club where the Bible is the game plan, and seeking its solutions to the challenges of teen life is an adventure. Huddle activities are fun, and frequently a service to the community. The Huddle is a place where relationships grow, and caring about others nurtures the heart, mind, and spirit.
Sometimes, we often see the huge challenge of spreading the gospel, and forget that sharing the love of Christ with young people, like Brandon, really is an adventure. Because FCA is volunteer intensive, and works together with the Christian community, we accomplish so much more. We give excellent value for your investment in FCA and we are thankful for the difference you have made in FCA's work. We hope you will continue to have faith in FCA's vision, and a desire to be a part of accomplishing our goals. Please help FCA "Expand the Influence" by choosing a method to give from the column on the left. Thanks again.
Consider the great potential for reaching athletes and coaches in your area by joining our Home Team.