West Alabama FCA Blog

From WEST Alabama to EAST Africa

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:38:15 GMT

Relationships for Life

Last year God laid the word, "SURRENDER" on my heart. Through that call to surrender, God connected me to Moses, a brother in Christ who resides in Eldoret, Kenya. Over the course of 2025, West Alabama FCA has been able to travel to Kenya twice! The first time we helped Moses train staff who help facilitate FCA sports camps in Eldoret. That trip happened in preparation for the camp season. And in December, we took a team back to Africa to participate in one of the sports camps during the dry season in Eldoret.

On December 4, Chris Greene, Mark Hughes, Jason Walker and myself left Tuscaloosa. We met up with Aimee Breeland, who was already in Nairobi with an FCA team from North Alabama. In addition to our incredible local team, we reconnected with a former coach from the West Alabama area, Ben Machen. Ben and his wife are stationed in Eldoret, while Ben serves as a missionary pilot with Samaritan's Purse. The timing of our trip allowed Ben to serve alongside us for a week. Our team worked with students of all ages, cultivating their basketball and soccer skills. Moses also asked our team to introduce the sport of American flag football. It was pure joy getting to teach the game of football to talented athletes who had never been exposed to the game. At the beginning, they handled the football like they were playing a game of "hot potato." By the end of camp, we wished we could bring some of the football players back to the States with us!

The students participating in the camp were exposed to the Gospel daily. The team took every opportunity to build relationships and discovered ways to pray and support both the students and coaches. These relationships traveled home with our team and have led to conversations of future trips.

West Alabama FCA has a goal to send a team annually to help with the sports camps in Eldoret. Maybe you will find yourself part of one of those future trips!

Kenya Stole My Heart

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 00:06:17 GMT

FCA on Mission in Kenya

I was hesitant about traveling to East Africa, but Shonda kept telling me that I would never be the same after going. She was correct! I saw brothers and sisters in Christ seeking after God with all their hearts. The depth of their walks is now a constant challenge to me as I study God's word. The kindness of the people of Kenya rivaled the best of Southern hospitality.

We were blessed to meet with the FCA staff throughout East Africa to worship and study best practices in ministry. We learned about their needs in ministry as they seek to spread the Gospel on travel teams and through sports-related camps.

We spent hours with university students who have a hunger for God's word. They prioritize worship and prayer. They shared their passionate pursuit of avenues to share the Gospel with others in their sphere of influence. One young lady shared that God was prompting her to minister to the younger siblings who sit on the sidelines waiting on their caretakers, who are the competing athletes. She will begin offering art lessons to younger siblings as they wait on their older siblings to finish practices and games.

I returned from Kenya with a heart full of joy and sixteen brothers and sisters who I pray for regularly. I also formed a deep bond with the FCA team from Alabama, who I serve with stateside. I am grateful for the opportunity to partner with FCA in international missions, and I am looking for ways that West Alabama FCA can continue this partnership.

My heart and my walk will never be the same! -Jon

A POWERFUL GIFT

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 05:26:00 GMT

A POWERFUL Illustration of the FREE Gift of Salvation

As a coach, I can say that coaches can be hard to "crack." Everyone wants something from them. Everyone has opinions to give them. Rarely are things given to coaches without the expectation of something in return. So when one of the founders of TURTLEBOX calls and wants to GIVE speakers to my coaches, I was overwhelmed with gratitude! TURTLEBOX is of one of the most powerful, versatile, and rugged outdoor speakers on the market. And in addition to being the highest of quality product, one of the company's four founders was my former athlete. (Proud is an understatement)

"We believe that Turtlebox belongs on fields and in training centers, helping athletes stay motivated and work hard towards their goals. We also believe that music brings people together. It’s a universal language. When we look at a group like FCA, who’s working towards building connections with coaches and athletes, we can’t think of a better way to help facilitate that than by handing out speakers. In turn, we hope this leads to more conversations about the hope of Jesus in the sports arena." -J. McKenzie

The texts and responses from coaches to this gift have been unbelievable! The idea that they were given a gift, of highest quality, with no strings attached, was almost unfathomable. . . . But then it hit me! Isn't that the very thing FCA aims to illustrate to coaches and athletes? God desires to give us a gift, of highest quality, with no strings attached. He seeks after us, hoping we will accept His gift of eternal life. Jesus Christ made the payment of our sin by giving his life on the cross, in order that we might have abundant life, now and forever.

We are so grateful to Turtlebox for the company's generosity to West Alabama FCA and its continued friendship. To learn more about this incredible company and to get a TURTLEBOX of your own, visit turtleboxaudio.com .

Serving Selma

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 05:19:23 GMT

Serving Selma Together

Meet Coach Curtis Graves. Coach Graves was the very first coach who welcomed me to serve alongside him and his athletes at Holt High School over 5 years ago. Coach Graves now teaches and coaches at Selma High School, which is also in the West Alabama FCA territory. His faithful friendship opened a door for FCA to serve the needs in Selma after the recent tornadoes swept through this community.

Romans 8:28 reminds us that God can accomplish good out of all things. The devastation in Selma, Alabama was not good. But God can use all things in our lives for our growth and His glory .

FCA student leaders in Tuscaloosa learned of the need and stepped up to begin collecting donations to share with our brothers and sisters in Selma. Hear the hearts of two FCA leaders at American Christian Academy in Tuscaloosa:

Courts of Praise, 2022

sguthrie@fca.org (Shonda Guthrie) — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 16:13:20 GMT

2022 . . . The Year that Fields of Faith turned into Courts of Praise

This annual, international event is one that blesses so many lives each year. It is hard to determine who receives the greater blessing--those who serve or those who are served. For three years, West Alabama FCA has partnered with churches across the Tuscaloosa area to host a night of community fellowship and worship. This year, churches set up booths that served hot dogs, chips, cookies, and drinks to all guests. We had more hot dogs than participants, but the showing of support by all those who served was a blessing alone! Watching the conversations before and after the event, it was evident that the body of Christ was encouraged by serving together. Some donated, some cooked, some served, some welcomed, some delivered a message, some counseled, some cleaned up the trash. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 reminds us that the body of Christ is made up of many members, all who have an important role to furthering the Kingdom of Heaven and representing Christ on earth.

Thank you to the Body of Christ for partnering with West Alabama FCA in another event, whose mission was to See the world transformed by Jesus Christ, through the influence of coaches and athletes.

The Miles Were Worth It!

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 00:14:59 GMT

"It was a long way to Texas A&M, but the miles were worth it!"

- West Alabama FCA Camper

Fifteen student-athletes and five sponsors took off on a long journey to attend the 2nd largest FCA Sports camp in the nation at Texas A&M in College Station, Texas. Along the way, we toured 3 different colleges, including University of West Alabama, Louisiana Tech, and Prairie View A&M. After twelve hours on the road, we stopped at Brenham's First Baptist Church for some late night basketball and a night of rest. The next morning brought the smell of breakfast casserole, Texas kolaches, and biscuits provided by my dad's Sunday School class. With full bellies, we finished our journey to College Station to begin camp! Our student-athletes were met with music, the smiling faces of staff and huddle leaders, and the excitement of other campers. FCA sports camp boast two daily sessions of 3-hour skill development and practices in the focus sport of each athlete in attendance. Time was set aside to model daily devotions, and nightly worship was the highlight for many of our campers. Huddles were formed from within each sport and age group. These huddles spent time together over meals, breaks, and met after nightly worship to discuss the message. We returned fifteen tired kids on July 3, but each student-athlete came back richer than they left! Their new wealth consists of friendships, biblical truth, new experiences, and the hope and joy we can only have through knowing Jesus. Out of 460 campers, 149 decisions were made to either follow Jesus for the first time or commit to following Jesus with more depth than ever before. Thank you for your investment that allowed us to give fifteen athletes a sports experience like none other!

Over the Edge

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 01:44:34 GMT

"You wanna climb down the tallest building in T-Town to raise money to send kids to camp this summer?"

FCA Bowl

Sat, 15 Jan 2022 02:27:07 GMT

Seeing the ACA high school athletes willingly step into a role model position where they model following Jesus to future generations has been incredible!

The success and benefits of the first FCA Bowl in our area, organized and facilitated by Coach McGee and the ACA FCA student-athletes this last fall semester, have been incredible. So many young kids, boys and girls, got to learn from the players and cheerleaders that they look up to. It was clear that the young kids had a blast! But we think it's safe to say that the "big kids" had just as much, if not more, fun as they got to coach, direct and lead their little buddies in games or cheers, but most importantly in faith.

High school athletes often serve as role models for their younger peers, whether they want to or not. Seeing the ACA high school athletes willingly step into a role model position where they modeled following Jesus to future generations was incredible!

Read more about this unique program and hear from Coach McGee himself, her e . What a blessing Coach McGee, ACA Strength Coach and FCA Huddle Leader, is to the ministry of West Alabama FCA. At the heart of FCA are coaches who are willing to serve their athletes, and communities, in the most important race of each of our lives, the race of faith.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Hebrews 12:1-2

Coaches' Wives Minis-Tea

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 13:18:12 GMT

Christie shares some insight into the unique challenges and blessings of being a coach's wife.

Being a coach’s wife is a unique role, especially when you’re the wife of a head coach in one sport and an assistant in another. Although it can be tough, it’s so rewarding to watch my husband be such a great mentor. As a coach’s wife, when you really dig into the sport that they coach, it also becomes part of your life. Those running backs become like your sons and the softball players are like your daughters. I don’t think of it as time away from our family, I think of it as we are gaining a family that we get to watch grow.

Attending the FCA "minis-tea" affirmed all these things for me. To know that there are other wives out there who went through the same struggles, but also came to the same realizations, was a game changer for me. I was literally brought to tears when some of them spoke about their experiences and even prayed over our personal families. It brought about a connection that I haven’t really experienced before. It was real and it was honest. It’s not always easy and sometimes I want to throw in the towel on sports, but I can’t. It changes lives!! It has changed our lives. I hope that there are many more FCA wife meetings that can reach even more coach’s wives and that these wives can see the importance of having a coaching “family” that they can depend on. This should not be something you do alone. I’m so glad I was invited to this event and I can’t wait to see where this program takes us. GO PATS!

Christie Swinney

FCA Running Camp Testimonials

Sat, 14 Aug 2021 11:24:58 GMT

FCA Camp from the Eyes of a Coach and Camper

Through the Eyes of a Coach

Hello! My name is Sarah Kelley, and I attended the FCA running camp as a coach with our cross country boys and girls teams a few weeks ago. In all honesty, I was not expecting a lot to come from our four days at this camp. The camp dates also fell on some difficult days in my schedule, and I was extremely close to backing out and not going. However, I am so thankful that I did go because the Lord overwhelmed me with His presence and faithfulness to the kids and myself.

Prior to camp, I had been in a season (because of COVID) of extreme isolation for over a year. I have had to do school online, my husband was away for work for almost seven months, and meeting with friends and groups was challenging. It had been a while since I had experienced deep fellowship with other believers. One of the ways the Lord ministered to me during my time at camp was through the community and fellowship with other coaches and adult staff. I walked away from that time refreshed and encouraged in my walk with the Lord.

I was also encouraged by seeing how the Lord worked in the lives of our athletes. His Spirit moved and worked in our kids' hearts, and I had the pleasure of witnessing the power and presence of His Spirit not only during worship but also during the other activities of the day. I was encouraged and motivated to continue to look for ways to show our kids Christ after camp. I have a unique opportunity to work with these kids on a weekly basis at our workouts. I am looking forward to seeing how the Lord continues to work in their lives and I am excited to continue to show the love of Christ to them in creative and more intentional ways this next year.

I am so thankful that I was able to attend camp this summer. The Lord refreshed and encouraged me in ways I didn't even know that I needed. I am incredibly grateful to the people who sacrificed so much to sponsor some of the team to attend. Thank you for your gift and your faithfulness to the Lord! I pray that the Lord will bless you for your diligence to Him.

Much Love,

Sarah Kelley

Through the Eyes of a Camper

FCA running camp was a fantastic experience, of which God used to work in my life and the lives of my teammates. In addition, I interacted with many other runners who love the Lord, and I had a ton of fun being with them.

During huddle time (bible study time), I was with a small group of girls and an older college student leader who led us in our study during our time at camp. Something in particular that stuck out to me, that my leader said was, "You need to share your convictions and struggles with others." I'm the kind of person who wants to keep that stuff locked in a closet where it can't be seen. I don't want to talk about those past things. However, our leader shared something personal that she wrestled with in her past. She said she held it in for a long time until God prompted her to share her convictions with one of her close Godly friends. Her friend was able to work through it with her, and she no longer had to carry the burden of her sin alone.

The day before the last day at camp was a pivotal day for me. In hindsight, God's plan was so perfect and precise. During breakout time, all of the athletes were able to choose a lecture to attend. The lectures were on different topics. That day, I decided to attend the Females Only class and what was discussed was not what I was expecting. The teacher talked about confessing our convictions and not hiding/shutting the door on painful past things.

That night at the chapel, the pastor taught on pursuing team. One thing he said that hit me was that "You can't go through life on your own." He shared about the importance of confessing to other believers. He also talked about how if our struggles and sins are in the light, we can fight it, but the enemy can control it if it is in the dark. The worship afterward was intense. You could feel God's Spirit moving throughout the room. As a whole, my entire team was moved by the Lord that night.

Later that night, our girls' team got together to talk, and I confessed something to them that I had locked away for three years. It was as if a weight was being taken off my shoulders; I no longer had to carry that burden on my own. We confessed to each other, cried together, and loved on one another. Because God’s Spirit moved at this camp and we were able to go to this camp, our girls' team grew closer to each other and to Christ. It was an experience that nothing can compare to; a small taste of heaven. We were able to worship and pray together, with confidence, among other Christians. God worked miracles and opened hearts at this camp.

This camp was a 10 out of 10, and it would be something I would love to have the pleasure of doing again. I praise God for the people who made this camp happen and for the people that contributed towards us being able to go. I am so grateful to them.

Karis Kelley

West Alabama FCA Intern Retreat

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 00:33:29 GMT

The West Alabama Interns were able to share a time of fellowship, team building and prayer at True Vine before the start of the school year.

With the school year right around the corner, the interns got to head out of town a little ways to reboot and connect at True Vine.

The retreat was kicked off by prayer warrior, Mrs. Bette, who talked with us about the power of prayer before blessing each one of us. It was such a treat to hear Mrs. Bette and her husband, Dr. McRae, share their wisdom and encouragement. But the fellowship didn't stop there, it was just beginning. Next up on the agenda was a delicious dinner cooked up by our board president, Dustin, and served by board members, Mrs. Carolyn and Mrs. Danielle. During dinner, the interns received some more wisdom and encouragement from each of the board members. The interns were fueled up and ready to take on the high ropes course at night, a unique experience that led to a lot of teamwork, laughter and trust. The True Vine staff were adept at walking our group through the actual ropes course, while also helping us see how similar the course was to our own lives and walks with Christ. The same tools we learned we needed to successfully navigate the ropes are the same ones we need to navigate our lives. Faith even when we can't see, the support of others and a willingness to persist through difficult circumstances were just a few of the skills reinforced. Once we tackled the high ropes course, it was off to bed.

The next morning we got to connect over breakfast and meet about the upcoming school year. It was incredible to hear each intern describe their goals and plans for how to lead and serve their classmates and teammates this year. And after doing some planning for our upcoming Fields of Faith (see the Events tab to learn more) event, everyone spread out around the gorgeous grounds to have some individual prayer time. Once we were able to spend some quality time with the Lord, most of us were pretty hungry. And good thing because it was time for the interns to help Brandon cook up some paella. Paella is a Spanish dish made by combining a variety of ingredients into one delicious meal. It's the perfect metaphor for the way God uses each one of us, with our unique gifts, to unite as His family and do things much greater than anything we could accomplish alone. And it was a wonderful picture of our interns. Different schools, different sports and different personalities, but together they make up a passionate and dedicated group that is ready serve the Lord and His people.

With full bellies and full hearts, it was time to hit the road back to Tuscaloosa so that the interns could prepare for the new school year. We are confident God is going to use them to be prisms of light for Jesus! Please join us in praying for them as they navigate their academics, athletics and ministry.

Huddle Highlight

sguthrie@fca.org (Shonda Guthrie) — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 23:04:41 GMT

University of West Alabama FCA

The University of West Alabama allows FCA to meet every other Tuesday night at 8pm. They meet on campus, at the Wesley Campus Ministry. FCA has partnered with Wesley, The Awakening, and Kevin Croom, head of the College Experience at the University of Alabama.

"God has not only used me as a vessel, but so many of the people in the community and on campus here at UWA. We are not done yet! And in my strongest belief, God is doing something big through FCA."

-Gracie Self

I am the President of FCA, Grace Self. We have a Vice President, Kat Burks. We have a Treasury, Kylie Martin. And together we have 18 ambassadors from various sports teams that represent FCA and Jesus. We spread the word like crazy, so we can spread The Word. We ask people to come from our sports teams and from campus--all are welcomed. Jesus doesn’t care where you are from so neither do we.

How I got here is simple yet complex . . . but I am who I am because of The Great I am. God is able to heal. If you don’t think so, look at the cross. God is able to restore. If you don’t think so look at the cross. God is able to bring life into you. If you don’t think so, look at the cross. My love story with Jesus is personal. My love story with Jesus is about a God who keeps promises. My love story with Jesus is my favorite story to tell. When I found my identity in something that is unseen, that is when I could finally see. When I found my identity in Christ, I found who I was all along. I felt different my whole life, because I am different. I am different, but so is everyone else. We are each uniquely made in Christ. We are all a part of the body of Christ . . . with different gifts, with different abilities, with different choices we made to get us here. God uses my brokenness, my past, and our love story for His Glory. I wouldn’t be here without Him. I have never experienced anything more real than when I encounter God. I talk to Him everyday . . . and He talks back. I am not afraid to tell the world about Jesus, because He is right here. The Spirit of God is here, and always will be. I live by these simple words: I am His.

FCA is more than just a ministry or something to put on a resume . . . this is how Jesus will reach people here at UWA. And like I said, the best is yet to come!