Reaching the world
Through the leadership of local representatives, the impact of FCA Camps is stretching all the way to Southeast Asia.
By Nick Dunn — June 17, 2009

FCA's vision is "to see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes."

In Southeast Asia, FCA is seeing the "world" part of that statement come to fruition.

Since last summer, local representatives have spearheaded an effort by FCA to bring camps to Southeast Asia. Through FCA, he has already hosted eight camps, and two more are still planned for the rest of 2009.

"The Lord is using FCA to bring unity to the church here and the church's people," representatives said through email. "He is helping us use FCA to share God's love, joy and hope with children."

There have been countless unforgettable moments at the camps, but one of the most invigorating came during a camp last December in Southeast Asia. Of the 92 kids who attended, 24 of them were HIV positive. It was a blessed time for everyone involved, and the children's leaders couldn't thank FCA enough, even saying the kids couldn't sleep afterwards because of their excitement.

During that camp, a little girl who didn't know about her AIDS or her future went all the way to the finals of a badminton tournament, where she defeated an older, much bigger, girl. After the win, she was jumping around, shouting with happiness on the field.

"I could not stop my tears," FCA representatives said. "These are some of the blessings that I never expected."

Eighteen months ago, FCA Senior Vice President of Ministry Advancement Dan Britton, Metro Maryland Area Director Mark Stephens and International Ministry Executive Director Barry Spofford traveled to Southeast Asia for an International Sports Coalition conference, where they met local representatives and quickly became friends.
Now, a year later, things are off and running.

"Our experience with camps is what they have really grabbed onto," Stephens said. "He's looked into banquets and golf and things like that, but a lot of that won't fit in that culture. People are excited about what's going on over there."

Another camp for HIV kids is scheduled for July, and then the first-ever FCA Camp in Southeast Asia will be in December. In addition, local represenatives are trying to raise money to build an FCA soccer center, which could then be rented out and used as a fundraiser for future FCA events.

"God is raising up champion leaders to reach the youth of their country through the powerful platform of sports," Britton said. "God is opening doors for FCA to take what we have done for over 50 years and use those programs to now reach the world. When we get out of our comfort zone and seize the opportunities to do international ministry, we experience the transformational power of the Gospel reaching the world for Christ through athletes and coaches."

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