Greater Portland FCA Blog

From Playing to Win to Playing for Him

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 19:09:16 GMT

FCA Lumberjacks

FCA Baseball

Through our Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) youth baseball program, we’ve witnessed something truly special—the powerful intersection of faith, teamwork and personal growth. What began as a simple mission to teach the game we love has become so much more. Our focus on sharing God’s Word and building disciples within our teams is transforming young lives, both on and off the field. The growth we’ve seen in our players, especially our 12U team, has been nothing short of inspiring. Several players who began the season without a faith foundation are now actively participating in our weekly Bible studies. These young athletes are learning to value humility, discipline, and brotherhood over wins and statistics, becoming examples of Christ’s love through their actions and attitudes.

This past summer, our youth camp became a defining moment for our ministry. Each day was filled with baseball drills, team competitions, games and prizes—but what made it truly impactful were the moments spent in prayer and devotion. Players came together not just as teammates, but as brothers in Christ, growing in skill and spirit alike. We saw boys who once measured success by hits and runs begin to celebrate effort, encouragement, and faithfulness. The transformation was visible: less frustration, more joy; less self-focus, more gratitude.

The work of the Lord is spreading through the FCA Baseball program, and we are humbled to be a part of His plan. As we look ahead, we are filled with excitement for what God has in store for our athletes, coaches and families. Would you prayerfully consider giving so we can reach even more young players, equipping them with not only the skills to succeed on the diamond but also the faith to thrive in life? Together, we are shaping the next generation of leaders; strong in character, firm in faith and united in purpose.

"I hope this camp continues so I can share Jesus with more athletes.”

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:23:18 GMT

David's Story

Meet David! He attended the Cowlitz County FCA All-Ability Camp this past summer and when he stepped off the bus, he exclaimed, “Jesus is King!” His enthusiasm and joy of the Lord truly transformed the camp.

Throughout the camp, leaders like David emerged who grew in their faith and their ability to share it with others. David was quick to encourage his teammates; he quoted scripture and exhibited Christ-like leadership. When asked what he enjoyed about camp, David said, “Telling people about the Lord and playing sports. I hope this camp continues so I can share Jesus with more athletes.”

By the time our camp concluded, and FCA staff invited everyone to commit or recommit their lives to Christ, over a dozen hands were raised! Thank you for investing in the ministry of FCA and helping to fulfill the mission of

leading EVERY coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church.

Because of prayer warriors and financial partners that invest in FCA, athletes and coaches across Greater Portland are being engaged, equipped and empowered in unique ministry environments like this camp.

Would you prayerfully consider saying “yes” to pray for athletes and coaches across Greater Portland and the state of Oregon who are sharing the hope of Jesus like David? Would you say “yes” to a one-time gift that can bring valuable resources and support to new and existing Huddles and sport environments? This year, the goal is to raise $55,000 by December 31st to make a difference in bringing Gospel community to athletes and coaches that can make an impact on generations to come.

From lost and lonely to overflowing with joy

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 22:11:30 GMT

Scarlett's Story

Hey everyone, my name is Scarlett Kelly. I ran Cross Country and Track most my life.

My journey in my faith has been long and not always consistent. I was a lukewarm Christian in high school. I always seemed to have one foot in but one foot out. I always had good morals and believed in the Lord but never truly dived into it and deepened my relationship with Him. This year, after high school, I found myself lost and lonely with nowhere else to turn so I decided I had nothing to lose and dove into my relationship with Jesus. I prayed for boldness and sisters in Christ to fill the void in my heart and so the Lord put it on my heart to start a Bible study. There, I found my sisters and began surrounding myself with people who encourage me to pursue the Lord in all I do.

I always wanted to get baptized and wanted to do it outside but needed the clarity and my heart to be in the right place when I did. In December I really prayed on it and felt like the Lord said it was my time. So instead of waiting until the summer, I got baptized in the Columbia River. It was important to me to have someone close to me baptize me. FCA’s Alyssa Root is someone I have become close friends with over this year. She has helped me build my faith from the ground up and I couldn’t have chosen anyone better. Before going into the water I struggled with a lot of anxiety and loneliness. When I came out of the water, I was fully washed of my sins and the emptiness that I have always struggled with. In turn, I was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit.

Looking to take the next step in your faith journey? When you make a decision to follow Jesus, you are beginning the journey of a lifetime—a discipleship journey. This journey is a lifelong pursuit of becoming a fully devoted follower of Christ, or what we call, a disciple. Strengthen your faith today with The CORE - 8 Essentials to Strengthen Your Faith.

An Invitation can Change Everything

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 22:14:36 GMT

A Story of Transformation

Lucien, a collegiate wrestler at Linfield University, had little to no personal relationship with Jesus Christ just over 10 months ago. He began the 2023 wrestling season with the idea that it would be “his year,” but that quickly changed when he experienced a full tear in his right shoulder labrum. This meant that Lucien would have to sit out during the contact part of practices and would not be able to compete. As he waited to see if surgery was an option, Lucien did the workouts he could to stay as strong as possible. However, with the vision he had for his year fading, he began to feel hopeless.

Throughout the year on Wednesdays, I was able to

host Bible studies with a few of Lucien’s teammates before practice. Lucien shared, “I had been asked to join multiple times, but instead of showing up, I would make up excuses on why I couldn’t come. In all honesty, I was scared to take that leap of faith.” A few weeks later, Lucien went to turn in his medical redshirt papers, but no one was in the office, so he decided to go to practice early. On his way to the wrestling room, I saw him and invited Lucien to join our Bible study. This was a moment that marked Lucien’s life and would begin to change everything.

Just a short while after Lucien’s first bible study, I saw the hunger that Lucien had for the Word of God and gave him an FCA Wrestling Bible. Lucien said, “ This Bible...serves as a roadmap for my life, teaching me to meditate on and reflect upon the Word through the devotionals in the back ...”

What started as something that others may see as a tragedy; Lucien’s season-ending injury became the time when God completely transformed his life. He began regularly attending church, opening his Bible daily and engaging God in prayer. In August of 2024, Lucien made the decision to publicly declare his relationship with Christ through baptism and I had the incredible opportunity to be the one who baptized him.

In less than one year, God is using Lucien to share his testimony with others and he is living on mission, on the mat – all because countless donors have said “yes” to the endless power of discipleship. Your gift multiplies through the investment of FCA Wrestling, creating opportunities for staff to make disciples who make disciples in their communities. Where coaches and athletes are, that’s where FCA Wrestling wants to be - engaging relationally, equipping spiritually, and sending out empowered disciples, like Lucien, to the world. Thank you for investing in disciples making disciples across Greater Portland and beyond.

"I’ll never forget my first FCA Bible."

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 07:11:32 GMT

Leadership, Discipleship & Partnership

Chad is a Greater Portland FCA Board Member and a volunteer at the University of Portland. He is using his leadership to make disciples who make disciples on a collegiate campus, his professional campus, and at other basketball ministries in Greater Portland such as Full Court Faith. Chad shared this about his Bible: " I’ll never forget my first FCA Bible . I carried it with me on every collegiate basketball road trip. I carried it with me when I travelled internationally as a professional athlete. And I carry it with me still, as a Nike Employee with Jordan Brand. I’ll never forget my teammate who gave me this Bible. I look forward to putting Bibles in the hands of other athletes, too."

Every time these Pilots huddle together, pray, read the Word and grow in their ability to be disciple-makers, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, in partnership with Chad, provides resources, development strategies and Bibles. After handing out 20 Bibles at the first UP Huddle, FCA made them a promise: if you give your Bible away, we will replace it with a new one. At the very next Huddle, a cross-country runner had already answered the challenge. Her roommate, who had never heard the Gospel message, asked what this athlete was reading. She shared with her roommate that it was the Bible, the very lifeblood of her faith, and happily gave that Bible away. What a blessing to see her roommate reading the Bible and asking questions to learn more. Because of generous praying partners that invest in FCA, another Bible was ready and waiting for her , and for every athlete able to share the Word of God by giving it to someone who needs it dearly. For God did not come for the healthy, but the sick. He did not come for the healed, but for the broken. He came not for the found, but for the lost. Thank you for investing in the FCA mission to lead every coach and athlete in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church.

Would you say "yes" to a one-time gift that can bring valuable resources and support to new and existing Huddles? Your “yes” today has the power to make a huge difference in bringing Gospel community to athletes and coaches that can make an impact on generations to come.

Your Yes Matters

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 22:16:34 GMT

Lori's Story

Lori is a volunteer with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and a praying parent in Seaside, OR. When asked about her time involved with the ministry, she shared, “I had an amazing experience with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) in Texas, and when my family moved to Oregon, I knew I wanted that experience for my children and their friends. When I couldn’t find that community, I said 'Yes', to help start a Huddle in my community.”

Some of us have the privilege of being a part of something truly special. It could be a championship athletic team, a strong church community, or an award-winning organization. It's safe to say those special groups don’t last forever. Leadership changes, mission drifts and change is constant. If you are like Lori, you don’t let a major move from Texas to Oregon prevent you from saying “yes” to invest time, talent, and treasure so that your children and your community can experience discipleship. FCA in Seaside, Oregon has faithfully taken strides each year to launch and grow community through their Huddle. An FCA Huddle is what we call a ministry program where two or more coaches or athletes meet on a regular basis to grow in their relationships with Jesus Christ and His Church. What started as one praying parent, became a praying parent and a small gathering of athletes. Soon, this grew to include a church partnership, a high school gathering, and now they have a thriving Huddle at the high school and middle school. On top of this, Lori partnered with FCA staff to host an incredible summer surf day! Because of the faithfulness of one person who chose to pray and partner with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, she now has a growing community of champions who are praying, partnering and promoting the mission, vision, and values of FCA. Ultimately, Seaside FCA is seeing spiritual transformation along the coast!

Would you join Lori and say “yes” to pray for new Huddles across Greater Portland and the state? Would you say yes to a one-time gift that can bring valuable resources and support to new and existing Huddles? Would you say “yes” to share this story with those who need to hear this encouraging message of hope? Your “yes” today has the power to make a huge difference in bringing Gospel community to athletes and coaches that can make an impact on generations to come.

The Power of Prayer

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 22:49:33 GMT

Engaging God: Malia's Story

Malia stepped into the role of FCA leader in junior year, initially drawn by a connection with a church friend. Returning to public school for the first time since 6th grade, she longed for community at Tualatin High. Despite FCA’s modest start with six weekly attendees, Malia found comfort, stating, “Junior year was lonely, and FCA anchored me through it. Just being known by one person was enough to make my day. I pushed through every week until Friday knowing that, that day I would be known.”

Her leadership journey truly began when the baton was passed to her this year. Malia aimed beyond numbers, aspiring for a Christian movement in their school.

FCA inspired Malia to fervently pray for a stronger leadership team during the summer of ‘23. Before the school year started, three students joined, exceeding her expectations. “God answered my prayer, making it better than I imagined. Our leaders, strong in faith, have truly left a mark on Tualatin High School.” During the first FCA meeting, Malia’s prayers were again answered when 75 students showed up, moving the gathering from a classroom to the gym. She proudly opened the first FCA meeting of the school year as its leader.

Since then, Tualatin High’s FCA has been buzzing with activity. The leadership team has diligently worked, from hosting a November Turkey Bowl to preparing for a month-long March Madness tournament. Their commitment extends to prayer, teaching, and mentoring every Friday.

“For Him on 3…….”

Empowered

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 19:45:14 GMT

Empowered: Joe's Story

Meet Joe Migg , or as the students and athletes at McMinnville (Mac) High School call him, Mr. Migg. He is a champion of the ministry.

Long before I was in this area, Joe, with his great passion for the gospel, has been fearlessly pursuing coaches and athletes. I had the privilege to sit down with Joe and learn about his 15 plus years of experience with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Huddle ministry in the city of McMinnville. I am inspired by his story, and I hope you are too!

He began his coaching career about 15 years ago with Linfield University’s football program. From the beginning, he knew it was the avenue of ministry he was called to. Joe also began volunteering at McMinnville High School with the goal of serving athletes exactly where they were in their personal faith journeys. He quickly saw a need for an athlete specific ministry that focused on discipleship for coaches and athletes. This is what sparked and started the original Linfield College and Mac FCA Huddle.

In 2010 he was hired onto the baseball and football coaching staff at McMinnville High School and soon the FCA Huddle ministry was re-vamped with a new vision. A young athlete at McMinnville came to Joe with an excited heart to join this mission. Soon enough, there was a group of athletes meeting consistently. From the very beginning, Joe’s heart has been to serve and connect with athletes, and he challenged students to do the same.

Promptly, the plans for the first Fields of Faith were set in motion. Fields of Faith events are mostly student-led, with some featuring local athletes and pastors. At these annual events, young student-athletes gather to recenter their focus on God's Word through worship and personal testimonies. Each year, across the nation, thousands of students experience the gospel on their home fields. Joe hoped that, “The name of FCA and Jesus would be put on the map.” The event did just that. It inspired the community of McMinnville to join the mission of FCA. For the next few years, they saw an increase in students attending Huddles, and an increase of coaches looking to be involved in leading every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church.

Joe is currently still discipling athletes and coaches at McMinnville High School and is a pivotal part to the mission of FCA. He said in addition to his own efforts, his prayer team and church partners are the reason he sees such provision. Throughout his years, there have been a multitude of generous donors who have also played a crucial part in the community’s growth.

A way you can specifically be praying for Joe and the ministry at McMinnville High School is to pray over the leaders. Student leaders not only need encouragement to lead their teammates, but also the wisdom to do so in grace. Please continue to be in prayer for volunteers like Joe, who are faithfully serving in all our communities. In addition, please pray for more people who feel led to volunteer with FCA and join the mission of leading every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church in their communities.

As ministry expands, there is an increased need for volunteers like Joe who will say "yes" to the mission of leading every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church. Will you prayerfully consider volunteering with FCA and giving the gift of your time to serve athletes and coaches in the Westside South?

An Invitation to Say Yes

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 22:03:51 GMT

God is on the Move: Camp Testimony

Since 1954, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) has challenged athletes and coaches to impact the world for Jesus Christ. FCA is cultivating Christian principles in local communities globally by encouraging, equipping and empowering others to serve as examples and to make a difference. FCA Camps are catalytic ministry environments where elementary through high school aged athletes are engaged with the good news of th e Gospel and experience discipleship within their Huddle. In addition, high school and college athletes are empowered to lead attendees in small groups and share the love of Jesus.

Over the summer at one of Greater Portland FCA’s largest summer camps called, Middle School Leadership Camp, there was a God-orchestrated moment that took place. On the second day of camp, and after a day full of seeing the Lord move, I began praying and asking the Lord, “where do you want me in this moment? ” He clearly led me to speak with two campers named, Dalen and Cooper. I briefly wrestled with what the Lord seemed to be leading me to do, as I didn’t know them very well. However, I couldn’t shake that the Lord was asking me to do this, so I went. After just a few minutes of conversation, we had two new brothers in Christ!

Cooper’s description of this moment at camp is beautiful to read: “Before I came to camp, I was really excited to hang out with friend s, I was more excited for the games and then we got here and yesterday morning they had us raise our hands if you wanted to accept God. I was going to raise my hand and I was kind of back and forth on it. Then during second worship, I was like ‘alright, you know what, I think I might raise my hand.’ And then we didn’t have that time and I was just sitting there by Dalen, and we were just going back and forth. Ty walked up to us, but I had goosebumps before like I knew, if Ty walks up to us, it’s meant to be… so we were one of the thirty people who accepted God yesterday. ” – C ooper, Middle School Leadership Camper

Today, in this highly competitive, sports-centered culture, many athletes struggle to develop lasting relationships founded on the principles of Christ-centered discipleship. Greater Portland Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) hosts a variety of camps every year because we are a leadership organization, laser focused on biblical discipleship and built on partnership. God uses the avenue of camp mightily each year, and while there are a variety of FCA camps, God always shows up!

Your investment today doesn’t end with camp, but will enable the continued discipleship journey to support athletes after they say “yes” through FCA Huddle ministry and encouraging connection to the local church. Would you prayerfully consider giving today so we can continue to engage young athletes like Dalen and Cooper in discipleship environments at camp and beyond?

Ty Collier is an Area Director over the Westside North area which includes Aloha, Banks, Beaverton, Forest Grove, Gaston and Hillsboro. Ty joined the Greater Portland FCA team in 2022 after moving to the area from Nashville, TN where he served with the local FCA team there. He has a heart for coaches and athletes as well as engaging, equipping and empowering them with the Gospel. To learn more about the local ministry in the Westside North, please visit: https://www.pdxfca.org/westside .

DECADE OF DISCIPLESHIP

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 18:51:47 GMT

Direction Matters: The Luebbert Family's Story

The Luebbert family has been involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) for a decade and the way that their faith journeys have unfolded over the past ten years can only be attributed to God's faithfulness. Garet and Jennifer Luebbert attended their first Coaches TimeOut weekend in 2013. It was there they both accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior during a conversation with their table leaders. From that moment on, everything changed.

At the time, they were raising three young boys. The Luebberts intentionally prayed and planted seeds, throughout their sons’ childhood, so that they would know Jesus and His love for them, but ultimately recognized the importance of that decision being their boys’ own.

In the summer of 2022, Jackson, the eldest son, was asked, by a local staff member, to be a Huddle Leader for the FCA Middle School Leadership Camp. Jackson agreed, not knowing the transformation that would occur in his life. Coming into camp, Jackson describes his faith as something he did to check a box, but as camp neared the end, Jackson discovered that God isn’t distant. Instead, the Lord desires to have a relationship with him . In the video, Jennifer shares, “…he just came home beaming and all in for Jesus. And then the role that he played for his brothers was a very strong role.”

Camden, the Luebberts’ middle son, attended Greater Portland’s FCA Captain’s Camp in June of 2023. After conversations and an invitation from an FCA Staff member to say “yes” to Jesus Christ, Camden stood up during the closing session signifying that he made the decision to accept Jesus into his heart. During camp, Camden said, “I feel like all my life before, I was just going through the motions, but when I was here I realized that God has a purpose for me and if I believe in Him and thank Him for all the gifts He’s given me, my gifts and everything I have will shine through for His glory.”

A few short weeks after his encounter, he was asked to be a Huddle Leader at FCA’s Middle Leadership Camp. This camp is where the youngest son Elijah had his own encounter with Jesus.

In the video, Jennifer shares that “…it takes a village and for us, FCA has been that village.” There is power in a “yes” and, as seen in the Luebberts’ testimony, the direction in which coaches and athletes are going matters. The Luebberts first decision to attend Coaches TimeOut transformed the way they lived out their faith through prayer and community, and the seeds planted along the way have been nurtured by God. What an encouragement to see how their entire family has come to know Jesus and have personal relationship with Him.

Your gift can impact families, communities and generations to come. A donation today will enable local staff across Greater Portland to continue coming alongside coaches and athletes wherever they are in their faith journey. Coaches and athletes are leaders, and FCA wants to see them leading for Jesus Christ within their circles of influence. As you make plans for your year-end giving, would you prayerfully consider making a gift to FCA? These life-changing stories and discipleship journeys are not possible without your prayers and partnership.

"...she owns her faith and leads others to do the same." - Aleta

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 17:03:38 GMT

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is on mission to make disciples who make disciples. Our approach is to engage relationally, equip spiritually and empower practically. The following story exemplifies this strategy being lived out in Cowlitz County. Aleta, a mother of an FCA SALT Leader, shares how she has seen her daughter's faith grow through her involvement with FCA .

“As a parent, it has been remarkable to see the meaningful impact FCA has had on my daughter, Kailea. This is her second year as an Athlete Leader at Mark Morris. She grew up in church and had regularly attended kids church, youth group, summer camps, and conferences growing up. I believe the church is critical in raising children to know and serve the Lord, while also being poured into from outside voices that align with the Christian beliefs. FCA has been a phenomenal steppingstone—a ministry where she has flourished, providing her with a way to use and apply her faith like I’ve never seen before. I’ve always said, FCA has put feet to her faith. She’s discipling her peers! It’s a place outside the four walls of the church where she owns her faith and leads others to do the same. That is something so cool to see as a parent!

When it’s her time to lead, it’s been amazing and oftentimes challenging to hear her thoughts as she processes out loud and prepares her devotional talks. It has helped her and I connect on our faith; I’ve been able to share about my journey, both the good and bad. I take such joy and pride in those moments because my greatest desire is for my kids to choose to follow the Lord. FCA has really been such an incredible ministry to be a part of from the sidelines, while I get a front seat in my daughter’s life!” - Aleta

What an encouraging testimony of how one step of faith leads us closer to Jesus and can lead others to Him as well. Every gift this Giving Tuesday furthers the kingdom of God and allows us to continue pursuing our mission to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church.

Join the FCA Team today!