2008 Camper Comments

LAST YEAR'S CAMPER COMMENTS

2008 Camper Comments (Visit our "Photo" Section to see pictures from camp!)

I was an awesome experience for all of us that went to FCA camp at Sewanee. It truly brought our girls not only closer to each other but closer to God. We had two that got saved, and one girl was baptized two weeks later. The power of the Holy Spirit moving was evident through the emotions that all of the girls showed throughout their stay at camp. Each one thanked me for taking them and they all want to do it again in the future. All of their parents told me of how their girls wouldn't shut up about the trip. That is all they spoke of for weeks.

Thank you and the sponsors who made it possible for us to make this trip, for without the financial help we wouldn't have been able to make it. As one of my players said, "This has been the best week ever".

- Coach Holbrook, Lawrence Co. Girls Basketball Coach (Attended Girls FCA Team Camp in TN with Heather Summers!)

* (Camp) helped me realize that you can't just believe in God, but must have a relationship with Him. The very best part of camp was when Nate Carr spoke.

* I got saved here and learned a bunch of wrestling moves. The most meaningful part of camp was June 5, 2008 at nighttime when I got saved!---camper at Wrestling Team camp

* I have recommitted my life to Jesus!

* (Camp showed me) that you need God to achieve your goals. (Camp) got me out of a bad time of thinking God didn't care.

* (Camp) helped me put Jesus first, others second, myself third. I have come to realize Jesus is always there for me.

COMMENTS FROM OUR 2008 COACHES WHO ATTENDED CAMP:

* (Camp) has recharged my battery. (I am now) recommitted to Jesus Christ.

* (I have received) encouragement to keep in the battle, it's worth it.

* It has encouraged me to see there are other Christians out there who love the Lord and want to live for Him. We had such meaningful worship services at night. It was amazing to see how God was working in the campers and the adults.

COMMENTS FROM CAMPERS WHO RECEIVED SCHOLARSHIPS TO ATTEND:

Dear FCA,

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to go to camp. It really was a life changing experience. (I) had an awesome time. I used to question my parents about God & question my heart about Him being real. The Lord really touched my heart when Mark Cahill spoke. Through (the speaker), God showed me that He is real & it made my doubt go away completely. I know now, that I am a beautiful masterpiece of God and that I need to know that and respect it. I was so excited to go to this camp. It was my first time and I am sure it won’t be my last. I am different because I know what God has in store for me.

Thank you so much again for the opportunity. - A camper-Leadership camp

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To the generous donor for camp,

Thank you for letting me attend FCA leadership camp. It was an awesome experience that I will never forget. It really helped me become closer to God. That was the best thing about camp to me because that is so important. When the Auburn graduate spoke, it really touched my heart. At camp, I also learned how to talk with people about God. Before I went to camp, I never realized how hard it was to express my feelings about God. Camp has changed my life and I hope to be able to be fortunate to attend again. I think it is wonderful that there are people in the world that care enough to let people without money attend.

Thank you so much

(A camper- Leadership camp)

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Black Mountain FCA Camp Wrap Up!

By Mark Dexter

Sixteen area high school athletes from Boyle Co., Danville, Garrard Co, & Mercer Co. attended the Fellowship of Christian Athletes National Sports Camp held June 9-13, 2008 in Black Mountain, N.C. Two other local students attended the FCA National Leadership Camp in Asbury. Your financial contribution made this possible! Black Mountain campers enjoyed small group time in “Huddles”(lead by college athletes), participated in vigorous athletic competition, learned advanced techniques in sports clinics, & were inspired to follow Christ daily through the Team Chape

Outstanding speakers included Tommy Bowden (Clemson Football), Ebo Elder (professional fighter), Shaun Alexander (former Seattle Seahawk), & Tim Teboe (University of Florida QB who won the Heisman Trophy). Scott Pilkinton (Orlando Florida pastor) served effectively as the Camp Pastor. His sports stories related well to all in attendance!

Chris Shephard shared the powerful testimony of how the Lord has worked in his life. Picture yourself listening to his testimony during the Tuesday evening chapel along with 500 others:

“I was one of 9 siblings growing up in Orlando, Fla. My father left us when I was very young. My mom worked 2 jobs, but often there was no food in the house.

At age 9, I was looking forward to meeting my Dad. At a party celebrating his release from prison, he shook my hand, then looked away and went on talking to a friend. . . .

At age 10, a lady in the church I was attended sexually abused me. I got angry. . .got with the wrong crowd selling drugs. . .got stabbed 6 times. . . . After witnessing the death of my best friend on a basketball court, I had thoughts of suicide. I knew enough to cry out to Jesus. I told Him I would try Him, but only one time. . . . He came into my life and changed me!

At age 14, a coach got me into football. He also paid for my bus ticket and the fee for a week at FCA Black Mountain. On a Tuesday night, 10 years ago tonight, my huddle leader, Shaun Alexander, put his arm around me & said ‘I love you man!’ No man had ever told me he loved me before. He told me God had a purpose for my life and he offered to be my big brother. . .to disciple me. . . . By the time I finished high school, I had 27 scholarship offers! I went to Florida Atlantic and got drafted by the Tampa Bay Bucaneers. . .

Today, Chris Shephard serves on the staff of FCA in Atlanta. He is a wonderful example of how God works through the ministry of FCA.

Below please find comments from some of the local athletes who attended the FCA Camp at Black Mountain:

“This week I learned how to read my Bible. Thank you for letting me come.”

“My favorite activity was Huddle Group time. . .I learned how to be closer to God.”

“I am now a follower of Jesus.”

“This week I saw God move. . .and learned not to pass up opportunities. . ..”

“I learned how to have a relationship with Jesus. . .and how to grow.”

“Everlasting life is the greatest thing anyone could have. . .because of this Cami, I know I am promised everlasting life.” “Thanks to all the sponsors for sending me!”

“I’m thankful Steele Harmon recruited me to FCA Camp in 1969. .. grateful today for those who are willing to support the worthy endeavors of FCA. Sincerely, Mark Dexter