While 2023 went less than well for many Americans, with the economic situation looking increasingly precarious as inflation continues to bite and America’s position abroad deteriorates, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes announced some seriously good news from the year: over 51,000 students it reached made faith decisions and joined the Christian church during the year.
In fact, according to a news release put out by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the prominent Christian student group managed to bring 51,730 students to the point of making “faith decisions” for Christ during its year of events from September 2022 to August 2023.
Commenting on that good news and connecting it to Christmas in a statement, Fellowship of Christian Athletes President and CEO Shane Williamson said, “The best gift we can give and receive at Christmas is the gift of Christ, who came to Earth to save us and offer us all the free gift of salvation.”
Continuing, he noted that 2023 brought tens upon tens of thousands of students in FCA’s orbit to Christ, noting, “As we reflect on the birth of our Savior, we are reminded of what Jesus has done with FCA and are so thankful for the 51,730 student-athletes who came to know Him this year through the ministry.”
Explaining how the “faith decisions” were made and who mad them, a Fellowship of Christian Athletes spokesperson told the Christian Post, “FCA uses a Faith Response Tool, a texting system that allows FCA staff, coaches and athletes to share these significant, life-changing decisions.”
Continuing and explaining what helpful features that tool has, the spokesperson said, “This system provides FCA with the opportunity to not only get an idea of their impact around the globe, but also allows for an initial contact between the organization and each young follower of Christ.”
That individual added that the system involves a good bit of follow up and continuing connection with the students and athletes, saying, “FCA staff and mobilized volunteers work diligently to follow up with coaches and athletes after camps and other events/programs. Follow-up includes ensuring the athlete or coach have a Bible and get plugged into a local church community, connected to a huddle, and are supported as they grow in their relationship with God on their discipleship journey.”
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Unfortunately for the FCA, 2023’s “faith decisions,” while still large in number, are down somewhat from the same September to August period in 2022, when 52,358 people made “faith decisions” for Christ through it.
Explaining its massive, worldwide scope in the statement on the 2022 success, the FCA noted “Holding fast to the FCA Vision and Mission, the number of FCA staff, international leaders and Huddles grew this year. FCA now has 2,527 staff and 418 international leaders serving 19,431 Huddles globally. The ministry continues to serve 114 countries.”
Continuing, the same statement also noted the massive amount of donations it managed to garner in 2022, saying, “As a faith-funded ministry, we give thanks to the Lord for His provision. FCA received $190 million in contribution revenue, a 16.2% growth from last year.”