Some 28 years ago, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes opened an office in Springfield. At the end of August, longtime Missouri State Director Gary Beets will retire.
What a legacy Beets is leaving behind. FCA has grown tremendously over the years, to the point that most schools in southwest Missouri have an FCA chapter. More so, Second Baptist Church in south Springfield hosts a weekly FCA meeting with student-athletes, some who give their testimony.
That’s just a small sample of FCA’s work, and the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper is proud to have FCA on board again this year. The tournament, part of the PGA Tour’s annual Web.com Tour stop in Springfield, has generated $12 million for children’s charities – including a record $1 million-plus last year alone.
All in all, FCA has stuck to its mission, which reads, “To present to coaches and athletes, and all whom they influence, the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church.”
“We are grateful for the opportunity to be a beneficiary of the PCCC to help fund the ministry for the coming school year,” Beets said. “FCA’s goal is to influence the influencers. PCCC funding allows FCA staff the time to focus on equipping coaches and athletes to make a difference on their campus.”
Here’s how to help FCA:
SUPPORTING THE PCCC = SUPPORTING CHARITIES
- HELP FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES SOUTHERN MISSOURI: To assist FCA in any way, call 417-823-7744 or visit its website at www.somofca.org.
- FOR GOLF FANS, WIN PRIZES: The purchase of a $25 TLC Properties Charity Sweepstakes ticket serves as a four-day tournament pass, but that’s just a start. You’re also entered to win daily prizes during the tournament as well as grand prizes of $10,000 and a 2015 Ford Mustang.
- TICKET REVENUE GOES WHERE: Contact the local charity of your choice such as FCA, simply because they receive revenue directly from those TLC Properties Charity Sweepstakes tickets marked with their names.
- BUSINESS SPONSORSHIPS: Businesses can support the PCCC through various sponsorships, such as the daily newsletter, website or through several events such as a dozen Pro-Ams. Additionally, restaurants, clothing stores and entertainment stops and such are asked to donate a gift card with at least a $25 value in the name of your charity of choice to benefit them in the Golf Ball Charity Auction.
- WHEN, WHERE: The tournament is Aug. 7-17 at Highland Springs Country Club, with the pros playing beginning Aug. 13. Contact the PCCC staff at 417-887-3400.
About FCA
The local FCA chapter has been running strong for years, not only with Beets but also with Janet Sterling, who in 1997 joined the MO FCA staff as Administrative Assistant/Office Manager. Dan MacLachlan joined the staff June 1 as Southern Missouri Director and plans to continue the legacy left by Beets.
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes actually has its roots only about four hours west of Springfield.
The FCA was born more than 60 ago in the heart of Don McClanen when he was a student at what is now Oklahoma State University.
McClanen envisioned athletes at all levels advancing the cause of Christ through a nationwide team ministry. His dream became reality in 1954 with the chartering of FCA in Norman, Okla., after seven years of contacts with athletes, ministers and businessmen gathering interest and support of this dream.