The Lindale High School’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes organized a Fields of Faith get together on Oct. 9 at the Eagle Stadium for worship and sermons. Churches in the surrounding area were invited as well as student athletes within Lindale ISD.
“I continue to support this event because I believe in its positive impact on the students’ spiritual lives, which is my number one purpose for being alive: pointing others to Jesus,” FCA sponsor Lindsay Kelly said. “The sense of community and spiritual growth it has on kids’ lives is so meaningful.”
Foundation Worship, a student lead worship team, were the worship team for the event. Senior Carson Shipman is a worship leader within the band and is a member of the LifeSource church.
“It is awesome to be able to walk out Gods calling with an awesome group of friends,” Shipman said. “I have gone to fields of faith every year for a long time so when we got the opportunity to be able to play the worship music, it was an automatic ‘yes’.”
Student leaders within FCA as well as teachers from the high school participated in curating the event and giving sermons. Teacher and Grace Community Church volunteer Duane Walton gave a speech and called students to accept Jesus.
”Fields of Faith is really good because it brings lots of churches together on a Wednesday night, instead of being in their separate places,” Walton said. “It is good for the athletes to have a focus, for them to be together, and for them to know that there’s more to life than their sport.”
Sophomore and FCA leader Ella Hutchens gave a speech over Galatians 5:16-17. She has been a leader within FCA since her freshman year and is a member of the First Baptist Church.
”Fields of Faith is just such a great opportunity for those in the community to come together and worship God,” Hutchens said. “In my mind, I always think of it as such a blessing that God has given me such a strong Christian community.”
Senior and FCA leader Josiah Abel spoke about the importance of rest and how to prioritize God in everyday life. He is a member of Grace Community Church and plans to continue doing sermons at FCA events after graduating.
“I chose to speak because I am going to college to pursue a career in Christian I ministry and I believe that God is going to use me to change people’s lives for him,” Abel said. “We are so blessed to be able to do things like this in our country and I am so happy and grateful that so many people came to hear the word of God.”
The First Baptist Church, Grace Community Church, LifeSource Community Church, and other student ministries attended the sermon. LifeSource participated in planning and organizing the event, including providing food and drinks.
“Fields of faith is an FCA driven opportunity for kids to get out and engage with one another,” LifeSource elder Chris Hearon said. “Also to discuss and open the door for relational integrity with Christ and with each other.”
Senior and youth leadership chairman at Christ Point Methodist Madi Gasser attended the event.
“I always come with my friend so it is really special to get to see all the different years of people that I don’t get to see on the regular,” Gasser said. “I really enjoy just seeing all the different youth groups come together and have one fellowship.”
Freshman Kenzleigh McIntyre attended for the first time with Grace Community Church.
”I just love seeing all the people that are my age that are worshiping god and not just doing things that are not toward him,” McIntyre said.
