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Awesome seeing the prayer circle at the conclusion of the CNC League Track Meet! Frontenac’s FCA Huddle invited teams to join them afterwards!
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A Grand Slam for SEK FCA Baseball Camp!
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10 Months of Ministry and Momentum — A Reflection from the Field
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Since stepping into my role with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes last September, I’ve been blessed beyond measure to see firsthand how God is moving across Southeast Kansas. It’s been an incredible first 10 months—full of connections, breakthroughs, and Gospel opportunities.
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I’ve partnered with 16 different schools that currently have active FCA Huddles. These schools include:
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Pittsburg 7th Grade Center
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Southeast Jr. High School
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Baxter Springs High School
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- Northeast Jr. High School - Arma
- Northeast High School - Arma
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Pittsburg State University
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Connecting with the incredible huddle leaders at each of these campuses has been one of the greatest joys of this ministry. These volunteers are investing in students through prayer, God’s Word, and Christ-like leadership. I’m especially excited about the relaunch of FCA at Pittsburg State University, which took place this February, and I’m already looking ahead to exciting plans like a Game Day & FCA Alumni Day and possibly hosting a Fields of Faith event on campus. Last year, our area hosted five Fields of Faith events across Chanute, Columbus, Baxter Springs, Riverton, and Frontenac.
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A key highlight this summer was our first-ever SEK FCA Baseball Camp at Pittsburg State University. It was an incredible day of sports and spiritual growth, and you’ll find more about it in the next segment of this newsletter.
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One of the most encouraging parts of the fall season was joining the Pitt State football coaches’ Bible study, led by David Irons of Christian Challenge. Meeting weekly during the season to study Scripture and pray with these coaches was a powerful reminder of how God works through leaders to impact student-athletes both on and off the field.
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Over these 10 months, I’ve averaged 1,300 miles per month, distributed over 300 “The Four” Gospel wristbands, and handed out more than 100 Bibles to students and coaches throughout the region.
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For the past seven weeks, I’ve also been leading a weekly Bible study at SEK Elite Combat Academy, founded by LC Davis, Pittsburg High School’s wrestling coach. His vision to provide high-level MMA and wrestling training has opened the door to spiritual growth as well—strengthening athletes both physically and spiritually.
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We’re also helping students get connected to the larger FCA mission. This year, Uniontown Jr. High brought five students to Kansas FCA’s Fall and Spring Conferences in Salina, KS. It was a great experience in spiritual growth and leadership development. I’m hopeful that in the coming year, even more schools from our area will send students to these powerful events.
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On July 30, we are inviting all area huddle coaches to join us for a SEK Huddle Coaches Team Talk & Training from 9:00 AM to Noon. This will be a great opportunity to connect with fellow leaders, share experiences and challenges, discover fresh ideas to inspire students, learn effective strategies for impactful huddles, and help shape the future of FCA in our area.
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The very first SEK FCA Baseball Camp, held in Pittsburg, was a day to remember—filled with energy, encouragement, and eternal impact. Twenty-one young athletes participated in the camp, each receiving hands-on instruction, spiritual encouragement, and a memorable experience rooted in faith and sportsmanship.
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Leading the charge was Beau Schultz, our head coach, who guided a talented group of Pittsburg State University baseball and softball players as they coached and mentored throughout the day. We were also blessed to have Coach Shane Wade from Northeast High School Baseball and Coach Taylor Compton from Riverton High School Softball step in and assist. Both are FCA Huddle Coaches at their respective schools, bringing not only coaching expertise but a shared heart for ministry and discipleship.
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Campers didn’t just sharpen their baseball skills—they were introduced to Jesus, challenged in new ways, and surrounded by positive role models who pointed them toward a greater purpose. One parent shared, “It’s all he could talk about since he got home!” Another wrote,
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“Jack and a few of his buddies spent the morning with Pitt State Baseball at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes baseball camp. He loved the experience and appreciated the detailed, hands-on instruction received.”
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A special highlight of the day came when KK, standout third baseman for the Pitt State softball team, shared her powerful testimony of how Jesus is transforming her life. Her words reminded everyone: this camp was never just about baseball—it was about life change.
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As 2 Corinthians 3:18 beautifully states:
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“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
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On behalf of Southeast Kansas Fellowship of Christian Athletes, we want to extend our deepest thanks to GNBank, Cobb Realty, and Smart Pro Technologies for your generous sponsorship. Your support played a vital role in making this camp such an incredible success—and your impact is already being felt in hearts and homes across the region.
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Frontenac High School FCA Huddle: A Legacy of Faith, Fellowship, and Impact
For the past eight years, Coach John Palumbo has faithfully led the FCA Huddle at Frontenac High School—a journey he never expected but now says has transformed his life. “I had not been involved with FCA until our old huddle leader asked me to take over when she retired,” Palumbo recalls. “I was very hesitant, but the Holy Spirit kept prompting me until I finally said yes.” That simple yes has blossomed into a ministry that touches dozens of lives each school year—and Palumbo's own along the way.
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On any given week, you’ll find 25 to 35 students gathering before school—sometimes up to three times a month—for prayer, Scripture, and encouragement. Meetings are student-led, with Co-Presidents Addy Myers and Kaci McGowin taking the lead this year. They begin each huddle in prayer, then dive into a meaningful piece of Scripture shared by a student or Coach Palumbo himself. Occasionally, local youth pastors or guest speakers also join to pour into these young leaders. And yes, there are always doughnuts.
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Throughout the year, the Huddle also engages in a variety of outreach events that bring light and love to both their campus and community:
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FCA Movie Night at the sports complex—open to all FHS students—offers a free, drive-in-style Christian movie experience with popcorn and water.
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See You at the Pole includes a powerful morning of prayer, with breakfast items shared afterward.
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Frontenac Christmas Tree Lighting gives students a chance to hand out Christian treat bags to local children.
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At Easter, the Huddle hands out bracelets and candy to the entire high school.
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Students also raise funds to help local families in need during the holidays.
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Their spring event, Courts for Christ, draws around 250 students and serves as their own version of Fields of Faith.
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But it’s not just the planned events that define this Huddle—it’s the heart behind the movement. Over the years, students have led healing prayer circles for classmates and teachers, sometimes even extending support to neighboring communities. After their home track meet, they started a tradition of closing the event in prayer—an idea borrowed from their FCA friends in Chanute.
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For Coach Palumbo, the blessings have been mutual. “I get cards and letters from former students who have gone on mission trips or been baptized. It’s humbling,” he says. “Doing Bible studies as a huddle on the Bible app holds me accountable and keeps me in the word." It also gives Coach Palumbo courage as he was asked to share a eulogy for a dear friend’s father. "I was nervous, but what an honor and privilege it was.”
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When asked what FCA means to him, Palumbo summed it up beautifully:
“FCA has given as much to me as I have given to FCA.”
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Southeast SEK FCA Huddle Info and Photos
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Frontenac FCA handing out Easter bags to remind students what the Easter season is about
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Visions for Future Events:
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- Summer Huddle Coaches Gathering July 30
- 2025 FCA Game Day in the Fall
- Pitt State FCA Fields of Faith
- 2025 Pitt State FCA Alumni and Partners Gathering
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Prayer Requests:
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For our huddle leaders: Pray for strength, wisdom, and encouragement as they lead these student groups and help disciple the next generation.
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For discernment: Please pray for guidance as look at future endeavors in Southeast SEK FCA to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.
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For new partners: We’re praying that God will send people who have a heart for the ministry and the vision of FCA to come alongside us and partner in this work.
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We are incredibly grateful for your partnership in the ministry of Southeast SEK FCA. Your support has been instrumental in helping us touch the lives of countless student-athletes and foster a strong community of faith on campus.
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As we look ahead to the coming year, we invite you to continue giving, or to start giving for the first time, to support our mission. Your additional (or first-time!) donations will help cover crucial ministry expenses and ensure that we remain fully-funded and focused on our work with student-athletes.
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To make your donation, simply use the Join my HomeTeam button above, or feel free to contact me directly for assistance. Your generosity makes a significant impact, and we couldn't do it without you.
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Excited to see what God has in store for the second half of 2025.
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(Bourbon, Crawford & Cherokee Counties)
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“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” - Mother Teresa
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