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Faith, Footwork, and Fellowship in Southeast SEK FCA!
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When Don McClanen founded the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in 1954, he noticed something striking: athletes were using their influence to promote products like shaving cream and cigarettes. He believed that if athletes could endorse products, they could also use their platform to share something far more important—the hope of Jesus Christ.
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More than 70 years later, that vision is still changing lives.
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One of the things that excites me most about FCA is our discipleship journey: Engage, Equip, Empower. We engage coaches and athletes where they are, equip them to grow in their faith, and empower them to lead others to Christ. This spring and summer, I’ve watched that mission come alive across Southeast Kansas.
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Pittsburg State student‑athletes have stepped boldly into leadership—sharing their faith at local schools, speaking at Fields of Faith and Courts of Faith events, leading weekly FCA huddles, and participating in area baccalaureate programs. These young men and women are using their God‑given influence to impact the next generation.
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We also celebrated a major milestone with our 1st Annual SEK FCA Soccer Camp. Led by Pittsburg State Women’s Soccer Coach Wes Branstetter and an outstanding coaching staff, campers not only developed their soccer skills but also heard a powerful message from SP Webb about finding their identity in Christ and learning to play for an Audience of One.
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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 Labette Bank 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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Pitt State FCA Huddle Highlight
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At our final Pitt State FCA Huddle of the year, former Gorillas standout and NFL wide receiver John Brown returned to campus to share his story. He spoke about the goodness of the Lord throughout his life and career and reflected on how Pittsburg State “cared for me more as a person than just an athlete.”
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After speaking, John stayed to connect with students, play games, and encourage them in their faith. He later summed up the night by saying:
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“FCA at Pittsburg State was awesome… Great games, fellowship, and even better conversations.”
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It was a meaningful reminder of the impact former athletes can have when they invest in the next generation.
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FCA Huddle Spotlight: Baxter Springs High School
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One of the greatest blessings of FCA in Southeast Kansas is watching students gather each week to grow in their faith, encourage one another, and boldly live out their relationship with Christ. This month, we're highlighting the Baxter Springs High School FCA Huddle and its dedicated Huddle Coach, Sam Eddington.
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Sam has served as a huddle coach since he began teaching three years ago, but his connection to FCA started much earlier. As a high school student, he was part of an FCA chapter launched by a group of older students. Inspired by their leadership, Sam quickly became involved and remained connected to FCA throughout his journey into education.
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"Once I started teaching, it was clear that joining Baxter's preexisting FCA program was a great place to get to know the students and serve God in the school," Sam shared.
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Today, the Baxter Springs FCA Huddle meets every Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m. Students gather for donuts and fellowship, spend time in prayer, and participate in a devotional or Bible study before the first bell rings. Weekly attendance ranges from 15 to 40 students, representing a strong group of young people committed to growing in their faith.
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For Sam, one of the most rewarding aspects of serving with FCA is seeing students prioritize Christ despite the many demands they face.
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"Christ is really working among the youth of America right now," he said. "Seeing their commitment and passion for God really emboldens me. Iron sharpens iron!"
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That passion is evident throughout Baxter Springs High School. Students are taking initiative by leading prayer with their athletic teams, serving in the community, and creating opportunities for worship and discipleship within the school. One particularly memorable moment came last year when a student gave her life to Christ and was later baptized—a powerful reminder of why this ministry matters.
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The Baxter Springs FCA chapter has also been active beyond its weekly meetings.
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Some recent highlights include:
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Arkansas Gameday Trip – Forty-five students traveled to Fayetteville to attend an FCA Gameday Rally and University of Arkansas football game, where they heard testimonies from coaches and athletes about their faith journeys.
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Courts of Faith – For the past two years, Baxter Springs has hosted area schools for Courts of Faith, welcoming more than 150 students for competition, worship, prayer, and testimonies.
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Baccalaureate Service – This year, the FCA chapter organized and hosted Baxter Springs High School's Baccalaureate service, providing graduating seniors with a meaningful time of worship, prayer, and encouragement before graduation.
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Looking ahead, the group hopes to expand its service opportunities both within the school and throughout the community. Sam asks for prayer that God will continue opening doors for meaningful ministry and outreach opportunities in the coming year.
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Reflecting on FCA's impact, Sam shared:
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"It is a blessing to work at a school that actively supports our students and our FCA chapter. It is not easy to be a high school student who claims Christ. Yet, I still see students daily choose to live in a way that reflects His love, mercy, and grace to others. It encourages me, and I hope it encourages others to see young people actively serving Christ in our area."
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Thank you, Sam, for your faithful leadership and investment in students. We are grateful for the way God is moving through FCA at Baxter Springs High School and look forward to seeing what He continues to do in the years ahead.
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Sam Eddington at Baxter Springs Courts of Faith
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- Summer Huddle Coaches Gathering July 23
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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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As I reflect on the stories in this newsletter—from Pittsburg State student‑athletes using their platforms to share Christ, to coaches like Sam Eddington faithfully investing in students—I’m reminded that FCA’s mission is alive and well in Southeast Kansas.
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Since 1954, FCA has been committed to engaging, equipping, and empowering coaches and athletes to know and grow in Christ and lead others to do the same. Today, that mission continues through huddles, camps, Bible studies, Fields and Courts of Faith events, and countless everyday conversations where lives are being impacted for eternity.
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None of this happens without faithful partners like you.
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Your prayers, encouragement, and financial support allow us to invest in coaches and student‑athletes across Bourbon, Crawford, and Cherokee counties. Together, we are helping young people discover their identity in Christ and empowering them to use their influence for His glory.
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If God leads you, I’d love to invite you to continue partnering with Southeast SEK FCA—or to join our Home Team for the first time. Your support helps keep this ministry fully funded and focused on reaching the next generation with the hope of Jesus Christ.
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You can give through the Join My Home Team button above or contact me directly if you have any questions about becoming a ministry partner.
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Thank you for believing in this mission and for being part of what God is doing throughout Southeast Kansas. I’m excited to see how He continues to work in the months ahead.
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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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