I knew it was time.  I just had a difficult time admitting it.  Believe me, it was liberating when I finally came to grips with the reality that working part time for Fellowship of Christian Athletes was just too much for me.  And it was okay to let go.  I held on as long as I could. 

On August 14, I will begin my new job at Heritage Christian Academy.  This involves a new curriculum, new policies, new ways of sharing my faith.  I will soon be consumed with my adjustment to this new chapter of my life, so much so that continuing my part time work for FCA would count for too much on my plate.

I have spent the past five years of my life working as an Ambassador for FCA Olathe.  So many fun memories!  Too many to count.  To put together a top ten list ranked in order of importance would be impossible, but I am going to reflect on ten memorable aspects of FCA to pay homage to the organization that is so dear to my heart.

1. Harper’s Hugs.  Whitney Rodden came to speak to our FCA at Indian Trail Middle School over five years ago.  Her daughter, Harper, was tragically killed as a toddler when someone failed to see her backing out of a driveway.  To honor Harper, Whitney started an organization called Harper’s Hugs.  It provided first responders with stuffed animals to give to children who were encountering stressful situations.  Little did Whitney know that our entire school had been collecting stuffed animals for Harper’s Hugs for a little over two weeks.  After she spoke, the kids hauled out two giant trash bags full of stuffed animals.  There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as she accepted the priceless gifts.
2. Bill Corum.  I got his name from a former student who heard him speak, and when he came to Indian Trail’s FCA, Bill did not disappoint.  He shared his testimony about how he lived the first half of his life running from the law, living a life that craved the emptiness of the world.  Bill found Jesus and dedicated the rest of his life to serving in prison ministry.  He became my keynote speaker at an All-Olathe FCA event, and we still remain friends to this day.  Recently, Bill has asked me to promote his YouTube channel, which I highly endorse.  Feel free to check it out to hear some phenomenal stories about his prison ministry: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuVTiAoCAL_yaUwTyXmbnBw.
3. Summer Game Nights.  Three years ago, Olathe North’s FCA Huddle Coach, Jeff Swift, had an idea.  What if he organized some large group games over at Prairie Center Park in the summer to unite Olathe FCA huddles in fellowship and fun?  Before we knew it, Jeff hosted games like Circle Rules Football and Ultimate Disco Frisbee, not to mention The Golden Platypus and Disc Golf.  Coaches and students alike showed up to play these games, and Jeff enjoyed feeding everyone treats afterwards while leading the group in a devotion.  We met new friends, shared ideas, and bonded over our mutual love for Jesus and sports.  Not a bad way to spend a summer evening!
4. Legacy Dinners.  Every spring the entire Johnson County FCA community gathers to celebrate with a fancy dinner, powerful speakers, and priceless time together.  I have had the privilege of attending the last four Legacy Dinners where I hosted a table of friends from all areas of my life.  Something special happened each year.  One year my parents got to experience it with me.  Another year I got to hear from former Oklahoma softball player, Grace Lyons, talk about her experience in winning a National Championship and publicly giving glory to God in the postgame press conferences.  Something special happens when Christ followers unite over a steak dinner to pay tribute to all FCA does. 
5. Jodie Karsak.  When she came on staff three years ago to work full-time for FCA Olathe, she hit the ground running.  We met at Starbucks up the road and got to know one another.  She picked my brain, asked questions, and began to slide into a role that would soon embrace her leadership qualities.  Jodie was vital to the success of uniting the FCA Olathe huddles through intentional, powerful leadership seminars.  Being a former basketball coach, she brought that competitive mentality to work every day.  Jodie was a godsend to our organization.  I became a better leader myself because of Jodie, and I know she will remain a close friend even after stepping down from my role. 
6. Dustin Gossett.  Having a great boss that you love and respect is a rare thing.  Dustin filled that role for me the moment I came on staff.  He challenged me to utilize my time efficiently, leading with purpose and intentionality.  Our relationship blossomed past the normal boss and employee partnership.  We became brothers in Christ.  We studied the Word together.  We shared life together and prayed for one another.  A year ago, when I was out of work and panicking to find a new full-time job, Dustin made time for me, sitting me down at Panera and brainstorming ideas for employment.  He didn’t need to do that.  But that was just him.  Always thinking about others.  Always looking for another way to reach out.  My friendship with Dustin is priceless, and I know we will continue it for years to come. 
7. Tyler Williams.  He was my first student leader for FCA way back in the fall of 2014.  Watching what that young man did for our school was astonishing.  Tyler had led a boys’ Bible study in my classroom on Monday mornings.  I saw that fire inside him and asked him to step into a new role where he could lead our entire school.  Tyler dominated.  He brought in that same group of boys he led in Bible study to be our first leadership team, and FCA was born at Indian Trail.  It has not stopped since.  Tyler came back numerous times to speak to our huddle after moving on to high school, and he went to college to become a youth pastor.  His legacy will never be forgotten.
8. Andrew McClanahan.  I have never met a man more mature beyond his years than Andrew.  He visited my FCA at Indian Trail as a guest speaker when he played soccer at MidAmerica Nazarene University.  A year later he was hired by FCA to unite the Shawnee Mission huddles.  Andrew was vital to my success as an Ambassador for FCA Olathe.  I remember the day we met outside MNU during COVID.  We sat on the steps to the library, and I just picked his brain, asking questions.  He was patient with me, encouraging, and became a prayer warrior for me as well.  Andrew showed up at our All-Olathe FCA event to show his love and support for me.  He didn’t need to do that, but that was just Andrew.  Always encouraging.  Always leading and putting others before himself. 
9. Luke Holt.  I respect the heck out of that man as an FCA boss.  Luke possessed the gift of encouragement as well and used it to spur us to success.  His text messages to me were priceless.  Every time he reached out, you could tell he authentically cared about you.  If I shared a prayer request about my brother having surgery, Luke would follow up the day of the surgery and send me a scripture to comfort me.  We navigated fatherhood together, challenging each other to lead our families spiritually.  I never saw Luke without a smile on his face, and whenever we ran across each other, he would embrace me in a bro hug that always made me feel loved.  Being a former teacher himself, Luke understood my stresses during the school year and never failed to help me through them. 
10. Fields of Faith.  This fall event always delivered.  What happens when you get FCA huddle leaders and students together at a football stadium to praise God, share testimonies, worship, and pray for one another?  Fields of Faith happens!  I have attended the event three times, twice in Spring Hill and once at Blue Valley High School.  Hearing from former Chiefs football player Anthony Sherman and his wife two years ago was inspiring.  The student testimonies heard were likewise refreshing.  And nothing can beat joining hands with one another in prayer on the field to cap off the night.  Fields of Faith is one of those events that I plan on attending for years to come.  The camaraderie and closeness you feel towards other Christ followers in unprecedented. 

There are certainly other people and events that could be mentioned here.  Like the day I met Dawn Heckert.  Having found out about my unemployment last year, she encouraged me with a scripture on her phone.  Or the day we rented a bay at Top Golf and fellowshipped with local FCA coaches.  You can’t take those moments away.  They are all etched on my heart forever.

The cool thing about my FCA colleagues is that this is not goodbye; it is much more see you later.  You see, I plan on birthing an FCA at Heritage Christian Academy this fall, and I know they will not only be rooting me on but also equipping me with material, encouragement, and prayer.  I will not be doing this alone. 

As the summer ends and we all transition into the new school year ahead of us, I am forever grateful for my FCA teammates.