Meet FCA Stduent-Athlete Josh Pankratz, junior at Rutland High School and a member of the Cross-country, Rock Climbing, and Track teams

What has been your experience with FCA?

After discovering FCA, I was a camper for two years and then became a huddle leader at FCA power camps. I attend the FCA huddle at RHS.  

Why are you involved in FCA?    

I am involved in FCA because it is a great way to meet with and have fellowship with other Christians, and through myself and other huddle leaders, FCA camps impact kids to grow in their relationship with God.  

How has FCA helped you grow in Christ?    

FCA has helped me see Christ moving in the lives of others (mentors, classmates, and kids), encouraging me and strengthening my faith.  

How has your faith been challenged at school/on your team?     

My faith has been challenged in school with erroneous studies in evolution and the origins of the earth and with the liberal views of many of my classmates who support a variety of lifestyle behaviors that go against God’s Word.  

How does your relationship with Christ impact the way you play/compete?    

My relationship with Christ is what drives my sportsmanship at rock climbing competitions. I encourage my opponents, smile, have a good time, and let the light of Jesus shine through me, even while pushing myself like a maniac. When I won first place at the State Championship, my relationship with Christ helped keep me humble about my victories and maintain new friendships that I have gained in the climbing gym. Several people on multiple occasions have commented to my family while watching me climb and mentioned how nice of a person I am. People notice the manner in which you act.  

What led you to want to start/be a part of an FCA huddle on your campus/with your team?  

A couple of my friends took the initiative to start a huddle at my school this year, and my brother and I come every week to meet with them and the many others who have slowly begun to join.  

What is God teaching you at this time?  

God is teaching me endurance right now. He is teaching endurance about my faith, schooling, and physical body. High school—and life in general—is not a "speed climb" but rather a multi-pitch climb that we must tackle with undying determination, grit, and perseverance (and joy, too!).  

What is our favorite Bible verse and why?  

Unironically, my favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." This verse emphasizes the need for unwavering faith and boldness and provides comfort in the face of uncertainty. It is a common favorite verse, but that is because it is a good one. 

Meet Burr & Burton Academy Junior and Huddle Leader, Erin Scott

"I grew up going to church. My grandparents went every Sunday, and I always wanted to be with them, so I would go with. But from the ages of 1-14ish it wasn’t necessarily my choice.

I kept going to church on and off until I was about 13, or 14, but then I paused. I got busy with sports, friends, and anything else… so I just stopped going. I felt like there was no reason for me to be there other than the fact my grandparents were there. I wanted to be outside running around with my friends, instead of sitting for an hour. At that time, most of my friends didn’t believe in God, so I felt like I had no one my age to talk to about what or how I was feeling, and I grew further apart from God. I stopped going to church, and I really did even pray anymore. I never stopped believing in God, but I definitely did grow apart from him.

Some time passed, and all of a sudden I was in high school. There was this club called FCA (Fellowship of Christian athletes) and I decided why not attend one meeting to see what I think. The meetings happen every Wednesday morning before school starts. Anna, one of my soccer friends, was already planning on going, so at least I’d know someone. They were also advertising free breakfast sooo! When we walked into the room there were already around 10 people there and a big box of donuts! We read a couple bible verses, and talked about them. We talked about sports, and ate a lot of food. I made many friends in that group, and we talked about anything and everything. After attending a couple of those meetings, I started wanting to go to church again, and wanting to read more bible verses so that way I could contribute more to the FCA conversation.

Then, my sophomore year I joined the BBA Nordic team. The people on that team are so nice, caring, and funny, and I loved hanging out with them! Ben and Tobias (two guys on the Nordic team) invited a group of us to the Northshire Baptist Church in Manchester and I decided I wanted to go.

As we pulled into the church parking lot, there were so many kids running around, and kids my age too! The pastor preached exactly what I needed to hear at that moment. He talked about how to connect with God but also remembering that everyone’s story on how they connect with him is different. I kept going back and I took in every moment of the sermons instead of knowingly spacing out like I did when I was younger. The Northshire Baptist Church, and the people there, helped me reconnect with God. On my own terms. I was actually connecting with God again. It wasn’t only about the people that attend each church anymore. It was about being able to go to church and wanting to go."

Meet FCA student athlete Evan Lind.

"My experience with FCA has been amazing. It began when I attended FCA camp as a camper when I was younger, and now I've been a huddle leader for the past two years. I am also a huddle leader at Rutland High School this year. I got involved with the FCA camp because I found out Melissa Crossman needed some volunteer huddle leaders, and I loved it that first year, so now I always come back.  

FCA has helped my relationship with Christ grow because I've been able to help shape the future of His Kingdom and educate others about His glory. However, my faith has been challenged because at my school, expressing faith is not considered cool, and nobody likes to hear about it. Despite this, I've decided not to care about people's opinions and focus on building Jesus' Kingdom. My relationship with Christ impacts how I play sports, as I now play for Him, knowing He is pleased with me regardless of whether it's a good or bad day.

God is teaching me to put all my trust in Him and pursue Him in everything I do, aiming to become more like Him and less like the world. My favorite Bible verse is Psalms 25:1, which says, "In you, Lord my God, I put my trust." This verse helps me realize that I need to trust God and that everything that happens is part of His will. It helps relieve my anxiety and helps me to trust in Him fully."

Meet Zach Durr, Castleton University Track & Field Team

"I connected with FCA at first because I saw an email from one of our officers about the meetings. I went for the first time and loved it ever since. It’s a great way to join in fellowship with my peers in and outside of athletics. 

FCA has allowed me to learn more through the different lessons we do and discover more about the lord’s word and message. My peers have taught about their past and how they found Christ, and it opens me up to new thoughts and ideas. 

I’ve been able to encourage others to join FCA and attend our meetings to learn more about our message. It’s a good way to connect with people you don’t know, and athletes on other teams that you didn’t know and make Castleton Athletics a unified group. 

My relationship with Christ makes me value sportsmanship and respect for opponents even more than before. I never want to disrespect my lord when I am competing, and therefore I need to respect my opponents and avoid saying or doing anything unsportsmanlike that Christ himself wouldn’t do. Moreover, it’s allowed me to stay honest and know that I’ll never try and gain an unethical advantage in a contest because it wouldn’t make Christ proud!"