Photos and Article by Larry Oskin, South Lake County Fellowship of Christian Athletes
The South Lake County Fellowship of Christian Athletes hosted their annual South Lake County Vision Awards dinner party in The Wesley Center at Living Hope Church of Clermont. The 2025 FCA Vision Dinner gave our community the opportunity to see and hear the impact of FCA ministry programs here in South Lake County. With a fun tailgate party theme, everyone came wearing their favorite sports gear and FCA shirts.
FCA Vision Night: Everyone was invited to this fundraiser showcasing the ministry and mission of Fellowship of Christian athletes here in South Lake County with great fellowship and food. The leaders and speakers shared stories and videos from coaches, athletes, staff, and community leaders to highlight their mission to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. They shared the 4 C’s of FCA Ministry which include Campus, Camps, Coaches & Community.
Sharing Praise & Glory: With shared comments and prayers, Area Director Tim Hancock, Dr. Jeff Duke, Kahlil Tucker, and Amanda Palomares led their inspirational program presentation designed to celebrate local athletic youth through a commitment to integrity, community service, teamwork, and excellence. The speakers, student panelists and coaches shared their own personal success stories. Details from their 4 Cs of Campus, Camps, Coaches and Community programs through the testimonials were presented. While sharing truly heartfelt messages, Dr. Duke noted that “We all need time for renewal and reflection as well as a time to share!” He noted that 99% of their ministry team are active volunteers.
Tim Hancock shared, “Our FCA Vision Night is a great fundraiser event to showcase the ministry from the victory stories about what the Lord is doing in and through our local athletes and coaches, while talking about our 4 Cs as Campus, Camps, Coaches and Community.” … He added, “There are three Ps in which you can help with the FCA needs here in South Lake County area. Pray for FCA to continue to be used to make a spiritual difference in our community by the means through our youth. Participate. Become a volunteer by using the God given talents and gifts along with your time to serve in ministry. Partner by becoming a financial partner and teammate with FCA to raise up staff with resources to pour into our youth.”
Inspired Ministry: This program strives to help their participating students to become better individuals. FCA is an inspired community that works to see the world transformed in a very positive manner through shared Christianity by their coaches, athletes, and families. They work to consistently engage, equip, and empower everyone to achieve success through their ministry. FCA helps students realize their purpose for doing what they do. They work to help support the students’ levels of handling stress and how to deal with their personal issues, while also supporting parents and families. The FCA Coaches spend much needed time at the each of the South Lake schools while coaching, teaching, and instructing student athletes.
School Team Huddles & Special Events: Locally, FCA shares their ministry with almost 3000 athletes on more than 100 sports teams from 20 participating schools and 6 area churches. FCA was started nationally in 1954 and with worldwide growth, South Lake is part of an initiative that has now grown to successfully impact and service youth with powerful opportunities in 115 countries worldwide. Team huddles are held regularly year-round to encourage and challenge athletes, coaches, and campuses to live and compete using biblical principles through the platform of athletic competition. They offer a series of summer camp opportunities with positive athletic, spiritual and leadership training. Many teens call their camps, “A life changing experience!”
FCA Teamwork: The South Lake County area FCA staff is led by Area Director Tim Hancock, Kahlil ‘Tuck’ Tucker as Metro Area Director and Administrative Assistant Mary Berens. They have created their own South Lake FCA Dream Team with numerous community leaders, active board members, staff, generous financial partners, donors, and sponsors. FCA of South Lake is always looking for new coaches, students, leaders, corporate sponsors, and donations to help make an impact in the lives of students and athletes.
For More Information, contact South Lake County of Fellowship of Christian Athletes at 407-310-3146, Email: THancock@FCA.org or MBerens@FCA.org and visit: www.SouthLakeCountyFCA.org. Send mail to: PO Box 120272 in Clermont, FL 34712. Like and follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/southlakecountyfca/
