by Larry Oskin, Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ South Lake Ministry
Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ South Lake Ministry gathered their Executive Board, coaches, educators, advisors, community leaders and local dignitaries at the Clermont Wesley Center to help kickoff their support for their affiliated students in the new school year. FCA programs are now in progress involving students and coaches from all local South Lake County high schools, middle schools, colleges, and universities. With FCA now successfully operating in 84 countries over the past 7 decades, FCA has been dedicated with a common cause to help empower our youth.
FCA Area Director, Tim Hancock and team of FCA leaders opened the program by sharing their own personal missions, visions, rewards and prayers from their own experiences while helping to share the FCA ministry mission, vision and goals over the years. Each leader shared wonderful heartfelt stories about FCA energy, strength, values, and respect. With true love in their hearts, some said, “We thank God and our ministry for our servants’ hearts!” “We thank our families with vision, strength, abundant energies and all of the extra love for our student athletes.” They proudly shared their own ministry with the FCA Mission, Vision, and Core Values.
Each FCA program and event purposefully share comprehensive athletic, spiritual and leadership training as a very positive life-changing experience. These faith-based inspirational programs held on and off the athletic fields have been designed to celebrate local athletic youth through a commitment to integrity, community service, teamwork, and excellence throughout the year.
FCA Area Director, Tim Hancock noted, “Our FCA Pep Rally was an event to say thank you to all our teammates and partners in ministry. This motivating event was shared with our board members, huddle coaches, donors and churches. This special event was also a way to help us set up our important annual Vision Night Fundraising Event on November 8th.
Pastor Ken Smith of the new Beginning Baptist Church in Ocala took the stage as a very special keynote speaker. He shared numerous thought-provoking questions, quotes from famous coaches and prayers for the FCA Pep Rally attendees. He said, Lou Holtz once noted ‘I only learn something when I ask questions. The first question should ask what are you doing with your faith to keep growing in knowledge and understanding.’ Smith added, “To minister our kids, we need to help them grow in their faith with God!”
FCA Board Chairman Dr. Jeff Duke shared his own FCA life story adding, “I started my career as a basketball coach. I tried many different ways to motivate my athletes over the years, including once having my 14-year-old students sleep on the school basketball court in sleeping bags the night before a big game, so they would be inspired to really feel a true sense of ownership to win on their court. By helping our students, their teams and their families, we are also helping our entire community. Our international goal remains to help change lies for our FCA kids. We need to reach every coach and student with guidance, fellowship, mentorships and all of the tools to best lead a good Christian life.” Duke also added, “Our entire FCA Ministry is run entirely by shared donations.”
Their annual FCA Heart & Soul Golf Tournament, will be held at the Clermont National Golf Club on Friday, October 2 starting with a provided breakfast, shotgun scramble golf by four person teams, and lunch. Mary Berens of the FCA South Lake County Staff proudly notes, “All proceeds from this event will benefit local FCA missionaries, athletes, and coaches, and families while helping to further FCA’s mission in the community.” For More Information and to register for this Golf Tournament, visit: https://fca.regfox.com/2026heartandsoulgolf.
FCA Vision Night is their only fundraiser of the year. At the Pep Rally, most everyone stepped up to sponsor a table. Everyone was invited to this November 8, 2026 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 will share 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. Everyone in the South Lake Community is asked to become a financial partner and teammate for FCA that night, to help raise up our valuable resources to pour into our youth.”
For more information about South Lake County of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, their programs and events, visit: www.SouthLakeCountyFCA.org. Volunteers, donors and sponsors are always appreciated. Follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/southlakecountyfca.
