FCA Going Strong In PVSD

Back in the spring of 2019, when Adam Burns, area representative with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Lancaster, was first asked to observe the student-led Bible study meeting in the Pequea Valley School District (PVSD), the gathering had shrunk so much that the advisers were concerned. "The Bible study at the high school has been there since at least 2003," said Burns, who graduated from Pequea Valley High School (PVHS) in 2003. "FCA came alongside to provide structure, leadership, and resources."

Burns and other FCA representatives explained to the advisers how FCA works. "We provide leadership training and structure," said Burns, who noted that students understanding the expectations of a leader is an important part of the program. During COVID-19 restrictions, the group met virtually, and attendance was sometimes sparse, but now "huddles," which FCA groups are called, are meeting in healthier numbers at both PVHS and Pequea Valley Intermediate School on Wednesday mornings from around 7:15 to 7:45 a.m. Huddles are open to all students, regardless of athletic participation.

Learning leadership, according to Burns, begins after students have become familiar with the program. "By the end of the (eighth- grade) year, you can see that they understand their responsibilities," he said. "Kids who were afraid to speak out loud at the beginning of the year are confidently praying in front of a group of 25 of their peers. That's fun (to see)." Current intermediate school leaders include Anneliese Watson, Taylor Gentzler, Danielle Sensenig, Colston Temple, and Hudson Fisher. The faculty adviser is Jamiel Smoker.

Each meeting includes a snack and a game that goes along with the Bible lesson. "We have what are called 'Athlete's Bibles' and a number of other resources, such as devotionals and resources for sharing the Gospel message," explained Burns. In the table of contents of the Athlete's Bible, there are more than 200 topics ranging from love and prayer to cults. "It will give you a study or two within the Bible on that topic, and there are Scripture passages and thought-provoking questions that leaders can use." Leaders can also turn to "workouts" - up to 10-minute group exercises - found in the back of the Bible. "If a student leader wants to do a huddle with their team and only has a few minutes before practice, that gives them something to use as well," said Burns.

Burns noted that adults from the community who wish to help FCA may volunteer to serve as character coaches. "I would love to get people who are looking to get plugged in to develop (mentoring) relationships with these kids," he said, noting that character coaching duties usually include attending practices with a sports team once or twice a week and home games if the coach can make it. "We ask them to commit for a season, serving in whatever way the team needs," said Burns, who noted that sometimes the need is academic rather than sports related.

Area residents who wish to help out may contact Burns by calling 215-350-4140 or emailing adamburns@fca.org. More information about FCA may be found at http://www.lancasterfca.org.