2012 Annual Fall Champions Dinner
The Annual FCA Fall Champions Dinner was held on October 27th. The purpose of this event has always been to recognize what God is doing in NW Ohio and Southern Michigan. FCA Banquets are designed to be fund-raising events, however this office has always tried to make tickets available at a reasonable price so that students can be part of the celebration. Local businesses and individuals assist in this purpose by donating tickets or money to defray the cost of attending our Fall Dinner.
Following a welcome by Daniel Vandock, Pastor Mike Martinelli provided the invocation. After dinner, inspiring moments were shared by Rick Straley, Savanna Fettig, and Alexa Monroe who provided information on the "Fields of Faith" events. Awards were presented to several adult and student leaders including Mike Tippin, Alex Staup, and Dominic Mejia of Bryan HS, Sara Brown of Wauseon HS, Kristen Fandrey of Evergreen HS, along with Clinton MS and Pettisville HS.
Alex Roth of Pettisville HS shared his story regarding what FCA has meant to him. He emphasized how strong FCA was at Pettisville noting that the group has over 60 members (33% of their enrollment) in FCA with 30 of those acting as student leaders. Alex also spoke of the development of a prayer box that was initiated at Pettisville. This box, taken from the idea of the lunch prayer requests which are shared through FCA. Kyle Timmis from Sienna Heights University provided his story of how he ended up at Sienna Heights and how he and others began the FCA Huddle. Laroy Martinez, assistant cross country coach at Archbold HS closed the testimonies by stating that once people know you have accepted Jesus Christ and when others know you are a Christian that they began to check you out and watch what you do closely.
The event always provides inspiration and entertainment to those in attendance. For the second consecutive year Tanya Crevier, "World Famous Basketball Handler" was the featured guest, introduced by Josh Erd. Tanya put on an entertaining and amazing display of her basketball handling and juggling skills. This year the audience was provided with an added bonus as Tanya was joined by her nephew Caleb Crevier. Caleb, who is a student at South Dakota State, is also a tremendous ball handler and juggler. However, Caleb also is an adept unicyclist and amazed the crowd with his performance on a ten foot high cycle. Although Tanya and Caleb put on quite a show, including assistance from several of the students in the crowd, the skills they displayed were only a portion just part the performance. Tanya also shared a powerful message, that of being committed to living the Word and sharing it with others. She reminded the attendees that it is one thing to be a Christian, but it is another to go out and share your beliefs with others. Tanya challenged the crowd to not only "Talk, but also walk what you believe in". She thanked all the coaches and parents in attendance for the examples they are setting for the student athletes which resulted in a resounded round of applause.
The evening concluded with Rex thanking the staff of FCA and Board members. He also thanked all of the FCA "Home Team" members who provide financial support on a monthly basis. Rex reminded attendees that FCA is 100% missionary organization dependent upon the support of others. Without that support FCA would have to close their doors. He thanked current Home Team members and hoped others would join the Home Team to allow FCA to continue the great things that are happening in area schools and for FCA to grow even more.
Excerpts from an article written by: Kent Hutchison, North Central Huddle Leader