30 Hour Famine

Last night Ryan, Joel, and I traveled to a small town outside of Urbana for them to speak and play at a 30 hour famine for a youth group. The kids were about 20 hours into their famine so we had fun talking about how good our Wendy’s was on the way in. Joel began by sharing his story he normally shares at school assemblies that deals with his own high school experiences. Then he was able to get into the spiritual part of what was going on his life at the time. Because there was no time limit for them, they ended up spending almost 2 hours sharing. I have been to many, many events, but I have to say that this was one of the best. I am always amazed that no matter how many events I go to, I still learn and am encouraged by Joel’s speaking and Ryan’s music. I am thankful that I get the chance to hear them as many times as I do. Not only did Joel and Ryan do a great job, but the crowd was obviously thirsty for the Truth and responded very well. There were around 10 that accepted Christ for the first time and around 30 that rededicated their life to Christ! Praise God that he is using Ryan and Joel to touch the lives of so many people!

Emily

RealTime '09

Last weekend we got the chance to fly out to Kansas City, MO for FCA staff time. Every 3 years, they hold what is called “RealTime.” Rather than strict training, this weekend is a time for FCA staff and their spouses to be encouraged. They really poured into all of us—all 1000 of us and it was a very spiritually refreshing weekend. We stayed at the Hyatt in downtown KC and we got to listen to national speakers like Chip Engram and Leah Amico and hear and worship with award-winning Christian bands. We met people from all over the country that are faithfully reaching kids and adults through FCA. With Ryan and I being coaches (we coach cross country together and I coach track too if you didn’t know), we understand the influence you have with young athletes and the amazing opportunity to impact their lives. I left that weekend having a much greater appreciation for FCA and for all of the people that pour their lives into it every day for the sake of Christ.


Emily

Ryan and I at dinner...

All of Central Ohio FCA staff except Joel and Beth.

The first night they only had a smoking room available and our neighbors decided to have a late night smoke..... so this is what I woke up to Ryan doing at 2am!

The main stage...