FCA has been a positive influence in my coaching career. It has been a calming influence during the high times and low times of on-field results. It has reminded me that as coaches our greatest achievement is to positively impact lives and to sacrifice for the good of others. There is no greater example of this than our Savior, Jesus Christ.

-Kyle "Bubba" Schweigert, UND Football Head Coach, retired 2024

Upon receiving a bible from my childhood best friend, I finally decided to come to know our God, after years of putting off a relationship with Christ, in December of 2023. I then began to read my Bible everyday, regularly attended church services, and got in connection with FCA on the NDSU Campus. 

I am blessed to be surrounded by God loving teammates that encourage me to grow in my faith as a young believer. So naturally, having my good friends help me find FCA, made my journey with Christ all the more special. For I was able to practice my fellowship under young believers like myself. Finding FCA had helped me realize that I compete all for the glory of God, for when Jesus gave his life upon the cross he had already won. He gave us people, who were dead in sin, a chance to know him, a chance to come to see him. In my sport I can’t worry about my performance or if his plan doesn’t match mine athletically. For his plan is far greater than that of my own. For he has already won as he rose from the dead. So regardless of my athletic performance, good or bad, I hope to do it for the glory of God so that I too can come to know him. For I have won, knowing I have a loving God.

Upon battling cancer, I soon learned about what it means to suffer. We as Christian’s will face suffering. Just as Job fell to his knees to praise God upon loosing his cattle, I too learned to look to God in my times of tribulation. And it was through this that I learned that sometimes bad things will happen to supposedly good people. It may even seem unjust, but I know I am home to a truly righteous and just-full God. One whose plan is far greater than my understanding. So coming to know this, I learned to trust in my faith, trust in the Lord, through prayer, through his Word, and through others.

“For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end-it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.” Habakkuk 2:3

-Evan Liewer, Junior at NDSU - Cross Country, Track and Field

Fields of Faith is a global FCA event where athletes gather at sport environments in their communities to challenge their peers to read the Bible daily and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and His church. For the last 20 years, schools have held the event on the same date across the country. 

The event is now taking place in schools and fields around the world throughout the whole year. Fittingly, this year it has become a movement that's 24/7. Even in North Dakota. Already this fall, there have been two Fields of Faith events that have taken place across the state. Grand Forks and Bismarck each hosted an event (More details here). However, the impact of each event expands much further than just those two communities as athletes from all over the state traveled to join their fellow students.

Which is why each Fields of Faith event is not a finish line, but rather a starting line. Each event is an on-ramp to discipleship. The goal of each event is to engage students, athletes, and coaches right where they are. In John 4:35, Jesus says, “Open your eyes and look at the fields, because they are ready for harvest.” Jesus said to look at the fields. He might have meant this metaphorically, but that’s exactly where people are right now.

Adults and students are on fields and in gyms. The goal of each Fields of Faith event is to plant seeds in the hearts of all those in attendance. To challenge people to go home and take that next step-whether it be accepting Christ, reading your Bible, starting a huddle, or hosting a Fields of Faith in their own community. That’s why Fields of Faith is now a 24/7 movement. 

2024 FCA Black Hills Sports Camp (Spearfish, SD) was an incredible experience that left a lasting impact on the lives of many. With 452 total individuals in attendance, representing nine different states, the camp provided a unique opportunity for athletes, coaches, spouses, and volunteers to connect with one another and grow in their faith. The week was filled with exciting sport sessions, intentional worship, and engaging moments of learning more about who God is and how He works in our lives. Campers had the chance to learn from some of the best coaches in the region, make lifelong friends, and most importantly, deepen their relationship with Christ. 

North Dakota brought 50 students, coaches and staff to the Black Hills Sports Camp in Spearfish, SD. We also offer free transportation; busing campers and volunteers across our great state and down into SD. We hope to increase that number to 100 in 2025!

So many people's stories have started at an FCA camp. Whether it be a camper, college huddle leader, volunteer, or a coach, this camp appeals to a wide range of ages from 3 months to 78 years young! Our prayer is that camp is not the end goal for people who attend. While it may feel like the "touchdown" event of the year, we hope that this is only just the kickoff. That the overflow from this camp will continue to ripple through communities, schools, teams, and family homes, inspiring future generations to live for God's glory.

We are grateful for all the Lord has done through camp up to this point, and we can't wait to see what He will continue to do in the future.

Sports Camp by the Numbers and More Photos - click here