The Beacon

Fields of Faith is an event run by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). It is a time for students across campus to come together and celebrate their shared faith, and to hear from fellow student athletes, as well as a main speaker. This year's keynote speaker was Coach Sim Heard. Coach Heard based his talk on Acts 27, speaking about the many storms in life that we will face as Christians. His message touched the hearts of many students, including mine. This year, the student speakers were junior Brad Cantrell and senior Morgan Burnett. They both shared their stories of how God has been working in their lives.

Q: How are you involved with FCA? 

Morgan: I’m the President of FCA, so I help coordinate events we’re doing this year and also manage the Instagram.

Brad: I’m the Vice President of FCA. I help lead huddles [small group meetings] and do pretty much whatever is needed.

Q: Can you give a brief recap of what you spoke about at Fields of Faith? 

Morgan: In high school, I put a lot of value in my sports performance and the attention I got. Now, living life in pursuit of Jesus has given me confidence that my identity isn't in sports but is in God!

Brad: My biological mom was an addict, she was out of my life by the time I was six. That really affected me, and Jesus saved my life. I went from doing everything for the world to wanting to live for Jesus and serve him.

Q: How has FCA influenced you? 

Morgan: At Roberts, FCA was the first small group of Christians I was around. When I saw how the people there were sharing Jesus with their sports teams, I realized they were people I wanted to be like. FCA is an international organization, and this summer I did an internship with them. That was really big for me. Being able to share the Gospel with kids was a really cool experience. The constant encouragement and community that I’ve gained through FCA is still just as important now as it was when I was a freshman.

Brad: It was one of my first experiences in a Bible study, and I decided to go all in for God after I went to a Huddle. I met some of my really good friends through FCA.

Q: What are your thoughts on Fields of Faith, and how do you think it might have impacted the student athletes who attended? 

Morgan: It was amazing! There was a really good turnout; that was really encouraging to see. It was a cool way for other students to connect with us. I hope that students who feel like their identity is rooted in something unfulfilling would know that Jesus will give them the joy that they’re looking for!

Brad: Everything went so great, and all of the people running it were great! It was cool to see the event bridging the gap between people who wouldn't usually interact. Sometimes sports divide people, but it’s awesome to see people come together when the common aspect of why they're there is Jesus.

Q: Do you have any advice for students, specifically student athletes, here on campus? 

Morgan: Get involved in a Bible study if you're not already. Read your word, open the Bible everyday and meditate on it. Come to FCA!

Brad: If you are struggling with finding your identity, cry out to Jesus. Talk to God and give Him an opportunity to work in your heart. Ask God to help you. You might not know what you need help with, but He will. Find your identity in Jesus because everything else is temporary.