Happy Thanksgiving!

Dear Mulligan Society,

I absolutely love Thanksgiving.  Even though it only comes once a year, it's the beginning of a season where a lot of people take time to value the things that actually have value.  Whatever those specific blessings are for you, remember their source. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.

Psalm 107:1

I am sincerely thankful to each of you who read this blog, pray for the ministry, and partner with FCA Golf to impact the world for Jesus Christ!  You mean more to me than you'll ever know.

Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy the time with those you love!

You are loved,

   

2011 Pro-Am Auction

2011 FCA International Pro-Am

Auction Items

Dear Mulligan Society,

I am excited to make the following information available to you regarding our 27th Annual International Pro-Am.  As you may have read in my prior post, this annual fundraising event not only helps in underwriting costs associated with FCA Golf's yearly programming, but also provides the opportunity for youth to attend a national FCA Golf Camp, where they will improve their golf game, gain a clearer understanding of the Gospel and be encouraged to live out FCA's four core values (Integrity, Serving, Teamwork and Excellence) in their homes, schools and sports teams.  
  
FCA Golf's 27th Annual International Pro-Am is just under 5 days away--and we're excited about a new twist we're offering for our auction this year--mobile bidding technology.  
  
What exactly does this mean?  Well, I'm glad you asked...  This means that ANYONE can place bids on the items we are offering in our auction this year.  The best part is that YOU CAN PARTICIPATE--regardless of whether you even attend the event!
    
By offering mobile bidding technology this year, it allows individuals the ability to begin bidding IMMEDIATELY--before the event even begins this Sunday and Monday, October 16th & 17th--via text message from your mobile phone.  

  
I encourage you to take a look at this year's auction catalog by clicking: View the Auction Catalog.  In addition to our auction items, you will find full instructions on how to register your mobile phone so that you can begin participating.  If you're interested in any of the items, feel free to make a bid!  
  
Regardless, thank you for your continued prayers and support of FCA Golf.  Because of your support, we all can continue impacting the world for Jesus Christ through the game of golf.
  
You are loved,
  

FCA Golf's 27th Annual International Pro-Am

Dear Mulligan Society,

On October 16^th and 17^th, 2011 FCA Golf will be hosting its International Pro-Am Event at Isleworth Country Club in Windermere, FL.  This annual event began 27 years ago through the hard work and dedication of Jack and Barbara Nicklaus.  Since the tournament’s conception, golfers have been provided the chance to compete on world-class golf courses, playing with some of golf’s top professionals.  Today, the event has grown to new heights with recent year’s participants including Aaron Baddeley, Jonathan Byrd, Stewart Cink, Fred Funk, J.B. Holmes, Charles Howell III, Zach Johnson, Bernhard Langer and Tom Lehman.  We anticipate another great field of professionals in this year’s event.

This annual fundraising event not only helps in underwriting costs associated with FCA Golf’s yearly programming, but also provides the opportunity for youth to attend a national FCA Golf camp, where they will improve their golf game, be challenged in their Christian faith and be encouraged to live out FCA’s four core values (Integrity, Serving, Teamwork and Excellence) in their homes, schools and sports teams.

As this event quickly approaches, would you please join us in prayer for the following:

• A full field of 72 amateurs (a few spots currently remain open)
• Firm commitments from 18 PGA Tour Professionals (some currently remain outstanding)
• Beautiful weather on Monday, October 17^th
• That those who attend would gain a greater knowledge and understanding of the FCA Golf Ministry

To view the event brochure, please click here.

You are loved,

  

Mission 4:33 Debrief

 

Dear Mulligan Society,

If you've followed my posts this past year, you may remember the team of college golfers I was assembling this past winter, known as FCA Golf's Mission 4:33 Team.  The purpose of Mission 4:33 is to equip college golfers for Christian ministry through the game of golf.  This select group of individuals are prepared and trained for a summer of ministry at several FCA Golf Camps.

This year's Mission 4:33 Team consisted of three individuals: Gareth, Kaitlyn and Teal (visit FCAGolf.org to learn more about these individuals).  Next week the Mission 4:33 Team will close their summer of ministry here in Ponte Vedra Beach.  In addition to debriefing this past summer's camp ministry experience, the team will spend time serving and working with various organizations that helped make our Florida Junior Golf Camp a success this past June.

Would you please pray for these individuals as they travel to the Jacksonville area on Monday?  Pray, too, that our debrief time would be open, honest, and full of great ideas--allowing FCA Golf's Mission 4:33 internship and Camp Ministry to make an even greater impact in the years to come.

You are loved,

P.S.  For more information about FCA Golf's Mission 4:33, see my prior post.

Sneak Peek...

Dear Mulligan Society,
 

Below is a ministry update letter I wrote earlier this week that should hit many of your mailboxes by the later part of next week.  If you're not on the mailing list, but would like to be, please click the "Membership" button at the bottom of the page in order to provide me your information.

 
To obtain a printable .pdf of the letter, click here.
 
You are loved,

Golf Camp Update

Dear Mulligan Society,

Hard to believe, but we're already 3 weeks into camp season with FCA Golf Camps throughout the country!  I've been blessed with the priviledge to go to two different camps over the past two weeks and experience first-hand the impact God is making in the lives of youth through golf.

During the week of June 13th, I directed FCA Golf's Florida Junior Golf Camp in St. Augustine.  We had 27 campers from Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina & Kentucky.  It was awesome to see how the Lord worked in the campers' hearts through golf instruction, competition on the course, chapel times and huddle meetings.  3 campers gave their lives to Christ during the week and many others left camp excited to take Jesus back to those they know in their communities.  Please pray for these campers as they settle back into their normal life routines back home.

This past week (June 19-23), I had the opportunity to attend an FCA Golf Camp in Franklin, IN (just outside of Indianapolis) and serve as a huddle leader (small group leader/counselor) for the week.  In addition to helping campers improve their golf games, I was able to hang with 5 high school students and challenge them in 4 key relationships we all have:

1. Our relationship with God
2. Our relationship with Ourselves
3. Our relationship with Others
4. Our relationship with the World

I am grateful for the opportunity I had to spend the week with these guys and ask you to pray for them--as they all share a strong desire to grow in their relationship with Christ and make their faith known and real within their relationship "circles".  Here's a picture of them below.



Thanks for standing with me in prayer and support of God's work in the lives of aspiring young golfers!

You are loved,

  



2011 FCA Florida Junior Golf Camp

Dear Mulligan Society,

Today was a great first day of golf camp in St. Augustine, FL.  27 campers from Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina & Kentucky!  Pray for these campers and the GAMECHANGING impact that will be made in their lives this week.  Enjoy the photos below!

You are loved,

   

 



May Ministry Update

Dear Mulligan Society,

Even though you haven't seen a Mulligan Society post in close to a month now, thanks for your commitment to everything that's been going on!  Your prayers and support of this ministry are what allow me to share with you the amazing things God has done through FCA Golf over the past month!

Ireland

As some of you are already aware, we had a wonderful camp in Ireland for the 3rd year now.  The major difference about this year's Anders Forsbrand Ireland Junior Golf Camp was the weather!  I don't think we could have asked for better weather in Ireland during the week.  It felt much more like early spring in Florida! 

In addition to instruction and competition, campers were challenged by the Biblical truth our team presented during the week.  Several campers indicated that the talks they heard made an impact on them.  "I really like the talks.  They explained stuff about God and made me understand Him more," shared Brian.  Josh said, "The talks actually changed my opinion a bit on God."  "To my surprise, the thing I enjoyed most about the camp was learning spritually about Christ and God!" exclaimed Sean.

Our team was very thankful to see a third year attendee dedicate his life to Christ this year.  Additionally, several campers who had attended in the past were much more vocal about their faith; and it was great to see how they had grown as leaders amongst their friends.

Breakfast with the Pros at THE PLAYERS

Upon returning from Ireland, we jumped right in to final preparations for our annual Breakfast with the Pros at THE PLAYERS Championship (right here in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL).  For just under 30 years now, FCA Golf has offered a breakfast to high school and college golfers throughout NE Florida.  Students and their coaches are invited to attend (at no charge) because of individuals and companies who underwrite the cost of their attendance.

This year we had a total of 800 attendees (650 students/150 adults)!  PGA Tour Professional, Kevin Streelman, shared his testimony and interviewed good friend, Toby Mac, who also performed musically that morning.  In addition to Kevin, the following PGA Tour Professionals joined us and enjoyed breakfast with the youth who attended:

Aaron Baddeley

Jonathan Byrd

Stewart Cink

Fred Funk

Zach Johnson

Jeff Klauk

 Bryce Molder

John Rollins

Webb Simpson

Scott Stallings

Chris Stroud

Josh Teater

Garrett Willis

Mark Wilson

After Toby Mac concluded the morning's breakfast with a brief Gospel presentation, all teams and coaches received tickets donated by the PGA Tour to attend Wednesday's practice round.

I am thankful to report to you that 119 first-time decisions were made to accept Christ, and 64 lives were rededicated!  Praise God for this great news!

Thank you to those of you who supported the Ireland Camp or THE PLAYERS Breakfast with your finances or prayers!  You are making a difference, and I'm beyond grateful to be your teammate!

  
You are loved,

    

We're Back From Ireland!

I'm back on US soil...  and it felt great to sleep in my bed Saturday night!  As great as it was to return home and celebrate Easter with Karen, my mind and heart has returned to Ireland numerous times the past several days.  The 3rd Annual Anders Forsbrand Ireland Junior Golf Camp was wonderful!  It is awesome to reflect upon the Lord's provision and how He truly blessed the prayers of His people.

For those of you who joined us in praying for this camp through the daily FourteenIreland posts, thank you!  Your prayers and partnership mean more than you know!  I look forward to sharing specific details about the trip with you.  Keep your eyes peeled for a letter in the mail and on this blog in the next few weeks.

In the meantime, enjoy the camp photos below.  I encourage you to check back often, as I will be adding pictures to this slideshow as the FCA Golf team members send me their photos.

 You are loved,

   

Ireland: Here we come!

Today's the day!  The FCA Golf team is headed to Ireland!  Would you please pray for us today and tommorrow morning as we fly through the night?  Your commitment to supporting us and praying with us is SO appreciated! 

You are loved,

  

Fourteen Ireland: Day #14

Day #14: Camp Staff

Today, Day #14...  Our final day!  If you made it to day fourteen, way to go!  Thanks for praying with us daily.  Your commitment means so much!  Tomorrow's the big day--the FCA Golf team will be leaving for Ireland!  Would you join us today in praying for all camp staff?

Please pray for everyone's attitude.  Pray that staff would be all about the youth, ready and willing to serve them.  Pray that none of our efforts would be about ourselves, but rather Jesus Christ!  Pray that our presence amongst these youth would be marked by: honesty, sincerity, service and love.

I'll do my best to keep you updated on camp while in Ireland.  Also, I would encourage you to visit FCA Golf's site http://www.fcagolf.org/ for trip updates.  Regardless of how often I am able to update you about the week, know that you'll receive a full report upon my return!

 

Again, thank you for your prayers and support! 

Fourteen Ireland: Day #13

Day #13: Coaching Groups

Today, Day #13 of our fourteen day journey, would you join us in praying for Coaching Groups?  Below are pictures of Karen's group and my group from last year:

    

  

  

Coaching Groups, or "Huddles" as FCA calls them in the US, are small groups consisting of a leader and several campers.  Each camper is assigned to a group with other campers of similar age and same gender.  The purpose of these groups are to encourage discussion and understanding of how the Gospel applies to each of our lives.  For more information about coaching groups, see FCA's Huddles Overview (scroll down once the page has loaded).

   

Each day following lunch, campers will hear a short message about the day's topic (topics were shared in yesterday's post).  These messages are designed to get the campers talking and thinking--providing an excellent transition into our Coaching Groups, where leaders discuss with campers how the message that was shared applies to each of our own lives.

Please pray for our coaching group times.  Pray that the truth of God's Word would touch the heart's of each camper's life.  Pray that campers would see the Bible as a book that truly is relevant to every aspect of life.



FourteenIreland: Day #12

Day #12: Bible Curriculum/Camp Theme

Today, Day #12 of our fourteen day journey, would you join me in praying for our Bible curriculum and camp theme: HOPE?

In addition to great instruction and plenty of golf, campers will hear a series of short messages getting them thinking about the topic of hope.  These messages will spur on further discussion that will take place in coaching groups (small discussion groups--more about this tomorrow).  The following four truths about hope will be shared throughout the week:

• Monday: Honesty - Everyone can experience more hope in life by being honest about our purpose, our problem, and God's promise.
• Tuesday: Openness - Everyone can have more hope in their life by accepting their helpless condition and asking how they can know God more.
• Wednesday: Perspective - Perspective helps us recognize hope when we see it.  If we are willing to understand Jesus as a servant, friend, and King, it will change our perspective and bring us greater hope.
• Thursday: Experience - Everyone can hope by experiencing faith through a relationship with Jesus, a deeper relationship with others, and an understanding of Heaven.

Each truth has been paired with a particular Bible story to expose campers to the truth of God's Word.  Please pray that these themes would be communicated clearly and that the Biblical truths shared would penetrate the hearts of each camper.

FourteenIreland: Day #11

Day #11: Golf Instruction

Today, Day #11 of our fourteen day journey, would you join us in praying for the golf instruction at camp?  Below is a basic overview of our golf instruction curriculum:

click schedule to enlarge

Each day, instruction will begin with a clinic put on by Anders Forsbrand introducing (through demonstration and explanation) a particular aspect of the golf swing.  Following Anders' clinic, campers will split up into groups and rotate through various stations, covering all aspects of the game during the week.  Although it is our intention to instruct campers in the morning and get them out on the course in the afternoon, you may have noticed that the above schedule can easily be switched to the afternoon, should we need to adjust our plans.

Would you pray that campers would have fun becoming better players as they practice and learn next week?

FourteenIreland: Day #10

Day #10: Prepared Minds & Hearts

Today, Day #10 of our fourteen day journey, would you join us in praying for prepared minds and hearts?

In this final week as OM Ireland organizes, FCA Golf packs, and campers anticipate, would you pray that the Lord would prepare the hearts and minds of everyone involved?  Pray that campers' hearts would be softened to accept the message we'll bring.  Pray that OM Ireland and FCA Golf staff would be examples of Christ in the service and love we offer.

Thank you for your prayers!