FCA Golf's IRONMAN Golf Marathon

Dear Mulligan Society,

On Monday, February 11th, I will join 39 others in playing 100 holes of golf in a single day.  Does it sound like I'm crazy? Absolutely!!  I'm crazy about helping FCA Golf accomplish its goal of raising $100,000 in a single day to impact the lives of countless aspiring young golfers!

We all know that no athlete or athletic team has ever achieved their goal of victory by working alone.  Every successful effort requires a game plan and teamwork.  Certainly the same applies to the lives of young people.  If they are going to "win" in life, we must all work together for them and with them.  This is what FCA Golf's 2013 IRONMAN Golf Marathon is all about (view the IRONMAN flyer).

Similar to a walk-a-thon, the IRONMAN Golf Marathon provides you a unique opportunity to invest in the lives of thousands of aspiring young golfers by partnering with me in my efforts to play 100 holes for them.  Would you consider sponsoring me at 25 cents per hole ($25) or even $1 per hole ($100)?  

By partnering with me, you can ensure that FCA Golf:

• Positively influences over 2,500 aspiring young golfers through camps, breakfasts and GAMEDAY events
• Continues to grow the Nancy Warner Scholarship Endowment in order to provide funding for campers who would otherwise be unable to attend an FCA Golf Camp
• Supports a part time staff member in Ponte Vedra Beach to assist with camps, administration and programming

Between now and February 11th, I've set my goal at $5,000. Would you consider helping me get there?  No gift of support is too small.  I encourage you to visit my fundraising page for this effort and keep track of my progress.

Thank you for your partnership in impacting the lives of aspiring young golfers for Christ!

You are loved,

    

CORE4 - FCA Golf's New Youth Technology Platform

Dear Mulligan Society,

  

Yesterday, October 16th, was an exciting day for FCA Golf as we unveiled a revolutionary integrated technology platform for youth golfers that will be known as CORE4.  

  

The goal of CORE4 is very simple.  It has been designed with the purpose of: Growing young aspiring golfers into Biblically mature leaders.

  

We were blessed with the endorsement and presence of Tom Lehman, 2011 Champions Tour Player of the Year, and PGA Tour member, Kevin Streelman, during yesterday's webinar introduction.

  

I encourage you to watch yesterday's webinar (in recorded format) below and join us in praying for CORE4 as this exciting technology is released to the junior golf world in the upcoming months.

  

You are loved,

    

Congratulations to Anders Forsbrand

European Senior Tour Player, Anders Forsbrand, made history today with his win at the 2012 SSE Scottish Senior Open.  Read the full article here.

As many of you may recall, Anders is a fantastic teammate of FCA Golf.  For the past 4 years, Anders has partnered with FCA Golf to host the annual Anders Forsbrand Ireland Junior Golf Camp at Glasson Hotel & Golf Club.

Congratulations, Anders, on a job well done!

FCA Golf's TobyMac Junior Golf Camp

Dear Mulligan Society,

What a week it was in Southern Pines, NC at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club, July 15-19!  FCA Golf's Toby Mac Junior Golf Camp had a total of 38 campers from Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, North & South Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas & West Virginia.  11 of these youth were past campers, having attended FCA Golf Camp at least once before.  Campers bettered their golf games, grew in their relationship with Jesus Christ and had plenty of fun while doing it!  Click the following links to see the TobyMac Golf Camp Schedule and Brochure.

Without a doubt one of the things that makes this camp very special is TobyMac (and his band) being at camp with us during the week.  Most people don't know that Toby grew up playing the game and helped start his college golf team at Liberty University.  In addition to Toby, Adam Agee (lead singer of Stellar Kart) spent the week with us leading music with Toby, and Kenn Kington, taught as our chaplain for the week.

As I mentioned in a prior post, I was very excited to change up my role and responsibilities at this camp.  In addition to being one of the golf instructors for the week, I served in the role of Huddle Leader Coordinator.  It was my job to serve and pour into the Huddle Leaders (3 males, 1 female), so that they could do the same with the campers they were responsible for.

Some of you may know that Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club was where FCA Golf Camps began in 1979.  After having spent a week there, I can absolutely see why.  The facility is certainly special.  But behind the facility is the staff that operates it.  I can't say enough about the Pine Needles staff.  Every one of them was sincerely eager to serve and do whatever was needed, all with a smile on their face!   

Enjoy the following picture slideshow recap put together by one of FCA Golf's summer interns and Mission 4:33 team members:

Thanks for your continued partnership!

You are loved,

    

Mid-Summer Golf Camp Update

Dear Mulligan Society,
  
How much things change in only a month's time!  Last time I wrote, I shared about the arrival of our Mission 4:33 interns and the golf camps they all would be serving at this summer.  Well an entire month has passed since that last post--and with it, an entire month of golf camps!!  Can you believe we're already half way through the summer?
  
As much as I wish I had the time to tell you every detail about every camp taking place this summer, I've decided to share a few snippets from camps I've served at so far:

  
FCA Golf's Florida Junior Golf Camp

For my second year, I had the opportunity to direct the 2012 Florida Junior Golf Camp, held June 11th-15th at The Palencia Club in St. Augustine.  This year's camp was made up of 23 youth from Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia and Louisiana.  12 of these youth were past campers, having attended FCA Golf Camp at least once prior.  All of the campers stayed busy from the moment they arrived--growing in their knowledge of Jesus Christ, bettering their golf games, and having a ton of fun while doing it!  Click the following links to see the Florida Golf Camp Schedule and Brochure.  Also, enjoy this picture slideshow put together by one of FCA Golf's summer interns and  Mission 4:33 team member:

FCA Golf's Indiana Junior Golf Camp

Also for my second year, I had the opportunity to attend the 2012 Indiana Junior Golf Camp, held June 24th-28th at the Indiana Golf Foundation's Gongaware Junior Golf Academy in Franklin.  Whereas last year I attended as a huddle leader/counselor, this year I had the opportunity to direct the camp. Camp was made up of 23 youth from Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and West Virginia.  The highlight of the week was seeing one camper accept Christ as Lord of her life!  Praise God!

  

Click the following links to see the Indiana Golf Camp Schedule and Brochure. Enjoy the Indiana Golf Camp picture slideshow the same summer intern and Mission 4:33 team member put together:

Many of us will hit the road again this Saturday to travel to Southern Pines, North Carolina for FCA Golf's North Carolina/Toby Mac Junior Golf Camp.  My role at this camp will change slightly from Director to Huddle Leader Coordinator and Golf Instructor.  I'm excited to have the opportunity to pour into the lives of our huddle leaders during the week and teach golf to the campers the Lord brings to us.  

  

I can't tell you enough how thankful I am for your prayers and support.  FCA Golf is truly a life-changing youth ministry.  I'm continually amazed at how the Lord uses the game of golf as a platform to breath life into dead hearts when the gospel message is shared.  Be encouraged by the words spoken from one of our Mission 4:33 team members who witnessed 4 campers accept Christ in her huddle at the Kutztown, Pennsylvania golf camp:

This camp helped me understand how crazy the Gospel message sounds.  But the Gospel combined with God's Holy Spirit moving in our hearts makes it so simple, believable, and straightforward.  Once you experience that, it makes it hard to ever go back to thinking Jesus' resurrection was pointless.  I saw this happen in four of my campers, and it was beautiful.  To see them ask for and receive mercy, love, and unending companionship reminded me of all those things.  It's something I know, but sometimes I need to be kicked in the rear hard to be moved by them again.

Your prayers and support, combined with God's power and Spirit, make all these things possible!  Thank you for being my teammate!  
  
You are loved,

    

P.S.  If you'd like to financially support the ministry of FCA Golf, click here to learn how.

2012 Mission 4:33 Team

Dear Mulligan Society,
  
FCA Golf's Mission 4:33 Team arrived to Ponte Vedra Beach yesterday!
  
What's Mission 4:33?  You may be asking...
  
Mission 4:33 is a summer internship program offered by FCA Golf to college golfers.  The name is based on Acts 4:33, "The apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of Jesus, and grace was on all of them."  The purpose of Mission 4:33 is to equip college golfers in Christian ministry through the game of golf.  
  
This small team of college golfers (3 college golf athletes, 2 PGA Professional Golf Management students) arrived yesterday for a long-weekend of training (see schedule here) leading up to our very first camp this summer--FCA Golf's Florida Junior Golf Camp, held in St. Augustine.  Following Florida Camp, the team will travel across the country to serve as Huddle Leaders(scroll down), camp counselors and assistants to the golf instructors at several of FCA Golf's 2012 camps.  See the Mission 4:33 Job Description for more details.  
  
Interviews for the 2012 Mission 4:33 Team began last fall as I spoke with many college golfers over the phone or in person who shared a desire to use their golf skills as a means for ministry with youth.  What a blessing it is to see the team the Lord has assembled for us this summer.  
  
Please keep this team of 2 gals and 3 guys in your prayers as they come to mind--that great grace would be on all of them as they interact with hundreds of kids this coming summer and share the good news of Jesus Christ! 
  
You are loved,

FCA Golf's Involvement at THE PLAYERS

  

Dear Mulligan Society,

What a great week it was for FCA Golf here in Ponte Vedra Beach at the 2012 PLAYERS Championship.

  

FCA Golf's THE PLAYERS Breakfast with the Pros
For close to 30 years, FCA Golf has hosted THE PLAYERS Breakfast with the Pros the Wednesday morning of THE PLAYERS Championship week.  On Wednesday, May 9th, at the Sawgrass Marriott Resort, FCA Golf offered  breakfast to high school golfers and their coaches throughout NE Florida.  Students and 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 850 attendees (650 students/200 adults)!  PGA Tour Professional & 2011 THE PLAYERS Champion, K.J. Choi, was interviewed by Golf Channel's Todd Lewis.  K.J. did a great job sharing how his relationship with Jesus Christ impacts every aspect of his life and golf game.  In addition to K.J., the following PGA Tour Professionals joined us, had an opportunity to share, and enjoyed breakfast with the youth who attended:

Aaron Baddeley

Jonathan Byrd

Bob Estes

Fred Funk

Zach Johnson

Billy Kratzert

 Bryce Molder

Tom Pernice, Jr.

Webb Simpson

Scott Stallings

Kevin Streelman

Chris Stroud

Josh Teater

Mark Wilson

LPGA Player, Amelia Lewis

 

In addition to K.J.'s interview and other player introductions, I was given the opportunity to present FCA Golf Camps to all the students in attendance.  A portion of this presentation involved interviewing a two-time past camper.  This camper did a great job sharing her story of how she ended up at FCA Golf Camp for the first time and how it has impacted her golf game, life and faith.

  

I had the privilege and opportunity to finish the morning's program by sharing the Gospel with everyone in attendance. Although I had never shared the Gospel in front of such a large group of people, I was grateful for the opportunity to do so.  

Thankfully God's word does not return void when spoken (Isaiah 55:11).  How exciting it was to learn that:

    

• 52 students accepted Christ as Savior for the first time
• 10 coaches accepted Christ as Savior for the first time

  

Praise God for this great news!

  

28th Annual THE PLAYERS Chapel Service

For 28 years now, the PGA Tour has welcomed FCA Golf to THE PLAYERS on the morning of the final round (Sunday) to conduct a chapel service for players, caddies, tournament staff and spectators (see Chapel program here).  What a blessing this years chapel service was to the 200+ who attended.  Held this year on the clubhouse lawn, the TPC Clubhouse and the 18th Green provided a beautiful backdrop during sunrise, as everyone in attendance sang praises to our Lord.  

In addition to worshiping together, Paul Tesori, PGA Tour Caddie to Webb Simpson (and Ponte Vedra Beach local), shared how his faith in Jesus Christ has radically changed his life.  Paul's pastor, Jack Millwood (another Ponte Vedra Beach local), brought the morning's message.  The chapel service concluded in song led by Kevin Streelman, PGA Tour Professional, who sang and played his guitar.

Kevin Streelman, Matt & Paul Tesori

Sunday afternoon it was very encouraging to see the Tournament Director of THE PLAYERS and learn that he was personally blessed by the chapel service. He explained that he hopes to coordinate efforts with The Tour to more broadly spread the word about this service in the years to come so that others who are attending THE PLAYERS could be blessed by coming to Chapel also.

To those of you who supported THE PLAYERS Breakfast or Chapel Service with your time, finances or prayers, THANK YOU!  You are making a difference, and I'm beyond grateful to be your teammate!

You are loved,

    

FCA Golf's Inaugural Champions Tour Pro-Am

 

Matt & Larry Nelson, Champions Tour Professional

  
Dear Mulligan Society,

  

Did you know that FCA Golf hosted its inaugural Champions Tour Pro-Am this past April 22nd and 23rd at Wexford Plantation on Hilton Head Island, SC?

  
The Champions Tour Pro-Am experience began Sunday evening, April 22nd at the Wexford Plantation Clubhouse, where participants mingled with Champions Tour Professionals, enjoyed a wonderful dinner, bid on wonderful travel experiences and auction items, and heard from Champions Tour Chaplain, Tom Randall.  To finish off the evening, a random draw "Pairings Party" took place in order to determine which Champions Tour Professionals would be playing with which teams.
  
Monday was a picture perfect day for golf, where participants had the chance to play with professionals such as: Andy Bean, Jim Chancey, Anders Forsbrand, David Frost, Fred Funk, Billy Kratzert, Tom McKnight, Larry Mize, Larry Nelson, Tom Pernice, Jr., Loren Roberts, Dave Rummels, Gene Sauers, Scott Simpson and Doug Tewell.
  

The 2012 Pros & FCA Golf staff

  
The Champions Tour Pro-Am will become a yearly experience for those wishing to help support and underwrite the costs associated with FCA Golf's yearly programming.  In addition, the event provides funding for Hilton Head FCA.  Currently, FCA Golf is partnering locally with Hilton Head FCA to conduct a Junior Golf Camp and several ministry venues at the RBC Heritage (PGA Tour event), including: The Heritage Breakfast with the Pros, PGA Tour ministry with players, caddies and their families, and the Sunday morning Chapel Service on the 18th green that has featured past PGA Tour winners.

  
Having several of the Champions Tour Professionals on Hilton Head Island for the day, grabbed the attention of the local newspaper.  Read the article that appeared on the front page of the sports section Tuesday morning following the event:
  

click the image to view

    

Several photos were taken throughout the course of the event. They can be viewed here.

Consider joining us in 2013 for our 2nd Annual Champions Tour Pro-Am.  In the meantime, view this past year's event brochure by clicking here.

  
You are loved,

   

Ireland Camp Wrap-Up

Dear Mulligan Society,

Hard to believe that I've been back from Ireland for almost 4 weeks already.  Since returning, I've reflected on the trip often--continually marveling at what the Lord is allowing FCA Golf to do across the pond.

Even though many of you will be receiving this letter in the mail in the next few days, I thought I'd give you a sneak peak.  Click the link below to read my wrap-up letter:

to read, click here

Also, did you know the 4th Annual Anders Forsbrand Ireland Junior Golf Camp made the news?  Check out this article about camp in Chrisma News:

to read, click here

Thanks again for all of your prayers and support!

You are loved,

Back from Ireland

Dear Mulligan Society,

After a wonderful week in Ireland, I'm happy to say that I made it home to Jacksonville safe and sound Saturday night.  Although I'm tired and fighting jet-lag, I wanted to take a moment to update you and thank you for all of your prayers the past several weeks.

I cannot begin to describe the feeling I had both Thursday and Friday night as I tried to go to sleep--other than feeling so very blessed.  My heart felt incredibly "full" as I reflected on the week, the lives that had been changed, and the wonderful team God gave me the privilege to serve with.

One of the roles/responsibilities I had this year in addition to being the camp director was being the camp chaplain.  Each day I had 10 minutes to share about the person and work of Jesus Christ.  What a privilege it was--especially during Holy Week--to share with these campers about the God-Man, Jesus, who literally gave us EVERYTHING even though we have NOTHING to bring/give to Him.

I look forward to giving you a full camp report in the days ahead--as your  prayers and support are what make this camp possible!  In the meantime, be blessed by the picture slideshow from camp to the left.

Happy Easter!  Christ is risen!

Never forget how much you're loved,

    

FourteenIreland 2012: Day 14

Day 14: Camp Staff

Today, Day #4...  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 campers, ready and willing to serve them.  Pray that none of our efforts would be about ourselves, but rather all about 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.  So please continue to check back next week for camp 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!

  

You are loved,

    

FourteenIreland 2012: Day 13

Day 13: Coaching Groups

Today, Day 13 of our fourteen day journey, would you join us in praying for Coaching Groups?

  

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, I will share a short message to campers about each 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.  Coaching Groups are by far the most important and beneficial time of camp.  It is during the Coaching Group time that people share life with one another.  Pray that the truth and beauty of the Gospel would touch the hearts of everyone involved.  Pray that campers and staff would embrace the good news of the Gospel in every aspect of their lives.
  

You are loved,

    

FourteenIreland 2012: 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: Run The Race?

In addition to great instruction and plenty of golf, I will be sharing a series of short messages from Hebrews 12:1-3, getting campers thinking about the topic of faith.  These messages will spur on further discussion that will take place in coaching groups (small discussion groups--more about this tomorrow).  The following four daily themes each express a truth about faith relevant to the Hebrews 12:1-3 passage.

  

• Monday: GET IN THE RACE
  Without faith, it's impossible to please God.
  "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses..." (Hebrews 12:1a)
  
  
• Tuesday: RUNNING OR STANDING STILL?
  Faith is the only thing that matters.  Get rid of everything else.
  "...let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely..." (Hebrews 12:1b)
  
  
• Wednesday: OUR EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW
  No one showed more faith than Jesus.
  "...and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame..." (Hebrews 12:1c-2b)
  
  
• Thursday: THE FINISH LINE
  Our response to faith today determines tomorrow's destiny.
  "...and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." (Hebrews 12:2c-3)

  

Would you join us in praying for our curriculum?  Would you also pray for me as I communicate these truths to campers next week? And lastly, would you pray that these truths would penetrate the hearts of each camper?

Thanks for sticking with us in prayer!!

  
You are loved,

    

FourteenIreland 2012: 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?

  
You are loved,

    

FourteenIreland 2012: 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, the FCA Golf team packs, and campers anticipate, would you pray that the Lord would prepare the hearts and minds of everyone involved? Please pray that campers' hearts would be softened to receive the message of Christ we'll bring.  Pray that OM Ireland and FCA Golf staff would be examples of Christ in the service and love we offer.

You all are great!  Thanks for following the posts--and even more so, thank you for all of your prayers!
  
You are loved,