Last Wednesday, I left my house around 6:30 AM, heading for Yellow Medicine East High School in Granite Falls. It was still pitch dark, but with coffee in hand and KTIS on the radio, I settled in for a peaceful drive.
A few weeks prior, Anna Mehlhouse had contacted me to ask if I would speak to the YME Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Huddle. Without hesitation, I said, “Absolutely, yes!” I’ve known Anna since her basketball days at YME—I actually broadcasted several of her games. She was a fantastic player back then, and today she’s the adult leader for the YME Huddle. Anna recently married, works at Fagens, and comes from a wonderful family; her dad is the pastor at Rock Haven in Granite Falls. She asked if I would share my testimony and my relationship with Jesus, which is something I always love to talk about.
The Growing Movement in Our Schools
It is incredible to see how God is using FCA in our area lately. Schools like Canby, Minneota, Lakeview, and SMSU in Marshall all have very active groups and have been around a long time. Now, Lac qui Parle Valley (LQPV) has officially started a Huddle as well.
If you aren’t familiar with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, it has been around since 1954. Their mission is simple: to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus and His church.
A Look Back to 1976
I personally remember attending FCA events back when I was in high school in 1976. One memory that stands out was going to New Ulm for a regional event to hear Tom Landry, the legendary head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. Even though I wasn’t a Cowboys fan then (and as a big football fan, I’m still not!), I vividly remember Coach Landry speaking about the importance of God and reading the Bible.
The following Sunday, a few of us even spoke at a small country church outside of New Ulm. I can’t remember exactly what we said back then, but the seeds were definitely being planted!
New Beginnings at LQPV
Over the last couple of months, I’ve been training to be an FCA adult leader at LQPV. I even passed the criminal background check—so you’re safe with me! (That’s a joke, of course).
I am so excited that the LQPV Huddle is officially up and running. We meet Wednesday mornings at 7:10 AM in the lab room. At our very first meeting, we had around 20 students. Seeing them walk through the door carrying their Bibles truly moved me; you don’t see that often enough these days.
While us adults help in the background, these Huddles are entirely student-led. Molly Halvorson, Kate Ulstad, and Tanner Kalas are doing an amazing job. They lead the opening prayer, organize fun games, and facilitate the Bible study and discussion. It’s inspiring to see, especially knowing how many lives FCA has changed, from local students to professional athletes.
Returning to Granite Falls
Back at YME, the students made me feel incredibly welcome. I told them that their school holds a special place in my heart for two reasons:
- The Beginning: My very first sports broadcast for KLQP was in the YME gym back in 1992 (a boys’ basketball game between LQPV and Granite Falls). Today, I am approaching my 6,000th broadcast!
- The End: The last time I ever wore shoulder pads and played a game of football was also in Granite Falls. it was for the conference championship. One of the largest crowds I have ever played in front of.
(I did have to mention to the students that Granite Falls beat us in both of those games!)
The Main Event
Most importantly, I shared my story of coming to know Jesus. I told the students that the number one priority in life is your relationship with Him. Reading the Bible is how God talks to you; I encouraged them to ask Him for a genuine love for His Word.
We walked through a few scriptures that have impacted my life. I walked them through what’s called the Romans Road. We had a wonderful time of Q&A afterward. Some students even stayed late just to chat. FCA is making a real difference in the lives of student-athletes in our area, and I am so grateful to be a part of it. I received an invite to speak at the Minneota FCA in a couple of weeks and am looking forward to sharing Jesus and my story with them. God is good, all the time! Feeling blessed.
Raymo's Ramblings 