Courts of Praise, 2022

A POWERFUL Illustration of the FREE Gift of Salvation

Serving Selma Together

2022 . . . The Year that Fields of Faith turned into Courts of Praise

"It was a long way to Texas A&M, but the miles were worth it!" - West Alabama FCA Camper

"You wanna climb down the tallest building in T-Town to raise money to send kids to camp this summer?"

Seeing the ACA high school athletes willingly step into a role model position where they model following Jesus to future generations has been incredible!

Being a coach’s wife is a unique role, especially when you’re the wife of a head coach in one sport and an assistant in another. Although it can be tough, it’s so rewarding to watch my husband be such a great mentor. As a coach’s wife, when you really dig into the sport that they coach, it also becomes part of your life. Those running backs become like your sons and the softball players are like your daughters. I don’t think of it as time away from our family, I think of it as we are gaining a family that we get to watch grow. Attending the FCA "minis-tea" affirmed all these things for me. To know that there are other wives out there who went through the same struggles, but also came to the same realizations, was a game changer for me. I was literally brought to tears when some of them spoke about their experiences and even prayed over our personal families. It brought about a connection that I haven’t really experienced before. It was real and it was honest. It’s not always easy and sometimes I want to throw in the towel on sports, but I can’t. It changes lives!! It has changed our lives. I hope that there are many more FCA wife meetings that can reach even more coach’s wives and that these wives can see the importance of having a coaching “family” that they can depend on. This should not be something you do alone. I’m so glad I was invited to this event and I can’t wait to see where this program takes us. GO PATS! Christie Swinney

With the school year right around the corner, the interns got to head out of town a little ways to reboot and connect at True Vine. The retreat was kicked off by prayer warrior, Mrs. Bette, who talked with us about the power of prayer before blessing each one of us. It was such a treat to hear Mrs. Bette and her husband, Dr. McRae, share their wisdom and encouragement. But the fellowship didn't stop there, it was just beginning. Next up on the agenda was a delicious dinner cooked up by our board president, Dustin, and served by board members, Mrs. Carolyn and Mrs. Danielle. During dinner, the interns received some more wisdom and encouragement from each of the board members. The interns were fueled up and ready to take on the high ropes course at night, a unique experience that led to a lot of teamwork, laughter and trust. The True Vine staff were adept at walking our group through the actual ropes course, while also helping us see how similar the course was to our own lives and walks with Christ. The same tools we learned we needed to successfully navigate the ropes are the same ones we need to navigate our lives. Faith even when we can't see, the support of others and a willingness to persist through difficult circumstances were just a few of the skills reinforced. Once we tackled the high ropes course, it was off to bed. The next morning we got to connect over breakfast and meet about the upcoming school year. It was incredible to hear each intern describe their goals and plans for how to lead and serve their classmates and teammates this year. And after doing some planning for our upcoming Fields of Faith (see the Events tab to learn more) event, everyone spread out around the gorgeous grounds to have some individual prayer time. Once we were able to spend some quality time with the Lord, most of us were pretty hungry. And good thing because it was time for the interns to help Brandon cook up some paella. Paella is a Spanish dish made by combining a variety of ingredients into one delicious meal. It's the perfect metaphor for the way God uses each one of us, with our unique gifts, to unite as His family and do things much greater than anything we could accomplish alone. And it was a wonderful picture of our interns. Different schools, different sports and different personalities, but together they make up a passionate and dedicated group that is ready serve the Lord and His people. With full bellies and full hearts, it was time to hit the road back to Tuscaloosa so that the interns could prepare for the new school year. We are confident God is going to use them to be prisms of light for Jesus! Please join us in praying for them as they navigate their academics, athletics and ministry.