DECADE OF DISCIPLESHIP

The Luebbert family has been involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) for a decade and the way that their faith journeys have unfolded over the past ten years can only be attributed to God's faithfulness. Garet and Jennifer Luebbert attended their first Coaches TimeOut weekend in 2013. It was there they both accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior during a conversation with their table leaders. From that moment on, everything changed.

At the time, they were raising three young boys. The Luebberts intentionally prayed and planted seeds, throughout their sons’ childhood, so that they would know Jesus and His love for them, but ultimately recognized the importance of that decision being their boys’ own. 

In the summer of 2022, Jackson, the eldest son, was asked, by a local staff member, to be a Huddle Leader for the FCA Middle School Leadership Camp. Jackson agreed, not knowing the transformation that would occur in his life. Coming into camp, Jackson describes his faith as something he did to check a box, but as camp neared the end, Jackson discovered that God isn’t distant. Instead, the Lord desires to have a relationship with him. In the video,  Jennifer shares, “…he just came home beaming and all in for Jesus. And then the role that he played for his brothers was a very strong role.” 

Camden, the Luebberts’ middle son, attended Greater Portland’s FCA Captain’s Camp in June of 2023. After conversations and an invitation from an FCA Staff member to say “yes” to Jesus Christ, Camden stood up during the closing session signifying that he made the decision to accept Jesus into his heart. During camp, Camden said, “I feel like all my life before, I was just going through the motions, but when I was here I realized that God has a purpose for me and if I believe in Him and thank Him for all the gifts He’s given me, my gifts and everything I have will shine through for His glory.”

A few short weeks after his encounter, he was asked to be a Huddle Leader at FCA’s Middle Leadership Camp. This camp is where the youngest son Elijah had his own encounter with Jesus.

In the video, Jennifer shares that “…it takes a village and for us, FCA has been that village.” There is power in a “yes” and, as seen in the Luebberts’ testimony, the direction in which coaches and athletes are going matters. The Luebberts first decision to attend Coaches TimeOut transformed the way they lived out their faith through prayer and community, and the seeds planted along the way have been nurtured by God. What an encouragement to see how their entire family has come to know Jesus and have personal relationship with Him.

Your gift can impact families, communities and generations to come. A donation today will enable local staff across Greater Portland to continue coming alongside coaches and athletes wherever they are in their faith journey. Coaches and athletes are leaders, and FCA wants to see them leading for Jesus Christ within their circles of influence. As you make plans for your year-end giving, would you prayerfully consider making a gift to FCA? These life-changing stories and discipleship journeys are not possible without your prayers and partnership.