Eastern Iowa FCA

1 I look up to the mountains—
does my help come from there?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth!

Psalm 121:1-2

Staying Committed to Christ

When life gets tough, it can be tough for us to keep going. We may start enthusiastically in our relationship with God, but our true beliefs and commitment are often revealed when we face trials.

When we first connect with God, we feel excitement. When we follow Christ, we feel His love and are encouraged by His word. We also may begin to cultivate His character and choose to love others.

Committing to Christ becomes hard when we are left out, made fun of, face temptation, feel rejection or like we do not belong. It seems easier to throw in the towel, walk away, and commit to an easier way of life found in the world.

Jesus meets us in these hard moments. He speaks clearly, “If they persecute me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). Jesus is teaching His disciples and us today that commitment to Him is commitment to a cost. Committing to Christ may cost us friends, popularity, money, possessions and maybe even our lives. But when we commit to Jesus and remain in Him we are assured of life in Heaven and the “crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).

We can practice resiliency by following Jesus’ example.

“Going a little farther, he fell facedown and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’” — Matthew 26:39

Fixing our eyes on God and going straight to Him in prayer puts us in a position to seek and receive His wisdom, strength and sustenance. God gives us freedom to ask boldly and honestly, but with a desire for His will to be done. We also have the gift of the Holy Spirit living in us, who helps us in our weakness, intercedes on our behalf, and guards us in all truth.

The cost is great, but committing to Jesus from the beginning and watching Him move in our hearts and lives, is even greater.

📖 Quarter Verse

“If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you.” — John 15:19

🏈 Calling all offensive and defensive linemen! 🏈

This isn't your typical football camp.

Join us on July 25 at North Liberty High School for a full day of elite coaching, competition, and growth. Learn from former college and professional players who are passionate about developing the next generation of linemen.

💪 Position-specific instruction
🏃 Performance testing (40-yard dash, 20-yard dash, broad jump, and pro agility shuttle)
🔥 Competitive one-on-one drills
🙏 Faith-based encouragement and leadership development

Throughout the day, athletes will be challenged physically and spiritually as they learn how FCA's core values of integrity, excellence, teamwork, and serving apply both on and off the field.

Come ready to compete. Come ready to grow.

✅ Register here: easterniowafca.org/linemancamp

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Ephesians 2:10

A reminder for when you wonder, “Am I enough?”

Do you feel like you can’t measure up? Are you constantly striving but feel like you are not good enough? No matter what goal we set, the bar always rises.

The ways of this world will leave us constantly trying to earn our spot and seeking to stay relevant.

Relevance fades throughout time, but what is eternal stands forever.

If we look to God, we see He created everything out of love. That includes us.

“So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female.” - Genesis 1:27

God formed us intricately. Deliberately. With great craftsmanship and intent.

“I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made.” - Psalm 139:14

Loving eyes watched over us from the start; we already had value before we took a breath.

It’s not about doing or being enough. It’s about who you are and whose you are.

Your identity is securely rooted in the love of God your Father through Jesus Christ.

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” - John 1:12

You are already wonderfully made, seen and cherished. There is nothing you can do to earn a better status or make yourself feel useful.

“For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16

Because of Jesus, we get the gift of life forever with our Father.

“The world may say one thing, but what God says is ultimate.”

In Jesus, you are already enough.

Article by Sarah Freymuth, FCA Content and Storytelling Manager

After several impactful years serving with FCA Eastern Iowa, Sarah Matus is stepping into a new calling as a clinical therapist with Keys to Living Christian Counseling.

We are incredibly grateful for the way Sarah has faithfully served coaches, athletes, and communities through FCA with humility, compassion, and a deep love for Jesus. While we will miss her greatly, we are excited to see how God continues to use her in this next chapter. ❤️

Read the full update and message from Sarah + FCA leadership in the email here: conta.cc/4dTb8Le

Linemen—this one’s for you.

The Eastern Iowa Linemen Clinic is all about:
🔥 Elite coaching
🔥 Real competition
🔥 Position-specific training

Learn from former college & pro players, compete in 1-on-1 drills, and test your performance.

And most importantly—grow in your faith while you train.

💲 $125
👉 Register: easterniowafca.org/linemancamp

Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.

2 Corinthians 13:11