EQUIPPING LEADERS…
“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit
their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” Matthew 16:26
This verse always touched my heart because I know what I did and
how in the world I was before I gave my heart to God. Every time He
opened His arms for me, I would run because I knew what I was
doing was wrong, but God wanted to love me. I did everything from
alcohol and parties to sex, and I wasn't willing to give that up.
Then, my sister started taking me to a church and I stopped doing
most bad things, but I still wouldn't let God into my heart fully. I held
Alexis Hart, Student - Clarkdale High School back on giving God my everything. So my youth pastor asked if I
wanted to go to FCA camp and I did. I went there just thinking of all
the fun games to play and all the people I was going to meet, but God had a better purpose than just
that. God spoke to me that night and told me to trust Him and give Him everything, so at camp I gave
Him my everything. Ever since then, my life has been changed by God because of how great He is and
how He uses me. I am now the FCA president of Clarkdale High School, a huddle leader, and I
served as a leader at the FCA Pouncey Camp in Highland. If it wasn't for FCA Leadership
Camp, I wouldn't be the person I am today. I would not have given God my
everything. So I am thankful that we have an active FCA where I can be
involved.
…to
lead
others
Josh Lovelady
is a 5th year Senior
from Prattville,
Alabama. Signing with
Mississippi State after two years
of JUCO baseball, Lovelady entered
the 2016 season with expectations of
significant playing time for a team slated to
compete for an SEC championship. These
expectations changed drastically on a cold February
afternoon, a mere five games into the season.
Running a routine back-pick play from his catcher
Josh Lovelady, Catcher - Mississippi State University Baseball
position, Lovelady received a low throw from the
outfield and quickly planted to position his body
properly; however, his cleat got caught in the turf field. Josh found out a few days later that he had torn
his ACL and would miss the remainder of the season.
Josh has a reputation amongst coaches and players as a hard worker. He is known by his family and
close friends as something much more though: a follower of Jesus Christ. His work ethic, personality,
and lifestyle have been shaped by this relationship, earning respect from all whom he encounters.
However, something changed in the weeks following his ACL tear: he became increasingly bitter. He sat
around helplessly and watched as the 2016 team won the program’s 11th SEC Championship. Why
would God allow this horrible injury to end his dream season? For weeks, he sat around questioning his
purpose on the team. A conversation with his dad mid-way through the season changed Josh’s
perspective. His dad let him know that God was in complete control, so it was time to get up and press
towards what God had next for his baseball career. (Continued on next page)
For more details on these stories, visit: mississippifca.org/2016
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