Rusty Massey of Thomasville, Ga., the area director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), talked about the organization’s goals during a Wednesday address to the Bainbridge Lions Club.

“The FCA’s mission is to present to athletes and coaches, and all who they influence, the opportunity to accept the Lord and serve him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church,” he said, in opening his comments.

“We have two outstanding FCA huddle coaches at Bainbridge High School. Scott Miller, who recently resigned as Bainbridge High School head baseball coach, and his wife, Michelle, are doing an outstanding job.

“Our FCA area covers eight southwest Georgia counties. They are Decatur, Grady, Thomas, Seminole, Miller, Early, Baker and Mitchell.

“We have several ministries in FCA, which also includes some non-athletes. One is a character coaches ministry, another is an adopt-a-coach ministry and another is a church partnership ministry.”

He pointed out that character coaches can take on a number of roles, including leading and coordinating pre-game devotions, providing personal care to players, coaches and support staff and praying for and encouraging players, coaches, coaches families and support staff.

“Coaches are the key to the adopt-a-coach program,” Massey said. “The ministry is designed for you to pour encouragement and prayer into a coach. If you like to serve and encourage, the adopt-a-coach ministry is for you.”

He emphasized that those involved in an adopt-a-coach ministry can encourage their coach through monthly hand-written letters or notes and constant prayer.

“The church partnership ministry involves getting our members involved in a local church,” Massey said. “We want to help promote church events.”