United in Christ – 2
Robert Upshaw speaking at the FCA retreat
It was expected for some 50 plus students from both colleges to attend, but what was unexpected was for everyone to leave as one. One body of students brought together by faith as brothers and sisters in Christ.
The retreat was an event packed weekend that included: worship, games, great food and most of all fellowship among students.
“You can’t create this,” South Central Arkansas FCA area representative Micah May said about the retreat. “Everyone was open, and it wasn’t about where you were from, but where you are in Christ. It was a dream come true.” May said.
It really was a dream come true because it seemed so surreal. As rivals schools it is almost ingrained in your head the OBU is the enemy if you go to HSU and visa versa. As athletes we put so much pride in our sport that our behavior is affected off the playing field. We learn to despise the opposition in order to bring out the best competitive sprit in ourselves and become accustomed to it. Although we are still rivals on the playing venue, the time spent together at the FCA retreat in February made many realize how connected we are to each other regardless of what school we attend.
The FCA retreat was about putting grudges from past games aside and coming together as people, specifically people with one thing in common above all else: becoming a Christian first, and Athlete second.
Micah May was not the only one who felt the Holy Spirit during the retreat. Many students poured their heart out about their walk with Christ during an open-mic section of the retreat.
HSU FCA president Michelle Long is ecstatic about the past semester spent with ‘rival’ school OBU and looks forward to the future with the schools joined through FCA.
“I love that we came together,” Long said in regards to the two bodies of students. “It was motivational to see such large numbers together and I made a lot of new friends. I just loved the fact that we could get together even if we are from different schools. The fellowship was awesome, I love it!” Long stated.