Teens share faith in God through FCA

It's 6:45 a.m. and students gear up for a workout.

They pray, sing and discuss topics important to teens. It might seem early, but for students in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, it is
prime time to tackle issues of faith.

Laws governing the separation of church and state do not allow students to be exposed to nonphilosopy-based religion during instructional time. Students are allowed to meet in schools, but it has to be outside of the six-hour instructional day.

Several prayer groups, therefore, meet before school.

Noblesville High School student P.J. and Noblesville Middle School student Whitney are two student leaders for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), an international program that provides Bible-study opportunities for students.

"It provides a place for the students to connect with people outside of their churches," said Patrick Haney, Language Arts teacher and
facilitator of the middle school group. "It encourages spiritual growth as well."

They discuss issues like dating, love, integrity and setting a good Christian example for their peers.

Noblesville High School Principal Tony Cook approved the FCA meetings in his school after taking into consideration the values held by the
community and the school.

"I think it's fine," Cook said. "As long as they are in line with what we feel is acceptable in the community."

P.J. said he recognizes the unpopularity of prayer group in some schools, but is determined to make a difference in the lives of his peers. He also leads a more vocal prayer group twice a week at NHS.

"People need to hear," he said. "Whether they hear it from me, the Bible or from a tele-evangelist is not really important. What is important is
that they hear."

Leslie Davis, Noblesville High School teacher and facilitator of FCA, says the group is well supported.

"We've never had any problems," she said. "Usually students are hesitant because they don't know what the group is all about."

One stipulation laid down by the schools is that FCA must be completely run by students. Davis and Haney say they are there simply to encourage
students and help in any way they can, but not to teach.

"Everyone has been real supportive, there have been no roadblocks at all, so far," said Haney. "I just emphasize continuing to develop their
faith and to keep their faith at the center of their life. In the long run, that's the greatest thing they can accomplish in their lives."

Whhitney said her life wouldn't be as happy without the group.

P.J. said his goal is to make a difference in someone's life.

"Some of the most encouraging things to me are when a few people go sit with someone less popular at lunch or help someone in the hallways," he
said. "The small things are where the ministry is."

(Reprinted with permission from The Daily Ledger.)