Fields of Faith is expanding in Southeast Missouri, with events in Malden, Poplar Bluff, Cape Girardeau and Sikeston.
“Our goal behind having Fields of Faith, especially spread out through the area, is to give every student a chance to be able to come and hear the gospel, hear some of their ... peers, hear their testimony, and share their faith journey,” explained Josh Mills, area representative for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Students will also “experience an awesome night of worship” and hear from local Christian coaches or pastors with sports experience.
The Malden event is Wednesday at the Malden High School Football Field. Heavyweight MMA fighter, wrestling champion and Christian athlete Ronald Coleman Jr. is the speaker.
Poplar Bluff is hosting Fields of Faith on Oct. 5 at the Junior High Football Field. Organizers welcome Christian coach Mike Vipperman of Malden, who made a miraculous recovery after falling from a deer stand and breaking his back.
Malden is new territory for Fields of Faith, which is sponsored by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. This year’s theme is “Every,” based on Ephesians 1:3. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (NIV)
The Poplar Bluff and Sikeston events open at 5:30 p.m. with a free tailgate dinner sponsored by local businesses. Fields of Faith itself begins at 7 p.m. with worship music from local bands. Speakers are all players, coaches and pastors who share a love of God and athletics.
Several SEMO athletes will speak at Cape Girardeau’s Fields of Faith, Oct. 12, at Houck Stadium. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Sikeston students will gather at the High School Soccer Field on Oct. 16 to hear Justin Pobst, a high school athlete and pastor.
The PBJH football field will be a familiar venue for previous Fields of Faith attendees. Mills said organizers returned to the field so students do not need to find a ride to Poplar Bluff High School.
“Kids from that neighborhood, particularly around that area, they used to just walk to Fields of Faith, and it was easy for them to get there. That’s kind of one of the reasons why our team decided to go back to that old school location,” he said.
Mills thanked the Poplar Bluff FCA board, which has operated for over 30 years, “for their heart for the ministry” and dedication to Fields of Faith. He also recognized the network of community sponsors, schools and staff for making Fields of Faith possible.
“A shout out to the community, the school district and the security team that works those events to make sure that it goes off, because we’re just grateful for everything they do,” he said.