Kunes Car Convos - Fellowship of Christian Athletes

In this episode of Kunes Car Convos

• The Origin of FCA (1:16 - 2:05) – Founded in the 1950s by a basketball coach who wanted athletes to promote faith instead of just commercial products.
• FCA’s Global Impact (2:18 - 2:40) – Now in 115+ countries, with thousands serving local communities through faith-based athletics.
• Faith in Sports (7:01 - 7:30) – More athletes, like Steph Curry, openly share their faith, referencing Bible verses and giving thanks after games.
• Ohio State Football’s Faith Revival (7:46 - 8:08) – Over 1,000 students attended a chapel event led by the Ohio State football team, resulting in baptisms and renewed faith.

Jarvis and Andrew hit the road in the luxurious 2025 Toyota Sequoia Platinum, a full-size SUV that blends power, comfort, and capability. With its i-Force Max Hybrid engine, the Sequoia delivers 437 horsepower and 22 MPG on the highway, making it a perfect choice for families, athletes, and community leaders on the go.

But this ride wasn’t just about the vehicle—it was about the journey of faith and leadership in sports.

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is an organization that has been shaping lives through sports since the 1950s. It was founded by a basketball coach who realized that if professional athletes could promote commercial products, why not use their influence to share faith, hope, and purpose?

From a small beginning, FCA has grown into a global movement, now reaching athletes and coaches in over 115 countries. The mission is simple: use sports as a platform to encourage faith, build character, and create strong community bonds.

As a former football player, Jarvis reminisced about the powerful moments of prayer before and after a game—praying for safety, victory, and giving thanks for the opportunity to compete. He reflected on how faith and sports naturally go hand in hand, fostering teamwork, perseverance, and a sense of purpose.

Andrew echoed that sentiment, sharing how FCA works to provide athletes and coaches with spiritual guidance, helping them build both their physical and moral strength. "Coaches play a huge role in shaping young athletes—not just on the field, but in life," he said.

As they drove through Galesburg, Jarvis pointed out familiar places from his past, including Lombard Junior High, where he first encountered a coach who made a lasting impact on his life. He emphasized the importance of mentors in shaping young athletes, sharing how his uncle, also a coach, helped him develop both his skills and character.

Andrew agreed, noting that positive mentorship in sports can change lives. He mentioned how FCA focuses on local outreach, partnering with schools, churches, and community organizations to provide students with role models who can guide them both on and off the field.

Today, more athletes than ever are openly sharing their faith. From Steph Curry pointing to the sky after making a shot to entire college football teams leading prayer events, faith is becoming a more visible part of the sports world.

Andrew shared an inspiring story about how the Ohio State football team recently held a chapel service on campus that attracted over 1,000 students, leading to baptisms and renewed faith in the community.

"There’s a revival happening," Andrew said. "Sports bring people together, and when you add faith to that, it creates something truly powerful."

Jarvis and Andrew discussed ways to bring more faith-based athletic programs to Galesburg, including potential partnerships with local schools, churches, and city officials.

"We’re not just here for the athletes—we’re here for the community," Andrew emphasized. "If we can create more opportunities for kids to engage in sports while growing in their faith, we’ll be making a lasting impact."

As the ride wrapped up, Jarvis and Andrew reflected on the three pillars of FCA: Faith, Family, and Giving Back. They ended their conversation with a shared prayer, asking for continued blessings on FCA and its mission.

At Kunes Toyota of Galesburg, we’re proud to highlight organizations like FCA that are making a real difference in our communities. Faith, sports, and mentorship all go hand in hand—and when we work together, we can create a stronger future for the next generation.

If you’d like to learn more about the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, visit their website or reach out to their local chapter. And if you’re looking for a reliable vehicle for your family, career, or next adventure, stop by Kunes Toyota of Galesburg to explore our latest lineup, including the 2025 Toyota Sequoia Platinum.