Published: May 02, 2008 11:47 pm            

FCA blessed with new transportation

1 Thessalonians 5:17 says — "Pray without ceasing." These are the words that Randy Swearengin of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has leaned towards as there was a need in his ministry that had to be filled.

"Back in November we were driving an old Dodge Stratus that actually had a hole in the piston," Swearengin said. "We were in desperate need of a vehicle, because I cover 11 counties, which accounts for 78 schools. I travel around 4,000 to 6,000 miles a month."

Randy said after some intense praying to God; he felt led to talk to different people about obtaining a new vehicle for the ministry.

"I sat down with Neil Johnson over at John O'Neil Johnson Toyota, and shared the vision with him," Swearengin said.

That vision was a new vehicle that could stand the thousands of miles Randy travels to reach high school students for Christ every year.

"Neil came up with the idea of getting the Scion. Once we had the idea in place, we went to go raise money. We had different individuals who donated a lot of the cost of the vehicle," Swearengin explained.

When Randy went to the Toyota people with the partial amount FCA was able to raise; there was a new surprise.

"We raised about $14,000, and when I came to Neil, they took care of the rest of the expense," Swearengin said.

"Randy talked to me about their vision; reaching teenagers for Christ through athletics; and I even remember my time in the FCA when I was younger," Neil Johnson, dealer/operator for John O'Neil Johnson Toyota said. "It's great to be able to share our good fortunes with good causes like the FCA, and what Randy is doing with the ministry."

In addition to the new vehicle, Swearengin also was able to place a wrapped design onto the vehicle, complete with the FCA logo, and mass collection of high school athletes displayed all over the vehicle. The cost of the wrap was also a donation.

"I brought the vehicle to a group in Jackson called the Decal Guys who ended up doing the wrap for us. They gave us a great discount, and then actually a guy from Jackson paid for the whole thing. That was a great thing, because it really wasn't in our budget," Swearengin said.

If you need to reach your local FCA, you can go to www.d5fca.org, which would be the local office, but also, if you know of someone out of this district you can always visit www.fca.org for more information on local ministries.

        

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