The Year That Changed Everything

The year was 2020 and we started going through the brand new "E3" Playbook that FCA put together. It is a back to the basics kind-of book that clearly lays out discipleship. Little did we know, just a couple months later, the world would shut down. As many battled discouragement and stopped meeting this group of young men kept me going! They grew in their love for God and were equipped with scripture, prayer and a clear plan to reach and lead others. Two of the members of that original group were Shea Murphy, a golfer at Goldey-Beacom College, and Zach Pancake, a lacrosse player at Wilmington University. Each of them has a compelling story of God using them to minister to others using the E3 playbook!

Let’s start with Zach. At the end of the 2022 spring season, he was afforded the opportunity to earn back a playing year because of Covid or to hang up the cleats to enter a very well established and thriving family business. Instead of looking at things from an earthly perspective, Zach knew he had to engage God first through prayer. As he prayed, God made it clear to Zach he was to return to the team, but his decision had nothing to do with Lacrosse. God shared one mission: to proclaim the Gospel with his teammates and coaches, and to lead them in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church! He is now being coached as he strives to Engage his teammates with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The work that God called Shea to was one with quicker results. Shea began volunteering at the Elkton HS FCA huddle in Maryland. His time at Elkton consisted of pouring into and encouraging the student athlete leadership team. One senior leader, named Cameron Michelak, specifically stood out to him as being hungry to grow in Christ. Shea spent the Summer of 2021 pouring into Cam and eventually he went on to interning with Cecil County FCA in Maryland.

Upon returning to Goldey-Beacom, Cam and I immediately began meeting to prepare for his ministry to those closest to him. One person in particular was the focus of many of our prayer times, his younger brother. Starting this semester Cam is discipling his brother along with two of his friends, starting FCA on campus, and encouraging other college athletes in Northern Delaware in their walks with Christ!