FCA’s Fields of Faith hosts an Olympian
On Oct. 9, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes [FCA], NPHS’ most attended club, co-hosted their ninth annual Fields of Faith event in Ventura County with Moorpark High School. Fields of Faith is a ministry program that focuses on connecting athletes to strengthening their Christian faith through a variety of worship and testimonies of athlete speakers. This year, the event boasted over 3,000 attendees and hosted a star athlete speaker.
Sydney Mclaughlin Levrone, four-time Olympic gold medalist, and six-time world record holder in the 400-meter hurdles, spoke alongside her husband to share insight into her relationship with God throughout both her personal life and professional athletic career. “Whether you run track, whether you are in the arts, whether you like computers… doing it to the best of your ability for the glory of Him, I think is always my number one focus,” Mclaughlin Levrone said.
Student speaker Mason Mullens, senior at Thousand Oaks High School, gave a student’s perspective by sharing anecdotes about his personal experiences and relationship with God to the Fields of Faith attendees. Mullens hopes to inspire listeners to find guidance in their religion. “Just trying to be that example, being that light… I’m still learning, which is amazing,” Mullens said.
After he and his three siblings were separated by the foster care system, Mullens found strength in growing his connection with Christianity. “I really started having a relationship with God around [16-years-old] … I want to be with God. I wanna live for you God, show me what it’s like,” Mullens said. By sharing his testimony, Mullens hopes to inspire other Christians to find guidance in their religion.
Students such as Maggie Winick, sophomore FCA leader, were able to be involved in this unique activity. Winick has been active with the Fields of Faith program since she joined FCA during her freshman year and has enjoyed sharing her faith with her peers. “My favorite aspect of FCA is that it’s at our school, and that people who maybe don’t even know Jesus yet, that they can come in and get a quick little idea of what it’s like to be a Christian,” Winick said.
Sydney McLaughlin Levrone, Andre Levrone and student speaker Mason Millen shared their testimonies about how they believe God has transformed and uplifted their lives. Throughout the several speeches, the topics of identity, relationships and athletic performance were tied to the belief of dedicating their actions to the glory of God.
McLaughlin Levrone’s experience in the competitive world of track and field brought her closer to her faith as she expressed how she used God as a big part of her support system. “I want to use every opportunity I am given to glorify Him and know then when I stand before Him, He will say well done, good and faithful servant,” Mclaughlin Levrone said.
