Dear Endurance Athletes,

My name is Chris Anderson. I’m a Christian, supporter of FCA, member of Team FCA, and recreational triathlete/runner. Around a year ago, I started thinking about my recreational triathlete "habit". I thought about how much it cost me in terms of time, money, effort, and more time. Although exercise is very healthy and there are worse vices to have, I was wondering if what I was doing was worth it in the whole scheme of things. I had been competing for Christ in my own mind since college, but started thinking about other ways to make this "habit" of mine more in line with Christ’s mission. If I were going to continue to throw myself at this activity, it had to mean something more, be about more than just myself, and somehow expand God’s kingdom.

That’s when I started thinking about forming a team, much like professional cyclists. A team works together for one cause, and everyone is stronger due to their combined efforts. They can encourage and at times even carry each other. They train and race as a unit. Because they race in the same uniform, they are recognizable to both each other and others. Like sponsorship tells the world who an athlete is competing for, so could our sponsorship tell the world that we race for Christ and His cause. Being on the same TEAM as other athletes would give an opportunity for fellowship and ministry.

While I initially dreamt of this team for triathlon only, it became obvious that the team could be much larger and have a larger impact if more were involved. Not to mention that most triathletes are also swimmers, bikers, and runners. Why not unite all Christian endurance athletes?

The choice to form this team as a sport-specific ministry under the Fellowship of Christian Athletes was obvious. While the ministries of FCA have personally influenced my life, their recognition as the largest sports ministry in the nation makes them the best organization to help organize a national team.

Although I realize that this ministry starts with a few members, I see the need for this TEAM in the sporting community, and pray that we are all following God’s plan to reach His people. If He is on our side, how can we fail?  My vision would be for this TEAM to become a national force at any and all endurance events in the US/world. I want our jerseys and mission to be missed by none. I see a network of Christian athletes racing for Christ, and sharing one another's victories and defeats with each other. Lastly, through a combined effort, I see hundreds, thousands… impacted for Christ through this TEAM.

God bless,

Chris