TEXARKANA, Texas - In today's fast-paced world, a local Christian organization is working to bring hope and healing to area high school students.
The Red River Fellowship of Christian Athletes will hold the seventh annual Fields of Faith event Oct. 9 at Hawk Stadium at Pleasant Grove High School.
RRFCA Area Director Eric Akin said the event is an opportunity for students to find healing through personal testimony on how Jesus Christ has worked in their lives.
"The testimonies are very powerful," he said. "Our main goal is simply to bring unity to our community. I know that is a cliche, but it is true. It truly is one of the things we can look forward to, to have one night of community unity where churches, schools, businesses and between all racial makeups in our community come together.
"We want to share a positive message of Jesus Christ to bring hope to the hopeless and for those who are hurt to be healing."
Last year, nearly 5,000 students from area schools and churches attended Fields of Faith.
Gates will open at 6:15 p.m., with the event beginning at 7 p.m. The first 1,000 students through the gates will receive a free meal from Chicken Express.
The program includes testimonies from student athletes and coaches as well as entertainment from recording artists and area drumlines.
On Monday through Wednesday before the event, special speaker Stephen Mackey will speak at school assemblies around the area to encourage students about character, bullying awareness and other relevant topics.
Biracial and born to a teenage mother, Mackey, as he is better known, beat the odds to become a first-generation college graduate, character development coach, motivational speaker and, most important, husband and father.
Despite the odds stacked against him, Mackey's life was changed by the family, coaches and mentors who challenged him to "Take responsibility period!" for his life. The challenge is the foundation of his work.
More information about FCA can be found on Facebook by searching Red River FCA. Akin can be contacted at [email protected] or 903-277-4550.