On Monday, May 5 more than 700 people gathered at the KC-FCA annual Circle of Champions Banquet at the KC Convention Center.  An awesome night of fellowship, great Marriott food, vision casting and sharing of God's Word was had by all. The headliners of the evening were Stan Thirsk, former Golf Pro at the KC Country Club, and Tom Watson's friend, mentor and teacher. Emcee Dave Armstrong pulled wonderful stories and golf history from Stan during an interview. Touring PGA Pro Craig Kanada and his son David then joined Armstrong on the stage for a portrait of the life of a touring pro and reflections about his son, David, receiving Christ at the FCA-KC Ozark National Golf Camp.  What a story!  Young David was a real hit with all attending.

The audience learned about the Four C's of the FCA-KC Ministry: Coaches, Campus, Camps and Community, through the sharing of student athletes, a coach and a staff person. Bill Stutz, the FCA-KC Director of Campus and Camp Ministries, shared why FCA is needed and what the vision for KC-FCA looks like for 2008-2009.

FCA President Les Steckel presented some beautiful awards of recognition to Joe and  Melody Balentine, Paul and Beverly Giesenhagen and Keith and Regina Province. Also on this night, former FCA-KC Director John Shore and his wife, Mary Lea, were recognized for their years of meaningful service.

The evening came to a close with the Matt Boan Family sharing the role FCA played in their lives and his wife, Julie, eloquently reflecting on the view of FCA from the perspective of a mother and wife. Jessie Hough, National Manager of Camps, closed the night by singing a beautiful rendition of "How Great is Our God."   It was indeed a God honoring night!



Dave Armstrong kicks off the night as our much appreciated emcee.



Featured speaker Stan Thirsk is interviewed by Dave Armstrong, the Circle of Champions emcee. 



Craig and David Kanada are inteviewed on the podium.



Lauren Fender, a golfer for Lee's Summit West, shares about her experience at golf camp in 2007.



FCA CEO and President Les Steckel (left) presents awards of gratitude to couple who generously donated to the national Heart and Soul campaign.



FCA-KC's Bill Stutz and Regional Director Ralph Stewart (right) present John and Mary Lea Shore (left, front) with the FCA Tom Landry print in recognition and appreciation of their fidelity to FCA over their lifetime.