Fields of Faith bringing together athletes, community in name of Christ

Athletes from Central Michigan University and around Michigan will gather at Kelly/Shorts Stadium Tuesday night to talk about their Christian faith through Fields of Faith.

The yearly event, held at various colleges and high schools across the country, will be making its first appearance at CMU. The organization is student-led and about 300 colleges and high schools across the country participate.

Quarterback Ryan Radcliff said the event is a chance to bring athletes who follow Christ together in an inspiring environment, such as a football field. The event is open to everyone in the community and surrounding communities as well.

"It's a chance for athletes to share their faith," the Ohio senior said. "It's a chance for people from around the community to share their faith and come together."

The event, put on by the registered student organization Fellowship for Christian Athletes, will see athletes from cities including Alma, Big Rapids and Ludington participating and sharing their stories of Christ's impact on their lives.

It gives athletes a forum to speak their mind and discuss issues in their lives.

"Through FCA, it's an opportunity for athletes who are going through the same things I'm going through to support each other along the way," Radcliff said.

Backup quarterback and Holland senior A.J. Westendorp said the event is different than a traditional faith-based event where speakers talk to an audience. Instead, the audience are the speakers sharing their stories and learning from each other.

"It's not a typical church service," he said. "It's much more about people sharing their experiences. People from the audience can share their stories, too."

He said holding the event at the football stadium has symbolism and meaning to it.

"The same place people are standing up and cheering for sports teams, they're standing up and cheering for Christ," he said.

The community aspect is an important part of the event, Westendorp said.

"I think it's a special thing to see for this community," he said. "It means a lot to me to see this community come together in the name of Christ."

He said regardless of the attendance, the event is about the community and faith in Christ.

"They're coming together for a common message," he said.