"I was chaplain for the Demons last year, and I really loved that. When I heard the job description for the Flint River FCA position, I knew it was right up my alley—I get to be involved with sports and people and tell them about Jesus at the same time—How awesome is that! This year I'll be supporting not only the Warner Robins team but also Northside, Perry, Houston County, and all the other public and private schools in Houston, Peach, Crawford, Taylor, and Macon counties. It's a big area and a big job," Wood said.

Wood relied on God to help him make the decision to leave his position as teaching pastor at The River Church in Kathleen, Georgia, in July to accept this new calling. "I just prayed about each step. I have The River's full support to being called to this new job with the FCA as Area Representative. Since the FCA is a non-profit organization, I am raising my own support. This struggling economy has forced me to depend on God to raise $115, 000 which includes all administrative costs, community events, my salary plus and an assistant's salary, and camp scholarships," Wood said.

"Raising the support will probably be the biggest challenge I face, but I am learning that fundraising is a part of ministry. It's been humbling to see how businesses, churches, families, and individuals have supported FCA. I know that God will be blessing these people as well," Wood added.

Wood's outreach efforts in the Middle Georgia community are focused on FCA's 4 C's of ministry: Coaches, Campus, Camps, and Community.

Wood especially is excited to see what God is going to do through the area coaches' influence.

"I'm going to be a pastor to coaches. I will try to build relationships with the coaches from every middle school, high school, and college in these counties. I'll mentor them, disciple them and, teach them about biblical coaching. Coaches are among the most influential people in the world. I've been out of high school for ten years, and you never forget your coaches. When I see my former coaches, I still call them,'Coach.' It's out of admiration and respect for their influence and their role. If I can influence these coaches, think of the influence they could have on their athletes and the students in the school to walk with God," Wood said.

Another aspect of Wood's position is to make sure that there is an FCA chapter (or Huddle group) on every middle school, high school, and college campus.

"Most students get involved with FCA through their school chapter. I'll work with the coaches or teachers to make the FCA chapter the best it can be. People say there's no prayer in schools, but there is through FCA," Wood said.

Camps are another component of the FCA ministry. FCA offers sport camps for all types of sports during the summer. Part of Wood's fundraising efforts goes toward the student scholarships for these camps, ensuring that many students are able to attend. Some of the camps cost over $200, but if the player can raise $50, the FCA will provide the balance.

"The camps are just incredible. A lot of students would never set foot into a church, but they'll go to a sports camp, such as golf or football, and there they'll hear the gospel. If students do come to know Christ during the camp, then I'll filter them into local churches. I went to a football camp at Georgia Southwestern College this past summer. Of the 700 football players from all over South Georgia who attended, 100 were WRHS Demons. Over a dozen of the Demon football players came to know Christ at that camp," Wood shared.

A large part of Wood's job is to establish relationships and connections with people in the community.

"These are the people who support me , including individuals, businesses and churches. Their donations and giving make the ministries of FCA happen. I have to be involved in the community to make this ministry work," Wood said.

Wood's first fundraiser, a golf tournament, was held in August. The biggest fundraiser of the year, a banquet planned for February 2009, will feature Speaker Mark Richt, the University of Georgia's head football coach.

If you would like to make a donation to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, you can send a check to Flint River FCA, P. O. Box 6308, Warner Robins, GA 31095.

Chad Wood loves to preach and is available to speak to churches, youth groups, as well as to groups in the community.

To learn more about the Flint River FCA , call 478-550-6156 or email flintriverfca@yahoo.com.