Ok, here is a post that just opens my heart for all of you to see. I realized today that I have become too comfortable with my surroundings because I am around people like me.

I spent today attending a baseball coach’s conference in Alpharetta that most of all the high school and middle school coaches from around Georgia were attending. My “job” today was to man a booth that would have information about our mission trips to the Dominican this coming summer. I had a poster board display with photos from last year and nearly 200 flyers to pass out with all the trip details.

As I spent some time meeting coaches and checking out all the other really cool vendors (thankfully I didn’t carry any money with me) I realized that not a lot of folks were coming by to talk about the mission trip. I also began to listen to conversations that coaches around me were having and I couldn’t believe some of the topics of conversation. At this point I realized that I wasn’t surrounded by my usual group of folks. It finally struck me……this is uncomfortable. Two thoughts came to mind immediately. One, this was me about 10 years ago and two, I have been surrounded by some strong believers for quite some time. Either way……I was uncomfortable.

As I got in the car heading home this evening I made the hour drive back to McDonough in all quiet. No radio, no phone, nothing. I began to ponder, have I separated myself from the fallen world? You see, for the last 6 months I have been surrounded by a family of faith that has built me up during this transition into the ministry. I believe STRONGLY in Proverbs 27:17, “ As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” We are called to spend time together and minster to each other but is that the only folks we are “called” to be around? Absolutely not! Jesus is our perfect example. He spent time with prostitutes, beggars, pagans, etc.

So, my challenge. How are the lost or fallen expected to see something different if we’re not available for them to see it.

Psalm 1:1-"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.'

-As many of us re-evaluate ourselves at the first of the year I would challenge you to look around. Look at your "friends" and people you cling to. Do your friends build up for faith, or do they tear it down? True friends should help you draw closer to God, not hinder, your relationship with Him.

-Many of us might answer, "sure, the people around me build up my faith". But let's not rule out those "friends" that we have on social media outlets. Our facebook, twitter, etc. friends can fill our computer screens, phones, and ipads with junk that slow down our growth. Lastly, evaluate....are you one of those "friends" that is hindering someone else from growing in the Lord?

As I sit here on New Year’s Eve with Lora and Lucas watching college football I couldn’t help but reflect on what 2011 has meant to me and my family. Most of you reading this know the journey we’ve been on but I felt the need to summarize.

This time last year (and most previous years) I take the end of the year to reflect on personal goals that were achieved. Things such as my training miles, workout schedules, races completed, business success, and ways to improve for the next year.

This New Year’s Eve I can’t say that any of those things have really crossed my mind. I will always be trying to improve health and athletic wise but I really don’t have much of a clue on how my “total” accomplishments were achieved. The reason? 2011 was a life changing year for me and my family.

In February I was contacted by an FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) ministry leader in Atlanta and was asked to go to lunch. As we met it was expressed to me that God had opened the door for me to enter full time sports ministry as the Director of Baseball/Softball ministries in Georgia. As most of you know baseball has always been a passion of mine and the opportunity to minister to coaches, kids, and parents through this platform was exciting. I knew the consequences would be walking away from our insurance business where I had felt comfortable for the past 12 years. As I went home after the meeting I knew that Lora and I needed to do some SERIOUS talking and praying. As I have stated on several occasions I believe that God seems to speak to our wives quicker than most of us men ( or at least they listen better than we do..ha). This conversation was no different. Lora and I sat down, I explained my meeting with FCA and her response was, “you should have been doing this years ago”. I knew at this point it was time to start praying. It took us 4-6 weeks but it became very apparent that God was working in our lives and it was time to take the leap. So in May the journey began and steps were taken to follow God’s lead.

I could type for hours about how God placed so many people in my path that have been such a blessing but I will simply say this. I can’t thank all of you enough for your support, prayers, encouragement, and the same excitement that I had for what God was doing through the game of baseball to reach the world (you all know who you are). I couldn’t have done this without you. A special shout out to my family, friends, my baseball board members, and of course Lora and Lucas.  I love you all!!

Since entering the sports ministry world this past summer I have been blessed to meet some awesome people, was part of 150 person baseball mission trip to the Dominican, seen young men lead to the Lord, coaches rededicate their lives, and hearts opened to become strong in their faith. The idea that God has chosen me and my family has been humbling to say the least. As I travel around Georgia and Atlanta area I have found that God has given me a voice to speak the Gospel/Truth and give coaches a different perspective on how to approach the game. You see…..a coach has more influence on a group of people in one year than most people have in a lifetime. The goal…..help them see that and make an impact on young people’s lives.

As 2012 is about 2 hours away I would be honest if I told you that I’m really not ready for 2011 to end. God used this year to change our life forever and I couldn’t be more blessed. However, knowing what He did in 2011 I can only be excited about what’s in store for 2012. My prayer is that all of you have a blessed 2012 and that you too find what it is that God is calling you to.

14 yr old FCA baseball player making a difference....

I want to wish everyone a safe and happy new year. I pray that all of you had a wonderful Christmas and are now preparing for 2012 and what God has in store for us.

I wanted to share this article that was written about a young man that is part of our FCA Baseball ministry. I meet Logan this past June at a pre mission's trip meeting/practice. I ministered along side Logan while we spent 7 days in the Dominican Republic on one of our FCA Baseball mission trips. As I read this article I couldn't help but think of this passage.
1Timothy4:12-
12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
http://www.macon.com/2011/12/18/1824831/bonaire-middle-recaptures-fca.html

For those looking to give to a ministry prior to year end we would love to have your support.

http://www.georgiafcabaseball.org/

By His Power,
Mike Roby
FCA Director of Baseball/Softball
770-713-9903
MRoby@fca.org
ROMANS 12:1-2

On behalf of everyone associated with our FCA Baseball/Softball ministry we want to wish you and your families a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

As we approach December 25th our prayer is that all of you will have safe travels and be able to enjoy time with your families.  May we also take time to really celebrate what Christ & His birth means to all of us.  We look forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for 2012!

Luke 2:8-128 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

The other day I was flipping radio stations because I am just not able to listen to Christmas music 24 hrs a day (don’t judge me..ha). As I stopped on a station that I normally don’t listen to I was intrigued by the question they were asking listeners, “are our children (or your children) overly spoiled?”. I began thinking which ended up lasting all day with several conversations with others. I pondered whether or not my child is spoiled and even bigger, are we spoiled as a society. After talking to some close friends and wife here is what God showed me.

Are we and our children spoiled? Absolutely! As I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel to difference countries and some third world countries I have concluded that God has clearly shown me that we are all spoiled. The simple fact that we have running water, air condition, heat, and electricity is more than most in our world even THINKS about having. When you compound that with this time of year and the money that we spend on our children, family, and friends it becomes so clear that as a whole….we are spoiled. But I believe that we need to take it one step further which might open your mind to a whole new idea.

As I spoke to several friends throughout that day and we discussed this topic there was one common theme that I heard over and over. That theme?? EXPECT. We talked about how our children walk into certain store’s and EXPECT to walk out with something. How many of you (I) go into Wal-Mart to grab a household item or grocery item and because our children are with us and ask for a $1-$5 item we grab it because it’s cheap and it keeps them happy? How about when we come home from work or school and EXPECT that our electricity will be on? Our TV to turn on? Our toilet to flush? Our shower/bath to produce water? I think you see my point. We EXPECT these things to happen because that has always been our expectation. If we walked into our homes and none of those things happened we would be upset (and don’t say you wouldn’t). We would call our utility company, service provider, repair person and “demand” that our service be restored……because it would inconvenience us.

As a follower of Jesus Christ my prayer is that fellow brothers and sisters in Christ will see our everyday treasures as a Blessing but my fear is that we view many of our treasures as expectations. When we EXPECT than we lose focus on whom and why we have everything that we have.

Psalm 33:12-13, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance. From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind.”

Ezekiel 34:26, “I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.

So, for me the radio station’s question is bigger than just are our children spoiled. The question is have we as a society and body of believers become so spoiled that it has become expected? I hope you agree that God’s blessing is more than we deserve…..and therefore our expectations should simply be to give Him praise for the things we have daily and minute by minute.

Hey everyone,I mentioned yesterday that one of our ministered teams had done a ministry project in downtown Atlanta. Below you will find a note from our coach and a few photos. I'm convinced that God is using these baseball teams/players to reach our communities. Thanks again for your commitment!

Mike Roby

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Mike,This past Saturday our team headed down to Atlanta to join several churches in passing out food and clothing to the homeless. Even more important, we had the opportunity to pray and minister to them. The event touched our hearts and made so many of us in attendance feel lucky to have the “basics” that God has provided us. Many do not know that we have 25,000 homeless people in the city of Atlanta alone – so the opportunity to earn a jewel in our crown is very close to home.

My hope is that our players and parents alike will give thanks to the many blessings God provides us with and do everything we can to spread his word and share our good will. 

God Bless you this Christmas!
Mike Nardella

11U FCA Redhawks

I am excited to announce that the south side of Atlanta will have their first FCA softball team.  Coach Darby Steele from McDonough has felt the call to start a 10u FCA travel softball team.  These young ladies will be ministered to through their coach on a weekly basis.  Not only will they learn the game of softball and compete in Atlanta area tournaments they will also be involved in weekly devotions/bible studies.Darby will be holding team tryouts on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012 from 2-4pm @ the Salem Baptist Sports Complex in McDonough.  

Registration begins at 1:30pm and tryouts are of course FREE.This will be a 10u (2001 B) team.For further info please email Coach Darby Steele.  Her email address is: darbysteele@sprint.blackberry.net.

By His Power,

Mike Roby

FCA Director of Baseball/Softball

On behalf of our baseball board of directors and myself we want to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday. As you spend time with your family and friends our prayer is that you will also take time to thank our Lord for the blessing He has given us. Without Him nothing is possible.

We are excited to launch our first coaches clinic for 2012. Attached is the brochure/flyer for the Jan 14thclinic which will be held in Lilburn, Ga. Last year this clinic had 160 coaches attend from every level of baseball. If you know someone that would benefit from this please feel free to forward. Not only will these coaches learn about the game of baseball but more importantly they will learn about the game of LIFE and God’s game plan.

For those of you on the south end of Atlanta don’t worry. We have a clinic coming in February for you as well. That info will follow in the next few weeks.

By His Power,

Mike Roby

FCA Director of Baseball/Softball

Hey FCA partners/donors,
I just wanted to stop for a moment and gives thanks to God for all of you. A year ago I would have never thought that my family’s life would have changed so much. God opened our hearts and eyes this past spring that He had something bigger for us. My prayer from the beginning was that He would surround me with folks that saw His vision and ministry and help support in reaching the baseball/softball world for Christ. Whether you realize it or not, He spoke to each one of you and you felt the call to support. I pray that you will be as blessed as my family has been through what He is doing with all of us. For that I give Him thanks! Have a wonderful week and give some time to thank Him for all the blessings in your life, for without Him we have NOTHING.

1 Timothy 4:4-5“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

By His Power,
Mike Roby
FCA Director of Baseball/Softball

Hey FCA Coaches,

As you coaches begin your winter training workouts, here is some food for thought that God has laid on my heart as you prepare for the 2012 season. In your Christian walk are you a sprinter or an endurance athlete??

Hebrews 12:1 says the following," Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance(endurance) the race marked out for us."

In this text the Hebrews author is speaking to two types of Jews. One, those that have heard the Gospel and accepted Christ and two, those that have heard the Gospel and understand but have not yet accepted Him. In either case the author is calling out for them to "get into the race!"

The author then alerts them that this is an endurance race and not a sprint. As a sprinter we all understand that our job would be quick and fast but as an endurance athlete we understand that our race would be long, pain staking, and a grind. An endurance athlete understands that it is going to take patience, discipline, sacrifice, and hard training. The Hebrews author is telling the Jews (and us) that we MUST be sold out for the long haul.

As a baseball coach you understand that your season is not won or loss by one game....if it was you would prepare your teams totally differently. Instead you all understand that your season is made up of several months and countless ball games....therefore you prepare your teams for the entire season.

I challenge you to do the same with your Christian walk. It's easy for us to get fired up for a seminar, Sunday service, or even a 8 week Bible study, but are you willing to put in the work for the long haul? Do you have the discipline, sacrifice, patience to make it for the ENTIRE RACE? Spend some time this off season to look deep. The first part of the verse warns us that there are a "cloud of witnesses" for all of us that includes the young men we have been charged with to teach the game of baseball but more importantly to minister too.
Thanks for your ministries!

By His Power,
Mike Roby
FCA Director of Baseball/Softball

Just a quick note to all of you partners in the FCA ministry. I want to thank you for your support in moving forward with this ministry. God has blessed us and as of Oct. 1st the ministry became "official". Your commitments to supporting the ministry both prayerfully and financially are direct results of this opportunity that we have to reach coaches, parents, and athletes. The October newsletter will be arriving soon and this month appears to be a busy month. We have several athletes and coaches clinics coming up along with about 7 different mission trip information meetings throughout the state of Georgia.

Once again, thank you for all you do and PLEASE let me know if I can do anything for you.
By His Power,
Mike Roby
FCADirector of Baseball/Softball