Class of 2020 Includes FCA Partners, Servants and Sports Standouts Mike Ayers, Jean Barrett, Jay Bell, Jeff Edmondson, Theodore Ginn Sr., Dr. Judson Martin and Steve Powell
April 27, 2021
KANSAS CITY, Mo.— The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA, www.FCA.org) is inducting eight partners and supporters of the world’s largest international sports ministry into its Hall of Champions (HOC).
Mike Ayers, Jean Barrett, Jay Bell, Jeff Edmondson, Theodore Ginn, Sr., Dr. Judson Martin and Steve Powell have worked tirelessly to further the FCA vision: to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. FCA Hall of Champions honorees over the years have consisted of a mix of coaches, athletes and volunteers, including sports greats such as Tony Dungy, Tom Landry, Tom Osborne and Roger Staubach, just to name a few.
“We are immensely grateful for their service to Jesus Christ through FCA, as we honor Mike Ayers, Jean Barrett, Jay Bell, Jeff Edmondson, Theodore Ginn, Sr., Dr. Judson Martin and Steve Powell by welcoming them to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ Hall of Champions Class of 2020.”
Mike Ayers
A dedicated volunteer, Coach Mike Ayers is a popular speaker at FCA events and an influential FCA supporter. FCA President/CEO Shane Williamson played and coached for Ayers, and he credits Ayers as the driving force for getting involved in coaching and serving with FCA. Ayers played college football before becoming a coach at Wofford College, where he served as head coach for 30 years.
Ayers took Wofford from NAIA to NCAA Division II, then to Division I FCS. He also won five Southern Conference titles and led the Terriers to four FCS tournament quarterfinal appearances before stepping down after a 43-year coaching career.
“Coach Ayers has and still is having a huge impact on the lives of countless players and coaches,” says Piedmont (SC) FCA Area Director Will Pack. “He is so humble and down-to-earth, which is part of his great character. His impact has stretched across many decades, and he continues to pour into those around him through selflessly giving his time. He’s a champion for FCA, but more importantly, he’s a champion for Christ.”
Ayers is married to his wife, Julie.
Jean Barrett
“Jean Barrett has been faithful to Jesus Christ and the ministry of FCA,” says John O’Dell, FCA State Director for Oklahoma. “He always puts others first and is faithful, humble and a reflection of Christ in all that he has done for the ministry. He was very successful in impacting lives for Christ in Mexico through the camping ministry of FCA, and he has been an outstanding volunteer for all FCA events throughout the state of Oklahoma.”
Barrett is married to his wife, Jane.
Jay Bell
“For over three decades Jay Bell has exemplified what it means to be a Christian athlete and coach,” says Mike Sanfratello, FCA VP of Field Ministry for the Rockies Region. “His testimony for Christ has rung loud and true at every level of competition and coaching. Overall, Jay is a tremendous husband, father, athlete, coach, FCA donor and witness for Christ.”
Bell is married to his wife, Laura.
Jeff Edmondson
“Jeff is one of the most generous people I know,” says Ryan Johnston, FCA VP of Field Ministry for the Pacific Northwest. “He is known for his quiet leadership and leading by action and example rather than words. His servant’s heart guides him, his family and his business. When we say, ‘FCA Champion,’ Jeff comes to mind. He has not only been part of the ministry through serving and participating, but he is also a faithful donor. He began supporting FCA the year he graduated from college, and today he supports five FCA teammates and areas, as well as year-end events and other items throughout the year.”
Edmondson’s wife, Tiffany, also faithfully serves as a board member for Western Oregon.
Theodore Ginn, Sr.
“Ted Ginn, Sr., has stated that ‘FCA is not a program but a way of life,’ and he has carried out that philosophy since the beginning,” says Nobles Darby IV, FCA Area Representative in Ohio. “He has had a tremendous impact on the lives of his players, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor. He is FCA personified.”
Ginn is married to his wife, Jeanette.
Dr. Judson Martin
Martin has consistently encouraged and prayed for FCA as a pillar for the ministry in Western Nebraska, where he lives and works as an ophthalmologist. He has used his influence to encourage and involve others in FCA through events such as the Panhandle Area banquet, the National Golf Scramble and President’s Weekend. He has faithfully served in leadership roles through the FCA Golf Board, the Panhandle Area Board and the FCA Nebraska State Board. He recently completed terms on the FCA International Board and the FCA Board of Trustees, and he has attended International Capacity Conferences.
“Whether it’s his beloved state of Nebraska, the Midwest Region or across the world, Jud is passionate about advancing the Gospel regardless of the environment,” says Tim Johnson, FCA VP of Field Ministry for the Midwest Region. “There is no doubt about his intentions for FCA being his primary ministry for Kingdom support and work. Jud’s life has been a testament to his love for and commitment to FCA.”
Martin is married to his wife, Sue.
Steve Powell
Powell is married to his wife, Anne.
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes Hall of Champions was established in 1991. With the new 2020 class, there are now 122 godly coaches and athletes plus board members and volunteers who have received this special tribute. They make up a group of FCA servant-leaders who have faithfully served Christ through the avenue of FCA. Their commitment to the Lord’s work has impacted many millions over the years. They are a body of teammates in Christ who have demonstrated a consistent commitment to the support of FCA, nominated by staff and board members and elected by a selection committee.
Click here to read more about the Class of 2020 and to view a list of previous Hall of Champions inductees.
Read more about Fellowship of Christian Athletes here, visit FCA’s web site at www.FCA.org, its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FCAfans or its Twitter feed @FCAnews.
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