Seeing the Gospel Lived Out in South Africa
Three of Central Iowa FCA’s own — Dave Turnball, Dave Applegate, and Nan Veach — recently returned from a Vision Trip to South Africa in partnership with Blessman International. They traveled alongside several Iowa companies, joining spiritual and humanitarian efforts to serve communities in powerful ways.
What they witnessed was the Gospel — lived out.
Meeting Needs. Sharing Jesus.
One of the most powerful moments of the trip came after a Sunday service at Hope Christian Church, where the team had the opportunity to pray for a long line of students.
In addition, throughout the week, the team saw firsthand how meeting physical needs opens doors for eternal conversations. Clean water. Medical care. Hygiene supplies. Food. Eyeglasses. Socks and shoes. Sports programs.
These acts of service also acted as opportunities to build relationships and share the love of Jesus.
From food distributions to coaching fields with limited resources, the Gospel is moving forward. Coaches in South Africa are serving with a fraction of what we have in the U.S., yet with all of their hearts. They are using sport as a platform to point young people toward Christ.
Iowa’s Impact Across the World
The FCA team joined HyVee, KCCI, Meals From the Heartland, and the St. Francis team to serve youth and adults across multiple outreach sites through Blessman International.
At one distribution site, people traveled long distances to receive eyeglasses. One woman put hers on and, through tears, said, “Now I can read my Bible.”
Meals packed by Iowans through Meals from the Heartland were being served — in many cases, the only meal children would receive that day. What began in Iowa was keeping children from starvation thousands of miles away.
Clean water initiatives revealed a reality many of us cannot fully grasp. The lack of water is something you must see to understand. The financial cost. The labor. The daily burden. And yet, wells are being dug. Hope is rising.
It was clear: spiritual and secular efforts can come together to create powerful, lasting impact.
Sharing Good Works to Share Good News
The prayer for viewers of the KCCI special is simple:
That they would see the Gospel lived out.
Share good works…
To build good will…
So we can share the Good News.
From Iowa-based efforts like Meals from the Heartland, church partnerships, business leaders, and FCA — each serving in their unique lane — God is using collaborative efforts for the Kingdom
An Invitation
If you’re wondering whether you can make a difference, the answer is yes.
Pray.
Give.
Go.
Organize a trip with your church or group. Serve. Support food packing efforts. Invest in FCA. A willing heart is all God needs.
Looking ahead, there is a growing vision to send college athletes on future trips — raising up a new generation of leaders with hearts ready to go to the ends of the earth (Matthew 28:19).
This trip was transformative, and it’s only the beginning.
IOWA FCA BLOG
