When Billy Bajema walked through the halls of Brink Junior High 13 years ago, and when Chris Chamberlain walked through the halls of Bethany Junior High 15 years ago, they shared a common bond despite the fact that they didn’t know each other. They were both future teammates, both boys from Oklahoma and both kids that, unlike most their age, weren’t afraid to express their faith by attending regular FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) meetings and events. And the similarities didn’t stop there.

Junior football player Jake Hurrell sat on the stage of FHN’s auditorium, talking with his friends. They were all meeting for FCA, and the mood was usual, but Jake was nervous. He knew that Rams line backer Chris Chamberlain and Rams tight end Billy Bajema would be arriving any minute, and he wanted to meet them, not only because they’re pro-athletes, but even with their status, they’re still involved in FCA. Moments later, Billy walked into the auditorium, Chris following not far behind.

“Billy, Chris!”

President of North’s FCA Susanna McFarland shouts. “Jake wants to meet you guys.”

The pair walked down the side isle and up the stairs on the right side of the stage, where they shook Jake’s hand.

“Nice to meet you guys, big fan.”

Billy and Chris were at North to share their testimonies at Fields of Faith which will take place later in the night.

Fields of Faith, which has a partnership with FCA, is a national, non-denominational, peer-to-peer event where students invite fellow students and teammates to share testimonies of those who play the field. Nationwide there were estimated 80,167 in attendance this year across 427 different fields. About 100 of those people were standing on the field of FHN, two of them professional athletes who wanted to spread their love for God.

Over 100 people sit in the auditorium of FHN and wait until the clock hits 7 p.m. to get started with Fields of Faith.

“Get pumped!” Emcee, senior Brandon Goggin yells. Jason Kinder, music pastor at Bridge of Hope church, and Annie McFarland, last year’s FCA president, start the night by singing “Our God”.

25 years ago, Jason sported his FCA shirt as well.

“FCA comes right back around, eh?” Jason says. “Pretty cool.”

Brandon appears on the stage again to introduce senior Shawn Mullarkey to give his testimony. Susanna then reappears to give hers, Brandon’s right after. Jason and Annie sing again.

Amazing Grace

How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

Last song: “How He Loves Me”.

Now the moment everyone’s been waiting for testimonies from Billy and Chris to share why they are still dedicated to Christ and FCA.

Billy’s testimony is up first.

“What I believe is there is a holy God that created the entire universe and we are all sinners and we fall short of the glory of God.”

Billy started participating in his FCA group at Brink Junior High in Oklahoma City and has been involved with the program ever since.

“FCA growing up was just a way to, number one, stay in the word of God and with other Christians that played sports that I had something in common with throughout junior high, high school and college,” Billy said. “Number two, it’s provided an opportunity to use the platform of football as an influence and as I got older, talking to younger FCA groups and telling them how Jesus has been an impact in my life.”

Susanna thanks Billy and introduces Chris to the crowd.

“… And you guys know that 83 yard interception at the very last second of the game last year? That was Chris.”

“I didn’t score a touchdown so it didn’t count for anything, not even a big deal,” Chris says.

Chris also became involved with FCA at his junior high, Bethany Junior High, in Oklahoma City. Chris opens his bible and reads a verse that has inspired him and Billy to start a Christ based youth football camp.

“‘Do not know that in a race, all the runners run but only one gets the prize. Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training, they do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly, I do not fight like a man fighting air, no I beat my body and I make it my slave so that after I’ve preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.’

1Corinthians 9:24-27

“This verse is telling us, as athletes, that God wants us to go at it with 100 percent, he wants us to give it our best, he wants us to do everything and glorify him. It doesn’t say we have to win, it doesn’t say we need to win, but we need to glorify him with how we play, compete, do our homework. I feel like it’s the same way with our spiritual lives.”

Being involved with FCA has encouraged Billy to get up and share his story and hopefully have an impact on students.

“I was excited about getting up and sharing my story and give a couple of small tips about standing up for what they believe in,” Billy said.

“It made me, looking back on what it has done in my life; want to share with other students about what I know.”

Susanna looks up to Billy and Chris, not only as family friends but as role models in being open in sharing her beliefs.

“It’s just really cool to hear that we’re not the only ones living out our faith,” Susanna said.

After Billy’s testimony, Chris and Billy take seats 17 and 19 of row one of the auditorium while a younger guy in a long t-shirt and jeans takes the stage. His name is Shawn Barley and he’s the pastor of Bridge of Faith church. Because he has lost his voice he will be saying the prayer inside through the microphone instead of outside on the field like the original plan.

“Maybe some people in this room don’t know you, and Lord I pray right now that in the name of Jesus that you would draw them close to you. Use the testimonies they’ve already heard to speak to their hearts and may they find love and forgiveness… And all gods people said…”

“AMEN!”

Everyone gathers their belongings and heads towards the field outside. 76 people huddled in a circle, one of them being Billy.

“Dear Lord…”

“Lord Heavenly Father…”

“Please pray for…”

76 different prayers were said out loud or kept inside.

Billy’s turn.

“Dear Lord, thank you for this evening. Please keep these students in your heart and keep your heart in theirs…”

Back to the field, back to the struggles and back to sharing their story with others. Billy and Chris left with that much more faith, not only in God but in the FCA program.

“I admired their courage to get up and tell everyone about a struggle in their life and how they overcame it,” Jake said.

By Abbey Grone