Submitted photo: Fort Dodge Middle School FCA organizer Dalton Summers (far left) with student leaders (left to right) Brooklyn Lamoureux, Cameron Beck, Jerry Crockett, Nolan Lawler and Makai Kliegl.

When Dalton Summers was having a hard time, he turned to his faith for answers.

Summers recently attended a Des Moines Wildfire worship, and after an affirmation his belief in God showing the way, the 2020 Fort Dodge Senior High graduate saw a vision come to life.

Summers, also a former Iowa Central rugby player, leaned on his faith to reach others and share in the gospel, decided to start a Fellowship of Christian Athletes group at his place of employment: The Fort Dodge Middle School.

“I wanted to use my faith as a platform,” Summers said. “I was going through some hard times these past three months. After that Wildfire worship in Des Moines, I talked with (fellow FDSH grad and central Iowa FCA representative) Julian Dismute, who shares his faith in God with others. Julian and his nephew, Cameron Beck (a Fort Dodge Middle School student) said we should start at Fellowship of Christian Athletes group at the FDMS.

“Julian has given his life to God, and God has been my biggest blessing as well.”

Beck and Summers talked about starting the group. Summers then began the process of getting trained and licensed to help support this effort.

Summers, who works at the FDMS as a behavioral interventionist and is also an assistant strength coach at FDSH, reached out to see if it was possible to bring FCA to the school.

“The administration was really receptive,” Summers said. “Mr. (Shawn) Chesteen (FDMS principal) and Mr. (Michael) Reynolds (FDMS assistant principal) were completely on board. We put it on the announcements. Any athlete involved in any sport met in the cafeteria (the first time).

“I wanted to give my personal testimony and why we wanted to start it here.”

For the first meeting, Summers wasn’t sure what to expect. When he showed up, he was amazed by the sight of 150 kids waiting.

“It was very overwhelming. I was talking to my mom and thought maybe 30 to 40 kids would show up,” Summers said. “I walked into the auditorium, and honestly I couldn’t believe it. It’s crazy how God let me use my platform. He changed my life.

“I never knew I could do this for kids. Students want to do it more than once a week. This has just been so been impactful, being able to shine my light to people.”

During the meeting, the group talks about the word of God, shares Bible verses, and sings worship music.

“We also have guest speakers come in and share their testimony,” Summers said. “We read a devotional and a couple of Bible verses. We prayed, then broke down into groups. Some of the kids also came up to the stage and worshiped.”

During one of the morning worships, many of the Fort Dodge Senior High FCA members also attended. Gavin Pederson, Royce Pederson and Lilly Kliegl gave their testimonies.

Along with their time together, Summers has also seen a shift in attitude throughout the school and hallways.

“I’ve seen a lot of behavior changes for the better,” Summers said. “The students are not scared to share their faith and tell other students that they need to come to FCA.

“It’s cool to see an emotional change in kids’ lives, and have learn about God together.”

Summers has also seen a change in the athletic realm.

“It has changed the kids when they share their faith,” Summers said. “Playing in AFES tournaments I have seen the kids changing their lives and bringing them closer together.

“When you live for God it’s a whole different thing and when they recognize this, they build friendships. They’re excited to be there and meet new people.”