Answering the call: Mills takes over new role as area FCA representative

SIKESTON - The Fellowship of Christian Athletes recently appointed Sikeston native Josh Mills to the full-time position of Three Rivers Area representative. A passion for sports with an unflinching faith in God has guided Mills to the FCA where his beliefs can be impactful to young people.

Mills had a valuable mentor as a young athlete in Sikeston, and that experience continues to bear fruit.

"Kevin Self, my baseball coach at Sikeston High School, was one of our FCA sponsors, I remember, because we met in his classroom," said Mills.

"My wife Brittney was on the leadership team of FCA as well," added Mills.

From the moment Mills heard the calling of God, Mills' professional life has developed in ways that he now recognizes as part of a divine plan.

"I worked at the Standard Democrat for several years, covering sports and doing photography and got to meet a lot of people and visit a multitude of schools -- several I couldn't hardly locate on a map," said Mills.

"During my time at the Standard Democrat, God called me into ministry and I served at Fellowship Baptist Church and Miner Baptist Church for about the last eight years in student ministry," said Mills.

"As a way to connect with local students, I got involved again with FCA, attending the Sikeston huddles and helping with Fields of Faith," said Mills.

With an expanded FCA territory, Mills has his hands full in his new post.

"There are over 35 schools in my territory made up of middle school, junior high, high school and Three Rivers College," said Mills.

"What's funny, is that many of the coaches I used to work alongside while at the newspaper, I am now working alongside again," said Mills.

"My job now is to partner with them in service and prayer -- trying to meet whatever needs they may have both on and off the field."

Currently, FCA is gearing up for two Fields of Faith events in the area.

Fields of Faith is an annual, student-led event in which students gather together with community to pray for their peers, share the Word of God and challenge them to read the Bible and follow Jesus Christ, according to Mills.

"Last year we held our first Fields of Faith event at the Sikeston Field House and estimated that about 1,200 people were in attendance," said Mills. "Poplar Bluff is on their 10th year holding the event and have seen upwards of 3,000 people in years past."

Fields of Faith has two upcoming events in the area. The first event is scheduled at the Poplar Bluff High School Stadium on Oct. 4.

Sikeston will host an FOF event at Sikeston Public Schools Stadium on Oct.11.

Both events are at 7 p.m. and will feature students from all over the area, as well as Three Rivers and Southeast Missouri State University.

"We're praying for big things this year and a big response to the Gospel message," said Mills.