Faith, fellowship take center stage at Sikeston Fields of Faith event

A large crowd filled the Sikeston High School soccer field at the Sikeston Recreation Center for the annual Fields of Faith event. (David Jenkins/Standard Democrat)

SIKESTON — Hundreds of students and adults filled the Sikeston High School soccer field Wednesday night for the annual Fields of Faith event.

Sponsored by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), a tailgate was held before the event kicked off that put faith and fellowship center stage.

“I thought this event was one of the best we’ve had, more of a Godly experience than just a ‘come and hear’ type of event,” said SEMO South FCA Area Representative Josh Mills. “I was blown away at the way students led out, from the worship to the testimonies, they were all a blessing to us all. Adding Coach Vip to the lineup just topped it all off.”

Sikeston High School senior Noah Mason (left) prays with Zach McAnulty during the annual Fields of Faith event at the Sikeston High School soccer field. (David Jenkins/Standard Democrat)

Four students gave God-centered testimonies while those in attendance listened to the messages and prayers.

Sikeston students Noah Mason, Lilly Hodgkiss and Caroline Blanton along with New Madrid County Central student Riley Polk all presented their personal testimonies and all spoke of finding God during troubling times in their lives.

Each student then led a prayer with others who may find themselves in similar situations.

Malden basketball coach Mike Vitterman speaks during the annual Fields of Faith event at the Sikeston High School soccer field. (David Jenkins/Standard Democrat)

The main speaker of the evening was Malden’s FCA Huddle Coach and basketball coach Mike Vipperman who spoke of “suddenlys.”

Vipperman found himself in the middle of a “suddenly” two years ago when he fell out of a tree stand and could only move his arms. He was able to call his wife and get help but a doctor said he didn’t think the coach would be able to walk again. While his wife had faith in God that he would walk again, Vipperman wasn’t so sure.

“I did not have faith in that moment to believe I was going to walk again,” Vipperman said.

During the surgery a fragment of his vertebrae was removed and Vipperman was able to “wiggle his left foot,” and the progress continued to two years later where Vipperman is even able to play basketball with his team.

“When you go through something in this life, you’re going to go through a roller coaster of emotion,” Vipperman said.

“In the midst of it all, I wasn’t alone,” Vipperman said, adding that with God you are never alone.

The message ended with groups able to gather to speak more and pray.

“It takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work from a lot of people in our area communities for this event,” Mills said. “This year the local churches that partnered with our tailgate event was really special and then we had some of the usual servant leaders who just stepped up again, like every year, to make it what it is.

“It was awesome to see it all come together to raise the name of Christ really high for all to see and hear.”