For chapter members, fellowship and spiritual growth go hand-in-hand.
By Jan Hollis, F450718
March 2019
Members of Coaches for Christ Southeast found fun, food, fellowship, and inspiration during the chapter’s fall 2018 rally, held October 1 to 6, 2018. The rally drew 33 people in 17 RVs to the Holiday Travel Park of Chattanooga in Rossville, Georgia.
Several developments this past year helped reinvigorate the chapter, including the election of new officers at the 2018 Southeast Area Rally (SEA) in Lakeland, Florida. What’s more, at the SEA rally and at the March 2018 FMCA International Convention in Perry, Georgia, the chapter gained almost 30 new member families, bringing the total to nearly 40.
Coaches for Christ Southeast, like other Coaches for Christ chapters, supports FMCA area rallies and international conventions by hosting devotionals and worship times. In addition, members foster relationships to encourage spiritual growth as we celebrate our journeys and connect through email, Facebook, and chapter rallies.
The Chattanooga rally and retreat included morning devotionals by the Rev. Jim Hollis, FMCA national chaplain. His messages set the tone for the rally with a focus on caring beyond the walls of our traveling homes. Evening sessions provided fun opportunities to get to know each other and share in small groups. FMCA national chaplain Dane Bailey, also known as “the singing auctioneer,” provided musical leadership.
In fact, a musical theme ran throughout the rally. Activities included a bluegrass and gospel sing; an outdoor evening concert featuring Dane; and entertainment by a band during our Tennessee River cruise aboard the Southern Belle. Our group also enjoyed a train ride on the Missionary Ridge Local, operated by the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum; and a ride on the funicular (cabled railcar) up the Incline Railway on Lookout Mountain.
We shared wonderful meals at the campground, tried a few local restaurants, enjoyed a buffet on the riverboat cruise, and picnicked at the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. Our busy week even allowed for a little free exploration time.
The fellowship was so sweet, many of us didn’t want to leave. During our final evening, Dane conducted a small auction to raise funds for hurricane victims, and folks shared loads of positives about how we had grown spiritually, both as individuals and as a group.
We are looking to reconnect March 13-16, 2019, at the FMCA International Convention & RV Expo in Perry, Georgia, and at a fall rally in Florida. Plan to join us in the blessing of our next adventure. For additional information, visit our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/FMCACoachesforChristSoutheast.