ACS 12th grader Cruz Lewis was a featured athlete the week of September 19 in a Fellowship of Christian Athletes South Jersey email sent out to hundreds of FCA friends and supporters in which he shared the impact that a summer FCA sports camp had on his spiritual growth. Cruz will also be sharing his testimony at an FCA Fields of Faith event on October 12 at the Lower Cape May Regional football field, to be held from 6-8 p.m.
Cruz has been a stand-out track athlete for ACS and received a scholarship from the ACS Athletic Department last spring to attend a one-week FCA sports camp at Kutztown University in June to receive special training in track. ACS student Jayden Sanchez, then a 9th grader, also attended the sports camp with Cruz.
In the email, Cruz shared his testimony about how the FCA camp impacted his walk with Christ. Following is his testimony:
“Going to FCA camp at Kutztown University was for sure a life changing and life altering experience for me. I have never been away to camp and thought it was going to be something that I would not enjoy. I was proven wrong upon arrival when I was greeted by the most welcoming people, and that really showed me that they were there to further the kingdom of God through the people that were coming through those doors. My walk with Christ was not the strongest, as I was goin through some hard times going into camp, but, being around my brothers in Christ and learning together really brought me out of my dark time and helped me along.
“I believe I was placed there for a reason. God had a plan for that time at camp. In leaving Kutztown, I have brought with me compassion and love for all of the people around me. I want to make an impact for Christ and I have tried to lead those around me in a more positive way to attend the one goal in mind, and that is to further God’s kingdom, not for personal gain but for personal and for others growth and the growth of the Kingdom.
“I was truly blessed by the experience of going to Kutztown University for FCA Camp and I look forward to going next year and being the best leader I can be.”
Athletic Director Pam Hitchner said she was very happy to see Cruz growing in his walk with the Lord and has posted his testimony on a bulletin board near the Athletic Department office in the gym. Hitchner noted that Cruz has been a four-sport athlete throughout his middle school and high school years at ACS. At the May 2022 Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference track meet, Cruz excelled in several events — winning 1st place in the 200 meter dash with a time of 24.5; placing 2nd in the 1600 meter run with a time of 5:13, and placing 3rd in the 100 meter dash with a time of 12.1.
