Hannah Garcia Disciples to Friend at Minnesota FCA Golf Camp

For two summers, Hannah Garcia relished her experience at the Minnesota FCA Golf Camp, which bills itself as one about golf, faith, friendship and fun. She's appreciated the learning and encouragement from PGA professionals and the friendships forged with other campers.

This year, though, Garcia decided to do something different: She invited a friend.

"I was not worried about the golf part," Garcia says, "but I wasn’t sure how she would feel about the spiritual part."

Garcia shared with Gretchen how the people at the camp helped her see golf and faith in different, more meaningful ways. 

Gretchen was "really open-minded," and she thanked Garcia for the invitation, according to Garcia.

"She wrote a letter a few days after," Garcia proudly recalls, "and she said she loved the experience, and she saw how engaged everyone was. 

"It really changed her spiritually.  I thought that was amazing."

Garcia says she had a challenging childhood, and she embraces 2 Corinthians 12:10:

Garcia says she finds comfort in knowing that God is always there for her.

"When you’re at your lowest point in life, you know that God is there, and that is why you’re strong," she says. "To make you feel you’re still on top, it feels amazing.

Garcia got her first set of golf clubs -- a hot pink set, she says -- when she was seven years old. She loves the sport, and she was an honorable mention for the St. Cloud Times Player of the Year award. 

She didn't grow up attending church, but golf camp has provided her a foundation in faith.

"With the help of everyone at camp, I felt safe to ask how to grow in my faith," Garcia says. "I have a new perspective in faith and golf."

Naturally, Garcia has a goal already for next year's Minnesota FCA Golf Camp.

"I want to bring even more people," she says.