Student Spotlight: Faith Thompson of Holdingford H.S.

Q: What were you like as a child?
A: I was an only child, and I was always really lively. I didn’t cry or throw tantrums. My mom said I’d walk around the grocery store and sing songs. People would ask where I got my curly hair, and I said, “Jesus.”

Q: How have things been since then?
A: Things have just been phenomenal. That year, as a freshman, I made it on the varsity team of the sport my coach had told me I would not be able to.

Q: How did that make you feel?
A: Before, I was playing for the wrong reasons. Then I gave my life to Christ, and I started practicing every day. Then things just clicked. I started playing for God, instead of people’s approval. Then the game just became so much more fun and rewarding.

I was just humbled because I didn't ever expect that.

The girl who was put down and told she wasn’t worth anything… Other girls wanted to be pitchers (like me) and were looking up to me. That was really humbling for me.

Q: You started an FCA Huddle at Holdingford H.S. How is that going?
A: It’s such a small, farming community, so I didn't know how people would take to it. But I felt I should at least try, because it made such an impact in my life. I talked to the athletic and clubs director. I told them I was interested in getting it started. He said, “You need an advisor.”

He said the school had tried something like FCA in the past and nothing happened. He sent an email to the faculty.

But the next day he said, “We have a director. You’re good to go.”

That was really awesome.

Then we started rolling. We met Thursday mornings in our student lounge. Different people showed up and showed interest. We would usually have about 20 kids, from all different grades, 7-12.
That was pretty cool.

Q: What activities will you be doing this fall?
A: Fall softball and cheerleading team. That’s something I’ve never done, but I’m going to give it a try.

Whatever you’re doing – if it’s playing a sport, or being in a musical or making your family dinner – put your heart and soul into it and do your best. Because you’re doing it for God, and not for other people and their praise.

Q: Do you have a go-to praise song when you need encouragement?
A: One song I really like that helps me through things is Clear the Stage, by Jimmy Needham. It reminds you that if everything else goes away, God will still be the center. When I’m playing sports, I have a sports verse, Philippians 4:13. “I can do all this through Him, who gives me strength.” From where I started and everything, it’s a good reminder that God can use you for anything at any time. 

My first varsity game, we were playing in St. Cloud. The bases were loaded and it was 8-1, in the bottom of the seventh. I was like, “I’m going in now?” That’s crazy.

They put me in and Erin Deters was playing shortstop. My other friend Kylee Bommersbach was playing second base.

I was scared out of my mind. I walked my first batter. Then I struck out next one, then the next one. Then Erin called time, and said, ‘You can breathe.’
Kylee said, “Remember Philippians 4:13.”

Then I struck out the third one. That always was embedded in my brain. It’s written on my glove, on the thumb part.

Q: Are you looking at any colleges?
A: I don't really know where I want to go. But I love children, and I love how energetic and fun they are and they say the craziest things, so I’m looking into elementary education.