Every tree begins as a seed, laden with potential yet remains in a small package until mature enough to become all it can be.

When Pierre Salmon arrived in Cherokee County to become director of the Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s local chapter, he knew things were in place for the organization to go to the next level.

Though knowing it would not be an overnight job, Salmon kept his eyes on the prize — and FCA of Cherokee County has been greatly rewarded for it. Last year, the organization ministered to more than 400 coaches and 3,300 athletes, expanding from its primary target of high school and college students to now being able to walk into middle schools around the area to hold Bible studies and huddle groups.

Close to 100 coaches, teachers and administrators also attend FCA staff led Bible studies, held on a weekly basis. Plans are also in the works to develop a FCA huddle for local little league football and baseball programs.

“We want students to become legacy builders, because everyone no matter who they are leave a legacy,” Salmon said. “We challenge them to go above and beyond their calling to become men and women who make an impact in their communities.”

Progress does come at a cost, however. As Americans continue to pinch their pockets during the current economic downturn, the revenue stream once available to programs like FCA has for the most part dried up.

“The economy has made things hard for us,” Salmon said. “A lot of people are holding on for a rainy day, afraid to let anything go.”

It has also made drawing teams for its annual golf tournament more difficult than usual. One of the local FCA’s major funds development events, Salmon said the tournament helps keep the program afloat.

“It’s one of the pillars that keeps FCA afloat here,” Salmon said. “We’re really at a crucial time where finances are really low.

“This tournament could really determine to what degree we’ll continue ministry here.”

With far less teams committing to next week’s event, it would be easy for the local FCA director to hang his head low.

Think again. “God’s been faithful, and provided us with opportunities to go deeper, preaching the Gospel,” Salmon said. “But we’re still believing God for rain; not literally, but we’re praying for more breakthroughs and blessings to fall from the heavens.”

Being one of few avenues available for the Gospel to be preached in public schools, Salmon said he hopes the community rallies around the program.

‘We’re really growing, but believe this only the beginning,” he said. “Hopefully the community rallies around us to see FCA blossom the way it was created to in Cherokee County.”

The tournament will take place Oct. 12, beginning at 10:30 a.m. with long drive competition and putting contests. A shotgun start shortly after noon will mark the beginning of tournament play, with festivities wrapping up later that evening with a light supper and awards ceremony.

For more information about the golf tournament, contact John Claterbos at jvcjayhawk@ gmail.com or by phone at (864) 491-8766. To get involved with FCA, contact Salmon at psalmon@fca.org or (864) 490-9296, or Claudia Butler at cbutler@ fca.org or by phone at (864) 490-4355.