Southeast Coastal Region
Georgia
Bill Gifford
Area Director
Why FCA Wrestling?
“I came to Christ on a wrestling mat during my freshman year at Springfield College on January 14, 1972. Ever since I started growing in my relationship with Christ, I have seen wrestling as the most effective platform from which I could personally share my faith with others. I felt “called by God” into Christian youth ministry in 1976 and knew wrestling would always be an important part of how I communicated my faith. When I joined FCA in 2005, I started as an Area Director in a large county northeast of Atlanta, but I always believed FCA had the infrastructure to take the Gospel of Christ worldwide through the sport of wrestling. In June 2008, we started our first FCA Wrestling camp in Georgia. By God’s grace and the incredible leadership of Carl Perry, FCA Wrestling has now grown into a nationwide and international ministry, impacting the world for Jesus Christ. To God be the glory.”
About Bill
Joined the FCA staff in 2005; had first FCA Wrestling camp in 2008
1996—Completed a Master’s of Divinity (Pastoral Major) from the International School of Theology; worked for the local church for eight years
1980-1996—Coached High School wrestling for sixteen years (in Tennessee, Arizona, and California) while serving on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ
1976-1980—Wrestled for Athletes in Action; placed in top ten at Team USA Training Camp/final try-outs (1978-1979)
Married Kay in 1978; raised four sons who are all now married; have ten grandchildren
Lisa Hankins
Area Rep – Girl’s Wrestling
Why FCA Wrestling?
“For the past five years, I have worked for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Wrestling under the direction of Bill Gifford, FCA Wrestling Director of Georgia. Bill has been an incredible mentor, example, and partner in this unbelievable ministry. I am humbly overjoyed that after many years of prayer God has presented a wonderful call on my life to minister to young females. Last year, FCA Wrestling of Georgia felt led to launch an incredible new ministry—FCA Girls Wrestling—and God has given me a passion to pioneer this starting in Georgia. My heart and passion for this ministry is to reach young women for Jesus and walk alongside them as a source of love, encouragement, and truth to equip them for a life centered on Jesus.”
About Lisa
Joined the FCA Wrestling staff in 2014
Purchased a photography studio, Premier Studio, in 1995; worked as a portrait and wedding photographer until 2014
Attended Mercer University; graduate of Pebblebrook High School (Mableton, Georgia)
Three children—David, Laura, and Ansley
