Rooted in faith, growing in purpose

By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / Email

“All I have is from God.” 

Connor Foggie with Pastor Mike Kelly.

At 18 years old, those words carry deep meaning for Connor Foggie, a senior at Odessa High School whose faith has been shaped through grief, struggle, healing, and hope. 

Connor and his grandparents are active members of Odessa-Catharine United Methodist Church, but his relationship with God did not happen overnight. As a child grieving the loss of his mother, church was simply something he attended because his grandparents told him to. It wasn’t until his pre-teen years that faith became personal. 

“I felt the movement of God hit my heart, my mind, and my soul,” Connor recalls. “God comforted me and started guiding my actions.” 

Even now, Connor speaks openly about the battles he continues to face. After losing his mother, he developed what he describes as “pain blockers” and addictive behaviors as a way to cope with the hurt. He also struggles with anxiety, depression, and constant overthinking. 

“I struggle with a lot of things that make me feel like such a hypocrite and even as a fake Christian because I cannot seem to break these sins,” he says honestly. “The enemy has my mind trapped.” 

Yet in the middle of that darkness, Connor says God continues to meet him with grace. 

Through the support of his grandmother and his growing faith, Connor has discovered that God does not abandon people in their weakest moments. Instead, he believes God works through them. 

“I love God,” he says, “and I think God will use the dark parts of me to shine bright for someone who needs to hear it most.” 

As a three-sport athlete, Connor spends much of his time playing baseball, basketball, and soccer, balancing athletics with his growing faith and ministry work at school and church. That belief now fuels the way Connor lives his life. 

Connor creating content for Instagram.

As graduation approaches, he remains active in a Christian youth group and helps lead a devotional gathering at his high school every Wednesday with his friend, James. Nearly every day, Connor shares scripture, encouragement, and reflections about faith through his personal Instagram account, hoping someone scrolling through their phone might encounter hope. 

“Through every up and down in my life, God has been there every step of the way,” Connor says. “God found me in my darkest and hardest moments of my life and has helped shine light on me.” 

His testimony is not one of perfection, but perseverance. Connor believes the hardships he has endured have given him the ability to connect with others who feel broken, forgotten, or alone. 

“I started to spread the gospel to help bring joy and peace to people that need it most,” he explains. “Because I know just how hard life can get and how it feels to mess up and feel like you are worthless and God made a mistake. But I know God doesn’t make mistakes.” 

While many teenagers are focused on careers, independence, or future success, Connor says his greatest goal is simpler: to be a light for others. 

“I want to show love from God and be there for everybody I can,” he says. “I want everyone to know God has our back and is watching over us through everything and will forever love us.” 

He dreams of making an impact far beyond his hometown, not for recognition, but to help others experience the love of Christ. 

“I want peace. I want people to love one another. I don’t want there to be hate, violence, or conflict,” Connor says. “Everyone needs God just like I need God. If I can be used as a vessel to get the word and love out there, I will do it. I know it is my calling.” 

For Connor’s friend James, faith has also become the foundation that guides his daily life. 

“Managing my church life along with school and sports has taught me what it means helping others, making responsible choices, showing up when needed, and having a positive effect on others,” says the 17-year-old. 

Whether he is on the basketball court, soccer field, running track, or sitting in church, James sees each part of his life as connected. 

James showing Pastor Mike Kelly his Eagle Scout projects.

“Church gives me direction, playing sports has taught me discipline, and school is preparing me for the future,” he explains. “Together, they help me grow and improve.” 

James' commitment to service extends beyond the church walls. As an Eagle Scout, he has learned the importance of leadership, perseverance, and putting others before himself,  values that closely align with his Christian faith. He sees both Scouting and church as places where he can grow as a servant leader and use his gifts to help those around him.  

As a three-sport varsity athlete, James says teamwork and leadership have shaped his character both on and off the field. 

“Being on a team means my actions affect everyone, not just me,” he says. “This is similar to church because what I do can impact the people around me. I try to bring the same attitude to both.” 

But for James, faith is more than attendance or routine. 

“Church is not just something I attend,” he says. “It’s something I take part in.” 

Through his youth group, James has learned the value of compassion and service. One annual tradition — fasting to raise money for a local food pantry — left a lasting impact on him. 

“Going without food for a period of time helps me understand what others go through,” he explains. “It reminds me that service is not just about giving, but also about understanding.” 

James says faith has also transformed the way he responds to others in everyday moments. 

During one church service, Connor lost his voice while trying to read aloud. Without hesitation, James stepped in to help. 

“I just saw that he needed help,” James says. “That moment showed me that small actions matter.” 

Looking back, James recognizes how much he has grown personally through his faith. 

“When I was younger, I struggled with my behavior and decision making,” he says. “Over time, I have learned to be more patient and more thoughtful.” 

James on the soccer field.

Those lessons now guide the way he approaches school, sports, friendships, and leadership opportunities. 

Their pastor, Michael Kelly, says the two young men have become an important part of the church community at Odessa-Catharine UMC by bringing energy, leadership, and a welcoming spirit to the congregation. He says he’s been especially grateful for the ways they serve and encourage others to get involved. 

“I have been blessed and spoiled by Connor and James. They’ve enriched the ministry at our church and are active in many regards, helping in many things, and often bringing other young people with them to our services.” 

As Connor prepares to study pre-med at Eckerd College in St. Peterburg, Florida and James heads to Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana to study engineering, both are carrying more than plans for the future. They are carrying a faith that continues to shape who they are becoming, one rooted not in perfection, but in purpose, service, grace, and the belief that God is still working in their lives every single day.