Today is our final podcast for the month of May looking at mental and spiritual health. Today, from the Gospel of Mark 5:1-20, we see the fragile mental state of a man besieged with demons. Jesus heals him. During the podcast we look at the condition of the man and contemplate how often times we dismiss stories like this as fantastical and too amazing to maybe even be true; however, the truth is that many of us are driven into dark, isolating places with our own “demons” (spiritual or not). While the posture of the people from the surrounding towns looks promising, the resources offered in the past aren’t really restorative of helpful, only the power of Jesus can truly heal the man. We need this power in our own lives, today.
From the Touchline is a short-feature podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd, in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/From-the-Touchline-Cover-Art-II.jpg14001400Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2026-05-27 00:00:002026-05-26 13:33:47Mental Health May – The Power of Jesus
Thanks to the generosity of Soccer Chaplains United church partner, 1st CRC of Sioux Center, we were able to deliver a number of The Soccer Psalms and Los Salmos del Futbol for the men’s and women’s soccer program at Dordt University.
This past Thursday, Board Member Jan van Vliet, a former professor at Dordt, was able to hand off 60 copies of The Soccer Psalms and 15 copies of Los Salmos del Fútbol. Jan met with Men’s Soccer Coach, Eric Bourdo, and Payton Chitwood, Women’s Soccer, to deliver the books for the programs to use in their upcoming seasons for their staff and players.
The books also featured an accompanying commemorative sticker from our World Cup campaign. The sticker is designed for student athletes to place elsewhere as a reminder of the Psalm 23-inspired promise that The Lord is my Coach. Spanish language versions of the sticker included flags for the nations of Argentina and Mexico, whose teams are competing in the 2026 edition of the tournament.
If you would like to be a patron or partial sponsor of books and stickers for a particular team or school/university soccer program, reach out to us at info@soccerchaplainsunited.org. Sponsors and patrons will be able to participate in earning stickers and prizes per our Nations and Devotions World Cup Challenge and you can learn more with details here on this page.
Jan (left) poses with Peyton and Eric
Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of individuals and partners to carry out our work of discovering, developing, and deploying chaplains across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today. Click the PushPay link below to make a gift or check out our Donate page for different giving options.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_1924a-scaled.jpeg12131920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2026-05-22 00:00:002026-05-22 11:42:46Nations and Devotions: Local Church Sponsors Books for Dordt Soccer
Francis Chivuta and I were recently acquainted on a Global Sport Chaplaincy Association call. I shared about Soccer Chaplains United and also about our Community Projects program which helps get soccer gear out amongst the world. Francis made an appeal with a good friend, Dr. Chip Johnston, offering to carry out soccer gear on his next trip to Zambia for training pastors.
Francis excitedly points out the Zambian national flag at a recent gathering
Part of Francis’ work is to travel around the country to different provinces and train up pastors, leaders, and potential chaplains in sport. He leads different conferences where the Bible is taught and distributes bibles freely during his training conferences as well as training for the different roles that pastors must take on. Furthermore, he is involved prison ministry where he shares God’s word to the inmates across the country and contributes to the basic needs for the inmates. His request is on behalf of Unathi Sports Academy, where he is the president, which is based in Lusaka, Zambia. He shares a testimonial from one of the coaches there:
It has really been a great opportunity for me as a coach to work for Unathi Soccer Academy.
Being as a Christian Sports academy, it has helped me grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ more than before I joined. Unathi Sports Academy has further changed the lives of lots of children in our compound who are part of the academy. A good number of the children members have come to learn and know how to pray. Furthermore, those who were not attending church before they joined the academy have started attending church. The most interesting thing and important of all is to hear them confess Christ as Lord and personal savior and furthermore, some are able to advice others the importance of prayer, being good to others, respecting one another and I am so happy that they are able to demonstrate what they learn even when there home and this brings so much happiness to me as a coach knowing that we are transforming these lives.
In our area we have close to twelve (12) academics but we are the only ones who are a Christian academy which truly makes us happy, because everything we do has to involve Christ. We have played a lot of games with teams from within but none of the twelve academics has been able to win or challenge us. We truly appreciate the great work from everyone who supports the academy in prayer and needs, thanks so very much!
Thank you Rev Francis Chivuta for your fatherly love.
Unathi Academy Coach Henry, sharing about his work with the soccer team at Uanthi
When you financially support Soccer Chaplains United a portion of your gift automatically goes to help our community projects and requests. You can give specifically to help cover our costs by making a gift through PushPay — simply select Community Project from the selectable funds. Your financial gift helps us purchase new soccer equipment, sponsor individuals projects and organizations, and to cover associated costs of providing Bibles, soccer equipment, and other outreach tools locally and around the world!
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Unknown.jpeg5761280Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2026-05-21 00:00:002026-05-18 12:40:14Unathi Sports Academy — Zambia Makes Community Project Request
Continuing to look at mental, emotionally and spiritual health issues, we turn this week to look at a particular story of madness in the book of Daniel and how a king went mad with his delusions of grandeur and himself. Certainly, pride played a factor, but from King Nebuchadnezzar’s life we learn that there is a warning God intends for us when it comes to building our own kingdoms and brands without Him. Even if we don’t heed the warning God gives, He can still restore us from the insanity that we find ourselves trapped by. You can find this story Daniel 4.
From the Touchline is a short-feature podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd, in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/From-the-Touchline-Cover-Art-II.jpg14001400Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2026-05-20 00:00:002026-05-18 12:36:52Mental Health May – Restoring Us From Our Insanity
Pastoral care and ministry was modeled for Marco Ambriz his whole life. Growing up as a pastor’s kid in Texas and California and having three generations of pastors in his family from Latin America, he was given the opportunity to explore leadership and service in the immigrant Latino church as a worship leader, preacher and youth ministry leader growing up. Marco’s own sense of calling from a young age led him eventually to Patten University in Oakland, CA where he earned a B.A. in Pastoral Studies. He later went on to earn an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary. His passion is to serve in a community where people from many backgrounds, traditions and cultural contexts can feel safe to explore God together and live out the good news of Jesus in a refreshing way.
Today, Marco is the lead pastor of First Covenant Church of Oakland, celebrating his 22nd year serving as a pastor at the church since 2004. First Covenant is a multi-ethnic, multi-generational church that has been in Oakland since 1887 and its vision is to Break Down Barriers, Build Up People and Be a Light for the City. While Marco enjoys care, preaching and leadership in his local congregation, he also finds so much joy in connecting with people in the community.
Enter the Oakland Roots SC. The Roots began playing in NISA (3rd Division) in 2018, but transitioned to United Soccer League – Championship (Division 2) in 2021. As an integral part of the city with a vision for elevating the city, the Roots and Marco share a similar passion.
Marco’s journey to exploring ways to partner with the Roots began nearly four years ago (a long wait by any stretch). Marco was approached by Jonathan Van Horn of Athletes in Action about serving the team through a recommendation of a mutual friend, but the door was shut for all those years for one reason or another. Then, in the beginning of 2026, some things began to change and a doorway started to open.
When I was first introduced to Marco, one of the things that I loved was his heart for the city and desire to have an impact where he is at. His desire to influence the city and be a part of sharing God’s story there was [for me] a big draw to Marco…there was also an intentional patience — he’s had to wait some 4 years to see this come to fruition. I am excited to see Marco serve the team well. I am excited to see what God does in and through him.
Jonathan Van Horn, on Marco’s patience in waiting four years for the placement
Van Horn, the AIA Executive Director of Pro Soccer and chaplain to the non-defunct North Carolina FC, did much of the work and waiting to try and get Marco connected into the club; however, a surprising story unfolded as several of the staff of Oakland Roots SC had previously worked with Soccer Chaplains United chaplains elsewhere around the league and wanted Marco to go through the process of affiliation with our group instead.
In the final analysis, it’s a testament to the network and relationships amongst the soccer network. Jonathan and AIA were gracious to “share” and help Marco transition into our process. I think it’s a good example of Kingdom partnership in this space.
Brad Kenney, on the collaboration with Jonathan Van Horn and AIA
Marco will finish some onboarding with the Oakland Roots in the next few weeks and begin to more fully serve the team as a volunteer chaplain. He shared some of his own hopes as he prepares to serve the organization:
My hope is to be a spiritual, emotional and inspirational support for the club, players, staff and their families in any way that would be a blessing to them. I feel God calling me to be a conduit of God’s love, care, listening and inspiration regardless of anyone’s background or experience with faith or religion. I want to be someone who helps break barriers and lower walls between the human and the divine and to show Christ’s love by simply offering myself to be present for people where they need.
Marco, on his hopes for the chaplaincy to the Roots
Soccer Chaplains United is grateful to welcome Marco Ambriz to the team and looks forward to the impact of his work at Oakland Roots SC.
Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of individuals and partners to carry out our work of discovering, developing, and deploying chaplains across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today. Click the PushPay link below to make a gift or check out our Donate page for different giving options.
Marco and his family enjoy some mountain biking
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/marco-ambriz-headshot-web.png235300Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2026-05-15 00:00:002026-05-15 15:54:11Marco Ambriz Set to Serve Oakland Roots SC
May is Mental Health Awareness month. It’s during this time that here is an increased emphasis on looking after one’s mental and emotional health. Last week on the podcast, we talked about our environment and needing to take an assessment of what voices and other things in our surrounding environment are affecting and impacting our mental and spiritual state. Today, we look at the ways that God meets us in the midst of our own mess.
There are highs and lows in football, just like in life. There are moments when we take on the game’s greatest (like Lionel Messi) and moments when we can’t wait to shower and get out of the stadium because we (or the team) just laid an egg against an opponent. We can become exhausted working through the highs and lows. Today, we look at the life of Elijah (the prophet of Israel) and the moment that he was ready to give up on life — thinking that he had failed or just being fed up and too frustrated to go on. You can find this story I Kings 19.
From the Touchline is a short-feature podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd, in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/From-the-Touchline-Cover-Art-II.jpg14001400Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2026-05-13 00:00:002026-05-12 14:08:23Mental Health May – God Meets Us in Our Mess
During the month of May, there is an increased emphasis on looking after one’s mental and emotional health. For the next few weeks on the podcast, I want to look at some biblical stories that deal with individuals who struggled with mental health and some of the changes that they made in their lives and ways that God helped them through a difficult time or struggle.
This week, we look at a moment in King Saul’s life when he was struggling with depression and fear. It was at the recommendation of some of his servants that Saul seek to change his environment — namely, through the playing of music and the presence of David as a servant. Even though Saul had disobeyed God and was rejected as king, God still was gracious to Saul to give him relief from the overwhelming sense that he felt.
What in your environment needs to be changed? Are you able to see any needs for change? What are some ways that God can give you relief from the pressures that you feel — whether you are an athlete, coach, or staffer?
From the Touchline is a short-feature podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd, in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/From-the-Touchline-Cover-Art-II.jpg14001400Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2026-05-06 00:00:002026-05-05 12:51:06Mental Health May – Assessing and Changing Our Environment
In soccer, we don’t always win. As followers of Jesus, we don’t always have success — at least not in the ways that the world defines success. In fact, the people of God have usually been more characterized by suffering than success. Maybe that’s why Psalm 34 hits in a different way than so many other psalms. What does it look like to praise God, even after a difficult time or some particular adversity?
Soccer Psalm 34 takes David’s experience of having to act insane in front of his enemies in order to escape harm and puts it into the language of a footballer. There are just some moments when we need God to intervene, because we are beside ourselves and powerless to change our situation and the outcomes. What about you and me? Can we find ways to praise God after emerging from a struggle?
The Soccer Psalms, is a self-published book available on Amazon. (You can also find The Football Psalms-a British version-if you appreciate the different terms around the game). Both books are available globally on Amazon and contain 31 psalms that have been translated into “soccer psalms” — with words, language, and metaphors that connect soccer to God’s Word. I also include some reflection on the context and writing as well as some questions for reflection. Check out the book below:
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
On a warm evening in Bossier City, Louisiana, as training concludes at Cumbre Alta youth club, a new kind of presence will be taking shape along the touchline—one focused not on tactics or results, but on care, connection, and character. Soccer Chaplains United is pleased to announce Paul Flowers as its newest chaplain, serving the Cumbre Alta community.
Paul brings more than two decades of ministry experience into this role, along with a diverse background that uniquely equips him to serve athletes, coaches, and families. His journey into ministry began at the age of 15 and has since included missionary work in Peru, extended time living and serving in South America, and years of pastoral leadership and teaching. These experiences have shaped both his theological foundation and his relational approach to ministry.
Internationally, Paul spent time in Peru, Colombia, and Chile, where he focused on outreach, leadership development, and supporting church planting efforts in underserved areas. His fluency in Spanish—developed through years of immersion and teaching—continues to be a valuable asset, particularly in diverse communities like those found within youth soccer.
In the United States, Paul has served in a variety of ministry roles, including youth pastor and associate pastor, where he led Bible studies, organized outreach efforts, and mentored young people. His vocational experience also extends into education, where he has spent significant time teaching both language and trade skills.
Currently, he serves as an instructor at the Caddo Career & Technology Center, teaching carpentry in Spanish and helping students gain practical certification and workforce readiness.
Paul also serves as a pastor at Summer Grove en Español in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he leads in pastoral care, teaching, and music within the Hispanic congregation. Across each of these roles, a consistent theme emerges: a commitment to investing in people through presence, teaching, and long-term relationship.
I love to say: There is no such thing as a great preacher, it’s just a great gospel.
Paul Flowers, on his pastoral and chaplaincy approach
Paul adds the volunteer chaplaincy to Cumbre Alta by joining the Soccer Chaplains United — it represents a natural extension of his calling. At Cumbre Alta, Paul will focus on building trust within the club environment—being a resource to coaches and families, while also offering support to players navigating both the opportunities and pressures of youth sports.
Chaplaincy within Soccer Chaplains United emphasizes consistent presence, relational engagement, and holistic care. Paul’s background aligns closely with these priorities. His ability to connect across cultures, combined with his experience in both ministry and education, positions him well to serve the needs of a growing and diverse soccer community.
As Paul begins this new role, his work will largely take place in the everyday rhythms of the club—conversations before and after training, moments of encouragement, and opportunities to provide spiritual and emotional support when needed. While often behind the scenes, this presence is a vital part of fostering a healthy and supportive environment within the game.
Soccer Chaplains United is grateful to welcome Paul Flowers to the team and looks forward to the impact of his work at Cumbre Alta in Bossier City.
We invite donors to support Paul’s work as he looks to cover his expenditures through this link.
Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of individuals and partners to carry out our work of discovering, developing, and deploying chaplains across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today. Click the PushPay link below to make a gift or check out our Donate page for different giving options.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Paul-Flowers-Headshot.png235300Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2026-04-24 00:00:002026-04-23 11:36:48Flowers Set to Bloom in Bossier with Cumbre Alta Youth Club
We’re just 51 days out from the start of the World Cup! And today on the podcast, we look at Psalm 51 and the Soccer Psalm 51. Infidelity is a massive problem in soccer (and professional sport, in general) and Psalm 51 gives us a look at the confession of David after his affair and subsequent impregnation of Bathsheba had been revealed and that first son had died. David offers words and a song of repentance.
Similarly, Soccer Psalm 51 acknowledges sin and the need for God’s forgiveness. Perhaps one of my favorite lines in writing The Soccer Psalms comes with the line in verse 5 “studs up, intent to injure.” David had killed one of his best and most loyal friends and warriors — Uriah. Worse than a career or season-ending injury caused by a studs up challenge, David had taken life to cover up his sin. He needed forgiveness. We need forgiveness, for our sins — and God’s the only one who can clean us from the guilt of those things.
The Soccer Psalms, is a self-published book available on Amazon. (You can also find The Football Psalms-a British version-if you appreciate the different terms around the game). Both books are available globally on Amazon and contain 31 psalms that have been translated into “soccer psalms” — with words, language, and metaphors that connect soccer to God’s Word. I also include some reflection on the context and writing as well as some questions for reflection. Check out the book below:
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
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