Stories, news, and events from Soccer Chaplains United’s grant program to help distribute new and used soccer gear for use in local and global projects.
With the global pandemic shutting off much of the world from itself, this year’s singular Community Project fulfillment looks south of the U.S. boarder to Juárez, Mexico and the small team from Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church (CCPC) that looks to make their way in just a couple weeks time.
Led by Parker Dragovich and Pastor Chris Piehl, this year’s trip is thought to be the 27th trip in a nearly 33-year history. For a period of 5 years (2009-2013) the church deemed it unsafe to travel to Juárez with the drug cartel violence in its heyday. And, of course, 2020 saw closed borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Throughout the 30+ year history, CCPC has maintained a specific relationship with La Iglesia Maranatha and Pastor Jorge Mata. Pastor Jorge has served the church and the Felipe Ángeles neighborhood and community for those many, many years.
The mission trip sees several church families combine to lead VBS (vacation bible school) for the children in the neighborhood and to work on several construction projects on the church grounds and in the surrounding neighborhood. The church, within sight of the UTEP (University of Texas – El Paso) campus across the boarder, lives in a shadow of poverty, but the neighborhood is slowly being transformed with jobs and homes being built and people being elevated socially and spiritually by the work of Pastor Jorge and the church.
The Cherry Creek Prebyterian Church Team in 2017 poses with Pastor Jorge Mata (right, purple shirt).
In addition to the local work that La Iglesia Maranatha does, Pastor Jorge and the church members have also undertaken several trips into the poorer, and more rural parts of Mexico. Taking donations and other items, the church has traveled long distances to share the Gospel and encouragement with the poorest of the poor in some of the small villages deep within Mexico.
Assembly line for packing donationsJuárez 2021 Packed! 8 boxes – 350 lbs of soccer donationsI show Pastor Jorge (2017) donated gear that the church can give out to the community.
Remember, when you 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 from the selectable funds. Your financial gift helps us purchase new soccer equipment, sponsor individuals or organizations, and cover associated costs of providing Bibles, soccer equipment, and other outreach tools locally and around the world!
Thomas Fahn, founder and director of Sadaya International and Sadaya Soccer, a few months ago, wrote and requested soccer gear and equipment as they get prepared to travel to Liberia. Their hope is to ship a container mid-November and have the container filled with soccer gear arrive prior to their own return.
A box of gear will be headed to Liberia for Thomas Fahn and Sadaya United.
The Fahn family have been investing heavily in ministry amongst the youth population of Thomas’ native Liberia, one of the poorest countries in the world. Their original request included the following:
20 size 4 balls
30 size 5 soccer balls
50 adult soccer cleats (sizes 7 – 10.5)
32 youth soccer cleats (sizes 5 – 7)
Soccer Chaplains United was able to fulfill the following:
20 (new) size 5 soccer balls
1 size 5 One World Play ball
1 size 4 One Wold Play ball
2 (new) goalkeeper gloves
6 used soccer balls
1 used futsal ball
30+ soccer cones
Unfortunately, we were not able to provide any soccer cleats for Thomas and Sadaya. Most of our remaining sizes are too big to service Sadaya and their needs.
We look forward to seeing the wonderful pictures and a report from Thomas as they get back to Liberia.
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/2019/03/Sadaya-Logo.jpg640638Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-11-05 08:00:012020-11-04 14:11:21Leaving for Liberia
For Thomas and Jamie Fahn, the move from Denver, Colorado, USA to Liberia in August of 2018 to follow the call of God to serve in various areas was a massive move for them and their family. While in Liberia, they have been able to minister to at-risk youth in Monrovia through their soccer academy program. Unfortunately, earlier this year, with COVID-19 they had to return to the United States on an emergency evacuation flight provided by the US Embassy. The Fahns have been back in the US since April 9th, 2020 and by the grace of God — through their church, were able to find some temporary, affordable housing in Fayetteville, Northwest Arkansas. The plan for the Fahns is to make Arkansas a base of operations for now, but to return and make frequent visits to Liberia until things are conducive to return and continue the work.
Boys have fun racing during the soccer training sessions of Sadaya International Academy.
Today, Liberia is considered the poorest country in the world. The country is still recovering from the 15 years of civil unrest and the 2014 outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus. The economic hardship in Liberia can be seen from every street corner and sadly, the youth are the most affected. Many talented Liberian youths are experiencing severe economic hardship, which has reduced them to the level of desperation. Some of them have given up hopes and have buried their talents and indulge in activities such as drug abuse, prostitution, crime and violence. The hopelessness and idleness, especially among the youth breeds crime and other unhealthy behaviors that is leading to the destruction of individuals and their communities.
Thomas (left) gets ready to play some soccer games and drills with the children in Liberia.
During the Fahns short time working with the youth, they realized that most of them dream to be successful soccer players; unfortunately, their desires have not been matched with opportunities to nurture their skills and talents. The future of Liberia lies within in the youthful population, and so, the Fahns have been investing heavily in ministry amongst the youth population, and much of this through Sadya International Academy part of the ministry of Sadaya International (link to Facebook page).
Previously donated water coolers from Soccer Chaplains United are seen supplying the Sadaya International Men’s team. Gear and equipment make the opportunity of being on the team feel professional and meaningful and help keep Liberia’s youth from gangs and drugs.
The request for Sadaya comes at a difficult time with COVID-19 impacting donations and requests around football (soccer). Sadaya’s programs have a total of 110 youth and adult players, divided into teams in age groups U-11, U-13, U-15, U-17 and the men’s team. Their needs in this request include:
20 size 4 balls
30 size 5 soccer balls
50 adult soccer cleats (sizes 7 – 10.5)
32 youth soccer cleats (sizes 5 – 7)
With a return trip slated for December, the Fahns hope to ship items out in advance with a target date of November.
Through Sadaya International Academy, Thomas and Jamie have come to realize that if Liberian youth are to be given a chance, they can be successful in life through sports and education. The goal of the soccer program is to provide them with opportunities to develop not only as soccer players, but also as contributing members of society.
Our soccer program has been very successful in providing hope for some of these young people, and the equipment Soccer Chaplains United has provided us in the past has helped us tremendously in achieving our goals. Thank you very much for your help!
Thomas Fahn, on past partnership with Soccer Chaplains United
Thomas takes a rest break with a couple boys who are sporting local, Colorado club and professional donated gear!
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/2020/08/48380046_325957058250426_1039150011369127936_n.jpg460960Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-09-03 08:00:002020-08-31 11:19:06Soccer for Sadaya (Liberia)
Today, I will be taking a long drive to deliver the soccer gear and equipment for the Musana Community Project Request. Musana, currently, is the only project that has been able to try and get off the ground in a year stifled by COVID-19. With many countries and non-profit and NGO’s hampered by the global pandemic, Musana continues to try and move forward with their plan to send converted shipping containers (doubling as school and medical rooms) to rural Uganda (outside of Kampala).
Originally, Soccer Chaplains United was able to fill about 10 bins with about 425 lbs. of soccer gear and equipment; but when Valor canceled their trip to Costa Rica and with many churches and groups canceling the typical summer mission trips, the opportunity came to provide Musana with more. Last month, a packing day with some local Christian high school student volunteers helped get Musana double what was originally planned.
20 bins for Musana, carefully and tightly loaded!
Today, nearly 8 months since receiving the request and after numerous revisions to manifests and such, I will load up and deliver 20 bins weighing over 850 lbs. for the Musana fulfillment. In the time that we have been tracking the total weight of different projects, Musana is a record breaker, coming at 863.5 lbs! A much larger project given that items can be shipped via containers. The hope is that in the next month, localized inspections and sealing up the containers for shipping will see all the items finally on their way.
Remember, when you 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 from the selectable funds. Your financial gift helps us purchase new soccer equipment, sponsor individuals or organizations, and cover associated costs of providing Bibles, soccer equipment, and other outreach tools locally and around the world!
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_1186-Edit-scaled.jpeg12301920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-08-06 08:00:002020-08-05 13:44:05Musana Double Down
The global pandemic of Coronavirus has meant quite a few changes in the United States and around the world. Valor Christian High School, originally slated to fly down to Tamarindo, Costa Rica during spring break and the school’s practicum week (March 14 – March 23) ended up canceling the trip along with their other Discovery Team trips.
Although it is difficult not to be in Costa Rica this week, I was filled with joy that our houses were still built and were able to change the lives of two families forever. I am grateful for the hard work team Costa Rica put into the fundraising for the houses and also to our trusted partner that carried out the work in our absence.
On behalf of all the leaders, I would like to thank all families and friends who helped support our team’s mission. I hope the pictures below bring you Joy. And let’s all remember, this was God’s journey for us and we give Him all the Glory!
Mike Wright, Assistant Coach Valor Christian Soccer and Costa Rica Team Leader
While the trip was cancelled, the building materials and supplies had already been ordered and paid for. Local project leader Maximo Cisneros organized local “Ticos” to take on the work of building two new homes for the previously designated poor and needy families in the community.
Maximo (2nd from right) and crew pose in front of one of the completed houses.
Obviously, it was a big disappointment not to get to see our friends and partners and those we’ve worked with in the past, but it was a blessing to see the pictures of the homes completed and the local community folks reaching out and helping.
I hope that the opportunity that we were looking forward to — taking our student athletes into this environment and serving — will be something that we can resume in the near future.
Brian Shultz, Head Coach Valor Christian Soccer and Costa Rica Team Leader
The Soccer Chaplains United gear that had been distributed to the Valor team will be returned and sent out with another Community Project, per project guidelines. We hope to support Valor in a future endeavor once the issues from Coronavirus begin to subside.
When you 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 from the selectable funds. Your financial gift helps us purchase new soccer equipment, sponsor individuals or 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/2020/03/CD50B874-61D2-4BB8-B7A2-7E10BCD1D2C3.jpg360640Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-03-26 04:00:002020-07-27 21:29:06Coronavirus Cancels Costa Rica
Valor Christian High School Soccer is returning to Tamarindo, Costa Rica in what has become an annual tradition. This year’s trip will feature sixteen boys from the soccer program. The team will fly down to Costa Rica during the upcoming spring break and business week — March 14 – March 23. The team will look to build two homes for needy families during the day. At night, the team will minister to the soccer community through building relationships, competing in games, and sharing the gospel with athletes from the local area. It is during this time that the team will also look to give gear away to players who need new cleats, goalie gloves, and jerseys.
We look forward to changing lives through the global game of soccer and building a couple houses in the Guanacaste region for poor families. We feel blessed to serve!
Mike Wright, Valor 2020 Costa Rica Team Leader
Valor has been to Costa Rica several times and has been the recipient of our Community Project before including in 2018 and 2017. You can see other projects we have fulfilled and partnered with for Costa Rica in the past – go here and click on the Costa Rica flag!
Rev Brad Kenney went with Valor in March 2018 and led the infamous paint crew
Tamarindo has gone from being a small fishing village 20+ years ago, to now, being more of a small, sleepy surfing and tourist town. Behind the tourism, a lot of poverty exists among the local people. Valor Christian High School Soccer is partnering with Mercy Home Ministries and builder Maximo Cisneros to build “Mercy” homes for needy local families that he has identified. Additionally, they will be reaching out through soccer camps and clinics where they will distribute soccer gear to the many children who do not have shoes, cleats, shin guards, or even soccer balls.
Project Request
20 new soccer balls – size 5
Adult medium sized jerseys/shirts/training tops
Goalie gloves – any quantity new or used
Cleats – any quantity, new or used, up to size 11
When you 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 from the selectable funds. Your financial gift helps us purchase new soccer equipment, sponsor individuals or 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/2020/02/costa-rica.png800800Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-02-20 05:00:002020-02-18 15:06:15Valor Request for Costa Rica
Last year, Compassion International, a ministry based in Colorado Springs, CO took a group of athletes from the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) to El Salvador on a vision trip. The intention was to allow several athletes to interact with and see the work that Compassion is doing in the country. Matt Pirmann and Ken McKinney, leader of the trip, reached out to Soccer Chaplains United to see if there might be any gear or equipment to take down as part of the trip. Soccer Chaplains United was able to get 150 shirts and 10 soccer balls into their hands with short notice.
Compassion Team Members and NWSL athletes show the children some games and drills with a ball donated from Soccer Chaplains United.
Compassion is a long-serving organization whose mission and vision is to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. Compassion’s three-cord approach is to be: Christ Centered, Church Based and Child Focused. With that in mind, Compassion’s development work with children around the world aims to be holistic in its approach. Compassion’s three-cord approach is to be: Christ Centered, Church Based and Child Focused. With that in mind, Compassion’s development work with children around the world aims to be holistic in its approach.
Nicole Barnhart, pictured in the photo at the top of the page, was one of the NWSL athletes and Compassion team members. She shared this about her experience,
The trip to El Salvador was the opportunity of a lifetime. I went there thinking that I was going to inspire these children, help spark belief and give them hope that they have the strength to fulfill their Go-given potential, but in the end they stole a piece of my heart and inspired me beyond anything imaginable.
Nicole Barnhart, Goalkeeper Utah Royals FC
Lori Krueger, looks on while a Compassion child shares
One of the members of the team was NWSL Chaplain Coordinator, Lori Krueger. For Lori, the trip was a blessing — as she had been praying about hosting a retreat for players at the end of the season. But then, the opportunity from Compassion to take athletes on this vision trip came along.
The trip to El Salvador with the athletes from the NWSL was such a special experience. It was pretty incredible to see the difference that Compassion is making to support these kids who are living in extreme poverty. I saw talent kids, living with hope and dreams because of the ministry.
Lori Krueger, NWSL Chaplain Coordinator
The athletes had opportunity to watch the Compassion work in person and to play some games with the children that are part of Compassions outreach through the various centers that they have throughout the country.
A young girl heads a ball donated through Soccer Chaplains United.Team members were exposed to the impoverished conditions many El Salvadorans live in.
It was hard to see extreme poverty first hand, but at the same time it was so amazing to see how these people who have so little really have so much. They are so joyful and liven and gracious and their passion to live a life in Christ is unbelievable.
Nicole Barnhart
Compassion’s request was the 10th project for 2019 and the first time we have supported a project for El Salvador. One of the outcomes is a new initiative from Compassion to raise awareness and support for ongoing work in El Salvador. You can learn more through this link and opportunity. Additionally, Compassion is exploring other opportunities in other countries for athletes to “give back” to they native lands and people by coming alongside in similar initiatives.
Smiling faces were found to be in high order for many of the girls that the team spent time with.
A piece of my heart will always remain in El Salvador and I will never forget the amazing people I met and how they have motivated me to be better. Jesus showed me a beautiful example of what it means to have a thankful heart no matter our circumstances. He provides for us all and meets us where we are.
Nicole Barnhart
Remember, when you support Soccer Chaplains United a portion of your gift automatically goes to help projects and requests like this one for Compassion International. You can give specifically to help cover our costs by making a gift through PushPay — simply select Community from the selectable funds. Your financial gift helps us purchase new soccer equipment, sponsor individuals or 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/2020/02/CW2302185-Compassion-El-Salvador-NWSL-Vision-Trip-ES0835-303-scaled.jpg12801920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-02-13 05:00:002020-02-11 10:51:35Compassion in El Salvador
Musana Community Development is the first Community Project request for Soccer Chaplains United for 2020. Musana is a non-profit located in Uganda, which started 11 years ago, when Colorado natives Andrea and Leah Pauline traveled to Uganda for a summer internship. Witnessing extreme poverty and corruption at a local orphanage, they knew they had to help.
Shortly after starting Musana, the girls began partnering with local Ugandans to empower them to BE THE CHANGE in their own community. That is when their vision shifted and they realized a new way to tackle poverty. Led and envisioned by local Ugandans, Musana is not a charity, but a sustainable solution. Bringing economic and social development together, Musana uses social enterprises as a catalyst for change.
Musana is breaking the cycle of poverty through an integrated, holistic approach that is restoring hope and dignity by pointing to the local people, in helping them realize their own capacity to not only survive, but to thrive.
About Musana
WE BELIEVE IN… LOCAL OWNERSHIP: Our projects are envisioned and implemented by a team of local men and women who empower and drive the community to take a leadership role in “being the change.” SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP: We promote an innovative social business mentality by creating enterprises focused on health, education, and skill development. SUSTAINABILITY: We aim to generate 100% of our operating budget through locally generated funds from our social enterprises. ACCOUNTABILITY: We fight corruption through strict checks and balances, and internal controls to ensure that every Ugandan shilling is spent with integrity and efficiently supports the development of the community. THE CYCLE: Our social enterprises (Education, Health Care and Skills Development) work independently but in support of each other, cycling the profits back into the community through education scholarships, rural workshops, medical assistance, microloans, and skills training.
The Project
Musana is teaming up with Homes of Living Hope to donate much needed supplies to Musana’s replication site, where a new school will be opening February 2020. The purchased land and start of construction will result in a third campus of the Musana Nursery and Primary School to provide a unique, quality education to 1,000 Ugandan children living in Kaliro.
The organization will have 2-3 containers located in North and South Denver for three months (February – April) — building out these shipping containers to be used as vocational classrooms at the new site in Uganda. The containers will also be filled with medical equipment, school supplies and sports equipment. Uniform donations from Soccer Chaplains United will fulfill a huge need for the students.
The Request
Musana is requesting matching uniforms for teen boys (including jerseys & shorts), soccer balls, cleats and shin guards. Any quantity will be welcomed, as they have multiple teams, with over 100 students playing soccer each year.
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 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/2020/01/Soccer-Secondary-School-scaled.jpg12821920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-01-09 05:00:492019-12-30 20:37:31Musana First for 2020
Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church’s 2019 mission trip to Juarez was a strengthening, encouraging and fun-filled time of ministry. Jacob Smith, a team member reports back on the trip:
The first full day we were there, we went to the park where we spent the afternoon playing a fantastic soccer game with the local people. During the game, we passed out the jerseys and some soccer balls that were generously donated to us through Soccer Chaplains United’s Community Project program.
It wasn’t just the kids that rushed forward to have a jersey, but the men and women were thrilled to have one too.
Jacob Smith, Mission Team Member to Juarez
The jerseys and gear helped us bond with the local people and church over the common sport of soccer. It was a wonderful beginning to our week of ministry together. Thank you!!
When you 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 from the selectable funds. Your financial gift helps us purchase new soccer equipment, sponsor individuals or 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/2019/11/image1.jpeg8001200Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2019-11-14 12:00:362019-11-14 14:24:30Jerseys in Juarez
Earlier this year, Matthew Hulst and some men from Coram Deo went to Haiti on a mission trip. They requested some soccer gear to take with them, probably with no idea what it would mean or what it would lead to. Matthew shares the following report with Soccer Chaplains United, evidence of the work of God, in the country of Haiti, and in the lives of His children there. Please take time to also watch the video at the bottom. Read on,
Planting Seeds for a pro-level Christian soccer club
The team poses with Haitian leaders setting up the tournament
Five friends and I set out on a trip to Cap-Haiti (Northern part of Haiti) with dreams of seeing the Lord move through a two-week soccer tournament. Although there were reports of rioting throughout Haiti and our government putting out warnings for travel, we still felt led to go, thank the Lord we did. During our two-week stint, we saw 20 young men (ages 18-35) give their lives to Jesus and 60 more commit to long term discipleship programs with the local Haitian team we were working with. Through a donation of uniforms and equipment from Soccer Chaplains United, we were able to provide the resources needed to run a high-level tournament and pour “gas on the fire” of a God-given calling of launching a new Christian pro-level soccer club. This club will be created and led by one of our new Haitian friends named Renaldo. The uniforms and equipment that were donated to Renaldo confirmed his calling from the Lord to start this new soccer club. The dream of this club is not just good soccer but rather to use soccer as a vehicle to transform and disciple young men who would otherwise not encounter Jesus and raise up future Haitian leaders who will put an end to the corruption that is the current reality in the country.
Renaldo is a pro-level soccer player who, a few years ago, was moving up the ranks in the Haitian soccer circuit. During this process, he came to a fork in the road with the question of what was most important to him: soccer or Jesus. He was presented with the opportunity to be in line for the Haitian national team, but he realized there was an unspoken requirement. To be on the team meant he would have to practice voodoo. Many Haitians believe that to be Haitian is “to be voodoo.” But this is not the case with Renaldo. His foundation is Jesus. Because of his commitment to faith, Renaldo quit the sport, believing his dream for soccer had come to an end. This last spring God used our team to breathe life back into a dream that Rendaldo thought was dead and buried. To start, it was our team funding and donations that enabled the first Christian tournament to be played in Haiti. This tournament included 16 teams from all over Northern Haiti battling each night for two weeks straight. Seeing this tournament come to fruition filled Renaldo with passion and faith. Even further, this experience renewed his dream of pro soccer centered around Jesus rather than Voodoo. When we opened the bags of uniforms donated by Soccer Chaplains United, Renaldo was blown away with the faithfulness of Jesus. What he saw in those bags was a miracle to him. He did not just see uniforms, he saw them as a symbol of the love and faithfulness of Jesus and that Jesus has not forgotten the young men of Haiti. When Renaldo’s club officially takes the field they will be dressed in Colorado Jerseys and they will be the first team in the country that Voodoo does not have a major stronghold in.
The uniforms and equipment that were donated to Renaldo confirmed his calling from the Lord to start this new soccer club.
Matthew Hulst, on Renaldo’s call from God to serve his native Haiti
The Tournament
This was the first soccer tournament of its kind. No voodoo was allowed before, during or after the games of this tournament. This is never the case in Haiti. The tournament was hosted at the second largest soccer stadium in all of Haiti and the players ranged from 18-35 years of age. Due to the heat, they played in the late afternoons and evenings in a “world cup” style of play. Before every game, as the teams were in the locker rooms getting dressed for competition, our team got to go into the locker rooms and had 20 minutes to share the gospel and minister to these teams. During these times we saw men rejecting voodoo and getting on their knees in front of their peers and giving their lives to Jesus.
All these sessions were translated by of few Haitian friends (including Renaldo), and due to Renaldo’s influence, these men saw, possibly for the first time, that it was possible to live a life for Jesus alone and still be Haitian. A number of times, we saw the players come back to us after the game asking to learn more about Jesus. A goalie, on one of the teams, after the consolation game finished, came back into another team’s locker room asking us if he could accept Jesus into his life. During these locker room sessions, twenty men rejected voodoo and accepted Jesus and 60 more men committed to long term discipleship with Renaldo and his team.
This was a unifying event between churches and ministries in Cap-Haiti and moved into bringing the gospel to men who would never be reached in a regular church environment. Praise the Lord that he uses soccer to bring the gospel throughout Haiti. They are praying for this to be a yearly tournament and are hoping for it to be in four locations around Haiti next summer. Let’s pray for this be a catalyst for the change we are all hoping to see in Haiti.
The Orphanage
Each day in the mornings our team put on small soccer camps with all the littles at an orphanage called Street Hearts. We started by sharing a gospel message with them and then put them through drills and finished with two on two soccer competitions. These young kids were good and even at a young age, kicked our teams’ butts. Most of the kids we worked with knew Jesus and it was fun to see the joy on their faces as we were able to give them “real” soccer balls, jerseys and equipment. This specific orphanage is doing such an amazing job of training their littles in the ways of Jesus and developing Godly character in their hearts. Our team still talks about it three months later that these young kids give us hope to see change happen in Haiti.
Our team wants to thank Soccer Chaplains United for partnering with us through funding, donations, and prayer as we were part of God moving in this small area of Haiti. We could not have had the impact we did without you guys. We have so many more stories including a Haitian wedding, a gangster street kid becoming a ministry leader in the church, soccer among the poorest of the poor in the villages, praying for the mass rioting and so much more. But that will be for another day. Thank you and please join us as we are praying for next year’s tournament.
We’d like to thank Matt and his team for their faithfulness and this amazing story of God’s goodness and faithfulness.
Haitian pastors who helped organize the tournament
When you 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 from the selectable funds. Your financial gift helps us purchase new soccer equipment, sponsor individuals or organizations, and to cover associated costs of providing Bibles, soccer equipment, and other outreach tools locally and around the world!
Cap-Haitien Soccer Tournament Thank-you
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/praying.jpg12801920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2019-11-07 05:00:362019-11-06 09:46:13Jesus Rather Than Voodoo
We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.
Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.
Essential Website Cookies
These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.
Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.
We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.
We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.
Other external services
We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
Google Webfont Settings:
Google Map Settings:
Google reCaptcha Settings:
Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:
Privacy Policy
You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.
