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General news and information about Soccer Chaplains United including newly formed partnerships, news on the different teams and communities being served, and upcoming events for donors, partners, and communities.

Hope For The Fatherless 2023 Request Team Gear

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Note: This request originally came in June of 2023 and was fulfilled in July 2023; however, a story was not published at the time. This story is a “catch-up” and photos and a final update will follow shortly.

Hope For the Fatherless (HFTF) is on a mission in Ethiopia. Believing that children belong in families, not institutions, Hope for the Fatherless rescues orphaned and vulnerable children and places them into loving homes through reunification, kinship placement, domestic adoption, and small group homes.

Currently HFTF has 30 children in its small group homes, 18 children in the sponsorship program (receiving educational, medical, and other support with their single moms so they do not become orphans), and dozens of children in the adoption program who are in the process of being placed with their forever families.

The Dragovich family (Darren, former Soccer Chaplains United Board Member) has been heavily invested into Hope For the Fatherless. Two of the Dragovich daughters, Reese and Sydney, both served as interns for the ministry in the US during high school and have traveled to Ethiopia multiple times. With a long relationship with HFTF kids and staff when the opportunity arose to spend five weeks there this past summer, both girls jumped at the chance.

Reese has been helping HFTF to develop a social media plan and gather film and photo material to use in the ministry, while Sydney (who will be studying Social Work in college) has worked with HFTF social workers in the adoption program.

Last year (2022), during Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church’s trip to Ethiopia, Soccer Chaplains United gifted HFTF with an assortment of soccer jerseys. The kids were so excited to put them on—even the little 5 year old whose shirt came down to his ankles! The kids felt special, blessed, and loved. This year, when Reese and Sydney arrived for their internships, the teenage boys at Faith House were excited to share that they have officially formed a HFTF soccer team that competes in games around the city!

There are ten teenage boys on the team (who all live at Faith House) and three younger boys (from Hope House) who help out.

Specifically, HFTF has requested the following:

  • 13 uniform sets

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!

The Light is Coming Devotional Ebook Free on Amazon Tomorrow

In celebration of the beginning of the Advent season (November 15), Soccer Chaplains United’s devotional ebook, The Light is Coming, will be free on Amazon, tomorrow. The Light is Coming is our rewrite and revision of the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup devotional offering, is now available on Amazon globally via the link above.

It has been one year since we wrote for the Men’s World Cup. This devotional has been edited and re-written to remove time references, make it less “2022 World Cup” centric, and to also make it easier for individuals and teams to utilize in any 8-week span.

The eight, weekly themes match the Advent and Christmas season and fit nicely with a reading plan for this particular time of the year.

The 2022 World Cup devotional remains available for sale on Amazon and in the Spanish and Portuguese languages as well. Follow the links below to view those:

Walnut Middle School Fútbol Finding Ways

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Rev Cesar Duran has served with Soccer Chaplains United for some eight years and now lives in Nebraska, close to his son, César. His son is soon to begin his seventh year as a coach at Walnut Middle School in Grand Isle, Nebraska. The school is school is a Title I school — meaning that the majority of students are on a free or reduced lunch background.

Coach César serves a team of 100+ players along with 3 assistant coaches and two volunteers. When he took over in 2019, the team saw about 60 players come try out. Each year that number has grown. As a school team, for many of the students, this will be the last time they will ever play for an actual team.

As a Title I school, the sports programs require doing fundraisers for equipment or finding unique ways of getting more gear with limited funding and resources.

Our team has had the same practice balls for 6 years. The school is doing its best to purchase new soccer balls and last year we received 10 new ones, but it is a challenge with such a large number of players.

Coach César, on the limited resources for Walnut Fútbol

For Coach César, it’s more than just about fútbol (soccer). He shares about how he is trying to use the game to help these young men.

We share the love to the players by having lessons and conversations on the stereotypes of being a young man. Our students and athletes have challenges with gangs, drugs and the pressure of the young boys having to show off to “survive”… We also work with them on conversations about careers and preparing as they start their high school days…We only get two years to be with them but our connections have stayed with them and many of them come back for games and practices.

Coach César, on the importance of making an impact on the young boys’ lives

Specifically, Coach César has requested the following:

  • 50 soccer balls
  • 50 jerseys
  • Goalkeeper sets

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!

The Light is Coming — Now Available on Amazon

The Light is Coming, our rewrite and revision of the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup devotional offering, is now available on Amazon globally via the link above.

With a year, now, gone by since we wrote for the special version and timing of the Men’s World Cup — we’ve re-written the devotional to remove time references, make it less “2022 World Cup” centric, and make it easier for individuals and teams to utilize in any 8-week span.

Readers can still use it during the season of Advent and Christmas. The eight, weekly themes match the season’s usual progressive topics.

The 2022 World Cup devotional remains available for sale on Amazon and in the Spanish and Portuguese languages as well. Follow the links below to view those:

Donation Match To End Ministry Appreciation Month of October

a pen sitting on top of a cheque paper

A generous donor has offered a $500 matching donation for new donations to finish out the month of October. From now until the end of October, any donations or gifts toward the General Fund from individuals who have not given during 2023 will be matched up to $500.

Rev Brad Kenney and Soccer Chaplains United are working to raise over $37k by the end of 2023 to come in on budget and continue the work into 2024 and beyond. Gifts made to the General Fund go to support Brad’s salary and the overall operating costs of Soccer Chaplains United, including the generalized support of the 27 other chaplains that comprise the group.

Thank you for your consideration toward a gift to help us maximize this month’s match. Be on the lookout through the month of November and December for additional giving opportunities to help advance the work and mission of Soccer Chaplains United.

Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work. Our chaplains are not employed or paid by any of the clubs that we serve. Check out our Donation Page with all the different options. Or, simply click the PushPay link below to make a secure, online, tax-deductible gift, or mail a donation to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.

a pen sitting on top of a cheque paper

Trempert Sees Out 9 Years with Switchbacks

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Chaplain and Pastor, Kurt Trempert, is “hanging up the boots” of soccer chaplaincy after serving the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC for the last nine seasons. Kurt, pastor of HarvestDowntown, is a leader in the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination. This move comes as he accepts a bigger role in helping lead the church in the local district. The MidAmerica District of the C&MA covers a geographical region of five states, including Colorado. Kurt will take on a new role of Assistant to the District Superintendent, where he will work to help as a “3D (Discover, Develop, Deploy) Catalyst for Ministry Leadership.” I asked Kurt what he will miss most about leaving the Switchbacks chaplaincy,

I will miss the opportunity to be in the locker room with the lads as one who can be trusted with the highs and lows of sport and life. I have become close friends with the club president and will miss our conversations together. As a whole, this has been an incredible ministry experience that has given me influence in places like Ghanaian Footballers for Christ, players in Turkey, Cameroon, Canada, El Salvador, and all across the U.S. Along the way, I have been invited into difficult conversations and joyful ones.

Kurt, on leaving Switchbacks

Kurt began working with the Switchbacks in 2015. He was the first chaplain placement outside of Ben Dudley (Timbers) and the team working with the Colorado Rapids. Kurt joined while we were still known as CrossTraining Ministries. He was also our first chaplain placed in what, today, is known as the United Soccer League — Championship. USL-C represents the second division of professional soccer in the United States.

What a privilege it has been to journey with players into retirement (both forced and desired), as well meaningful conversations about marriage, abortion, and suicide. I have grown in compassion, kindness, and mercy with each relationship . Thanks Brad for inviting me into this incredible ministry, and I pray that the next chaplain with the Switchbacks will have even greater impact and experiences demonstrating and declaring the love of Jesus.

Kurt, on the privilege of serving the past 9 years

Kurt’s move to the MidAmerica District offices in Omaha, NE will leave a vacancy that Soccer Chaplains United is already looking to fill. While it will be tremendously difficult to find someone of Kurt’s personality and character, we look forward to the challenge.

Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work. Our chaplains are not employed or paid by any of the clubs that we serve. Check out our Donation Page with all the different options. Or, simply click the PushPay link below to make a secure, online, tax-deductible gift, or mail a donation to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.

Briggsy Serving Sac Republic and now with Soccer Chaplains United

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Pastor Robert Briggs loves to share and talk — about football and, especially, about faith and the Gospel. A native of Glasgow, Scotland, Robert has a divine “gift of gab” and, even better, a way of simply sharing the Gospel with people — no matter what hat he happens to wear in a particular moment.

Robert (also known as “Briggsy”) is the longtime volunteer chaplain to Sacramento Republic FC. He has been serving the team as volunteer chaplain since 2014 when the club first started play and won its first-ever championship in the United Soccer League — Championship. USL-C is the second division of professional soccer in the U.S. Most recently, Sac Republic (as it is also known) competed in the 2022 US Open Cup to a second-place finish against Orlando City FC of Major League Soccer (MLS).

Robert and I first time together at a pre-season friendly match in February 2016

I first met Robert in February of 2016. The Colorado Rapids had a pre-season match scheduled to face Sacramento Republic. Robert and I made plans to be together for the game. I had learned of Robert and his role with the club as part of my work with Soccer Chaplains United — as we looked to start reaching out and placing chaplains with other clubs. He shared a brilliant story of becoming involved with the team.

I saw that a football team was coming to Sacramento so I reached out in an email and offered to be the club chaplain. I told them, ‘I don’t want anything and I’ll be strictly a volunteer…’ I didn’t hear back for awhile and then as the club got going, everything just happened so quickly. Here we are now, some 10 years later.

Robert on his beginnings with Sacramento Republic

That was in 2014. Robert has been with the club as they have navigated a difficult soccer landscape in the USA. With the club looking to join MLS since its inception. The club was awarded a franchise in 2019, but the COVID pandemic saw the, then owner, pull out of his financial commitment and MLS Commissioner Don Garber withdrew the invitation — much to the devastation of the very loyal fans of the team.

Robert attends the 2022 US Open Cup Final with daughters, Esther and Lois.
A highlight of his time with the club — runner’s up in the US Open Cup.

I asked Robert, what his hopes and dreams are for Sacramento Republic FC for the next 10 years,

I want to continue deepening my relationships with people at the club and continue speaking, somehow, into their lives. I want to see the Gospel come to bear in their hearts and lives. Too, looking the landscape of Sacramento and the club, I have a heart and vision to see the ministry expanded. We have great potential to serve the Spanish-speaking much better. It’s my desire to see many of the lads coming from South and Central America served and loved well. Oh, if God could just give me the gift of tongues immediately — Spanish, please!!

Robert on his hope and vision for serving Sacramento Republic for the next 10 years
Robert is a pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in Sacramento, CA

Now, truth be told, I (Brad) have been after Robert for some time to join Soccer Chaplains United. Part of my initial visit in 2016 was to see if Robert might be a good fit and addition to our group. We immediately felt a kinship as we spent a couple days together around that preseason match. He’s told me for years, “Brad, I am with you…” but the busy Scot has been leading a church, getting a ThM and serving as chaplain all whilst being dad and grandad along the way.

More recently, this year, the Rapids had a US Open Cup match up in Sacramento against the team and I took the opportunity to travel out for the game and to spend time with Robert again. “Briggsy” has been part of our podcasts in the past and has joined in chaplain education calls during some of the difficult moments of the past few years, but we just needed to get across the finish line of some admin process — and it has happened! In the words of someone we both love dearly, “It is finished!” 🙂

Sacramento Republic FC have a storied history — from winning a championship in its first year of existence (2014), to a raucous fan base, to a 2022 US Open Cup second-place finish.

During the interview phase a couple weeks ago, a board member asked Robert, “Why now? Why join Soccer Chaplains United at this time?” To which, Robert answered, “Yes, it’s just taken me a bit of time to get here, but I am looking forward to being part of Soccer Chaplains United in a more formal way.” I asked Robert as we were getting some onboarding done, what he hopes to gain from Soccer Chaplains United and he shared,

I have been thinking about this and I have two hopes: first, to gain some encouragement from fellow brothers in the same trenches. I am treated so well by Republic and I’ve really enjoyed my time. There have been difficult moments, but I know that I need tone encouraged at moments and I can also be an encourager. Second thing is, I am learning what chaplaincy should be and could be…I think I do well enough bringing my pastoral skill set to the team, but I need to grow as a chaplain and I see myself with you (Brad) and the others, learning more about how I can serve and expand the vision and heart of the ministry to the team.

Robert, sharing about joining Soccer Chaplains United

Briggsy now brings Soccer Chaplains United to 28 chaplains. He is the first ever volunteer chaplain in the history of Sacramento Republic.

Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work. Our chaplains are not employed or paid by any of the clubs that we serve. Check out our Donation Page with all the different options. Or, simply click the PushPay link below to make a secure, online, tax-deductible gift, or mail a donation to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.

Olavarría Opening Up Chaplaincy Opportunities in Omaha

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For Felipe Olavarría, sports have always been an important part of life. As a young man, he found that basketball was a game where he could compete and a game that he really enjoyed. In addition to playing fútbol in his native Chile, where he was born and raised, basketball was a massive part of his story. In the midst of his semi-pro, traveling time with the team he got invited to church, it changed his life and it changed the place he gave sport in his life.

I came to faith in Jesus at a time in my life when I was a part of semi-professional basketball team in Chile. I spent my last two years with the team (2014-15) sharing the Gospel with my friends and teammates. Ever since then, my heart has longed for an opportunity like serving the Union Omaha.

Felipe on his love of the Gospel and his love of sports

Felipe, as he preaches on a Sunday at Millard Alliance

Felipe is currently an Associate Pastor at Millard Alliance. Felipe is responsible to help engage the church and link the community in unique ways. This opportunity with Union Omaha becomes an exciting extension of that pastoral heart and vision.

Soccer chaplaincy came more into Felipe’s awareness as he served as a ministry resident in Colorado Springs with Kurt Trempert. Kurt invited him to shadow with him as he served the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC as volunteer chaplain. Kurt’s mentorship led to Felipe being open to serving Union Omaha and joining Soccer Chaplains United.

It’s my conviction that as chaplains we are called to serve others by upholding human dignity and value. I saw this in my time with Kurt and I will look to carry this forward here in Omaha.

Felipe, on his connection to Soccer Chaplains United
Felipe and Taya dedicate daughter Josefina at a recent church service. 

Union Omaha play in the United Soccer League – League One which is part of the third division of professional soccer in the US. Since Union’s inaugural season in 2020, they have had a championship match canceled because of COVID (2020), have won the league as champion (2021), had a 5th place finish (2022) and are currently closing in on a first place league finish this season. With the placement coming late in the 2023 season, Felipe will begin to be available for athletes, coaches, and staff but will look to provide more service in the upcoming season of 2024.

The star above the crest represents the Owls first championship in 2021

I recently met with the coach and some of this staff to talk about chaplaincy for the rest of this season and next. It is my vision for Union Omaha to see a team committed to the spiritual health of their players, only this sphere will take their holistic health to the next level and I am excited to be a part of helping with that.

Felipe, sharing about his hopes for the Union Omaha chaplaincy

Felipe and his wife do, currently, have an ultimate goal of returning to Chile to plant a church. Felipe’s move may mean a new chapter for Soccer Chaplains United in the South American country that a number of our chaplains have called home. Felipe now becomes the third chaplain to hail from Chile following on from former chaplain Elias Burgos (Colorado Rapids, 2008-2009) and chaplain Ricardo Orellana (2009-present).

Recently, Felipe introduced some church members to some finer Chilean culinary aspects

Felipe joining Soccer Chaplains United means that the organization now has 27 chaplains. He is the first ever volunteer chaplain in the history of Union Omaha. Felipe will be raising funding through Soccer Chaplains United. To support his work you can text “soccerchaplains” to 77977 or you can visit our donation page. To support Felipe select Omaha from the PushPay drop down fund or write Omaha in the memo line of your check.

Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work. Our chaplains are not employed or paid by any of the clubs that we serve. Check out our Donation Page with all the different options. Or, simply click the PushPay link below to make a secure, online, tax-deductible gift, or mail a donation to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.

Richards New Chaplaincy Conductor for Locomotives

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It has been nearly a year of vacancy for the El Paso Locomotive FC (USL-Championship) chaplaincy position, but the train is finally starting to pull out of the station. Despite making a chaplain placement during COVID in 2020, the former chaplain moved on to take a different church position, leaving a gap that was difficult to fill. I made about phone call and email inquiries to over 20 pastors in the El Paso area. I mainly head voice mail messages or got no response. It was discouraging, in the very least. From those that I was able to speak with, the answer that usually came back was, “I am too busy.” Again, discouraging.

Fast forward to my meet up with San Jose (MLS) Volunteer Chaplains Carlos Alejandro in Colorado Springs a couple of months ago. He was in the area to take part in a large Hispanic ministry conference at Focus on the Family. He introduced me to the ministry coordinator for the Billy Graham Association. I shared with him the need for finding a bilingual chaplain in the El Paso area and a day later, he connected me to Mike Richards.

Mike is currently the Executive Pastor and West Campus Pastor at Vino Nuevo El Paso.  Vino Nuevo is a fully Hispanic non-denominational congregation with 3 campuses in El Paso, two in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico and one in Chihuahua, Chihuahua.

Funny enough, when Mike and I first spoke by phone he mentioned that he might be in the area of Colorado Springs fairly soon, could we meet up? At a coffee shop in Monument Mike and I met for a couple of hours. Our time allowed me to hear Mike’s story, to hear about his passion for people and for ministry, the history of his church and his family’s ministry in Mexico and in El Paso. Part of Mike and Vino Nuevo’s vision has been to serve the city of El Paso, especially in the area of athletics. Mike and the church had been praying about opportunities and had even explored Baseball Chapel, but things didn’t work out.

The desire to serve our cities athletes and organizations seemed to come to a stop. It was disappointing, but we started to pray again. Shortly after, I got a call from a friend. ‘Mike, have you heard about Soccer Chaplains United? They are looking for a volunteer chaplain for the fútbol team…’ I am really excited to work toward partnering with El Paso Locomotives FC and being a blessing to this club and to our city.

Mike, sharing about the timing of being connected to Soccer Chaplains United

Shortly after our meeting in Colorado Springs, Mike applied and went through the interview and vetting process that we take candidates through. He shared about his various experiences in the church and in ministry and the call of God on his heart and life.

In addition to his work with Vino Nuevo, Mike is the Executive Director of the one of the largest Hispanic youth conference in the United States, Visión Juvenil.  VJ is a ministry dedicated to inspiring the upper echelons of high school and university students into their God given calling and purpose.

Next March, Mike is slated to take over Senior Pastor duties at the church. The new opportunity will allow Mike to spend more time preaching and being with people, pastorally, a key consideration in the process for both Mike and for Soccer Chaplains United in making this placement at this time.

 Mike along with his wife Hanna are parents to two amazing young girls: Sofia and Elli. 

For this season, a hope of mine is to get to know the coaches, athletes, and staff of the organization. TO know them better. To listen. To hear. To discover how best to serve them as a chaplain…and, also, how to join them with their

Mike, sharing about his hopes for progress with the El Paso chaplaincy

Mike’s appointment brings Soccer Chaplains United’s chaplain corps to 26 and he becomes the second volunteer chaplain in the history of the El Paso Locomotives FC team.

Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work. Our chaplains are not employed or paid by any of the clubs that we serve. Check out our Donation Page with all the different options. Or, simply click the PushPay link below to make a secure, online, tax-deductible gift, or mail a donation to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.

Ruiz Receives RGV Toros Handoff from Isidro

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Handoffs aren’t always easy in volunteer sports chaplaincy ministry. This truth is what makes the story unfolding with Rio Grande Valley Toros FC (a USL-Championship side) that much more heart-warming.

Isidro Piña is a member of Soccer Chaplains United and the first volunteer team chaplain to serve the Toros. I remember back to 2018 when we made the placement after interviewing Isidro, who had come to us by way of recommendation from Chaplain Cesar Duran. Making the trip down to McAllen, Texas I ran into former Colorado Rapids defender, Jared Watts, who was doing a rehab stint with the team because of their affiliation with the Houston Dynamo. Isidro, who had recently met the team for the first time, remarked, “They’re so young!” But over the years, Isidro has really become like a big brother or father to so many of the different athletes and coaches that have been part of this club.

Fast forward to earlier this year, Isidro called me and shared that he felt that a move was imminent for he and his wife. His son’s family and his grandson living up in San Antonio, and his grandfather’s heart wanting to spend more time and be closer — there was potential to move and serve in a capacity outside of the church in a chaplaincy-type role…this would mean a vacancy with RGV Toros…something very difficult for Isidro to give up after five years of faithful service to the team.

I asked Isidro, “is there anyone in mind that he thought could take his place?” He did have someone. He mentioned that recently, a young man that he has mentored and discipled a bit and was entering into ministry might be a good fit. And so we began our process with EJ Ruiz.

For EJ, as someone who is native to the RGV (short for Rio Grande Valley), the opportunity to serve the Toros team is a bit of something that is coming around full circle. After high school, he had a heart for ministry and especially felt this in his time with the military — this is where his heart for chaplaincy really grew. He entered into seminary with the idea that he might become a military chaplain; however, a physical condition meant his time in service would be cut short. But God wasn’t done with using EJ for His work and service.

I don’t think the timing could have worked out any better. Chaplaincy has always been an interest for me. I know that people won’t always come to the church and so it’s great to serve as a chaplain…you know the stadium and grounds weren’t always there, it used to be called “SuperSplash” and it was a waterpark. It’s great that this place where I grew up and had fun as a kid will be a place where I can serve others coming to have fun, enjoying soccer, the team. For a while it was abandoned and now it’s been renovated and is a positive place for the community.

EJ, reflecting on the timing of becoming chaplain to the Toros
EJ with his family

In July, EJ will take on his first church appointment. He will serve as pastor at El Mesias Church in Mission, Texas. El Mesias is part of the United Methodist Church (UMC) and this will be EJ’s first paid appointment after serving as a lay minister at El Buen Pastor (Isidro’s church) and other churches in the RGV district. In what might truly be described as a Paul and Timothy kind of moment, it’s been exciting to see the “handoff” from Pastor Isidro to EJ on a number of levels — including seeing him grow into pastoral ministry.

Pastor Isidro came into my life right after high school. He really helped guide me into the process of serving and starting ministry. He helped me first get involved in the church, more. He would invite me into meetings and leadership opportunities. Even when I left to join the military, he stayed in touch with me. All the way through the issues I faced in the military and later with seminary…He’s like a spiritual older brother — guiding me and teaching me the ways of God. He doesn’t come across as one looking down on me, but as an older brother he’s been there to help love and support me across many different life moments.

EJ, sharing about his relationship with transitioning chaplain, Isidro Piña
Chaplain Isidro and new chaplain EJ pose for a picture outside RGV Toros FC

My hope with Toros is to provide for them and for their families is to provide in any way that I can, especially spiritually. They may not be familiar with this environment (in the RGV)) and it may not feel like “home” but to make them as comfortable and as happy for their time here. I hope to serve them really well.

EJ, on his hopes for the chaplaincy with Rio Grande Valley Toros FC

EJ’s appointment brings Soccer Chaplains United’s chaplain corps to 25 and he becomes the second volunteer chaplain in the history of the RGV Toros team. Isidro will remain with Soccer Chaplains United and look at possible opportunities in the San Antonio area to serve alongside a professional team.

Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work. Our chaplains are not employed or paid by any of the clubs that we serve. Check out our Donation Page with all the different options. Or, simply click the PushPay link below to make a secure, online, tax-deductible gift, or mail a donation to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.

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