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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.

Five Women You Meet in Faith and Football

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I’m pleased to announce the completion and publication of a new devotional book that I’ve been working on in advance of the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The book is entitled, Five Women You Meet in Faith and Football. It is available globally on Amazon. The devotional looks at the lives of the five women that are part of Jesus’ genealogy found in the Gospel of Matthew. Each week gives a daily look at one of the visible attributes of these five women and offers a reflection on how this might lead and guide us as we follow Jesus and live out life in this world today.

The first week features a look at Tamar. Following on, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and then, finally, Mary all get five distinct looks at different attributes in their life and story. And there’s some amazing art work, too. Kalyn Phelps, our newest board member, headed up the art team and also added a few of her own masterful pieces, as well.

The book is available on Amazon in both ebook and paperback in English (links to Amazon-US). We also are willing to do some discounted bulk sale deals with people in soccer (teams/coaches/programs) and in soccer ministry. Reach out via email for more details: info@soccerchaplainsunited.org.

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. 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.

Hyde Becomes First Chaplain with a NISA Club

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Today, Soccer Chaplains United is excited to announce the appointment of Jonathan Hyde to serve as the volunteer chaplain of Chattanooga FC, one of the top clubs in the NISA (National Independent Soccer Association) League in the U.S.

Jonathan currently serves as Senior Recruiter for Gateway Staffing and Recruiting. His background includes several roles in serving as pastor (Emmanuel Church in Maryland and First Christian Church in Chattanooga) after graduating from Baylor University’s Truett Seminary in 2009.

Jonathan first started a process with Soccer Chaplains United back in 2019. As we were looking for a chaplain to serve the other professional soccer team in town, Jonathan went through a process of applying and meeting with the head coach at the time. While the placement did not ultimately happen, it was a couple months ago, as I was cleaning up some files and tying up some loose ends that I reached out to Jonathan again to see if he might be interested in considering serving Chattanooga FC, where Rod Underwood (a member of our Board of Directors) is head coach. It was definitely a “God moment.”

When Brad called me, I had just been praying and asking God about serving in a pastoral kind of capacity because so much of my life and training has been around that and I wanted my children to see and experience that part of my life, my passion, and my calling.

Jonathan, reflecting on the recent phone call from me

As Jonathan and I began the process again, he began meeting with Rod and with other key stakeholders with Chattanooga FC. Over the past couple of months has seen a neat story of Jonathan and CFC working toward building and growing together.

I moved to Chattanooga in 2012 just as CFC was starting to really build something special. When I moved here I fell in love with the city and have made it a goal of mine to make this city a great place to live. I know CFC founders share that same goal and over the last 10 years we have both worked hard to make Chattanooga an amazing place. The opportunity to serve in a volunteer chaplain role with CFC is a real honor and privilege. 

Jonathan, sharing about the privilege of serving CFC as a chaplain

My hope with the soccer chaplaincy is that the players, coaches, and staff — that while soccer/football is a big part of their lives and now part of my own, that I can share the hope that there are different, that there are deeper identities that we can discover and grow into. Being in football doesn’t necessarily stop us from learning and realizing those, but it may, in fact, actually help.

Jonathan, on his hopes for the chaplaincy with Chattanooga FC

Jonathan brings Soccer Chaplains United’s chaplain corps to 24 and he becomes the first chaplain serving a team playing in the NISA league.

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.

Pastor “Cali” in Cali Joins Up

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Growing up in Mexico City, Mexico, Carlos “Cali” Alejandro grew up as a preacher’s kid. He loved sports. Especially soccer, fútbol. He earned a BA in Business Administration while in Mexico before moving to the U.S. While here, he felt the call of God to begin serving in ministry. The call God put on his heart led to him enrolling in the IBR Bible Institute and seeking ordination in the Church of God.

Carlos is the Lead Pastor at Venture Christian Church for the Spanish congregation that gathers at the church in Los Gatos, CA a role that he has had since 2011. His background also includes time serving as a youth and missions pastor in the Assemblies of God denomination. Carlos also owns and manages an electrician company that works in the Bay Area. He comes to Soccer Chaplains United already in place and serving as chaplain to Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes, a role that he started in 2019.

In our work with people in sports, we simply try not to make the players exclusive people, we really work to integrate them into the church so that they can be connecting with a spiritual family and the can develop their spiritual, God-given gifts during the time that they are in a particular city or with our team. When they leave, they are equipped for wherever God takes them on their journey.

Carlos, on the aim of connecting people in sports to the local church family

In addition to serving the San Jose Earthquakes, Carlos also serves the Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball, as a chaplain. He conducts short chapel services on Saturdays for the home team when they are in town.

Seeing professional players grow spiritually has been something that God place on my heart some years ago…He has allowed me, together with my wife to help various families involved in sports, to shepherd them, guide them. It, truly, has been a blessing for our lives.

Carlos, on the privilege of serving as a sports chaplain

The transfer of Carlos brings Soccer Chaplains United’s chaplain corps to 23 and adds a 4th MLS team being served. Carlos is also seeking support for his ongoing work with the San Jose Earthquakes through Soccer Chaplains United — to contribute toward his work and ministry expenses, please select “San Jose” from the selectable funds on PushPay.

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.

Miss Kim Closes Out Trinity; Moves On and Asks God For More

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It is no secret that enrollment in higher education has suffered as a result of the 2020 pandemic. This past February, the news that Trinity International University would be closing their campus to in-person learning and switching to an on-line only format broke many hearts. For Chaplain Kimberly Beach, better known to the athletes and coaches and campus staff as “Miss Kim,” it more like losing an entire family in one short, swift moment.

I feel like my family was ripped from my hands when the school announced it is closing. But I trust God. He has never failed me. He will not start now. This is not about me and as we approach the final banquet, the “last supper,” with the team I am thinking about how to point them to Jesus, yet again.

Kim, as she reflects on the final days with TIU Men’s Soccer

Perhaps the confluence of several things — residuals from COVID, advances in technology, changes in higher education costs — were behind the decision. For the six years that Kim served as chaplain, she served the team and coaching staff well. Initially starting as “Team Mom” and moving into a more official capacity as Team Chaplain a few years ago.

Regardless of title, though, Kim has served with distinction — whether a home-cooked meal, she and husband David making sure athletes had a ride to church, or painting the school bleachers in the heat and humidity of Illinois in August — Kim has given selflessly of herself for the team and the school. This past season was memorable on several points, as Kim shared with me:

This year we asked players to participate in leading more morning devotional sessions.    The theme for the year was “Finding Jesus in Genesis” and all devotionals were centered around the foundational Christian histories found in Genesis.  We had learned in the past several years that so many students, though raised in church, did not have exposure to the stories we consider common place.  We had success both on and off the pitch this year.  For the first time in years, TIU made it to playoffs, but more importantly, with a smaller team, we were able to be more intentional in relationships with players.  Though we continued small groups and completed chapel credits are required, we also sought to plug players into churches and local groups.

Kim, looking back on 2022 with TIU

In addition to watching Trinity move on from its historical and traditional education model, sell the property, and forego its athletics programs; the new year has brought additional losses for Kim and her family. She and David both saw their fathers pass away in a few week span, the death of an unborn grandchild, layered on top of seeing the student athletes and coaches start to move on and move away made for a difficult season and close to this chapter. However, to Kim’s point, she trusts God and she knows that He will see her through and bring new opportunities, some of which have already begun.

Last September, my son asked me to assist with his high school team at Victory Christian Academy in Valparaiso, Indiana. The coach of a local women’s team has also contacted me about serving with them.

Kim, on the new opportunities that lie on the horizon as a soccer chaplain

Kim and her family have also recently welcomed a new granddaughter just a few weeks ago and they look forward to the June wedding of Kim’s daughter who survived a stroke at an early age and is a reminder of God’s miraculous power and faithfulness.

Supporters are encouraged to keep our chaplains in prayers, especially Kim and her family. Also please pray for Trinity — the coaches, the student athletes, as there is a period of upheaval and transition to new things. And of course, please keep Miss Kim in your prayers as she begins to show and share the love of Jesus with a new group of people in soccer.

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.

Update: Kell’s Time in Cleveland

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Last month, Ethan Kell, son of Soccer Chaplains United chaplain Michael Kell requested soccer gear for his school’s spring break missions trips happening in Cleveland, OH working with refugees in the inner city. The following video shows a little bit about pulling gear for this particular project:

Ethan shares photos, video and more about what he and his team did during their time, below:

We worked in inner city Cleveland and were able to serve the community.  I helped repair a greenhouse that provides vegetables to refugees.  I was able to serve refugees through helping them learn English.  Because of the donation of gear from Soccer Chaplains United and the Colorado Rapids, I was able to give clothing and soccer gear to local children.  They were so excited. The kids put their gear on right away and many didn’t take it off for the next several days. Something that stood out to me was that there isn’t just a need outside of the United States but there is great need here in our country and in our own communities. I am thankful for all those who helped make this trip possible and especially thankful to Rev Brad and the work of Soccer Chaplains United.

Ethan, on his time in Cleveland and what his eyes were opened to see

Of course the soccer gear was small part of the work that Ethan and his team did, but it also was something that the Envision staff made a comment on:

This gear donation was a blessing to the community, but it was also a blessing to see Ethan able to serve while sharing the game he loves and an unexpected blessing to me as I saw the joy on the faces of the kids!

Brent Calhoun, Envision Cleveland

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!

Tate Is Great for Soccer Chaplains United

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Growing up in Harare, Zimbabwe, Africa Tate Madizma grew up in a Christian home and also grew up kicking a ball and loving sports. While he grew up going to church and having an idea about God, a relationship with God, with Jesus, was a more difficult thing to grasp. Tate, on multiple occasions, found himself struggling to understand God’s grace until his youth pastor began to disciple him and teach him more accurately about the nature of God.

Then, in 2004, Tate made the move to the United States for college. He studied Radio, Television, and Film at the University of North Texas, but he had a call upon his heart for full-time ministry. He began to serve at The Village Church while he was in college and God started doing a work in him which led him to seminary and eventually into more full-time ministry.

Fast-forward to last year (2022) and Clint Moore began to consider whom he might add on to the chaplaincy team serving Albuquerque’s professional soccer team, New Mexico United. As Clint moved from full-time church work into a role in industry, he felt as though his time may grow to be less flexible than it had with pastoring. As Clint and I talked about United and the team’s needs, I asked him, “Who do you think might be able to fill your role well, in the event that you need to step back or step away?”

“Two guys, actually…” he replied.

Earlier this year, we introduced Jordan Rivera who serves as bilingual chaplain to New Mexico United. Tate now joins to also co-chaplain the team and bring some different gifts to the table. Tate is the Children and Families pastor at Desert Springs Church, a church which helped to birth out the church Clint pastored at for several years. Tate and Clint had for a number of years been playing soccer together weekly in a midday pick up game. The connection between the two churches had helped to reinforce their pastoral relationships and friendships and the mutual passion for soccer was a bonus. Clint shared with me the how and why Tate fits Soccer Chaplains United.

Tate being born and raised in Zimbabwe brings a whole other experience and value set to the table…he can readily related to people in soccer that come from similar kinds of backgrounds. Yet, Tate has been in the U.S. long enough now that it’s seamless for him to integrate and “get” those that have grown up here for their whole lives. He loves Jesus, people, and the game of soccer…plus he has kiddos running around the house so he gets what it is to juggle the demands of job and family life all at the same time. This is a place where many in USL soccer find themselves.

Clint Moore, on how Tate adds to the team serving New Mexico United

I had the opportunity, earlier this year, to meet with Tate over a meal in Albuquerque. I shared more with him the style and approach that Soccer Chaplains United takes as we take on chaplaincy in the soccer space, much of which really resonated with Tate. He shared some of his background and some of the gifts that add to his chaplain and pastoral presence and appraoch.

I feel that being a chaplain and part of the team with Clint and Jordan suits me really well. My love of the game, my love of people, and my love for Jesus, kind of all get wrapped up here. I can imagine some of the challenges that come with the game and the pressures and I come from an ask culture — I am going to ask and pursue and seek to help people in an authentic way. My wife and I are excited to add this to our and our families opportunities to serve others here in Albuquerque.

Tate Madzima, on his vision for serving New Mexico United

The appointment of Tate brings Soccer Chaplains United’s chaplain corps, currently, to 22. His bio page is found here.

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.

Garber Leaves Soccer Chaplains United But Will Continue To Serve Thorns

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Christina Garber has faithfully served the Portland Thorns since 2019 as volunteer chaplain and will continue to do so but not under the banner of Soccer Chaplains United, any longer. As Christina and I have spoken over the last few weeks, a greater need to “simplify life” has become an emerging theme. Wife to Andy, (who is a Tottenham fan) and mother to three wonderful children, Christina has also supported the Portland Thorns through a NWSL championship season (2022) as volunteer chaplain all the while maintaining full-time work with CRU City and helping the development of the Pro Soccer Chaplains Association. In truth, it has all become a bit too much.

Christina will continue to serve the Thorns and step back from some other engagement places in addition to her membership with Soccer Chaplains United, but the door remains open for her return someday should she elect to consider us again. Her accountability and association will now rest with CRU City.

On behalf of the team and board of Soccer Chaplains United, we wish Christina well in her family life and professional endeavors as she continues to steward the position as volunteer chaplain to the Thorns and the other places where God calls her to serve and be.

Christina (with her family) will continue to serve the Thorns as an extension of her CRU City work in an effort to simplify.

Update: Musana Community Thank You

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Today’s Community Project Update features a Thank You from Musana Community (Kampala, Uganda). You might remember that Musana had made request which we filled in August of 2020. Months of delays in shipping items to the African nation which was shut-down effectively because of COVID-19, the gear arrived in 2021; however, many schools and government agencies were still closed down due to the pandemic and Musana wasn’t able to distribute and start using the gear until last year (2022).

We’re excited to share a video thank you update (also viewable here on our YouTube channel and on our front web page). Originally, Soccer Chaplains United sent Musana the nearly 900 lbs of soccer gear in converted shipping containers which were built out to function as school and medical rooms to the community center in rural Uganda (outside of Kampala).

Team Musana
Pre-match photo with the opponent
Celebrating a goal!

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!

Update from Wilderness Church: Mexico

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In January, fourteen members from Wilderness Church flew down to Primo Tapia, Mexico to serve at the La Hermosa Orphanage. The church team requested soccer gear from Soccer Chaplains United’s Community Project request program. Below is a brief update from Pastor Jake Chambers on the trip and what the team was able to accomplish as well as plans to head back in May.

The trip was so great. We had such a fun time at the ranch and we were able to do some training for the kids and some for the house moms, too, which was so fun. The kids loved the jerseys as well, so thanks so much for getting those.

A lot of love in that home and so was fun to just share in all the love that the Lord is spreading there!

We were also able to build them a chicken coop and secure the fencing around their soccer field which was great. We are going to try and go back there again in May.

Jake Chambers on the trip to La Hermosa Orphanage

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!

Kell Keeping Woodcrest and Envision Cleveland

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Recently, Ethan Kell, son of Soccer Chaplains United chaplain Michael Kell reached out and requested soccer gear for his school’s spring break missions trips happening right here in the US in the city of Cleveland (as well as a few other locations). Together with Envision Cleveland, Woodcrest Christian High School, is sending out 114 students for spring time missions work. Ethan and a team of 18 students and 4 adult leaders will travel Ohio to work with inner city kids in downtown Cleveland, including many Somali refugees. Ethan hopes to use soccer as a way to build relationships and the requested gear will hopefully open many of those doors.

Ethan Kell plays for LAFC Academy and has asked for gear from Soccer Chaplains United for his upcoming mission trip to Cleveland

Envision Cleveland

Envision Cleveland has a number of different outreaches and programs aimed at building up the community in different parts of the city. Their mission and aim is to build up and strengthen neighbors and communities and the recent influx of refugees into the US and into Cleveland have created an important place to serve.

Ethan shared more of his hopes and what he is “keeping” in mind as he takes on this trip:

Getting outside of my normal life and serving others in need will let me get a picture of God’s heart for others and what he is doing in other areas. I am excited to take this trip now as this may be the only chance I have while in high school. Many know that I am playing soccer with the MLS Academy of Los Angeles Football Club. The commitment is year round and much is expected. I am taking a step of faith and participating in this trip. This trip will accomplish several things: First, we will support the local Christian workers serving in Cleveland. Second, we will meet practical needs — working with Somali refugees, running children’s ministry and serving in downtown. Third, we will hopefully be able to share with people how much Jesus loves them and they can know Him. Finally, we will be changed and impacted to serve here (in LA) when we return. I am excited about the experience that lies ahead. Please pray for God to provide for every need and that he would begin preparing my heart to serve him.

Ethan Kell, on his aspirations for this trip

Students from Woodcrest Christian School will be traveling to several places in the US and also to the country of Belize. You can see more about what different students and teams will be doing here.

Project Request:

  • Soccer Balls
  • Soccer Jerseys/Shorts/Socks
  • Working with children 5-18 years of age and 50-100 people
  • Shipping items (either to LA or Cleveland)

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!

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