A little over a year ago, EJ Ruiz stepped into a gap. Chaplain Isidro Piña was moving to San Antonio and needed to handoff the chaplaincy work with the (now defunct) Rio Grande Valley Toros FC, an USL-Championship soccer team. From June until December of 2023, EJ faithfully served as the new chaplain to the Toros with Isidro encouraging and guiding him. Then, the devastating news came just 6 months into EJ tenure — the team was folding. When the Toros officially eased operations on December 18, 2023, EJ and Isidro did their best to help players and coaches in the transition period.
In the months since Toros disbanded, EJ and myself began asking if there were any other soccer teams that might be served with EJ as chaplain. However, the task of shepherding and preaching for the church, El Mesias UMC in Mission, Texas and increased roles within the denomination combined with the difficult work of starting something fresh and anew has meant that EJ needs to step back from Soccer Chaplains United.
EJ remains open to the possibility of returning to serve as a chaplain should the Toros return at some point.
Soccer Chaplains United has been extremely blessed to have EJ as part of the team. He played an important role in helping be a presence to the athletes and coaches at a difficult time. We pray that EJ and his family, experience God’s grace and favor as they look to invest more of their love, time, and energy into the church and community in the RGV.
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 chaplains and our work. Check out our Donate page for different giving options.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cd3e990e-b90b-4d4a-bd5b-0e6b53f782cf.jpg15541170Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2024-06-19 09:01:202024-07-08 23:46:27Ruiz Steps Back from Soccer Chaplains United to Focus on the Valley
Greg Navitsky, served as chaplain for Valor Christian High School Boy Soccer from 2020-2022 and as a consultant for Soccer Chaplains United for the past couple of years, has shared that he is stepping down to more fully pursue different interests and ministry calling — including his growing family and continuing work with the church and local ministry group, Where Grace Abounds.
Greg has already begun writing a proposal for a doctors thesis and is keen to explore whether God might be calling him more into a PhD program or a professorship, with teaching being a key passion and burden for his heart.
Just a few months ago, Greg and his wife (Bekka) welcomed a new, baby boy (Isaiah) into their lives — so needless to say there are a few new things going on in the Navitsky home.
Soccer Chaplains United has been extremely blessed to have Greg as part of the team the past few years and to share his faith, his talents, and his wisdom in several different capacities. We pray that Greg and Bekka and Isaiah, will experience God’s grace and favor for the future calling and opportunities that they invest and involve in.
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 chaplains and our work. Check out our Donate page for different giving options.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Greg-e1659976892360.png414509Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2024-04-29 00:00:002024-07-08 23:46:57Navitsky Moves on from Soccer Chaplains United
As a volunteer chaplain entering my 23rd season with the Colorado Rapids, I have come to find an important rhythm to start a season. You might find it strange, but Deuteronomy 20 has become, for me, an important reference point as I bless athletes, coaches, and others involved in the Beautiful Game.
If you’re not familiar with Deuteronomy 20, in the spring time, the nation of Israel has the priests come out and bless those who will be engaged in defending and fighting for the lands need to sustain the people. As untrained, non-professional soldiers, Israel needed to depend upon God in the face of more powerful opponents and overwhelming odds. They needed to be reminded that God is with them and He was fighting alongside of them.
In my many years as a chaplain (and I set this up in today’s podcast a bit), I have come to understand that Deuteronomy 20 has some application for the very people that I serve. So give a listen and hear my case for Deuteronomy 20 as a practical place and point of blessing for the MLS soccer season which is very quick to begin.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.
Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/From-the-Touchline-Cover-Art.jpg15001500Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2024-02-21 00:00:002024-07-08 23:45:18A Season Blessing For A Season Opening
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.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Robert-Briggs-headshot.png992992Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-10-02 14:00:002024-07-08 23:47:47Briggsy Serving Sac Republic and now with Soccer Chaplains United
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.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/FelipeHeadshot21Crop.jpg240240Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-09-25 06:00:002024-07-08 23:47:51Olavarría Opening Up Chaplaincy Opportunities in Omaha
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.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/mike-richards-headshot-scaled.jpg15051920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-06-20 00:00:002024-07-08 23:48:52Richards New Chaplaincy Conductor for Locomotives
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.
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.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IMG-5843-scaled.jpg19201280Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-05-02 00:00:002024-07-08 23:49:17Hyde Becomes First Chaplain with a NISA Club
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.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Screenshot-2023-04-17-at-8.23.32-AM.png498562Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-05-01 00:00:002024-07-08 23:49:19Pastor “Cali” in Cali Joins Up
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.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Kim.jpg200300Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-04-28 00:00:002024-07-08 23:49:40Miss Kim Closes Out Trinity; Moves On and Asks God For More
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