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!
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ed4b038f-e29e-4b1f-bbda-cd3ac0abe43b.jpg12801600Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-11-09 00:00:002024-07-08 23:44:27Walnut Middle School Fútbol Finding Ways
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.
In early June, we told you about a new Timothy Project: Piedras Negras 2016 where CrossTraining Associate Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids, Cesar Duran was headed to his hometown for vacation and requested to take jerseys to the annual conference being held for pastor’s in the United Methodist Church Annual Conference. Duran took 200 adult-sized jerseys to give to the pastors, many of whom live on a small wage and are pastors to their churches. Chaplain Duran shares his joy and report below:
I praise God because I am part of CrossTraining ministry and serve God through chaplaincy. CrossTraining made me remember my times as a Chaplain and pastor of a congregation in the past. I called Project Piedras Negras to the trip to my home town. Where I had the opportunity to visit the Eastern Annual Conference and spend time with my friends there. And, I had the opportunity to share jerseys of the Colorado Rapids. Without doubts CrossTraining Ministry is a blessing for my life.
CrossTraining has been an opportunity to find myself and revitalize my spiritual life. Through CrossTraining I am not only part of the Colorado Rapids, a professional soccer team, but I am an instrument on the hands of God taking care of this wonderful city of Denver, Colorado. God has called me to take care of all the people around me in this city, and it is a blessing to be part of this awesome team of chaplains and counselors that are serving God through CrossTraining.
Last month, I had my vacations and I decided to go one more time to Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico; my home town. I still have my parents, brothers, relatives and a bunch of friends. I like to spend time working in my house (where I would like to live when I retire!). When I was planning my trip to Piedras Negras, one of my friends, a pastor in Texas, asked me if I could go to the Eastern Annual Conference of the Methodist Church of Mexico. This conference was where I began my ministry 25 years ago, and I still have a lot of friends there. So, when I heard that, I checked the dates, and I saw if I was able to attend at least one day of this event.
In the same time, I remembered that as CrossTraining we have the Timothy Project, and I thought the possibility to share one jersey of the Colorado Rapids with the Pastors of Eastern Annual Conference of Mexico. Then I talked about possibility with Chaplain Brad Kenney and he approved it. After that, I talked with Rev Fernando Fuentes, resident Bishop of the Eastern Conference of the Methodist Church of Mexico, and shared with him about CrossTraining Ministry. Bishop Fuentes liked the idea to share a jersey of the Colorado Rapids with each of the pastors of his Conference, and also invited me to share about the chaplaincy ministry.
When the time of my vacations arrived, I took 200 jerseys of the Colorado Rapids and crossed the border to my home town. Piedras Negras is right on the border between Mexico and Texas, across the Rio Grande River. Few days later, I attended the Eastern Annual Conference in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico and I was there only one day. I had the opportunity to be there before the opening worship service and the first Session of the Annual Conference, and after that, I had the opportunity to talk and give the Colorado Rapids jerseys to the Bishop Fuentes. I gave him a greetings from my Bishop in Denver, and shared with him about the chaplaincy ministry that we do as CrossTraining. This time, was a wonderful opportunity to share with friends, pastors, and lays there about my ministry, as Chaplain of the Colorado Rapids, and after that, I enjoyed a delicious dinner, returning to PIedras Negras very blessed for that opportunity.
CrossTraining Ministry gives us the opportunity to share with others, beyond the United States, a little bit of all the blessings that we receive serving God through this wonderful ministry. When we go and share a jersey or a soccer ball to the youth or children of those places, we have the blessing to see a smile in those faces, their eyes showing the joy that they have just for receiving something from us. I praise God for this blessing and for to be part of CrossTraining.
If you would like to support projects like this, please note (Timothy Project) in your donation. Please use the Donate Now link to make a secure PayPal donation. Your financial gift helps to secure additional equipment, sponsor a missionary or organization in an outreach effort, and to cover associated costs of providing bibles, soccer equipment, and other outreach tools locally and around the world!
For Rev. Cesar Duran, Piedras Negras is more than just the next location for a CrossTraining Timothy Project. Piedras Negras, Mexico is home. When Rev. Duran, who serves as a CrossTraining Associate Chaplain with the Colorado Rapids, was recently invited to teach on chaplaincy by his hometown bishop, Rev. Duran thought it would be a good opportunity to give a gift to pastors that serve in a very poor part of Mexico.
I was invited by the Bishop Fernando Fuentes to give a teaching about chaplaincy during the Annual Conference and I wanted to give the pastors a shirt of the Colorado Rapids.
Rev Duran, right, poses with his son sporting their beloved Club América jerseys – he will take Colorado Rapids jerseys to poor pastors in Mexico.
Rev. Duran leaves for Piedras Negras June 18 to attend and speak at the United Methodist Church Annual Conference to be held at Nuevo Laredo, Mexico June 22-26, 2016. He will present a Rapids jersey to the pastors in attendance there. Rev. Duran shared the challenge for many of the pastors serving in this part of Mexico,
Most of this pastors are living in precarious situations, doing the ministry in very poor areas, such as Las Malvinas. At Las Malvinas there is a Methodist Church, Principe de Paz, with the Pastor Jonathan Lozano; this area is one of the poorest neighborhoods of Piedras Negras Mexico, a city of the north of Mexico. In this city there are soccer tournaments between the Methodist churches and they could use these shirt for that.
Timothy Project: Piedras Negras 2016 Request
Jerseys — 200 adult-sized jerseys
If you would like to make a financial contribution to this project please note (Timothy Project:Piedras Negras 2016) in your donation or if you would like to support future Timothy Project ventures, such as this one, please use the Donate Now link to make a secure PayPal donation. Your financial gift helps to secure additional equipment, sponsor a missionary or organization in an outreach effort, and to cover associated costs of providing bibles, soccer equipment, and other outreach tools locally and around the world!
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