Wells Thompson is the Founder and CEO of Soccer Resilience. A former professional midfielder, drafted fifth overall by the New England Revolution and played for the Colorado Rapids and Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer, Wells has an incredible testimony. Even though he won the MLS Cup Championship, his career isn’t all glitz and glam.
Today, on the Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline, part three of three in our interview. Wells talks more about the night his parents intervened in a powerful way and what might have been. We also end the podcast on a fun and light note as Wells plays a game of Crosses with Rev.
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 Kenney2023-05-24 00:00:002024-07-08 23:49:05Union with God with special guest Wells Thompson — Part 3
Wells Thompson is the Founder and CEO of Soccer Resilience. A former professional midfielder who played in Major League Soccer, Wells has an amazing testimony. Much of his inspiration and work today comes out of the learning that he has had to do from his own lessons of life before, during, and after a professional soccer career..
Today, on the Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline, part two of three in our conversation. Wells shares a deeply vulnerable piece about a retreat that he recently went on and some of the heart and soul work that he did around life and his identity that has been tied into soccer for so long.
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 Kenney2023-05-17 00:00:002024-07-08 23:49:07Union with God with special guest Wells Thompson — Part 2
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
Last summer, I was blessed to visit Cambridge, England for a Sports and Christianity Conference. While I was there, I was interested to learn a unique piece of football history. Apparently, the first known instance of codifying (or writing down) the rules of association football happened in Cambridge. In 1848, a group of Cambridge University students wrote out a set of 11 rules. They nailed these to the trees surrounding Parker’s Piece, a large grassy park in central Cambridge.
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I look at the final rule, Rule 11:
Every match shall be decided by a majority of goals.
Our final life and faith lesson from these Cambridge rules will take a look at what this means for a person of faith. Is the world adage true, the one who dies withe most toys wins? Or, is life about more and something different. Listen to today’s podcast to hear more about this Cambridge Rule of 1848 and a life lesson from it.
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/2022/10/IMG_3296-2-scaled.jpg19201440Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-01-11 00:00:002024-07-08 23:54:44Cambridge Rules of Football 1848 — Rule #11
The 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup is over and the time for the Soccer Chaplains United devotional is winding down. This is the last week on the podcast and author Jordan Medas reads the final weekly devotional for the podcast. We pray that your New Year is off to great start and that you discover new ways to Worship God wholeheartedly this year!
We encourage you if you haven’t purchased the devotional, it’s available on Amazon in Spanish and English and Portuguese. The links below are for the US AmazonSmile website where your purchase also helps our organization (if you designate Soccer Chaplains United), but if you have Amazon in or near your country, you can purchase it through there as well.
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, Rev Jordan Medas reads the Halftime reflection for Week 8, entitled: New Beginnings. As we get into the new year of 2023, there might be some new beginnings that you are needing to make — in life, in faith, family, or in football. What gifts do you have that you can bring? What things do you have that you can offer as an act of worship? Listen to learn more.
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/2022/10/World-Cup-Devo-ebook-cover-2.jpg15721012Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-01-04 00:00:002024-07-08 23:54:512022 World Cup Devotional — Worship
With the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup now behind us, the Soccer Chaplains United devotional transitions into the Christmas season. This week and next on the podcast, myself and author Jordan Medas wrap up the last two weeks of reading.
We encourage you if you haven’t purchased the devotional, it’s still available on Amazon in Spanish and English and Portuguese. The links below are for the US AmazonSmile website where your purchase also helps our organization (if you designate Soccer Chaplains United), but if you have Amazon in or near your country, you can purchase it through there as well.
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I read the Kickoff reflection for Week 7, entitled: Love, G.O.A.T. For the past few weeks, I have hinted that there is something that “comes in first.” It’s not faith. It’s not hope — and we finally get down to what it is with this week’s reading. Understanding why love is the greatest of all time is an important part of our lives.
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/2022/10/World-Cup-Devo-ebook-cover-2.jpg15721012Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-12-28 00:00:002024-07-08 23:54:532022 World Cup Devotional — Love
The 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup Final was just a few days ago and Christmas Day is approaching. We pray for peace in our world. Soccer Chaplains United produced a devotional with themes of Advent and Christmas combined with football to celebrate this season. For the next few weeks on the podcast, myself and author Jordan Medas will read one of the weekly devotionals for the podcast.
We encourage you if you haven’t purchased the devotional, it’s available on Amazon in Spanish and English and Portuguese. The links below are for the US AmazonSmile website where your purchase also helps our organization (if you designate Soccer Chaplains United), but if you have Amazon in or near your country, you can purchase it through there as well.
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, Rev Jordan Medas reads the Halftime reflection for Week 6, entitled: Not a Forced Peace. There is “world peace” and then there is God’s peace — and the two are very different. World peace is often accomplished by military might and governmental oppression and we might wonder if it really is peace or more so imperialism. God’ peace is different and Rev Jordan shares more on today’s podcast.
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/2022/10/World-Cup-Devo-ebook-cover-2.jpg15721012Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-12-21 00:00:002024-07-08 23:54:542022 World Cup Devotional — Peace
The 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup Final is less than a week away! Who are you rooting for? Soccer Chaplains United has produced a devotional with themes of Advent and Christmas combined with football. For the next few weeks on the podcast, myself and author Jordan Medas will read one of the weekly devotionals for the podcast.
We encourage you if you haven’t purchased the devotional, it’s available on Amazon in Spanish and English and Portuguese. The links below are for the US AmazonSmile website where your purchase also helps our organization (if you designate Soccer Chaplains United), but if you have Amazon in or near your country, you can purchase it through there as well.
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I read the Kickoff reflection for Week 5, entitled: Discovering True Joy. In our day and age we mistake many things for joy — joy is not merely happiness (effected by circumstances). There is a greater sense of longevity. It is not temporal, temporary. It is greater than mere pleasure. Seeking out joy means often looking for something ‘older’ and still yet to be.
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/2022/10/World-Cup-Devo-ebook-cover-2.jpg15721012Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-12-14 00:00:002024-07-08 23:54:582022 World Cup Devotional — Joy
The 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup is well underway away and Soccer Chaplains United has produced a devotional with themes of Advent and Christmas combined with football. For the next few weeks on the podcast, myself and author Jordan Medas will read one of the weekly devotionals for the podcast.
We encourage you if you haven’t purchased the devotional, it’s available on Amazon in Spanish and English and Portuguese. The links below are for the US AmazonSmile website where your purchase also helps our organization (if you designate Soccer Chaplains United), but if you have Amazon in or near your country, you can purchase it through there as well.
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, Rev Jordan Medas reads the Halftime reflection for Week 4, entitled: Sometimes, Faith is All We Have. At some point in life, we exhibit some kind of faith — faith in a chair we sit in, faith in a plane that we might travel or fly in, faith in our teammates in soccer. Sometimes we have nothing else left but faith. And faith in God is key. Listen to today’s podcast to learn more.
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/2022/10/World-Cup-Devo-ebook-cover-2.jpg15721012Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-12-07 00:00:002024-07-08 23:55:002022 World Cup Devotional — Faith
It’s week two, in the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup. How is your team doing? We hope your team is doing well! Soccer Chaplains United has produced a devotional with themes of Advent and Christmas combined with football. For the next few weeks on the podcast, myself and author Jordan Medas will read one of the weekly devotionals for the podcast.
We encourage you if you haven’t purchased the devotional, it’s available on Amazon in Spanish and English and Portuguese. The links below are for the US AmazonSmile website where your purchase also helps our organization (if you designate Soccer Chaplains United), but if you have Amazon in or near your country, you can purchase it through there as well.
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I read the Kickoff reflection for Week 3, entitled: Hope Comes in Second? There’s a noble aspect to hope isn’t there? But sometimes we can hope for the wrong things or even bad things. We may or not be aware of all the ways that hope may actually not be good for us — unless we are hoping (trusting) in the right things. Listen to hear more of what I mean.
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/2022/10/World-Cup-Devo-ebook-cover-2.jpg15721012Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2022-11-30 00:00:002024-07-08 23:55:042022 World Cup Devotional — Hope
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