The PDL season finished the end of July. It was a great experience, both as playing on a Christian team and playing soccer at a higher level. Soccer-wise it was a tough season as we gave up quite a few last minute goals to either tie or lose the game. Our final record was 6-7-3. It was nice to finish the season with a win at home. As a ministry it was awesome and it was really special hearing my teammates testimonies each home game as they shared with the spectators and also before practice throughout the summer. Not only was it a ministry to the community and to Rosarito, but also to the players themselves.
I could write a lot of great stories about the season, but will share about a great trip we made to Paso Robles. One of the outreaches the PDL team was involved in this year was a four hour trip north to hot Paso Robles, where we partnered with a local church to put on a soccer clinic for kids. They have a lot of problems with gangs in this small town, so it’s especially important for these kids (ages 6-14) to have a positive and safe place to come and play soccer, away from some of the gangs that we were told they were involved with. We had a great session playing games and scrimmages. Our prayer was that we were able to be positive role models and reach these kids with our soccer skills and that they would receive the Gospel through the sharing the evangecube as well as be an encouragement to the leaders of this town,
Our Seahorse soccer camps have also concluded for the summer. They were a lot of work and a lot of fun. There were a total of seven week long campsin different locations and many different skill levels. These camps have been going for several years now and it was great seeing how many kids (ages 6 to 14) were reached. Each day we would share a Bible story with them, as well as a skit, and at the end of the week we would share the gospel message and invite kids to accept Christ. It was awesome seeing how these fine tuned camps take advantage of every minute and balance sharing Bible stories and soccer to keep the kids engaged. From the camps attended there were about 20 kids that made decisions to follow Christ for the first time!
The after school clinic that I attempted to restart did quite well at the beginning of the summer. Towards the end, however, there have been fewer and fewer kids showing up we think due to other competing programs they are already enrolled in. I am hoping and praying about continuing this effort once school starts up or focusing my energy in some other place in the community.
Summer is about over, so now what? I have had unofficial talks with the leaders of the Seahorse organization and have decided to continue being a part of the organization for another year. It’s not official yet, but the plan is to work with them on a part time basis helping with some after school programs, the amateur soccer team and leading a tour next summer. I will be having an official meeting with the leaders in a couple weeks, so please pray for the Lord’s guidance as we enter into those conversations.
I want to thank you all so much for your encouragement and support during these past few months. As I mentioned above I will continue working with the Seahorses on a part-time basis until next summer when I plan to be full time once again when the heavy ministry is taking place (camps, tours abroad, PDL season, clinics, and more). I will give you an update on my involvement once I meet with the leaders of the organization in a couple weeks. If you feel led to continue supporting me as I partner with the Seahorses I would greatly appreciate it. On a personal note I am planning on taking a few classes during this fall and work part time running soccer practices for a local youth club team.
Thanks again to all who read this blog and have encouraged me! Blessings and saludos!
