Soccer Ministry

On Thursday, August 30 we were thrilled to see 8 of our soccer boys show up to play. The word had gotten out that Jorge, el Coach Boliviano, had returned to McAllen. The boys played for a couple of hours with Jorge on our little soccer field here at the mission. Because McAllen has had so much rain this summer, the field is covered with green grass instead of dust and dirt.

The next Sunday afternoon, two teens from the neighborhood, Juan and Gilbert, came knocking at the door. They wanted Jorge to come out and play with them. Jorge was able to spend a couple of hours kicking the ball and sharing the Gospel with them. He told them that he also grew up in a Catholic home, but when he gave his heart to the Lord, God changed his life and his family as well. Juan seemed especially open as Jorge shared his testimony with them. Later that evening they returned and asked Jorge to come play with them in an in-door soccer league. He agreed to go with them. When he arrived, he found 8 of his soccer boys playing on the team. He played with them, and they won their game.

They played again a couple of days later, but the game was a disaster. The boys didn't want to take turns playing. No one was coaching the team. Jorge didn't feel free to coach them because two of the older teens were in charge. The team lost the game.

On Thursday, September 6, the boys again showed up for soccer practice. This time there were 22 boys! I (Laura) had forgotten to prepare a snack for them. I got home from school around 5:00 p.m. Jorge reminded me that the boys would be coming at 6:00 p.m. I checked the fridge for food and found oranges. I cut them into slices and then started our supper. The girls and I ate supper while Jorge played with the guys. I noticed that there were lots of guys and realized that I needed more snacks. I searched the fridge again and pulled out tortillas and cheese to make quesadillas. I also popped two bags of popcorn for them. Around 8:00 p.m. Jorge brought 12 of the guys in for snacks. We didn't even have enough chairs for all of them. He told me that the new boys left after the game. They didn't know to expect snacks. It was just as well because the ones that stayed ate up everything!

They had an hour meeting about their in-door soccer team. Jorge told them that they needed to share the time on the floor and their behavior needed to improve. They all agreed to let el Senor Boliviano coach them in their games. He also explained to them again that we are missionaries. He wanted to spend time with them to teach them about the Bible and how to have a relationship with God. He shared a short devotional with them.

The team played again on Saturday, September 8. They followed Jorge's coaching without any problems. Their behavior improved drastically. They won 6 to 2!

Prayer Requests:

1. Pray that their hearts will be open to God's Word.
2. Pray for Jorge to have wisdom and energy to coach them.
3. Pray that Laura will have strength to prepare enough snacks for them every Thursday.