Soccer

A few weeks ago we got invited to a soccer tournament put on by Verbo churches (the conference that our church here at the orphanage is a part of). I was a little reluctant to go as I couldn't find enough players to make an entire team and I knew that we would be going against teams made up of mostly men that had been playing together for years. But, we ended up loading up the van that Sunday afternoon knowing we were headed for a nearly certain loss.

Our first game was against the biggest of the Verbo churches (Zone 16) with a team made up of mostly guys ages 18 and up. Our obviously younger team ended up scoring 4 goals while simultaneously managing to successfully defend against all of their attempts at scoring. We felt good about our surprise win, however it was only the first of 4 games, some with other teams that looked a little more menacing. Our next opponents from Zone 18 sported bright orange jerseys complete with soccer socks and coordinating shorts with what seemed like at least 10 substitutes on the bench. We had one substitute that fine Sunday afternoon: a 13 year old boy name Raúl who casually mentioned to me that same day that he thinks soccer is "a little boring". They were obviously the more experienced and prepared team, yet we had made it to half time and had managed to keep the game at 0-0. I didn't have many words of encouragement for the boys as we were all exhausted and not sure if we could keep up the same pace. However, we marched back onto the field under the hot Guatemalan sun with no renewed sense of vigor. To our opponents' surprise, we were able to keep the game tied at zero until, with just a few minutes left of play, one of our players caught a rebound and managed to score a goal. With that goal we ended up winning the game! Not only had we won the game, but we secured our spot in the final match the following Sunday. With renewed vision and passion we ended up winning the entire tournament a week later (this past Sunday) being presented with the 1st place trophy.

Needless to say, we were all more than excited having gone in as the underdog and coming out on top. Aside from the athletic component, I know that God has called the youth of this orphanage to not only show up and compete but to THRIVE in life. This group of 14 and 15 year old boys has been given so much talent and so many gifts, and when they come together they have been able to see there is little that they cannot accomplish. So, my prayer for them is that God would continue to open doors for them, provide opportunities and to give them grace and favour wherever they go. I can remember praying this for myself and seeing God answer that prayer in many aspects of my life. It is a good lesson for me personally, to remember that when my opponents or challenges in life seem to have every advantage, there is something more at play. God's grace is bigger than anything we are facing or will have to confront in the future coupled with the promise that God is ultimately working all things for our GOOD. Far more transcendent and beyond victories in sporting events, I pray that these young men would live to experience the good things that God has in store for them in every aspect of life.

             We know that in all things, God works for the GOOD of those who love him.      Romans 8:28

                                                                                                                                                  -dsm