On Tuesday May 14, the Wheaton women's soccer team will depart on a Sports Ministry trip to Brazil and Paraguay. During the trip the team will send occasional updates that will be posted here on the Wheaton Athletics website. The first is an
introductory note from head coach
Pete Felske.
Be sure to check back here throughout the trip for updates.
INTRODUCTORY NOTE --- UPDATE #1 --- UPDATE #2 --- UPDATE #3 ---UPDATE #4
UPDATE #4 (MAY 23)
Hello hello from Brazil! Right now we are currently stuck between Brazil and Paraguay. We have had a couple hiccups trying to get all of our visas through the embassy. A team of 7 people got through yesterday and put on a program at a local church last night and a soccer clinic this morning. We are continuing to pray that the rest of the team will be able to join them tonight.
A recap on the last couple days:
Monday was more of a relaxing afternoon and we were able to hang out and spend time by the pool doing devos, dancing and catching a nap. A small group of girls went to a homeless ministry called Bread and LIfe and were able to catch a glimpse of the ways that God is working here in Brazil. While we dont know entirely what happened that afternoon it is very evident that they came back changed because of the experience.
That night we went to a Brazilian Steakhouse!!! Meat on meat on meat! Not much needs to be said other than it was awesome and we left overlystuffed. After dinner we attended an Athletes in Christ service with a group of male futbol athletes. Gary gave a message on identity both in regards to the sports we played and Christ. It was a great night of fellowship and a blast to interact with other futbol players our age.
Tuesday we packed up all our gear and headed onto our next quick stop Foz, Brazil before heading over to Paraguay. We had some bumps along the way and our set schedule was pushed back a bit. Our flight to Foz was delayed because of fog and we ended up landing at 3am... talk about a late night. Especially considering we had to wake up early to get to the Paraguayan embassy; oy vey. Things did not go as planned at the embassy and we once again realized that by no means are we in control and God is so great. This idea was again driven home when we went to the Igazu Falls. Think of Niagra Falls... now multiply that by 100 and you have the Igazu Falls! It was absolutely stunning... waterfalls on waterfalls on waterfalls. There was a walkway that took you out right into the middle of the falls. As you were standing out there being drenched by the spray and surrounded by the deafening sound of the crashing water all you could do is stand in awe of the one who made it! Our God truly is a mighty mighty God. Not only is He the one who created and formed the falls but He is the one who was in complete control of the visa situation.
Later that night we sent the first group off to Paraguay accompanied by Cesar. Since then we have been hanging around the hotel catching up on sleep, journaling and getting in some shopping and brief workout. Today as of 1pm about 10 more have gotten their visas approved and by 4:30 today they have promised that the rest will be approved. We are praying that as a whole group we will be crossing the border tonight.
As the end of the trip slowly creeps closer we are once again reminded to take advantage of the time that we have left to not only encourage those in Paraguay and Brazil but also to use the time to encourage each other.
Ciao! Hopefully the next update will come from Paraguay!
Submitted by
Kendall Eitreim and
Sarah Guidera
UPDATE #3 (MAY 20)
Yesterday morning, the 19th, we woke up after just a few hours of sleep for an early game. Although we've certainly been exhausted these last few days, God has continually provided strength in our weakness and enabled us to play and serve in His name. The game we played Sunday morning seemed like another ordinary game to us, but to Project Grow and the community it meant a lot. Project Grow hosted two games that morning: a game between us and another women's team, and one between the friends of Eviar (a former professional player) and the friends of the mayor of Goiania (the city near Project Grow). There were many former professional players playing in the second game. It was evident they were thankful we were helping out with Project Grow and they even invited Kelsey and Cesar to play with the other teams in the second game. The two games raised awareness and brought people to Project Grow to continue to spread the word of their program and mission. In order to draw attention to the matches, Project Grow brought out an announcer with a microphone and loud speakers. He never stopped talking through both 90 minute games. It was certainly an exciting and unique environment. During halftime of the second game we sang “Whom Shall I Fear” by Chris Tomlin and presented Project Grow with donations from the college such as soccer jerseys, balls, and t-shirts.
In each spare moment at Project Grow there were kids looking to make a friend and play with us. Despite a language barrier, smiles and laughter were abundant. There was even a moment when Keri used American Sign Language to speak to a Brazilian boy who was deaf. It's been really incredible to see how God can transcend obstacles such as the language barrier. It is God who is able to bring people together despite so many differences.
After some time to shower and eat lunch we headed to a stadium to watch a big rivalry match between Goias and Atletica. This game determined who would win the division. The stadium was filled to the brim. If you think Americans are crazy about their sports, just wait until you attend a big soccer match in Brazil. Calling these fans passionate would be an understatement. It was exciting to be a part of the soccer culture in Brazil and to go to a real Futbol match.
After the game we split into 3 smaller groups to go to evening Church services. One group went to the church affiliated with Project Grow, another went to Igreja Batista, and one attended Comunidade Batista. At each church, members of our group gave their testimonies and interacted with the congregation.
Anna: At Comunidade Batista, Amanda gave her testimony, Lindsay shared about what she had been learning on the trip so far, and Gary gave the message in which he talked about Identity. Gary shared that we can only bless others when we are free and we become free by identifying ourselves with Christ. This stuck me especially because on this trip, as I am attempting to bless others with the Gospel, it is a good reminder that my relationship with God comes first. If I am not in a right relationship with God, then my attempts to spread His love will be futile.
Sam: I had the opportunity to go to Igreja Baptista. The service was filled with lots of singing. Then in between songs Val and I each shared our testimony and our friend Jose translated. We additionally shared the song “Whom Shall I Fear” with the congregation. Church last night was really powerful. The people we were with praised the Lord with so much passion. We even got to dance as we worshipped. It was incredible how God was so present as we were singing along even though we didn't understand what words we were saying because most of the songs were in Portuguese. After Val shared her testimony, Jose invited people to come forward if they wanted to accept Christ into their hearts and as they came forward Val and Jose prayed with them. The Holy Spirit was so present last evening and moved not only in the hearts of many Brazilians but in us as well.
This morning we had the privilege of going to a University to share. Val, Rachel Haugen, and one of the teachers gave their testimonies to about one hundred students and we all sang worship songs. This was really powerful because we were able to share the gospel corporately through worship and individually through stories to so many students. I know that God will work through the words we shared.
Anna: On this trip I have been learning that God works in ways we don't expect. He can use us and our brokenness to bring people to Him. I am excited to continue learning how to share the Gospel in new ways. I am praying that God will continue to use us to bring Him glory and will teach us more about Himself.
Sam: This trip I have truly been overwhelmed with God's joy. As we played soccer with the kids at Project Grow it really hit me how despite the fact that they have next to nothing, they can find so much joy in soccer and Jesus Christ. Back in the states, it is easy to begin to view soccer as just part of the routine. I find myself sometimes complaining about going to practice, or about wanting a new pair of cleats or new jerseys. To the kids at Project Grow soccer is way more than an obligation. Soccer is a gift. Even though the may not have fancy shoes or cleats each day they get to play soccer they do it with such passion. It is where they can find joy and happiness amidst a difficult life. I am so grateful that I have been fortunate enough to be able to come on this trip and share a game that means so much to so many kids. God has really been creating a joyous heart within me and showing me what a blessing and gift soccer is and how we can use the game of soccer to share Jesus in a powerful way. ...................... Submitted by head coach
Pete Felske,
Anna Burnidge and
Samantha Frank.
UPDATE #2 (MAY 18)
Oi do Brasil! And if you don't speak Portugese that means "Hello from Brazil!"
What a whirl wind these past few days have been. I know for many of us this mission trip to Brazil and Paraguay crept up on us. With the chaos and craziness of finals and graduation it was hard to find time, if any time existed, to prepare our hearts and minds for this trip and what God has in store for us. But our God is faithful and His Presence has been evident from the moment we met together on Monday morning in preparation to leave on Tuesday.
From the moment we left Wheaton on Tuesday morning and in the midst of our travels to Miami and then to Sao Paulo and then to Goiania, it has been evident that God is our Sustainer and Strength and that there is no way we will be able to carry out this trip on our own. We are fully dependent on Him. We need Him. He is not only the reason why we have this amazing opportunity and honor to be in Brazil, but HE IS THE REASON we are here. We are here to reflect His love and share the truth of the Gospel with the teams we play and the people we meet. What a blessing!
One question or thought that has been on my heart since leaving Wheaton has been "Why does it take being in a different country for me to get fired up about sharing the Good News of the Gospel and the relationship and hope that I have with my God?" This question has really convicted me and I hope it challenges those who are reading this...the power and truth of the Gospel is life-giving and transformative, no matter where I am! Whether I am at school in Wheaton or at home or on vacation or on a mission trip, the truth of the Gospel and the name of Jesus must be proclaimed!
Upon arriving in Goiania on Wednesday, after many hours on a plane and bus, we have been on the move. After arriving at the church camp where we are staying for the week, we had the opportunity to visit Aguas de Meriba which is a ministry/organization that takes in women who are are addicted to drugs or alcohol who want to get clean and turn their life around. Not only does Aguas de Meriba focus on the women's physical condition, but they are more concerned about their spiritual condition. While they don't force the Christian faith on the women who come through their program, they are firmly grounded in the truth that true freedom from their addiction is found only in Christ and only He can save them. It was so humbling and encouraging to hear their testimonies and hear how God is shattering the earthly chains that bind them and drawing them close to Him. God is so faithful. Even when we turn from from Him and fall into temptation, He hounds us and chases us. All I know is that, He won't relent until His children are wholly surrendered to Him. And for that I am truly grateful.
The rest of this week, we have been blessed to be a part of Project Grow. Project Grow is an organization that uses soccer as a tool to keep kids off the streets so that they don't get involved in drugs and gangs. Project Grow is also firmly grounded in the Gospel and teaches the kids about Christ. At Project Grow we have not only been able to play soccer with the kids, but we have also been able to help out in other ways by painting, picking garbage, weeding the campus, and helping teach English. Whether playing soccer or helping out in other ways, it has been such a blessing to be able to meet our brothers and sisters in Christ and hear how God is working in them and through them. The language barrier has been a challenge. I wish and desire that I can speak with the people I meet. But I do know that we may not speak the same language or live in the same country, immersed in the same culture, but that doesn't matter because we are one in Christ. We are united by the blood of Christ and that is the best union and common factor. We worship the One Ture God, the Creator and Sustainer of this world, the Savior of mankind. That's awesome!
So far we have played two futbal games, one scrimmage, and one game and while playing soccer has been great, it has been even more amazing to be able to share our testimonies and share the Gospel with the teams we played.
I have so much more that I would like to say; however, Pete is breathing down my neck to be done so unfortunately I must be done. Another update from us will be coming soon!
By His strength and for His glory,
UPDATE #1 (May 15)
Well, we've arrived safe and sound in Goiania, Brazil. It wasn't without incident, but we made it. We had a lost passport (since found), a missed flight (Joy is arriving late, but arriving nonetheless), three different flights and a slow bus ride in traffic. The players are now gathering around a pool, recovering and getting some much needed rest at the apartment complex of our host, Marcelo Galvao. It's been a very busy day of travel, and it promises to be a very full six days here before heading to Paraguay.
Outside of the travel, there's not much to report on. I just wanted to let everyone know that we're well; tired but well. The Lord has provided already with safety and we're excited to jump right in tonight as we're visiting a ministry that works with young women at risk.
We will update the website as often as possible. Please continue to pray for us as we look to use the soccer field as our mission field over the next couple of weeks. ...........................Submitted by head coach
Pete Felske
INTRODUCTORY NOTE FROM PETE FELSKE
I am excited about the opportunity for our team to travel to Brazil and Paraguay. It's become a great tradition for our women's soccer team, through the arena of sport, to share the gospel overseas, on sports-ministry trips. This will be the fourth time that our women's team has traveled to Brazil, and our 2nd to Paraguay. We look forward to continuing ministry there which began with our first trip back in 1999. Our assistant coach,
Cesar Gomez, was born and raised in Paraguay, and we'll be competing and ministering to the people in his hometown of Villeta. We look forward to traveling to these two countries, and we pray that many lives will be changed; ours, as well as the lives of the people with whom we come into contact.
Our two-week trip will be packed with ministry opportunities. We will be speaking in schools and to church youth-groups. We will also encourage, and walk alongside fellow believers as they lead a church revival. Using our soccer talent, we will run clinics and play a few soccer matches, using halftime and postgame for fellowship, relationship-building and outreach.
Additionally, we are excited to continue building relationships with two groups from our previous trip in 2007; the first with a ministry called Project Grow (PG). PG works to get young kids off the streets; away from the drugs and crime that permeate the culture. They use soccer as a tool to bring them together. They then encourage them to make good decisions and equip them with tools they need to make changes in their lives. Next, we are planning to return to Nihon Gakko; a Japanese school in Asunción, Paraguay, which is run by the aunt of our own assistant coach,
Cesar Gomez. Interacting and playing with those students was an exciting highlight from our previous trip, and we look forward to another exciting visit there.
Our women's soccer program has taken four previous overseas ministry trips since 1999. Each one has impacted the lives of our players significantly as they've experienced other cultures, and seen many come to know, and accept, the good news of Jesus Christ. Our current group of athletes is excited for a similar experience.
