by: Ariel Barco | Edited by: Sandra Lopez
The FIFA 2010 World Cup is upon us – bringing the world together in competition for the prestigious World Cup. Each competing team eagerly desires to be named Best in the World! And along with everyone else, our Christian Family, young and old, tune in to be a part of this grand sporting event that takes place once every four years.
Were you aware that many of these athletes are followers of the Christian Faith? With pride, I can say they are. These soccer stars follow the path carved by our Lord Jesus Christ and represent him every opportunity they can. You’ll recognize some of their gestures when you watch them celebrate by pointing to the sky and giving thanks to the Almighty for that sought after goal. More vocally, some are members of athlete clubs where they witness to others the love of God and the faith that has gotten them as far as they have in their careers.
World famous soccer player, Kaka
, plays for the Brazilian National Team. He openly admits to being an Evangelical Christian. In 2007, he obtained the FIFA World Player of the Year Award. He has participated in United Nations World Food Program as an ambassador. the Culture of Soccer blog state that he displays “impeccable manners and dedication…” There are also strong morals that he lives out in his professional life. “I will not brawl … I am not supposed to be punching people up on the field or swearing.” says Kaka.
“Just like Kaka, there are more Christian soccer players” says Brandon Olvera, a local Christian soccer devotee. Brandon has come across various articles about Kaka and other famous soccer players proudly proclaiming their Christian faith. Along with Kaka from the Brazil Team (#10) those also include, goalie Tim Howard from the US Team
(#1) Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez from the Mexico Team (#14) and Guillermo Franco from the Mexico Team (#9).
So, for all you soccer aficionados, you ought to be proud to know that here are these great athletes’s proclaiming with valor the name of Jesus Christ and are devoting their lives to him with every inch of talent they possess. We must also do the same. In any career ambitions, in the workplace, in school, with your family and friends, you can also be a proud witness of God’s love.
Our brother in Christ, Brandon Olvera is doing just that. He is a Soccer enthusiast who has played the game since he was 5 years old. He currently plays for Coast Soccer League (Irvine City) and Team Sunset of La Puente. He has participated in fundraising efforts such as “Patiando por un Sueno” to help fund mission trips. With his faith on his sleeve he’ll proclaim to the world that, “I can do all things through Christ who Strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
The FIFA 2010 World Cup is upon us – bringing the world together in competition for the prestigious World Cup. Each competing team eagerly desires to be named Best in the World! And along with everyone else, our Christian Family, young and old, tune in to be a part of this grand sporting event that takes place once every four years.Were you aware that many of these athletes are followers of the Christian Faith? With pride, I can say they are. These soccer stars follow the path carved by our Lord Jesus Christ and represent him every opportunity they can. You’ll recognize some of their gestures when you watch them celebrate by pointing to the sky and giving thanks to the Almighty for that sought after goal. More vocally, some are members of athlete clubs where they witness to others the love of God and the faith that has gotten them as far as they have in their careers.
World famous soccer player, Kaka, plays for the Brazilian National Team. He openly admits to being an Evangelical Christian. In 2007, he obtained the FIFA World Player of the Year Award. He has participated in United Nations World Food Program as an ambassador. the Culture of Soccer blog state that he displays “impeccable manners and dedication…” There are also strong morals that he lives out in his professional life. “I will not brawl … I am not supposed to be punching people up on the field or swearing.” says Kaka.“Just like Kaka, there are more Christian soccer players” says Brandon Olvera, a local Christian soccer devotee. Brandon has come across various articles about Kaka and other famous soccer players proudly proclaiming their Christian faith. Along with Kaka from the Brazil Team (#10) those also include, goalie Tim Howard from the US Team (#1) Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez from the Mexico Team (#14) and Guillermo Franco from the Mexico Team (#9).So, for all you soccer aficionados, you ought to be proud to know that here are these great athletes’s proclaiming with valor the name of Jesus Christ and are devoting their lives to him with every inch of talent they possess. We must also do the same. In any career ambitions, in the workplace, in school, with your family and friends, you can also be a proud witness of God’s love.
Our brother in Christ, Brandon Olvera is doing just that. He is a Soccer enthusiast who has played the game since he was 5 years old. He currently plays for Coast Soccer League (Irvine City) and Team Sunset of La Puente. He has participated in fundraising efforts such as “Patiando por un Sueno” to help fund mission trips. With his faith on his sleeve he’ll proclaim to the world that, “I can do all things through Christ who Strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
What other World Cup soccer players do you know of that are Christians?
I haven't seen any pics or videos from our last events!
ReplyDeleteGreat job Ariel! I enjoyed reading your article about Christian Soccer Players in Fifa 2010!
ReplyDeleteyou are welcome! Thanks for reading the articles!
ReplyDeletepics/videos
I am in the process of replacing my camera equipment. However, many youth out there take pics/video with their cameras. Please share with the rest of us. Did you know that you can upload pics/video to our Facebook Fan Page? Try it and share with us.
Hi Ariel, my name is Matt van Sprakelaar and every year my family and I go down with our church (Bridges Community Church Fremont, CA) to Mexico. In Ensenada, we put together a summer camp for three local orphanages with the organization Genesis Diaz. I just think that it would be so cool if it would be possible to have Brandon Olvera to speak at the camp for us. You can check us out at http://www.bridgescc.org. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI had got two free tickets to watch FIFA World Cup in the stadium. I went with my father; he is a big fan of famous soccer players Diego Forlan and that day he got to meet him. This made him really happy that day.
ReplyDelete