Mexico Soccer Outreach and my Daughter Kaitlyn

Kaitlyn, 13 years old and experiencing her first Mission Trip

Every Father is proud of his children. You love them, teach them, and do the best you can at raising them. What has become increasingly difficult in today’s society is to raise them in the things of God.

From the very Beginning my Bride Peggy and I vowed to raise our children to be Torah Observant, to love, honor and cherish Jesus as their Messiah and King! There are times when we wonder if we have any impact at all, and then are times, like last week, when I am amazed at how a 13 year old can minister to children and impact lives.

Kailtyn Elias playing U15 in the Finals at the Central Jersey Invitation July 2010

Listos- – - – - – -Uno – - – Dos – - -Tres – - - DALE!

I wanted Kaitlyn to experience the mission field for several reasons. First, to see how others live and to see what we as Americans are blessed to have. Secondly, I wanted her to see the need of others who have nothing, but give every part of their hearts to make sure we are looked after, taken care of, and loved. Finally, I wanted her to see how God could use the game of soccer as an incredible witnessing tool.

I watched as my eldest daughter trained the girls, and the little ones. I watched her get down to their level, be gentle and loving with them, and have the confidence to stand with an adult interpreter and coach the game she loves! Every night she would tell me of a new little girl who wanted her email, phone number, or for her to “learn” Spanish so they can speak with her next year.

Kailtyn and her "little fans"

On the last day of training Kaitlyn made up an exercise using Speed and Agility with winning the 50/50 ball. It was so good and successful that I am putting it into my curriculum for our instructional age players!

Even when she was sick, she told me she didn’t want to get in the way of what God was doing, and encouraged me to leave her with Christina and go to do the Lord’s work.

When I asked her what really stuck out in her mind (besides the food and the Spanish she learned), she said “playing soccer and the girls watching me play.” On Monday morning, we went to Chimalhuacán for their summer children’s ministry. Some of the boys asked for a ball and began to kick it around. As she juggled, shot some PK’s, and use some of her skill, a crowd surrounded her. The crowd consisted of the mothers and young girls who were at the church. The boys underestimated her as she put one past them after the other. When all was said in done the boys were silenced, and the women and the girls were thrilled.

What she doesn’t realize is that she gave inspiration, hope, and became someone to look up to for these seven, eight, nine, and ten year old girls. Even the older girls of 12+ were thrilled to see her play, and told her they would see her next year.

Making an Impact, and becoming a Role Model!

As a Pastor, I was very pleased with the ministry she did, but as a father, I was thrilled at how my little girl showed others in her way, the love that Jesus has shown all of us.

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