Concordia University, Nebraska

WSOC: Concordia soccer team members travel to Paraguay

WSOC: Concordia soccer team members travel to Paraguay

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Five members of the Bulldogs women's soccer team -- Shelley Hermann, Carolyn Chrzan, Chelsey Creedon, Mia Pauluhn and former graduate assistant coach Lisa White -- recently returned from a soccer ministry trip to Paraguay with the Athletes in Action Soccer Ministry. The group was able to reach out to elite athletes by playing games against local university and professional teams. Additionally, the team partnered with local churches to run soccer camps for children. During both the competitive games and soccer camps, the team had the opportunity to share the Gospel. The team won six games, lost two and was able to share the Gospel with all the teams they played.

"We learned how we could use soccer as another way to worship God," said Mia Pauluhn, sophomore defender from St. Louis, Mo., "and we learned tools to help us. It was amazing the ways that the language barrier could be broken. The love of soccer is what brought us all together, but through the work of the Holy Spirit we were able to share the Good News of Christ."

Rob Giesbrecht, Concordia's head women's soccer coach and former AIA Soccer staff member, was thrilled that members of his program had this opportunity. "I am so proud of the girls for accepting the challenge of going on this trip," said Giesbrecht. "Having served with AIA Soccer I know first-hand the impact trips like this can have on the student-athlete. Hopefully more team members can get involved in the future." Athletes in Action is the sports ministry division of Campus Crusade for Christ.

Post-trip comments from the women's soccer team members:

    Carolyn Chrzan, junior forward from Burbank, Calif. "God opened my eyes even wider to His power and love. I learned to see soccer as an act of worship, playing for Christ's glory and not my own. And I gained confidence that God can use my talents and abilities to do great things. Athletically, I gained confidence that I am fully adequate player. I do not need to fear failure. My mistakes and triumphs do not define me. My identity is in Christ alone."

    Shelley Hermann, senior midfielder from Lincoln, Neb. "I learned how my personal story can really impact others lives. I had the chance to share my testimony twice while on tour; once to one of the club teams that we played, and another time in front of a church congregation. I feel like God was showing me that I do have an interesting story and we just need to be willing to go and serve God and be willing to share."

    Chelsey Creedon, sophomore midfielder from Eldridge, Iowa "The tour highlight for me was getting to interact with the little kids at the (soccer) clinics. I also loved getting to know all the other girls on tour. Making new friendships and having support from them is awesome! My walk with God has grown so much closer. I learned how to and that I should incorporate Him into every single aspect of my life."



Note: You may view the online slideshow at full screen
Posted by site staff on 6/19/2009 1:45:00 PM

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