Soccer
The Parable of the Talents, Applied to Soccer
June/24/09
The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Applied to Soccer
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is the parable of the talents. I love to share this story with my team to encourage them to focus on God instead of just trophies, wins and losses.
In this story, three men were entrusted a different amount of property to take care of. Their master evaluated them on the basis of how faithful they were with what they received. Two of the men were diligent and faithful with what they were entrusted. God honored them and gave them even more.
But the other man was punished for his lack of faith and effort. He was so fearful that God would be disappointed in his results that he didn’t even try.
In today’s world—especially the sports world-- it’s easy for people to get caught up in the end result (wins and losses) and forget about what we can learn along the way. We’re often guilty of evaluating ourselves simply on the basis of what we achieved (or didn’t achieve). As a result, we miss what’s most important in God’s eyes: being faithful to His purposes and becoming more Christ-like along the way.
Worldly Significance versus Eternal Significance
This season, CAJ ‘s soccer team went into the Far East soccer tournament ranked first. Last season, we made it to the final but lost a heartbreaker in double overtime. The guys were eager to win it this year!
Even though I was optimistic about our chances, I wanted the guys to know that the measure of their season would not be whether or not they won the tournament, but by how much they learned and the measure of Christ formed in them (Christian spiritual formation).
I encouraged them to realize God had given each of them a measure of ability or talents and that His chief concern was not whether they won or lost (significance in the world’s eyes) but by how faithful they were to His purposes during the process (significance in God’s eyes).
To this end, I challenged and exhorted the team to:
*Seek God first and His Kingdom’s purposes (Matthew 6:33)
*Compete with all of their hearts, for the Lord and not for men (Colossians 3:23).
*Conduct themselves “in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, no matter what happened” (Philippians 1:27).
In the end, by God’s grace, He chose to give CAJ the victory and the championship. But the greatest satisfaction for these guys came from running the race in a way that gave God glory and finishing well. For them, their reward was God’s affirmation, “Well-done, good and faithful servants” (Matthew 6:21)!
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is the parable of the talents. I love to share this story with my team to encourage them to focus on God instead of just trophies, wins and losses.
In this story, three men were entrusted a different amount of property to take care of. Their master evaluated them on the basis of how faithful they were with what they received. Two of the men were diligent and faithful with what they were entrusted. God honored them and gave them even more.
But the other man was punished for his lack of faith and effort. He was so fearful that God would be disappointed in his results that he didn’t even try.
In today’s world—especially the sports world-- it’s easy for people to get caught up in the end result (wins and losses) and forget about what we can learn along the way. We’re often guilty of evaluating ourselves simply on the basis of what we achieved (or didn’t achieve). As a result, we miss what’s most important in God’s eyes: being faithful to His purposes and becoming more Christ-like along the way.
Worldly Significance versus Eternal Significance
This season, CAJ ‘s soccer team went into the Far East soccer tournament ranked first. Last season, we made it to the final but lost a heartbreaker in double overtime. The guys were eager to win it this year!
Even though I was optimistic about our chances, I wanted the guys to know that the measure of their season would not be whether or not they won the tournament, but by how much they learned and the measure of Christ formed in them (Christian spiritual formation).
I encouraged them to realize God had given each of them a measure of ability or talents and that His chief concern was not whether they won or lost (significance in the world’s eyes) but by how faithful they were to His purposes during the process (significance in God’s eyes).
To this end, I challenged and exhorted the team to:
*Seek God first and His Kingdom’s purposes (Matthew 6:33)
*Compete with all of their hearts, for the Lord and not for men (Colossians 3:23).
*Conduct themselves “in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, no matter what happened” (Philippians 1:27).
In the end, by God’s grace, He chose to give CAJ the victory and the championship. But the greatest satisfaction for these guys came from running the race in a way that gave God glory and finishing well. For them, their reward was God’s affirmation, “Well-done, good and faithful servants” (Matthew 6:21)!
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Playing Soccer for God's Pleasure, Feeling His Favor
May/24/09
Playing Soccer for God’s Pleasure, Feeling His Favor
It’s springtime and we’re in the heart of soccer season at the Christian Academy in Japan (CAJ). This is one of my favorite times of year because through coaching at CAJ, God provides me with the unique opportunity to invest heavily into the lives of 18-25 young men who are in a very strategic and formative season of growth in their lives.
As I reflect on my years growing up and competing as a young athlete, I don’t recall having many Christian teammates. Furthermore, the few Christian teammates I did have were quiet about their faith and it didn’t seem to have much impact on their lives (or their athletic abilities).
To me, this is tragic because I believe with all of my heart, I would have been more successful as an athlete and enjoyed the journey much more if I had been following Jesus rather than my own selfish desires.
One of the reasons I am so passionate about coaching young people in sports is that it provides me with the chance to share with them that the Bible is as valid and applicable to their participation in athletics as it is to participation in traditional ministry. The idea that some activities are more holy or sacred than others is a fallacy that is deeply engrained in the minds of many Christians, regardless of their theological or church background.
The Bible is very clear however, that there is no distinction between holy and secular activities. Regardless of our vocation, the Bible says we, as believers are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that we may declare His praises.” (1 Peter 2:9).
As a soccer coach, I strive to encourage these players that whatever they do, whether it’s playing soccer or singing in a church choir, or serving at a youth camp, that they should do it “in the name of the Lord Jesus,” and “work at it with all their hearts, as unto the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:17, 3:23).
Many people are familiar with the movie Chariots of Fire, a true story about a young man named Eric Liddell who won a gold medal running in the 1924 Olympics. During the time he spent training for the Olympics, his sister criticized him for training so hard and in her mind, neglecting the Lord’s work.
Liddell’s response is classic. He says, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.”
This is one of the reasons I find such joy in coaching—helping young people realize that it brings God great pleasure when we they delight in using the gifts He’s given them for Him.
Please pray for these young men, that they would train and compete and play soccer as unto the Lord, and not unto men. Pray that God would mold their character through soccer and show them just how much He longs to use every aspect of their lives for Him.
It’s springtime and we’re in the heart of soccer season at the Christian Academy in Japan (CAJ). This is one of my favorite times of year because through coaching at CAJ, God provides me with the unique opportunity to invest heavily into the lives of 18-25 young men who are in a very strategic and formative season of growth in their lives.
As I reflect on my years growing up and competing as a young athlete, I don’t recall having many Christian teammates. Furthermore, the few Christian teammates I did have were quiet about their faith and it didn’t seem to have much impact on their lives (or their athletic abilities).
To me, this is tragic because I believe with all of my heart, I would have been more successful as an athlete and enjoyed the journey much more if I had been following Jesus rather than my own selfish desires.
One of the reasons I am so passionate about coaching young people in sports is that it provides me with the chance to share with them that the Bible is as valid and applicable to their participation in athletics as it is to participation in traditional ministry. The idea that some activities are more holy or sacred than others is a fallacy that is deeply engrained in the minds of many Christians, regardless of their theological or church background.
The Bible is very clear however, that there is no distinction between holy and secular activities. Regardless of our vocation, the Bible says we, as believers are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that we may declare His praises.” (1 Peter 2:9).
As a soccer coach, I strive to encourage these players that whatever they do, whether it’s playing soccer or singing in a church choir, or serving at a youth camp, that they should do it “in the name of the Lord Jesus,” and “work at it with all their hearts, as unto the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:17, 3:23).
Many people are familiar with the movie Chariots of Fire, a true story about a young man named Eric Liddell who won a gold medal running in the 1924 Olympics. During the time he spent training for the Olympics, his sister criticized him for training so hard and in her mind, neglecting the Lord’s work.
Liddell’s response is classic. He says, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.”
This is one of the reasons I find such joy in coaching—helping young people realize that it brings God great pleasure when we they delight in using the gifts He’s given them for Him.
Please pray for these young men, that they would train and compete and play soccer as unto the Lord, and not unto men. Pray that God would mold their character through soccer and show them just how much He longs to use every aspect of their lives for Him.
Nothing is Impossible with God!
July/19/08
Nothing Is Impossible With God!
Entering the Far East tournament this year, we had a good team but were definitely not the favorites. I challenged the guys to think beyond what they thought they could do in the natural and ask God to do the impossible in them. I believed that if that happened, win or lose, God would be glorified and they would be satisfied, whatever the result.
We talked about how God loves to do the impossible in us and that He is eager to do more in us than we could ever imagine. Furthermore, when God does the impossible, He gets the glory because everyone realizes that such a result could only come from God!
As the week progressed, we saw God move in exciting ways. Individually and as a team, CAJ played better than ever-- we hardly resembled the same team! We kept winning, and in the semi-finals we beat the number one ranked team, 4-0!
Praise Him in All Circumstances
Despite CAJ’s outstanding play, we were still underdogs in the final game. But the guys took to heart the words I’d encouraged them with, “Ask God to do the impossible. Seek His glory first and trust Him to give you a result you’ll be satisfied with.”
Before the game, the guys prayed, “Lord, we want to play this game for you. We want you to be glorified through us. We’re gonna praise you whatever happens—win or lose!”
An Unexpected Finish
CAJ played the game of their lives! At the end of regulation, the score was still deadlocked at 0-0. The game went into triple overtime. Finally, in the 104th minute, to our dismay, the other team slipped in a goal and we lost 1-0.
Despite our disappointment, I couldn’t have been more proud of the guys’ effort. I knew God was pleased too. The following is an excerpt that someone wrote in the Stars and Stripes newspaper that covered the game. It was so encouraging to see how God used CAJ to touch those in attendance, even in our defeat!
“One of the finest moments I have witnessed in my 22 years of coaching occurred in the Kadena HS gym about 30 minutes after Kubasaki defeated CAJ 1-0 in Golden Goal overtime of the boy's "AA" championship game. All of the teams (except a disappointed CAJ) were in the gym waiting for the awards ceremony, when Kubasaki coach Chris Kelly walked in and received a warm and well-deserved ovation initiated by the Kubasaki team and joined by the rest of the gym.
About 2 minutes later, the CAJ team began to trickle in to the gym in groups of 3-4 players...obviously disappointed in their loss...heads hanging down...and the "agony of defeat" on their faces...again, the entire gym erupted into the biggest ovation of the day, and as the cheers grew...as the entire gym rose to it's feet, you could feel the entire crowd trying to lift the CAJ players spirits as they cheered and clapped and whistled again and again.
The ovation lasted for almost 2 minutes until all of the CAJ players were standing together on the gym floor and were obviously overwhelmed by the appreciation that all of us showed for their efforts on the field all week. It was the finest moment that I have witnessed at a Far East tournament, and one of the most touching moments I have ever seen in H.S. sports…”
Thank you, Jesus, for doing the impossible in us.
Entering the Far East tournament this year, we had a good team but were definitely not the favorites. I challenged the guys to think beyond what they thought they could do in the natural and ask God to do the impossible in them. I believed that if that happened, win or lose, God would be glorified and they would be satisfied, whatever the result.
We talked about how God loves to do the impossible in us and that He is eager to do more in us than we could ever imagine. Furthermore, when God does the impossible, He gets the glory because everyone realizes that such a result could only come from God!
As the week progressed, we saw God move in exciting ways. Individually and as a team, CAJ played better than ever-- we hardly resembled the same team! We kept winning, and in the semi-finals we beat the number one ranked team, 4-0!
Praise Him in All Circumstances
Despite CAJ’s outstanding play, we were still underdogs in the final game. But the guys took to heart the words I’d encouraged them with, “Ask God to do the impossible. Seek His glory first and trust Him to give you a result you’ll be satisfied with.”
Before the game, the guys prayed, “Lord, we want to play this game for you. We want you to be glorified through us. We’re gonna praise you whatever happens—win or lose!”
An Unexpected Finish
CAJ played the game of their lives! At the end of regulation, the score was still deadlocked at 0-0. The game went into triple overtime. Finally, in the 104th minute, to our dismay, the other team slipped in a goal and we lost 1-0.
Despite our disappointment, I couldn’t have been more proud of the guys’ effort. I knew God was pleased too. The following is an excerpt that someone wrote in the Stars and Stripes newspaper that covered the game. It was so encouraging to see how God used CAJ to touch those in attendance, even in our defeat!
“One of the finest moments I have witnessed in my 22 years of coaching occurred in the Kadena HS gym about 30 minutes after Kubasaki defeated CAJ 1-0 in Golden Goal overtime of the boy's "AA" championship game. All of the teams (except a disappointed CAJ) were in the gym waiting for the awards ceremony, when Kubasaki coach Chris Kelly walked in and received a warm and well-deserved ovation initiated by the Kubasaki team and joined by the rest of the gym.
About 2 minutes later, the CAJ team began to trickle in to the gym in groups of 3-4 players...obviously disappointed in their loss...heads hanging down...and the "agony of defeat" on their faces...again, the entire gym erupted into the biggest ovation of the day, and as the cheers grew...as the entire gym rose to it's feet, you could feel the entire crowd trying to lift the CAJ players spirits as they cheered and clapped and whistled again and again.
The ovation lasted for almost 2 minutes until all of the CAJ players were standing together on the gym floor and were obviously overwhelmed by the appreciation that all of us showed for their efforts on the field all week. It was the finest moment that I have witnessed at a Far East tournament, and one of the most touching moments I have ever seen in H.S. sports…”
Thank you, Jesus, for doing the impossible in us.
Spring Highlights
March/19/08
It’s hard to believe that we’re already three months into 2008. Here are just a few of the highlights so far:
*Sean has been actively coaching and supporting pastors and leaders in the Japan Cell Church Mission Network. Sean took part in their annual meeting in January, a regional three-day conference last month, and is working closely with several of the pastors, in particular.
It’s been awesome to see pastors working closely together on a local and national level to bring revival to Japan. When leaders put Kingdom values above their own personal agendas, church rivalries and denominational differences, it’s amazing how freely and powerfully God can move!
*As a new member of CRM’s Creative Services team, Alice will be editing documentaries/promotional videos that portray what God is doing in CRM around the world.
In Alice’s first “official” project for the team, she will be assisting CRM’s main “video-storyteller” as he puts together a video of CRM-Singapore’s ministry. Please pray for Alice as she embarks in this new role!
*Kazu, a freestyle wrestler Sean led to the Lord and mentored since 2000, won the national championship in January! He is trying to qualify for the Olympics in Beijing this summer.
Please pray for Kazu, that he would be a light for Jesus as he competes, and for God’s favor and blessing in upcoming Olympic qualifying competitions.
*On a personal note, Rylee started sleeping through the night after just three months! Considering that it took Kadin over a year before he slept through the night, we are overjoyed to be getting lots of much-needed sleep!
Looking Ahead
*This spring promises to move at an even faster pace as we add Sean’s duties as the high school soccer coach at CAJ (Christian Academy in Japan) to our already full schedule.
Every year, we eagerly anticipate the soccer season! Very few activities provide such a unique opportunity to invest intensively in the lives of young men over an extended period of time (from one to four years). The lessons and character development in the young men can last a lifetime!
*We look forward to deepening relationships with friends the Lord has given us. Please pray for them… a hunger for Jesus, and a life-changing encounter with Him through their friendship with us!
*Please pray for more opportunities for Sean to coach and mentor emerging leaders for the church. And please pray for the Lord’s anointing in relationships where God is already using Sean to encourage, exhort, and equip men to live out their calling.
*Finally, please pray for Alice as:
-She continues building some great friendships with other young mothers
-She expands her role as a member of CRM’s Creative Services and Intercession Teams
-As she invests in other intercessors and worship leaders at our church
-As she manages two energetic children!
Thank you for your love, support and prayers!
*Sean has been actively coaching and supporting pastors and leaders in the Japan Cell Church Mission Network. Sean took part in their annual meeting in January, a regional three-day conference last month, and is working closely with several of the pastors, in particular.
It’s been awesome to see pastors working closely together on a local and national level to bring revival to Japan. When leaders put Kingdom values above their own personal agendas, church rivalries and denominational differences, it’s amazing how freely and powerfully God can move!
*As a new member of CRM’s Creative Services team, Alice will be editing documentaries/promotional videos that portray what God is doing in CRM around the world.
In Alice’s first “official” project for the team, she will be assisting CRM’s main “video-storyteller” as he puts together a video of CRM-Singapore’s ministry. Please pray for Alice as she embarks in this new role!
*Kazu, a freestyle wrestler Sean led to the Lord and mentored since 2000, won the national championship in January! He is trying to qualify for the Olympics in Beijing this summer.
Please pray for Kazu, that he would be a light for Jesus as he competes, and for God’s favor and blessing in upcoming Olympic qualifying competitions.
*On a personal note, Rylee started sleeping through the night after just three months! Considering that it took Kadin over a year before he slept through the night, we are overjoyed to be getting lots of much-needed sleep!
Looking Ahead
*This spring promises to move at an even faster pace as we add Sean’s duties as the high school soccer coach at CAJ (Christian Academy in Japan) to our already full schedule.
Every year, we eagerly anticipate the soccer season! Very few activities provide such a unique opportunity to invest intensively in the lives of young men over an extended period of time (from one to four years). The lessons and character development in the young men can last a lifetime!
*We look forward to deepening relationships with friends the Lord has given us. Please pray for them… a hunger for Jesus, and a life-changing encounter with Him through their friendship with us!
*Please pray for more opportunities for Sean to coach and mentor emerging leaders for the church. And please pray for the Lord’s anointing in relationships where God is already using Sean to encourage, exhort, and equip men to live out their calling.
*Finally, please pray for Alice as:
-She continues building some great friendships with other young mothers
-She expands her role as a member of CRM’s Creative Services and Intercession Teams
-As she invests in other intercessors and worship leaders at our church
-As she manages two energetic children!
Thank you for your love, support and prayers!
Looking Back
January/02/08
Happy New Year! We are excitedly looking ahead at what the Lord has in store for us this new year! And, we are also reminiscing about what the Lord did for us in 2007. The last twelve months went by in a whirlwind, full of many exciting developments and changes. We look back at 2007 with much gratitude to the Lord. Take a walk with us through memory lane…
We celebrated the birth of our second child on November 9th. It’s hard to believe that in 24 months we’ve gone from childless to a full house. Joy, joy, joy!
Growing pains seems to be an appropriate theme for our lives and ministry. Growing is never painless and requires a mix of faith and perseverance. In the natural, our family has grown. And in the spirit, we are pregnant with expectation as God is giving new depth to relationships we’ve been sowing into over the past four years here in Japan.
Something about having children on the mission field… far from taking away from ministry, has added depth to existing relationships and provided opportunities for new ones. It’s as if people suddenly think, “They must be serious about their love for Japan if they’re willing to have kids here!”
Kadin at 3 months with Meg at 20 days. Growing up together... Meg and Kadin today
Some things we celebrate…
*Our church is growing and hopes to purchase land in order to build a multi-purpose center where we can minister to the community in a variety of ways.
*God is using Alice’s passion for prayer through her involvement in CRM’s global intercession team and through mentoring intercessors in our church.
*Sean coached CAJ’s soccer team to their 2nd Far East Championship in three years.
*Alice obtained her professional certification as a video editor and produced her first professional video for the Japan Cell Church Mission Network.
*Sean completed a professional coach-training program that has helped him to more effectively empower, equip, encourage, and support leaders.
*New relationships with families as opposed to relationships only with moms and their children.
We celebrate all of this and much more. We praise God for you and thank Him for the part each of you have played in sowing into God’s harvest in Japan. May the Lord bless you richly!!!
Fall is Here!
October/19/07
It’s hard to believe it’s already fall! We had a terrific summer and hope that yours was a blessed one as well!
We’re expecting the arrival of Kadin’s little brother or sister on November 6th. We can’t wait! We covet your prayers for Alice and the baby’s health, and for a safe and timely delivery.
Summer Highlights
*I (Sean) spent time at a soccer school/ministry connected with a thriving church here in Tokyo. The head of the school, Coach Ortega, is a former member of the Argentina National Soccer Team. He is a phenomenal coach and a passionate follower of Jesus Christ.
In five years, the school’s enrollment has increased to over 250 children! I’m looking forward to learning lots more from Coach Ortega this year on how to more effectively minister through soccer in Japan.
*We had an awesome time of fellowship at our church’s annual family camp. We spent much time discussing and praying for God’s vision for the church over the next five years. God gave us greater unity and continued to stir up passion among the body to hear His heart for our church.
A huge highlight was seeing four children get baptized! All of the kids are elementary or middle school students. We were touched by their simple faith and love for Jesus. Please pray for their spiritual growth and that they’ll shine for Jesus in their schools.
We’re expecting the arrival of Kadin’s little brother or sister on November 6th. We can’t wait! We covet your prayers for Alice and the baby’s health, and for a safe and timely delivery.
Summer Highlights
*I (Sean) spent time at a soccer school/ministry connected with a thriving church here in Tokyo. The head of the school, Coach Ortega, is a former member of the Argentina National Soccer Team. He is a phenomenal coach and a passionate follower of Jesus Christ.
In five years, the school’s enrollment has increased to over 250 children! I’m looking forward to learning lots more from Coach Ortega this year on how to more effectively minister through soccer in Japan.
*We had an awesome time of fellowship at our church’s annual family camp. We spent much time discussing and praying for God’s vision for the church over the next five years. God gave us greater unity and continued to stir up passion among the body to hear His heart for our church.
A huge highlight was seeing four children get baptized! All of the kids are elementary or middle school students. We were touched by their simple faith and love for Jesus. Please pray for their spiritual growth and that they’ll shine for Jesus in their schools.
Going Pro and Gold Medals
June/19/07
CAJ Wins Far East Soccer Championship in Overtime!
CAJ finished the season undefeated (a first for the soccer team) and won the Far East Championship for the 2nd time in three years. We give glory to God for everything the guys accomplished this year and believe that many of the lessons they learned this year will pay off for years to come.
Alice Goes Pro...
Thank you so much for praying for me, Alice, during my 5-day intensive video-editing class. It was very hard to be away from Sean AND Kadin, but our dear friends in Austin, the Grigsby's, took very good care of me while I was away! The training was very advanced, but SO helpful!
I was the youngest in the class, and felt a little intimidated being surrounded by true professionals in the film and media world. (One guy was flying out the very next week to shoot the music video for a well-known pop artist! ) I guess I had my own David and Goliath experience!
Thanks to all of your prayers, I was able to pass the certification exam! It was very difficult. I was one of only two in the class to pass the exam. I am now an Apple Certified Professional! May God use the skills and the training He allowed me to gain at the film school to spread His glory even more in Japan!
"Pro-bound!"
May/19/07
“Pro”-Bound!
From May 18th to 22nd I will be attending a week-long course at Austin Film School to become professionally certified in the Final Cut Pro video-editing software.
Why now? Independent film-makers, Hollywood editors, and corporate video and event producers use this professional-grade software and it is an industry standard. Although the learning curve is very steep, I have already produced a few projects with this software, and have reached the point where professional training is necessary for further advancement.
Some of you have seen some of the videos we’ve created to help supporters see what God is doing in Japan. This training will help me to do that even better, and open more doors for ministry. I have already been asked to produce several short projects for the church in Japan. Internationally, I will be working with CRM’s “visual storyteller,” Andy Silk, to shoot/produce promotional videos about Japan for the CRM website.
We pray that God will anoint this time of training in Austin and that God will continue to use these videos to open people’s eyes to the spiritual poverty in Japan, and that they would be moved to pray for Japan.
Here are some other exciting things happening:
Kadin is going to be a big brother! Mommy and baby are both healthy, and we praise God for another easy pregnancy. The due date is Nov. 6th. Please pray for us and for the baby as we prepare for this new addition!
Church growth: Our church, Kiyose Grace Chapel, recently moved into a larger space as we were bursting at the seams. God continues to open new doors of ministry, especially with young couples.
Coaching at CAJ: From May 21 to 25, Sean’s soccer team from the Christian Academy in Japan will be participating in the Far East tournament in Okinawa with teams from all over Asia. This year’s team has bonded more than any other Sean has coached up until now, spending significant time with each other on and off the field.
Please pray for traveling mercies; that the guys will draw even closer to God and each other; and that they will have a memorable finale to a great season!