What's happening?

The Moody Men's Soccer team has been investing in the community of West Chicago. This came about in part during a preseason retreat, where players identified non-negotiable aspects the team must embody for the future direction of the program. It was agreed on that Christian service should rank high among these values.

Teaming up with New Life Bilingual Church, a partner with the Chicago Eagles, the Archers oversaw youngsters in Kindergarten through High School as they learned the ins and outs of soccer. Throughout the year, in cooperation with local schools and apartment communities, the Chicago Eagles run several Micro Soccer Leagues to reach kids in underserved areas. One of the Micro sites is strategically placed at the Aspen Ridge Apartments. Many families in these settings are made up of 1st and 2nd generation immigrants whose primary language is Spanish.

Why is this needed?

Part of the challenge for parents in immigrant communities like this is the language barrier. Anyone lacking in English skills is sometimes overlooked by employers who require it for the job. For a significant number of people, the road to securing gainful employment is a long one. Needless to say, the dilemma of guardians needing to work to support the family while simultaneously being involved in their kids' lives, causes them to come up short. When kids and youth find other ways to occupy themselves - often through substance abuse and gang activity - the issue is further compounded.

How churches are addressing the need (sustainably)?

Compassion for people in need is often a catalyst for mobilizing organizations to begin engaging communities. In recent history, groups like these have begun work that is often short-lived for a variety of reasons (e.g., limited staff, inadequate resources, and lack of clear vision). The pattern has played out numerous times where the project begins and ends within a short period. Because of this, community leaders become frustrated by Christian groups who eagerly attempt to initiate a project but lack the resources to sustain it.

Churches who are aware of this can utilize partnerships to pool resources and engage communities for sustainable work. Reputable organizations like the Chicago Eagles, specialize in training coaches to serve long-term in community-engaging capacities. Through partnering with the Eagles, churches can mobilize coaches and volunteers with a desire to see positive outcomes in kids' lives. The shared vision between all groups to bring transformation is a compelling force that disrupts patterns seen in the lives of kids who grow up with absent parents. Even more disruptive is coaches who bring the Gospel message to bear on the kids involved in activities. The Micro League half time Bible lessons make space for this.

"When the aspects of coaching soccer and teaching the Bible are facilitated in a way that combines the two, it creates an environment with a higher potential for life transformation. The consistent presence of coaches working in tandem with local churches plays a significant role in bringing about this transformation," says Joey Waltz, PCM site director at New Life Bilingual Church and Associate Head Coach for MBI Men's Soccer.

The Moody student athletes have used this opportunity to fulfill PCM (Practical Christian Ministry) requirements and practice the discipline of preparing Bible lessons. MBI players have benefited from applying the principles of their textbook Creative Bible Teaching to inform the process of organizing lessons.

This PCM opportunity is open for any students interested in children's ministry as well as serving the immigrant community of West Chicago.