Ukraine? Are you kidding?

No joke, Surge Senior VP Lotz is headed to Ukraine on August 19.  The original plan was a joint team effort where some would do needed construction of a retirement facility for the church folks while others do a soccer camp with the young people. With the tragedy of the airplane accident and the civil unrest in Eastern Ukraine the trip came into question.  Those doing the construction, decided to postpone for a more favorable time with the hope of gaining a larger crew for the task.   Together, we …

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Al’s Wheelchair Story

One of the things I enjoy most about my work is that I often get to make connections as part of a network of God’s people working to meet needs.  This is one of those stories. Last year (2013), Surge made a survey trip to Bolivia with the idea of discovering if there was interest and need for the type of ministry we are involved in using soccer as a means of building relationships, specifically focussed on children in need.  Well, that led us to a partnership with the Stansberry …

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New Statesman Journal Article

Salem’s soccer team may have disbanded in 2009, but the name and the team’s former coach and president still are a force in Christian soccer ministry. Cascade Surge’s David Irby moved to Salem in 1997 for a dual purpose: to coach a soccer team and to unite Christian ministry with the sport. The idea for the Premiere Development League team when he took it over was to have the team play soccer but also work with local kids and participate in mission projects. Over the years, the team went to …

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Ukraine & Mongolia Next

  Surge International also has trips planned to Ukraine in August and Mongolia in September.       A small team of men and possibly one woman will be working with a church about 3 hours from Kiev in a duel effort of a contruction project and soccer outreach.  This church is already engaging young people by using soccer as an attraction, but they have asked for assistance in bringing more technical and tactical coaching to help develop this ministry.  Again, we would love to take some needed equipment and …

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Momentum Builds For Bolivia Team

As the day approaches for departure to Bolivia the details are coming together for a good trip and an impactful ministry to young people through a soccer camp.  Joining us is a group of high school soccer players from the Church at Northside, in Rome GA.  See the video clip these boys put together to raise funds for the trip (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX1KB8dM-Fs&feature=youtu.be).  Scott, who has coached soccer for many years with children is also a wonderful addition to our team and will be providing leadership for the soccer activities at the …

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10,000 Expected at President’s Match

The “Kick Off To Hope Tour” is currently in Ngozi, the third city to be visited, and home of the Burundian president. President Pierre Nkurunziza is an active soccer player and we are scheduled for a match with his team today.  Along with the matches the Surge soccer team and coaches have engaged people in three different streams of ministry in each city visited.  A pastor’s seminar lead by Mark Geissbauer through Anstoss zur Hoffnung is designed to teach church leaders how to impact their communities through sport ministry.  Coaches …

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Sammy Surge on YouTube April 1st

Surge Mascot Sammy Surge and his pals Hansi and Matumbu want to share their “study hard, play fair, help others” video with you.  Their 3 minute homemade video is set to launch on April 1st – no joke. Have some fun with Sammy and his pals, invite friends to watch – then learn about Sammy’s “life principles” at www.surgesoccer.org

Senior VP Remains Active in Recuperation

Senior VP Al Lotz has been very busy since returning from Pucallpa, Peru where he delivered several consultant sessions to a church desiring to reach their community through a soccer ministry.  Lotz says, “this effort could result in a unique partnership between Surge, the local church and Peruvian missionary Julio for a future event targeting an indigenous people group in norther Peru.”  The church has invited Surge to bring a soccer team to help kick off their soccer ministry in 2015. Upon return from Peru, Lotz has been occupied with …

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German Mission joins Africa cause

Surge International is pleased to announce their renewed partnership with Anstoss zur Hoffnung anstoss-zur-hoffnung.de/ for the upcoming project in Africa in June. Surge and AzH, the Stuttgart, Gerrmany based “soccer mission” have partnered in Mozambique, Germany and Mongolia. AzH founder Mark Geissbauer, who was the Executive of the Year for the Surge in the PDL national soccer league and again with the Cleveland team will be one of the key leaders of the mission project in June.

CEO Heads to Europe and Africa

Surge CEO Dave Irby has just renewed his US Soccer “A” Coaching License in Florida…encouraged YWAM staffers and “trainees” in Oregon and on April 8th heads to Vienna and Africa (April 8-19). The trip to Europe will include sharing with the leaders of sbuxfellowship.org; a retreat with AIA Austria staff & volunteers athletesinaction.at; and visits to the Surge’s partner church in Vienna cigwien.at. Glenn Koppang from the Salem & Portland Africa prayer groups will join Irby on the trip. Glenn has extensive experience in “reconciliation” and has traveled to Africa …

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

We at Surge International would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  We anticipate 2014 to be a good year for ministry as we anticipate projects in Europe, Asia, and Africa as well as North and South America.  God has blessed our efforts and we trust that He will broaden our horizons, making a significant impact on people’s lives around the world. Special thanks to our partners and brothers that make it all possible.  We wish “peace and good will to all,” not only during …

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Africa

More Current News and Events

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What is Surge up to?

More than a decade has passed since Surge began as an organization.  Along with the twists and turns it is exciting to see how God has directed our paths developing the innovative approach and global potential in ministry.  Learn more about our vision and focus by CLICKING HERE!

Celebrating 20 Years at Orphanage

You could make all the difference in the life of a orphan in Tecate, Mexico.  Would you consider helping us help them? How you ask? CLICK HERE for more information.

The Bolivia Connection

Senior VP, Al Lotz’s recent return trip to childhood home in Bolivia proved profitable.  Part of the goal was to minister directly to the staff and children at the Stansberry Orphanage (www.stansberrybolivia.com).                 Lotz states, “It was really cool seeing the children’s faces light up, when they received their new shirt, socks and cleats. What a privilege to share with them in this way!”  The team really connected with the kids and both we and they were sorry to part ways.  On the …

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Report on Lotz Peru Trip

Lotz is in Peru for Medical Work, Construction and Soccer The first week of ministry in Peru was a success doing medical work in several communities along the rivers and ground preparation for a Bible school founded to train lay pastors in the remote jungle region. In spite of rain and mud the team was able to build  a bridge over a stream to provide access for future construction of buildings on the property.  The first construction will be dorm rooms and classrooms with the hope of opening the Bible …

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