All eyes will be on Russia in less than two weeks as the 2018 World Cup takes place! But what does Surge Soccer and the World Cup have in common?
This is a great opportunity for you to look behind the scenes of the top level of soccer. Surge Soccer Founder, Dave Irby, has written a booklet that tells four soccer stories. Two Brazilians who were never destined for greatness. The tragic story of a famous German. And a story about the Manchester United plane crash.
On-site in Romania: May 13-18 and in Austria May 19-24
A Primary Objective in Romania was partnership with Outstretched Hands and several of their community centers and churches around Calarasi and Chiselet. They minister predominantly within impoverished communities. Many of the children are without parents. One Center estimates that 80% of the children have lost or been abandoned by their parents.
While we faced exhaustion from the cumulative activity of the ten day trip, the Surge women’s soccer team ended with a friendly match against a local club in Salzburg. The tiredness showed itself in our “first touches” but the girls still hung on to make the match competitive and interesting. Unfortunately we lost the game, but more importantly we won the team.
An 8 team soccer tournament and the Houghton women played 2 per team on the men’s refugee teams.
Friendly match with the Afghanistan refugee team. It was far more than a friendly match in that it continues to build positive relationships all around. It was cool to see the women sing a song of praise after losing the game and even more cool to see the men respond with one of their favorite songs.
Another highlight was getting to see the professional Red Bull match where they won the game with a single goal in the final seconds of extra time. It also happened to be their planned day of celebration winning the league. We enjoyed the event with the Afghanistan team which made it extra special.
So thankful we could invite them in for a program including this skit and snacks. The effort was in support of a new center for Outstretched Hands of Romania in one of the poorest communities of Călăraşi. It was especially meaningful to see the children respond to this love shown to them.
Check out a series of videos from the day.
We were able to get in free to watch the last 20 minutes or so of the soccer game in the Călăraşi stadium. Interestingly enough this is where the Houghton soccer team painted curbs two years ago on the previous trip. You can see some of the curb in the picture. The home team recently promoted to first division won this match 2-0. Needless to say we are having fun!
Houghton College Women’s Soccer Team in Chiselet, Romania enjoying a friendly match with the kids.
The Houghton Mission Team continues activities with some work.
Check out some of the activities from the day. Houghton Mission Team in Chiselet, Romania.
Enjoying the kids at a church plant in the village Chiselet. I was told that 80% of these kids are on their own as parents are absent or working away – in some cases in other countries. The only meal some will get is what the church offers. Several made professions of faith as a result of the girls program of song, skit and life stories.
Arrived crazy tired with jet lag in Romania and stopped at mall to get lunch (KFC) Arrived at Hope Center in Calarasi. Even though we were jet lagged we had a delicious supper and an hour of games with the kids from the community. We will be back here all day on Tuesday with the girls ending with “girls night”. The men will be leaving to meet with OH team leaders and Nicki Cruz staff. Playing games with the community kids at Hope Center
David Irby will be in Salzburg, Austria May 17-24 as we kickoff our “World Cup” themed refugee soccer league with six teams … and with our women’s team, that is touring from New York!
Looking for an inspirational read? (for just $4.62!) Just 28 pages – Three famous soccer players, one famous team; their stories of adversity, even tragedy that led to hope. Each story accompanied by a “life lesson” from the best selling book of all time – The Bible. A powerful gift for your soccer/football friends and colleagues or anyone who needs some inspiration. Check out Undefeated.
It was supposed to be a a one day soccer event for the orphans but Susie Irby, wife of Surge Founder Dave Irby saw so many needs that day in Tecate, Mexico that a week later she hopped into her car, strapped Nathan in his infant car seat, loaded up the car with groceries and headed back to Mexico; thus beginning what has amounted to a 24 year (and counting) endearing partnership with the Rancho San Juan Bosco Orphanage.
Lost Boys. (And now Girls too!) As families who live in Mexico and Central America move northward in search of an escape from poverty, some children – many of them boys – are abandoned by their families. Other children are removed from their homes by Mexican government officials for their own safety. Finally, there are children who are truly orphaned: both of their parents are deceased. Although some separations between children and parents are temporary, some are permanent. Regardless, many Hispanic and Latino children are in need of shelter. Organized …