We were at the dump today giving out hot soup, drinking water, and peanut butter sandwiches. The people working here are, believe it or not, in the recycling business and on a good day may make about 1 dollar. Some are trying to support families with multiple children.
Playing games at a community center as part of the final week of camp. All these efforts are aimed at the end result of providing better care, education and hope to keep families together and to help young people avoid working on the streets.
Al and Lori leading a team of 9 to minister to the very poor in the Dominican Republic. June 19-24 – Al and Lori Lotz will be leading a team of 9 from Northside Church, Rome, GA to Sosua, Dominican Republic. This is our second trip there partnering with Crossover Cups Ministries – working with the very poor who work and live in the garbage dump, with those caught up in the very prevalent sex trafficking industry, and helping with a VBS program in several communities.
Whether this opportunity will be an on-going ministry or not, remains to be seen. But the potential for making a significant impact on people’s lives on this continent is limitless. Some countries are in turmoil, ripped apart by civil war and decimated by poverty, famine, genocide, disease, ethnic conflict, and religious extremists. Many people struggle to get a single meal a day! The average income is less than $2 a day. In some countries, the child population is nearing 50% of the total.
Caring for a younger siblings is common
Imagine the chaos – older siblings caring for younger ones, no employment, no education, few resources, little hope but plenty of hunger and suffering. We cannot just sit by and watch! With instant media today, it is easy to get lulled to sleep with just another statistic, but we MUST wake up and love our neighbor as ourselves. Extreme needs may require extreme resources. Are you willing to be involved?
Children receiving nutritious drink so that they might have enough energy for success in school.
Surge International was invited by church leaders and the Football (Soccer) Federation to bring a soccer team to help grass root development of the sport with intent to motivate and assist young people in their quest for a better life. Our strategy is to cooperate with existing agencies already involved in reaching people for Christ to ensure there will be good follow up in the aftermath of our involvement. In June 2014, with the “World Cup fever” in full pitch Surge brought together an international soccer team of professional and amateur players to play 4 matches in 3 cities. Many heard the good news that we hope will bring healing and restoration to a war torn country. Besides the soccer, the Surge team hosted several seminars for pastors, offered counseling for trauma in the aftermath of war, visited orphans and assisted several local ministries. Our motto of “bringing hope through soccer” continues to have long-lasting impact at grass root levels especially among the huge youth population. Click here for a Statesman Journal article about this effort.
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.
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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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!
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.
Posted: June 20, 2018 by SurgeSoccer
Al & Lori in the Dominican Republic – Update
We were at the dump today giving out hot soup, drinking water, and peanut butter sandwiches. The people working here are, believe it or not, in the recycling business and on a good day may make about 1 dollar. Some are trying to support families with multiple children.
Playing games at a community center as part of the final week of camp. All these efforts are aimed at the end result of providing better care, education and hope to keep families together and to help young people avoid working on the streets.
Posted: June 17, 2018 by SurgeSoccer
This week – June 18th – for Surge Soccer Director, David Irby
Dave and Susie are wrapping up a 15 day trip to visit colleagues, and attend a retreat, in Austria, and a vacation in Italy.
Posted: June 16, 2018 by SurgeSoccer
What’s happening at Surge this week? (Week of June 18th)
Al and Lori leading a team of 9 to minister to the very poor in the Dominican Republic. June 19-24 – Al and Lori Lotz will be leading a team of 9 from Northside Church, Rome, GA to Sosua, Dominican Republic. This is our second trip there partnering with Crossover Cups Ministries – working with the very poor who work and live in the garbage dump, with those caught up in the very prevalent sex trafficking industry, and helping with a VBS program in several communities.
Posted: June 14, 2018 by SurgeSoccer
World Cup starts today in Russia
Check out the video: www.theprize.com – a video from the 2014 world cup.
The World Cup starts today in Russia watch The Prize in your language, dynamic soccer action as top footballer share their story.
Read More
Burundi
Posted: June 9, 2018 by SurgeSoccer
Whether this opportunity will be an on-going ministry or not, remains to be seen. But the potential for making a significant impact on people’s lives on this continent is limitless. Some countries are in turmoil, ripped apart by civil war and decimated by poverty, famine, genocide, disease, ethnic conflict, and religious extremists. Many people struggle to get a single meal a day! The average income is less than $2 a day. In some countries, the child population is nearing 50% of the total.
Imagine the chaos – older siblings caring for younger ones, no employment, no education, few resources, little hope but plenty of hunger and suffering. We cannot just sit by and watch! With instant media today, it is easy to get lulled to sleep with just another statistic, but we MUST wake up and love our neighbor as ourselves. Extreme needs may require extreme resources. Are you willing to be involved?
Surge International was invited by church leaders and the Football (Soccer) Federation to bring a soccer team to help grass root development of the sport with intent to motivate and assist young people in their quest for a better life. Our strategy is to cooperate with existing agencies already involved in reaching people for Christ to ensure there will be good follow up in the aftermath of our involvement. In June 2014, with the “World Cup fever” in full pitch Surge brought together an international soccer team of professional and amateur players to play 4 matches in 3 cities. Many heard the good news that we hope will bring healing and restoration to a war torn country. Besides the soccer, the Surge team hosted several seminars for pastors, offered counseling for trauma in the aftermath of war, visited orphans and assisted several local ministries. Our motto of “bringing hope through soccer” continues to have long-lasting impact at grass root levels especially among the huge youth population. Click here for a Statesman Journal article about this effort.
Posted: June 9, 2018 by SurgeSoccer
Surge project in Salem, Oregon Helps Kids
Surge project in Salem, Oregon impacts hundreds of kids lives. Meet Surge Board Member Likius Hafeni who heads up the project! Check out the video…
Read More
Surge Soccer and the World Cup
Posted: June 4, 2018 by SurgeSoccer
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.
Read More
Summary: 2018 Romania & Austria Surge Team with Houghton Women’s Team
Posted: May 31, 2018 by SurgeSoccer
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.
Read More
Hougton’s Womens Mission Team final game in Salzburg
Posted: May 30, 2018 by SurgeSoccer
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.
Read More
Posted: May 21, 2018 by SurgeSoccer
8 team soccer tournament our gals played 2 per team on the men’s refugee team
An 8 team soccer tournament and the Houghton women played 2 per team on the men’s refugee teams. Read More
Posted: May 21, 2018 by SurgeSoccer
Houghton Women’s Mission Team with Surge Soccer in Salzburg
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. Read More
Posted: May 21, 2018 by SurgeSoccer
Surge with Houghton Women’s Mission Team at Red Bull Match
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. Read More
Posted: May 17, 2018 by SurgeSoccer
Surge & Houghton Mission Team Update – May 17 – Videos
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.
Read More
Posted: May 17, 2018 by SurgeSoccer
Surge & Houghton Mission Team Update – May 17
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!
Read More
Posted: May 16, 2018 by SurgeSoccer
Soccer Match – Houghton Mission Team in Chiselet, Romania
Houghton College Women’s Soccer Team in Chiselet, Romania enjoying a friendly match with the kids.
Read More
Posted: May 16, 2018 by SurgeSoccer
Yard Work – Houghton Mission Team in Chiselet, Romania
The Houghton Mission Team continues activities with some work.
Read More
Posted: May 16, 2018 by SurgeSoccer
Activities from the day – Houghton Mission Team in Chiselet, Romania
Check out some of the activities from the day. Houghton Mission Team in Chiselet, Romania.
Read More
Posted: May 16, 2018 by SurgeSoccer
Houghton College 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.
Read More
Juggling Challenge at Hope Center in Calarasi
Posted: May 16, 2018 by SurgeSoccer
The Juggling Challenge
Read More
Dance at Hope Center in Calarasi
Posted: May 15, 2018 by SurgeSoccer
Read More
Questions?
Are you a COACH? A PLAYER? Looking for an opportunity for your TEAM?
Contact us for more information about how YOU can bring HOPE.
Donor Account Info
More Stories, Videos, and Photos
Facebook.com/SurgeSoccer
YouTube.com/SurgeSoccer
Instagram.com/surge_soccer
Translate This Page