What an amazing trip I experienced alongside of 14 ladies and 4 men in Paysandú, Uruguay. Despite a delayed start in which we were stuck- by the providence of God- in Miami for two days, the team enjoyed great success in ministering to the Uruguayans through the game of soccer.

The Northland women's soccer team left the United States en route to Uruguay with a dual purpose. One, to train and prepare physically for the upcoming preseason. Two, to advance the kingdom of God through the game of soccer. Though the first purpose encapsulated the majority of the time spent in Uruguay, it served as the venue and means by which the second and ultimate purpose was accomplished.

As the ladies arrived in Montevideo, they faced not only a change of climate, food, and culture, but also a change of language. All of the group, save my wife and me, only knew a smattering of Spanish phrases and words. These proved helpful yet they created an incredible gap for the team to cross in order to make an impact spiritually in the lives of believers and unbelievers alike. This is where soccer, fútbol to the Uruguayans, served as a bridge.

Nights spent fellowshipping with Christian teens from Centro Biblico de Paysandu centered themselves around the game of soccer. In their uniquely-constructed fútbol 'cage' (reminiscent of the late Nike commercials) located in the middle of the city, the teens and the team would play for hours. The language and competition of soccer cemented friendships and fellowship among the Uruguayans and the Americans.

Soccer bridged the gap not only between believers but also between unbelievers. This game gained access to share the gospel with those who may otherwise never be reached by the missionaries. The Northland team played in four games against Uruguayan women's teams, finishing the short tour 2-2. The games were played on various fields from perfectly cut-grass in a stadium to a hay field in the country, from a mini-field to a rock-solid terrain with patches of grass. The team also faced various levels of competition: university clubs, city all-star teams, small city clubs, and a group of friends who play regularly. Neither the stage nor the standard of play equalled itself in importance in the mind of the team in comparison to the opportunity given for the gospel.

After each game, the two teams exchanged congratulations and kisses, as the custom is in Latin America. Pictures were taken, radio and TV interviews were conducted, and words of thanks from both sides were exchanged. But before the dust would settle on the field, the two teams paused for a moment which epitomized this team's mission: the gospel. I briefly described to both sides how important and momentous the game of soccer is across the world. Every country boasts its own league with passionate fans and dazzling arrays of banners and colors outlining each stadium. The game is important to Uruguayans and Americans alike. Yet, I shared that there is something that is even more important than the game of soccer. That is simply the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

At first their reactions were mixed to this message concluding a game of soccer. To them it seemed a bit ill-fitted and inappropriate for the occasion. But as I continued, a few gained an interest in my words and then more and more would begin to listen in. Coaches, media personnel, family and fans would eavesdrop simultaneously as they surrounded the teams. In each and every venue and to each and every team the amazing gospel of Christ was imparted.

This gospel, through the game of soccer, reached the ears of those who might otherwise never hear the most satisfying call in life, that is, the call to follow Christ. This bridge created opportunities for the missionaries to continue to develop relationships with those who heard the gospel and to advance the gospel in this Latin American country.

For this team, the mission was accomplished. They made many friends and they played a lot of soccer. Yet, they can boast that their task was finished: the kingdom of God was furthered through the avenue of soccer.