Photo submitted

The GRC Boys Soccer team served in Guatemala this summer as part of Scarlet Thread Missions. The story’s writer, Levi Ross, is in the front row, 4th from right.

Playing competitive soccer and spreading the love of Jesus are a combination of my two favorite things. 

I had the opportunity to do both with GRC boys and girls soccer players this summer in Guatemala thanks to Scarlet Thread Missions.

The mission is to spread the love of Jesus through soccer and missions. We do missions, soccer clinics, and end the days with a competitive soccer game with local clubs in Guatemala. 

GRC JV boys soccer coach and assistant varsity coach, Renny Ross, has coached for many years but had not experienced coaching like it was in Guatemala.

“It was a great experience for sure,” said Ross, “but also intimidating at first. The style is different as well as officiating at the national level.”

Scarlet Thread board President Gloria Contreras and her husband, William, have a desire to expose players in the states to Guatemala soccer, culture, and share the love of Jesus. Gloria was a teacher in Guatemala and served as a missionary, and William played soccer.

“Our passions of reaching the kids and families of Guatemala birthed a desire to combine our loves,” said Contreras. “This summer was a dream come true. Three weeks 30 players and 12 adults sharing the love of Jesus through the sport of soccer.”

A large number of players wanted to go on the trip leading to a need for two trips — a JV trip and a varsity trip.

Senior boys soccer captain Landon Clark had the opportunity to stay for both boys trips. His experience has changed how he views things.

“Staying two weeks in Guatemala really made me appreciate and be grateful for everything I have,”said Clark. “Seeing what they have compared to what we have really opened my eyes toward the way I live life.”

The mission group we worked with is Elevate Guatemala, located in Santiago Zamora, Guatemala. Elevate is run by Lauren and Jonathan Quintanilla.

Scarlet Thread helps them with service projects and playing with the kids. Having teams from all over the place come to work with them leaves a big impact and a joy on the Elevate workers, staff, and kids in Santiago Zamora.

“The partnership with Scarlet Thread Missions has been such a blessing to Elevate Guatemala and the families connected to our program,” said Lauren. ”When they come to serve with us, it allows for us to do projects and activities out of our normal budget that we otherwise wouldn’t be able to do.”

Sophomore girls soccer player Sadie Hayes had the opportunity to be one of the four girls to go on the girls trip in the first week.

Sadie was asked to stay in Guatemala to help babysit and it was a great joy for her. She made many last memories including playing some games with the boys teams and can’t wait to return next year. 

“Everyone was cold, soaked, and tired but we were still laughing and joking around,” said Hayes. “One of the kids turned around to me and used his best English to try and strike up a conversation. It just really showed how special soccer is despite language or nationality.”

Scarlet Thread has given me the opportunity to spread the love of Jesus with people through soccer.

I have grown extremely grateful for the things I have. My eyes were open to have gratitude for the little things in life because I saw how people in Gutaemala have little to nothing but are still so grateful for what they do have.