In January, 2023, Jose Eyzaguirre, CEDE SPORTS Country Coordinator in Chile and Brazil, took an intentional trip to meet with several pastors, churches, and leaders to share the vision of sports chaplaincy and sports ministry in local churches. He held meetings in the cities of Jairus, Maringá, and Paranavai, establishing future connections with leaders and pastors who were interested in hearing more about the ministry, some of which expressed a desire to build a sports ministry with the help of CEDE SPORTS.
Jose had an especially noteworthy meeting with Pastor Jhonatan Paraná from the Decided Christianity church in Maringá. Pastor Paraná was very interested in developing a more organized sports ministry, because his church has a large space for recreation with 3 climbing walls and a green space for soccer and volleyball. Pastor Paraná then connected Jose with Emerson Arsizo da Silva, who owns the climbing walls and uses them for his business. Emerson is a former drug user who found his escape in climbing to overcome his vices. He was moved to tears when Jose challenged him to use climbing as a sports ministry. He said Jose's visit had been God’s answer to his prayers, hoping to give meaning to the sport that he loves but not knowing how. Jose will partner with and support Emerson on this new journey.
The last couple of meetings were with athletic trainers, ministry leaders, and more pastors to encourage sports ministry networking, the implementation of spiritual development in athletic training, and resources to support their ministries and efforts.
Overall, the trip marked the beginning of the work of CEDE SPORTS in Brazil and we give glory to God! We ask for prayer for deepening intentional relationships for the extension of the Kingdom of God and working to reach more chaplains and churches in Brazil.