A New Perspective on Gratitude and Purpose

In March, I had the opportunity to travel to Monterrey, Mexico, with Athletes in Action Soccer to share the gospel at back-to-back campus sites. Each morning started with reflection, then we spent the majority of the day serving on campus (sweeping, drilling, moving equipment, preparing breakfast for campers, and helping install wiring for a new water system). In the afternoons, we ran soccer clinics for orphans, shared our personal testimonies, and connected with them in small groups.

The trip was truly life-changing. Seeing the joy on the kids’ faces as they played and learning about their stories and faith gave me a new perspective on gratitude and purpose. It reminded me how privileged we are to have life’s necessities and how powerful sport can be as a tool to spread the gospel across cultures. Using soccer as a bridge to serve and share God’s love was incredibly rewarding, and I’d encourage anyone considering a trip like this to go for it! You won’t regret it!

Nick Okoro | Mexico Spring Break 2025