I was reading my verse of the day that comes up from the Bible app on my phone this morning and this one really hit me. Here is the verse: Every Branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. John 15:2 ESV
As I am writing this, I am reflecting on why this verse is affecting me so much. I believe that God is pruning me right now so that I can bear more fruit. I have enjoyed being a youth pastor for awhile now at a few different churches and I have gotten to interact with a number of different young people. I wouldn't trade any of the experiences I have had (rewarding and challenging) for anything, but the Lord has moved me away to new opportunities over the course of my journey. Each one has built on the previous one and I have learned and grown each time. I honestly thought that the last opportunity would be longer than it ended up, but I now believe that the time for Guardian Soccer Academy is here. This youth soccer training ministry has been on my heart for over 12 years and each time I have tried to start it up, it hasn't worked...until now.
While I am absolutely excited for what is in front of me, people who know me understand that I am cautious about stepping out like this. I like things to be lined up so that I have a safety net. Getting pruned is not like that - the branch gets trimmed and all you can do is grow and move forward. I am reminded of a message from Pastor Ron Armstrong about giving up a "good" to get a "great". That is absolutely terrifying for me! But God knows this about me (He created me after all!), and He is constantly reminding me that He has me in His arms and He will take care of me and my family.
I truly believe that God is going to use me in this new endeavor to reach more young people in the Coachella Valley through youth soccer training than I ever thought was possible. I have tears in my eyes right now as I write this. I am so blessed!
So, it is with an excited heart and nervous spirit that I take this step of faith and announce...Guardian Soccer Academy is LIVE!
Thanks for the prayers and support.
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