Missionary Spotlight: Cesar and Irela Rodriguez

July 6, 2018

Tell a little about yourself and where you’re from. I grew up playing many sports but dedicated myself primarily to… Read more Missionary Spotlight: Cesar and Irela Rodriguez

Tell a little about yourself and where you’re from.

I grew up playing many sports but dedicated myself primarily to the game of volleyball. As a young person, volleyball became a god in my life. However, during my first year of college, a coach shared with me about a God who had a wonderful plan for my life. In 1997, Jesus completely changed my life. I went on to complete my degree in physical education and sports. At the time, I didn’t realize that this college degree was part of God’s plan to prepare me for sports ministry. In 2002, God showed me how he could use sports to glorify the Lord. Then in 2004, God also gave me a beautiful wife and partner in ministry. Together, for the past six years, Irela and I have been serving the Lord in full-time sports ministry in our home country of Costa Rica and all throughout the Latin American region. In 2015, we moved to Panama to develop leaders and build effective sports ministry. We have two passions: to share God’s love with children and young people through sport and to train the next generation of leaders in Latin America who will reach every country and every city. We have two children: Matias (2008) and Lucia (2012).

What made you choose to serve with SportQuest Ministries?
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What is one highlight from your ministry in Panama and Latin America that you can share with us?
Using the sport of volleyball in a school where players are also growing spiritually is one thing that we love. It’s awesome to watch from week to week as the players learn more about the sport, but what encourages us the most is to see their faces when we study the Bible together and when the Word of God speaks to them personally.
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What has been the biggest challenge so far?
Prayer Requests:
  • That God will guide us into a new stage of mission in Panama.
  • That God would provide economic stability so we can continue fulfilling the mission.
  • For our family to have unity and continue serving together in His Kingdom.

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Soccer, Faith and Fitness Bring Families Together in Venezuela

By angela.blackwell • March 31, 2022
For Yackencys Domínguez Trías, enrolling her 10-year-old daughter Georgette Medina in a SportQuest soccer program resulted in several unexpected benefits. While watching her daughter practice, Yackencys saw a group of women exercising and learning about Christ. She wanted to join this community of women and decided to get involved. Today, Yackencys is part of the Vida Fitness Team and works out while Georgeth learns soccer skills. Both mother and daughter have embraced Christ and are becoming devout followers. More than 90 children participate in the SportQuest soccer academy and fitness program located in Maturin, Monagas in eastern Venezuela. SportQuest Partner Cesar Daniel Bermudez runs the program and has a dream that it will grow to serve 500 youth. Residents in this community face many challenges including poverty, dysfunctional homes, alcoholism, and drug addiction. “We have seen how the different sports and fitness programs have allowed children and their parents to play sports and go to church together,” Cesar says. “Children and youth play sports and are discipled. Mothers attend daily fitness training and learn the Word of God. Fathers are invited to participate in games to connect with their children and also to learn about the Lord. As a result, several participants have made their confession of faith, have been baptized, and attend church regularly.” Santiago Salazar met Jesus through soccer. At 14 years old, in the middle of a biblical teaching, Santiago accepted Christ into his life. In December 2021, he was baptized and today he attends church on a consistent basis. As prepares to be a professional soccer player, he is also learning how to share his story and his love of Christ with others. Great things are happening in Venezuela through sports and fitness while learning about Christ. Praise God!
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