"I was raised in a Christian household. Every time the doors of the southern baptist church we attended were open, we were there. Upbringing had its struggles as both my mom and dad had some marital issues, but God brought them closer together as they drew closer to him. As a family of five, soccer was a massive component and took us on the road a lot. It felt like every season of life was dedicated to playing, and during summer, I usually attended a soccer camp led by a Christian organization. Each session was dedicated to learning the fundamentals of the game, and during 'halftime,' our assigned coaches presented the Gospel to us. The most prominent thing I can remember is having a distinct need for Jesus. I heard about him at church, saw what he did for my parent's marriage, and it all made sense for me to admit my need for him as my Lord and Savior and receive his grace. It’s fun to look back and see how God used something like soccer in the summer of 1997 to reach my heart and help shape and mold me into the person I am today. 

Ephesians 2:8-9 says, 'For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.'" - Chandler P.