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The team views
soccer as a platform
for ministry and by
dispersing leadership
responsibilities, it
enables the team to
grow closer together
as friends as they grow
together spiritually.
“Having smaller groups
within our team has
allowed us to be more
intentional about
checking up on one
another’s walks with
God and growing
in relationship with one another,”
Battermann said.
Though each family is serious about
growing spiritually and in their
friendships, the families have fun with
creative family competitions, selecting
a family name, a cheer, costumes and a
dance performed for the coaches. The
winning team is awarded points and
bragging rights until next season.
“I have seen our team grow stronger
together in a bond that is amazing,”
Reed said. “By having fun, I’ve seen (us)
grow into a better soccer team. We’ve
learned how to play better with one
another and work together on the field.”
Abiding in Christ
Through the leadership experience, the
women have found how much they need
to lean on the Lord.
“A verse I kept coming back to was John
15:5 which says, ‘If you remain in me and
I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart
from me, you can do nothing,’” Shumate
quoted. “I am simply a human vessel for
the Lord to work through. I will fail the
girls in my human capability to love them.
(But) I have been reminded time and
time again that I must be filled with the
Holy Spirit and His love and faithfulness
before I can pour into the girls.”
Battermann echoed a similar
dependence on the Lord.
“Many times I’ve felt inadequate, and
rightly so,” Batterman said. “I’ve grown
more deeply in relying on the Lord for
His strength, for wisdom, and for His
enabling to accomplish that which He
has called me to.”
Edwards says she has learned that
leaders are called to bring out the best in
those they oversee.
“The Lord has shown me that he uses
anyone and everyone to speak through,
no matter where they are in life,”
WIN OR LOSE, THEY ARE MORE THAN TEAMMATES
– Alana Batterman
“there is
something about
playing the
game of soccer
that creates
a special
bond.”
– Mandi Shumate
“i am simply a
human vessel
for the lord
to work
through.”
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CIU Today
Spring 2017