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Futbolistas para Cristo: Where the Game Becomes a Mission Field

Hope in the Midst of Turmoil
Pastor Esdras and his wife Mariana, who are pastoring at Amor y Vida Church (Love and Life Church) in Guadalajara.
Pastor Esdras and his wife Mariana, who shepherd Amor y Vida Church (Love and Life Church) in Guadalajara.

Mexico has been in the news recently following the capture and death of one of the leading cartel bosses known as “Mencho.” While we continue to pray for the people of Mexico and for the defeat of these violent cartels, the reality is that this is a difficult and ongoing battle.

In the aftermath of his death, there were riots and demonstrations from those connected to the cartels. Although none of our partner churches were directly harmed, several had to cancel their Sunday services out of caution.

Pastor Esdras in Guadalajara even sent a photo of a burning bus (see photo above), just down the street from where his church meets.

Moments like these remind us why church planting and prayer for transformation are so vital. The Gospel is the only power that can truly change hearts, restore families, and bring lasting peace.

Reaching the Next Generation Through Soccer
Pastor Noe Reyes with professional soccer player Joel Garcia.
Pastor Noé Reyes with professional soccer player Joel García.

In Durango, Pastor Noé Reyes is seeing encouraging fruit through his ministry.

One of their most effective outreaches is called “Futbolistas para Cristo” (Soccer Players for Christ)—a ministry they began three years ago. Through this outreach, God opened doors for Pastor Noé to disciple professional soccer players, who in turn invest in and mentor teenagers from the community.

Pastor Noe and his friend Hugo in the outreach program with the teens
Pastor Noé and his friend Hugo serving alongside teens in the outreach program.

Through the testimony of these christian athletes, many young people have heard the message of salvation in a personal and relatable way.

With the help of his friend Hugo, Noé has also formed a youth soccer team. This team provides not only a place for teenagers to play and grow in their skills, but also a context for discipleship, spiritual formation, and community.

Video: Soccer Players Expressing Gratitude for the Prayers and Support of Their Ministry

Their vision is not only to reach the youth—but also to reach their parents, see families transformed, and ultimately see new churches planted out of this outreach.

A Vision for Multiplication in Durango

It has been a joy to watch how the Lord is using Pastor Noé. He has already planted two churches:

  • Vida Durango (Life Church Durango)

  • El Camino (The Way)

And he carries a strong vision to reach even more communities in Durango and see additional churches planted.

Noé recently expressed his deep gratitude for the coaching, financial support, and prayer covering he has received through this partnership.

And we want to say to you—thank you. Your faithful prayers and generosity are helping make all of this possible.

Vida Durango, Pastor Noe Reyes.
Vida Durango congregation, led by Pastor Noé Reyes.

Join Us in Prayer

  • For Pastor Noe and Eneydi — strength, unity, and encouragement as they lead.
  • For Futbolistas Para Cristo — that many teenagers and their families would come to Christ.
  • For Vida Durango — continued growth, health, and spiritual momentum.
  • For El Camino — Evangelism, solid discipleship and strong new leaders.
  • For wider impact — for the professional soccer players and the youth they are discipling.

Thank you for praying and standing with us!

🤲 Extend Your Hands to Help
Happy faces of children being blessed
Joyful children receiving gifts and experiencing the love of Christ.

God is moving powerfully in Mexico and across Cuba, where new churches are being planted, leaders are being trained, and families are being discipled, even in extremely difficult circumstances.

And through Hannah’s Toys of Hope, children continue to receive:

  • 🎁 Toys
  • ✏️ School supplies
  • 🍞 Food
  • 🙏 Prayer
  • 📖 The message of Christ

The smiles, the joy, the spark of hope—each one is a gift of God’s love made tangible.

Your generosity through Beyond Borders becomes a powerful channel of God’s grace—empowering pastors, strengthening families, planting churches, and filling children’s hearts with joy and the hope of the gospel.

Because of your prayers and faithful support:

  • Pastors and their families are being supported

  • Marriages are being strengthened
  • Churches are being planted in unreached areas

  • New believers are being discipled, and leaders are being raised up

  • Families in need are receiving food and supplies

  • Children are being blessed with toys, school supplies, and the gospel through Hannah’s Toys of Hope

Hannah's Toys of Hope in Action
Hannah’s Toys of Hope bringing joy and the message of Jesus to children.
🚀 Help Us Reach More in 2026

Even as we celebrate all that God has done, we know the work is far from finished. The need is great… and the harvest is plentiful. 🌾

In the months ahead, we’re trusting God to help us so we can:

  • Launch new churches

  • Equip new leaders

  • Expand outreach into unreached communities

  • Share Christ’s love with more families

Would you prayerfully consider giving a special gift today?

Your gift helps bring the love and hope of Christ to those who need it most.

Click below to give a special gift today. 

Thank you for your generosity and compassion in extending your hands to help.

In His Grip, Dave & Dawn Diaso

BeyondBordersLife.org


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