Hello everyone, my name is Michael Bizerra and I am USG’s newest Engagement Associate. I am so excited to have the opportunity to serve the Lord in this role, and to support the mission of connecting, encouraging, and equipping brothers and sisters in Christ throughout collegiate and professional sports. I am also excited to share a little about myself and hope that this post can serve as an initial invitation to connect with me.  I was born in São Paulo, Brazil. By the grace of God, I was brought up in the ways of the Lord, and my faith was always an essential part of my life. However, as most of us can relate, sports soon became another fundamental aspect of life. Over the years, I participated in every sport my school had to offer. So when I transitioned to college, I decided to pursue a degree in sport management from Liberty University. During my time at Liberty, I had the opportunity to gain experience in several of their athletic programs. My freshman year I did an internship with the Football team and was able to get my first look into collegiate athletics. After that, I worked with the Flames Club’s fan experience team and helped run in-game promotions and events for all of Liberty Athletics. Finally, I worked as an Events and Operations intern with Liberty’s Club Sports department. Overall, these experiences helped shape my knowledge and understanding of how collegiate athletics operate.  I first came across Uncommon Sports Group at Liberty’s Sport Leadership Summit in October 2024. During one of the intermissions, Karlie Flowers shared about a regional gathering that would be taking place on Liberty’s campus later that evening. I decided to investigate what USG was all about. I was very pleasantly surprised to discover that USG was not a sports organization that also happened to be Christian, but was a Christ-centered organization that happened to work through sports. A few months later I began the Academy, where I was able to meet incredible individuals in my team but also had a great mentor in Mikey Carpenter. For my Impact Weekend I attended the CWS Conference, where I was blown away by the commitment of so many individuals to live out their faith through the sports industry. I knew this was an organization I wanted to be a part of.  So, when the Lord opened the door for me to become an Engagement Associate with USG, I was so excited to step through it. Since then, the Lord has provided for me at every turn. He blessed me with the financial support I needed to get started here with USG, safe travels on the road from Virginia to Minneapolis, and even a place to stay during my time here in Minnesota. I am in awe of the Lord’s blessings over me and cannot imagine where I would be without Him.  As I get started in this new role I am asking the Lord to guide my steps and use me in ways that I cannot imagine. I am excited to serve the Lord in this capacity and serve this incredible community. As I mentioned earlier, it is my hope that this post would serve as an invitation for those reading it to reach out and connect with me. I look forward to getting to know more of the USG family in the coming months. God Bless! Thank you for reading and learning more about the USG team! If you'd like to know more about Uncommon Sports Group , Clean Out for a Cause , or our programs, please contact us . We'd love to hear from you!

In 2020, Ben Watson, professional football player and author of the book "Under Our Skin: Getting Real about Race. Getting Free from the Fears and Frustrations that Divide Us." joined our Equipment Managers Book Study to discuss two critical concepts: Grace and Truth. Ben shed light on his journey as a Christian during this challenging time in sports and our country. Thank you, Ben, for taking the time to meet with our book study. The Equipment Managers Book Study is sponsored by Clean Out for a Cause. Learn more about our Clean Out for a Cause program at cleanout.org . If you have questions about our Equipment Managers book study, please visit us at cleanout.org - Equipment Managers Book Study . Thank you, and God bless!

Uncommon Sports Group seeks to connect, encourage, and equip Christians working throughout the college and professional sport industry. A large part of how USG seeks to accomplish this mission is by funding its members to attend international mission trips that help equip them to live missional lives through their careers in sports. This summer, USG traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, with a group of fourteen of its members and four staff for a two-week short-term trip. While in Kenya, USG served alongside local ministry partners in a variety of ways, as well as experiencing the local culture and scenery in Kenya. If you want to learn more about the trip to Kenya, you can read a detailed summary here . Caitlyn Manning was one of the attendees on this summer's trip to Kenya. Caitlyn is a part of the USG community and has been on two mission trips with USG prior to this year's trip. Currently, Caitlyn serves as the Chief of Staff for Middle Tennessee State's football program. Below is a testimony from Caitlyn reflecting on her experience in Kenya: There’s a common denominator in the uncommon blessings. We have the privilege of these uncommon blessings multiplying in Christ-centered communities. That’s what we experienced firsthand while in Kenya. I’ve always dreamed of going to Africa. Since I was a little girl, it was a goal of mine to encounter the people who live across the globe with a fraction of the resources but exponentially more joy. I could identify it in pictures, videos, books, and stories. It really can’t go unnoticed, but I wanted to witness it for myself. I wanted my own stories, my own testimony. I underestimated what my future would hold. God is so much bigger than we can grasp. He moves in ways that we cannot fathom, showing up in places we’ve never been or imagined. Through USG, I have been lucky enough to experience Africa two times prior to this summer (Uganda ‘19 and Kenya ‘21), yet each short-term mission trip brings its own faith journey and uncommon blessings. Kenya 2025 was no exception to this. I would be doing you a disservice if I did not begin with our team. This group, these friends of mine, they are earth-shakers. They are everything I want to be. Each one of them showed up ready to work, serve, laugh, play, and get their hands dirty (physically and spiritually). They are authentic. They are teachers and learners. They are humble. They are consistent. They love beyond measure. These are the people I got to do life with in Kenya, and for that, I am forever grateful. Each day, we had dedicated time to invest in each other. We spent time in small groups studying Galatians, sharing, laughing, crying, and praying. As a big group, we came together and shared even more. Our cups were overflowing with gratitude for who He is and how He has chased our hearts through the ups and downs that this world thrusts us into. What an uncommon blessing it was to learn and grow with my new best friends. This team is the best of us. They pushed me to be the best me. Because of them, I will never be the same. As a team, we walked into a lot of unknowns together. AST (African Stretch Time) will always come with a learning curve. (Just because it has a start time, doesn’t mean it will start on time. It’s merely a suggestion for arrival.) Timing was flexible, so we learned to be that too. Each day brought new faces, new conversations, new challenges, new Kenyan massages (bumpy drives to our destination), and new uncommon blessings. Some of my favorite faces were at the Huduma School. The teachers and administrators pour into those kids with everything they have, and the kids love bigger than anyone I know. Their smiles are contagious, and their willingness to dive into whatever was next came from a place of curiosity and gratitude. They have so little, but they know where their hope comes from. They are blinding lights of the Lord’s love, faithfulness, and goodness. They laugh at you. They laugh with you. They humble you. They encourage you. They love without caution. They fear nothing. While we had the intentions of loving on these kids, they loved on us even bigger. They were the definition of uncommon. Each moment with them was its own blessing. Huduma is located in a large slum in Nairobi where all the students live. It’s likely that their parents don’t have consistent jobs and have multiple kids to feed and clothe. They live in homes that are, at most, a few hundred square feet; one room that serves as a living room, bedroom, dining room, and kitchen. On Friday, June 27th, we were set to do door-to-door evangelism. This will never cease to give me anxiety, but it will also never cease to amaze me. Our team had the privilege of walking through the slum with church members to share the gospel with anyone who might welcome us in. And, boy, did they welcome us in. I was in awe of how the Lord worked through and around us, sending family after family simply wanting to hear about Jesus and receive prayers for a variety of circumstances. They chased us down with the confidence that they might receive a slight glimpse of hope in the Good News we were sharing. They had childlike wonder that I admired.  That’s not something we see every day, nor is it something we practice every day. The common denominator in these uncommon blessings is where they come from. The light that shines through these experiences. The fire burning in His people. The love and laughter of His children. It’s all Him. We are simply vessels for His works. We have an opportunity, an instruction, an obligation, to share that love and light with others and grow His Kingdom. The God we experienced and walked with in Kenya is the same God we have at home. Who are we not to seek and share Him always? Who am I not to be in awe of Him, His people, and His works every day? This feeling is one I hope I never lose sight of, one that I want to hold onto and live in forever. It’s a fire for Him that feeds the eternity of others. It’s the greatest gift we’ve been given. Why not share it? To the Kenya 2025 team - Thank you for saying “yes” to taking this journey together. Thank you for showing up as you are, for meeting each other right where we needed to, for not having personal agendas, and for embracing the unexpected and uncommon experiences we were blessed with. I can’t wait to see where the Lord takes you. Love y’all forever and ever. To our partners in Kenya - Thank you for treating us as lifelong friends and family. You shared your lives with us, allowing God to shine His light in an unfamiliar way. Your posture of gratitude and grace did not waver. You changed us forever. To the USG staff - “Uncommon” does not do your impact justice. You walk beside us on our best and worst days, challenging us and resourcing us to grow in our faith. You provide us with avenues to share the gospel in our work and social communities. Thank you for believing in us and equipping us to grow His Kingdom. Thank you for walking with us and creating a community that aims to glorify the Lord in everything. We are forever grateful for how well you love and lead. Thank you!" Seeing the impact that the Lord brought about from this trip, both in Caitlyn's life and in the individuals we served in Kenya, has been such an encouragement! We are grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the Lord in Kenya with this group of Christ-centered leaders of the sport industry. If you would like to learn more about the trip to Kenya, click here  to read a detailed summary. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a part of USG's growing community of Christian sport industry professionals, click here !

This past weekend, the 2025 Christians Working in Sports (CWS) Conference gathered over 200 believers working throughout the sport industry in Atlanta, GA, at Passion City Church’s Cumberland campus. This was the third annual CWS Conference, and for the first time, Uncommon Sports Group partnered with ADs4Christ to host the event. The goal of this conference is to connect Christian professionals working in athletics, encourage them in their walk with Christ, and equip them to live out their faith while navigating a career in sports. These goals were accomplished through intentional fellowship and small group discussions, a lineup of experienced and inspiring guest speakers, and practical takeaways for attendees to apply in their lives and careers. Doors opened on the afternoon of Friday, July 12th. The first session featured a keynote message from Pastor Mayo Sowell on living on mission as a Christian in the sport industry. Mayo addressed the common misconception that secular work is not spiritual, reminding us that for Christians, all work—including work in sports—can be used for God’s kingdom purposes. Following Mayo’s tone-setting message, a panel of athletic directors took the stage to discuss navigating uncertainty in the world of sports, with Jason Romano serving as the panel host. The panelists included Graham Neff (Director of Athletics at Clemson University), Jamie Boggs (Vice President of Athletics at Grand Canyon University), and Jamaal Walton (Director of Athletics at VMI). The discussion centered on the major uncertainties currently facing college athletics and how these leaders are navigating those challenges through their faith in Christ. Before dinner, after a time of table discussion, attendees heard from Chad Chatlos, Managing Director at Turnkey ZRG. Chad shared helpful insights on how Christians working in sports can approach job transitions with both wisdom and faith. After dinner, attendees entered into a powerful time of worship led by Passion Worship. This corporate worship session was deeply moving and aligned perfectly with the conference’s goal of encouraging attendees in their faith. The evening concluded with a message from Passion City Church’s lead pastor, Louie Giglio. On Saturday morning, everyone gathered again for another worship session to kick off the day. Afterward, renowned speaker and author Jon Gordon delivered a compelling keynote on the power of a praying leader. He emphasized the vital role of prayer in the life of the Christian—especially for those in leadership positions. Following a time of reflection and small group discussion, another panel took the stage—this one led by Pastor Greg Hendricks. The topic: managing competitiveness and ambition as a Christian in sports. The panelists were Christina Hovestadt (Senior Manager of Community Relations with the NFL), Kyle Stark (President of Stark Contrast), and Jaunelle White (Vice President of Athletics at Point University). Each panelist shared personal insights on how they balance excellence and ambition with faithfulness and humility. Before lunch, five individuals were honored with awards that reflect their faithfulness to connect, encourage, and equip Christians working in sports. The Rising Uncommon Leader Awards went to Alex Kaiser and Natalie Osborne. The Collegiate and Professional Uncommon Leader Awards were presented to Angela Marin and Christina Hovestadt. The Barnabas Award—given to someone who models encouragement and servant-hearted leadership—was awarded to James Weiss. After lunch, ESPN sideline reporter and author Lauren Sisler shared a keynote on having bold faith in the workplace. She shared her personal story and the trials she’s overcome, while encouraging attendees to share their testimony boldly, even in professional environments. Another time of table discussion followed, after which a final panel—hosted once again by Jason Romano—took the stage to address the topic of work/life balance in the sports industry. Panelists included Moses Ehambe (former NBA coach), Lori Krueger (Chaplain of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team), and Matt Marasco (Senior Director of Leadership Development with the Kansas City Royals). Their vulnerability and practical wisdom made this session especially relatable and helpful. The final session of the conference brought a strong close. Former NFL tight end, author, and speaker Benjamin Watson joined Pastor Greg Hendricks for a discussion on the Christian movement we are seeing across the sport industry. Benjamin shared about his family, marriage, and what it has looked like to live out his faith as a professional athlete. This honest and encouraging conversation was a powerful way to conclude the weekend. Gathering over 200 Christians from across the sports industry under one roof for the purpose of glorifying Christ is a unique and special privilege. Watching the church within sports come together to grow, connect, and leave encouraged was a joy—and we’re excited to see how God will use the seeds planted during this conference to expand His Kingdom! If you missed this year’s conference—or if you attended and can’t wait to return—make plans now for the 2026 CWS Conference, coming back to Atlanta, GA, on June 26–27. Registration is already open, so click here to register! See you next summer in Atlanta!

In this episode, Associate Head Men’s Basketball Coach at LeTourneau University, Joel Wallace, discusses his journey to coaching, his approach to coaching and recruiting as a Christian, and how he balances being a husband, father, and coach. A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released! Do you want to join our community of Christian leaders working in the college and pro sport industry? Learn how you can get involved with USG here .

Over the past few weeks, a team of 18 from USG had the incredible opportunity to serve in Nairobi, Kenya. The trip began on June 19 as our team departed from the U.S., arriving in Nairobi on Friday, June 20. We spent the first few days immersing ourselves in Kenyan culture, visiting the Giraffe Centre and worshiping alongside one of our ministry partners at Huduma Cathedral. Located in the Kawangware slum, Huduma is a vibrant church community that shines the light of Christ in the midst of deep poverty. The church is led by a pastor with a deep passion to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of those in the area. Worshiping with this community on our first Sunday was a powerful and humbling experience. Huduma Cathedral also runs a school—Huduma Primary School—for children in the Kawangware slum. In a community where poverty and hardship often limit opportunity, education is a critical pathway to breaking the cycle. Huduma Primary provides students with a Christ-centered education and the hope of a brighter future. From Monday, June 23 to Friday, June 27, we served alongside the staff and students at Huduma Primary. Our team donated sports equipment and school supplies, including soccer balls, goals, basketballs, volleyballs, footballs, notebooks, pens, pencils, and erasers. Each day, we led sports camps that rotated through four different stations, giving students the chance to develop their skills, enjoy friendly competition, and experience the joy of play. Our goal was simple: to serve with joy and love, and to create an environment where kids could experience the hope of Christ through our actions and attitudes. On Friday, we had the privilege of engaging in evangelism throughout the Kawangware community. Our group split into three teams, each led by local translators, and went house-to-house to pray for families and share the gospel. We were deeply impacted by the realities of the homes we visited—and grateful for the opportunity to bring the good news of Jesus to those we met. We praise God that several individuals made first-time decisions to follow Christ that day! On Saturday, June 28, we traveled south to Amboseli National Park, located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. The safari experience was a highlight for many of our team members as we took in Kenya’s stunning landscapes and encountered elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffalo, wildebeests, and more. Our final days of ministry began on Sunday, June 29, with our second partner, Pastor Kennedy Salano. We attended his church, where USG’s Director of Ministry preached the morning message, and spent the afternoon sharing a meal and meaningful fellowship with Pastor Salano and his family. On Monday, June 30, we partnered with Pastor Salano to host a sports ministry seminar for over 60 coaches from across Kenya. The goal of this gathering was to equip and inspire coaches to see their role as a platform for ministry. Three of our participants and one staff member led sessions on: Coaching with a Purpose Characteristics of a Godly Leader Creating a Lasting Impact on Your Players Living with an Eternal Perspective Following each session, coaches engaged in small-group discussions to reflect and apply what they heard. For many, this was a mindset shift—realizing that coaching isn’t just about sports, but about eternal impact. As our team returns home, we do so with full hearts. This trip was a testament to God’s faithfulness—not only in the lives of those we served, but in the lives of those who served. While a recap like this can’t capture all that God did, we pray the seeds planted would grow and bear fruit for His kingdom in the days ahead. Thank you for your continued prayers and support! If you are interested in learning more about our ministry work at Uncommon Sports Group or getting involved, please click here .

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13-14 I'm entering a stage of life when many of my friends are having babies. It's wonderful! The gender reveal, ultrasound images, the child's first steps, hearing "mama," and the preciousness of holding a sweet little one are amazing. But the supernatural and joyous adventure of raising a baby isn't always easy. The journey comes with many hiccups, learning curves, sleepless nights, tears, and smelly things...But if you ask any loving parent if the struggle of raising a child is worth it, the answer is absolutely yes. What's our answer when following Jesus gets hard? We can all ponder our answer. But let's instead focus on what Jesus answered when given the most challenging assignment: bearing the weight of sin. "Not my will, but yours be done, " He said. Despite having zero desire to suffer, His answer to the cross was, "absolutely yes." Why? What led Jesus to endure mocking, betrayal, abuse, hatred, and crucifixion? What stirred His heart in such a way to humble Himself and submit to the Father's plan radically and perfectly? His child. "For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2 You are the joy set before Him. Fellowship, unity, and oneness with those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God and confess that He is Lord. Just as a newborn baby is tied to their parent, so are God's children unified with Him when we're reborn into the Kingdom. If I'm being honest, I often find myself journeying the narrow road with the Lord Jesus and being surprised that it's not easy. I'll ask, "Is there any other way? " Western society teaches that the road of life involves making money, having a successful career, having a romantic love story, living in pleasure, buying a home and a car, and the list goes on. Let's be real. The more I follow Jesus, the more I realize His road and my road look very different. AND by His mercy, He leads me down HIS path, not my self-seeking one. As I take steps of obedience and search for His presence, I realize the more we travel down this road, the more of His Spirit is required in tandem with continued crucifixion of my self-will. Oh, what a joy it is to live free and surrender to His plan daily. Sin, the lust of the flesh, pride of life, and fear of man (performance) are demolished on this road. Fear of the Lord and the likeness of Christ Jesus are built on this road. There are often hills, turns, twists, bumps, and breaks on this road. But it all leads to a place—His presence—and it all cultivates the life, the beautiful garden of His image, within. My encouragement to you is this...If you're wrestling to find hope on the less-traveled road, take heart. Fix your eyes on Jesus by bathing in His Word, leaning fully on Him, resting in Him, and learning to listen and obey by His Spirit. Shake the dust off when you try to perform your way to His presence. Come before Him with repentance, lay your heart out before Him, praise Him in faith, and cling to the cross. Entrust everything to this sanctification and refinement process because the reward is sweet. The reward is more of Him. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 Jesus let us know that times would be troublesome. But He gave us the answer to it all. HIM. It's not my worthiness, self-righteousness, or performance that leads me to joyfully endure this road. It's about keeping my eyes on Jesus and enjoying His presence, safety, love, faithfulness, and totality in every circumstance. The more we look at Him and seek Him, the more we become like Him. Come to Him like His child, for such is the Kingdom of heaven. Prayer: Holy Spirit, I give everything to you today. Teach me to trust you and walk in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Everything needed for the journey is found in you, through you, for you. Forgive me when I try to walk this life alone, in my strength. I hand over my performance and put all my life, including my expectations, on the altar and give them to you. I love you, Jesus. Burn my heart to love you back.

In this special episode of the Uncommon Podcast, we talked with NFL Sports Agent Molly McManimie for the Networking with Uncommon Leaders event. Throughout the conversation, Molly shares what it takes to become an NFL Agent, her pathway to the position, the waiting processes of life, and more. She testifies to her baptism experience, involvement in the local church, and decision to surrender her life to the Lordship of Jesus. If you or someone you know desires to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and work in the sports industry, we highly recommend you listen to this podcast. We pray the shared wisdom encourages you to seek the Kingdom first and grow in more profound knowledge and revelation of Christ Jesus. Enjoy! A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released! Do you want to join our community of Christian leaders working in the college and pro sport industry? Learn how you can get involved with USG here .

"And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” John 12:32'' The Word says that every knee should bow at the name of Jesus. Sports are no exception. From athletic administrators to stadium custodial staff members, EVERY knee will bow. Regardless of the nation, tribe, sports team, or tongue, Jesus Christ is Lord. The gospel was preached, and Jesus' name was exalted at the 2025 National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Convention in Orlando, Florida. The Lord moved as believers gathered to worship, fellowship, and be encouraged. On Monday evening of the conference, 50-plus people came together in one room after a day packed with meetings to enjoy the Lord's presence. We started the evening by introducing, praying, and delivering the gospel message. Then, thanks to the leadership of Jesus Films' Seth Irby, we sang songs unto the Lord. This time was filled with sweet refreshment (we even had desserts on deck). Following worship, Orlando Magic's head athletic trainer, Ernest Eugene, gave an inspiring message on work-life balance, with his wife Jackie and three children in attendance. That opened the conversation for Q&A and round-table discussions about prioritizing spending time with God first daily. After the discussions, Angela Marin, Director of Athletics at UT Dallas, and Paul Conner, Associate Director of Development at Florida State, shared testimony of how the Lord is moving in their lives and through Uncommon Sports Group. This was powerful. Revelation 12:11 says, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony." This holds true! To wrap up the evening, we closed in prayer, commissioning, and plenty of socialization. We're so grateful to the World Center Marriott Resort staff for extending our stay and giving us space for added fellowship. It was a quick turnaround, as alarms went off early Tuesday morning for the ADs4Christ devotional. Once again, over fifty believers gathered before conference meetings to hear an encouraging message from Curtis Janz, Director of Athletics at Arkansas-Fort Smith. He spoke on the necessity of boldness in our Christian walk and freeing our minds from the noise. "What are we doing to make ourselves available to hear the whisper of God..." - Curtis Janz Following the devotional, many gathered in the hallways and conference rooms to carry a heart awakened to Jesus to the sports realm, one handshake at a time. I'm leaving Orlando believing that princess castles and Mickey ears cannot compete with a small gathering of believers who live surrendered to the Holy Spirit, advancing His Kingdom on the earth. Thank you for reading and learning more about USG, the NBA Chaplaincy, and our outreach. If you'd like to know more about Uncommon Sports Group , Clean Out for a Cause , or our programs, please contact us . We'd love to hear from you.

There are always different seasons and rhythms in life and sports. Handling change in an ever-evolving industry is a challenge for sports professionals. Often, the seasons of transition reveal what's really under the surface, because there's greater dependency on God and less certainty in circumstances. In this episode, Ashley Augkhopinee, Fox Sports Operations/Production Manager and Seattle Mariners In-Game Host, shares tips on navigating seasons of change and chasing Jesus above career goals. She also illuminates the importance of servanthood, finding identity in Christ, and overcoming envy. We discuss singleness, engagement, and marriage for sports industry professionals and the joys of cultivating a lifestyle that honors family while working in a busy industry. All of this and more... A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released! Do you want to join our community of Christian leaders working in the college and pro sports industry? Learn how you can get involved with USG here .

Before we open the scriptures together, I encourage you—still your heart before the Lord. Come quietly before Him, humbly to the Word of God. We know that in Him is life and Jesus is the Word of God. As we read the scriptures together, ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate certain words or parts of the passage, revealing Jesus to you. It says in John 15:26 that the Spirit of Truth will testify of Jesus. Believe Him! Wait on Him to demonstrate knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of Christ to you, as we open the scriptures together. Pause and be still in His presence. Present yourself to Him as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1) and enjoy Him.  Pause & praise Read:  John 2:13-17 says, “Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.” This Jesus, whom we serve, has fire and tears in His eyes. (Revelation 19:12-15, Luke 22:44) He’s full of zeal and of suffering. He longs for a pure, Holy bride, without spot or blemish. It’s the great reward for Jesus’ suffering. The reward of His seed, His life laid down, is to bring the body of Christ to life. You walking with Jesus pleases the Father. It’s what Jesus paid for—your life, all of you, for Him.  Here in chapter two, we see the zeal of Jesus. He’s purifying the temple of anything unrighteous and unholy. Friend, He’s doing the same today. Ephesians 2:19-22 says, “Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.”  Jesus’s body (the temple) was torn down at Calvary and rebuilt in His resurrected body. His body is now one with the church (the body of Christ). His dwelling place needs to be Holy; He cannot inhabit areas that are not. His blood cleanses us, so the Spirit of God may dwell richly in us. We are saved but being saved. Justified by Jesus’ life, but undergoing sanctification by His Spirit, there’s work to do in His temple. You are His temple. Your body is His dwelling place.  There’s no place for compromise in the temple, no mixture. He is a PERFECT God. He calls us to be holy as He is holy. How do we do this? By the sanctification and rejuvenation of the Holy Spirit in us. As we read the Word, commune with God, fellowship with believers, and live under the loving and powerful conviction of the Holy Spirit, we become more like Jesus. This is LIFE: Knowing Him and becoming more like Him.  Sanctification is not always easy. But, oh so worth it. It will cost you comfort, time, and all of your life handed over. But, once you realize that He is the only way, truth, and life, you will know confidently that He is worth giving everything to. It’s by His mercy that you’re alive today. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping…it’s all by His mercy that we’re alive in His Holy presence.  In John 6:68, Jesus asks the disciples if they also want to go away. Many left Jesus’ teachings for they believed He was too harsh. Peter responds, “Lord, where would we go? You have the Words of eternal life.” This is true today. Where would we go that’s better than Jesus’s presence? He is life, and He is all and all. There’s no life apart from Him. Here’s the Good News continued: No height nor depth can separate you from the love of God. Yield to His cleansing and receive a deeper measure of Jesus when you do!  As a servant of Jesus, you’ve been sent out into the sports industry to know Him, to be made more like Him, and to glorify His name. He is purifying and refinding His ambassadors, that there would be no darkness in you, but the light of Christ would shine brightly. Surrender your life and circumstances to the Lord Jesus, and allow Him to do this cleansing work in you. Give Him all of your heart, mind, and soul, and trust Him to do a very good work.  Your life will look different than those in the sports industry, and that’s OK! We are a peculiar people, a royal priesthood that is not swayed by the lusts or cares of this world. We are wholly given to the Prince of Life, Jesus, who is our life. May you be a person who cries, “It is not I who lives, but Christ who lives in me,” in the sports industry and beyond. You are called to be His hands and His feet, not your hands and your feet. HIS! Allow Him to work His ways and likeness in you and realize this is radical freedom! To live free of self-will and enjoy the security, safety, and wonderful pleasures of surrendering all to Jesus.  John 14:23 says, “Jesus answered and said to him, 'If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” You are the Father’s house. Your body, your life is His. (Repeating this to add emphasis.) When you give your life to Christ, by His body and blood, He makes atonement for you. His life reconciles you to the Father and allows you to enter eternal life, free from the wrath of God forever. WHAT A GIFT. But it doesn’t stop there. Your life becomes His. There’s no turning back.  James 4:5 says, “Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us.” This is Jesus, yearning jealousy for you. Zeal for His house still consumes Him. When fire entered the temple Solomon built, it consumed ALL of the temple. (2 Chronicles 7:1) What parts of your life have you not surrendered to Jesus? Today, take time to search your heart. Repent and ask the Holy Spirit to consume and fill those spaces. Oh, and when you do, rejoice, because there is nothing more satisfying, more free, more joyful than experiencing the living God taking complete residence in you!  Additional Thoughts on John 2:13-17:  The whip of cords He used to cleanse would one day strike His back, the punishment for our sin cast upon Him.  The sheep and oxen were driven out of the temple, just as His body was driven out of the city limits to Calvary. The worthless money poured out, just as His priceless blood was spilled for our forgiveness.   His body was torn apart, that the temple of God may be restored.  The tables overturned, that we may dine with Him at the table prepared in the presence of our enemies, the last supper table now a place of restoration for sinners called saints, the table at the marriage supper of the Lamb made available through the death, burial, resurrection and second coming of Jesus Christ.  Oh, how He foreshadows the cleansing that must soon take place –  bearing both judgment and redemption in His body, the punishment on His shoulders, zeal for His house has indeed consumed Him…and it still does.  Prayer:  Holy Spirit, I give you full permission to take residence in all areas of my life. I surrender all to you. Please show me there’s nothing better than living in full givenness to you. Lead me in the path of life. There is fullness of joy in your presence, and I receive all of you now in Jesus’ name, amen. If you would like to learn more about Uncommon Sports Group, or get involved with our ministries, tap the link here !

In two weeks, Uncommon Sports Group will be returning to Nairobi, Kenya, with a group of fourteen Christian sport professionals and four staff for a two-week short-term mission trip. Each summer, Uncommon Sports Group offers a fully-funded international trip for sport industry professionals to experience life, faith, and community outside their normal context. USG members apply for international trips and are selected based on a set of criteria outlined by the USG staff. USG has had the opportunity to serve in Kenya three times before, and we look forward to returning for a fourth time alongside our ministry partners there. This year’s team includes Christian sport industry professionals from various universities and organizations, including the Charlotte Hornets, Southern Methodist University, Florida State University, Middle Tennessee State University, the WNBA, the Indiana Pacers, Oregon State University, the University of Texas at Dallas, Liberty University, and the University of Minnesota. What Are We Doing? USG has two main partners in Kenya. The first partner is a Christian church and primary school located in an impoverished community within the city of Nairobi. The school provides education for students from preschool age until the eighth grade who otherwise would lack access to education. USG will be serving alongside the school during the first three days of the trip. The USG team will provide various equipment for the school, including sports balls (soccer balls, basketballs, footballs, volleyballs), jump ropes, ball pumps, soccer goals, pencils, pens, and writing pads. Furthermore, the team will be serving the students through sports camps. The camps allow the students to compete with one another, develop teamwork skills, learn new sports, and practice Christ-centered principles. Following the three days of sports camps, USG will engage in gospel evangelism within the impoverished community surrounding the school. We will be sent out in groups with members from the local church who can help with translation and engaging in conversation with locals. The second partner that USG will be serving with is a local pastor and sports minister. Alongside this partner, USG will be hosting a coaches' clinic for approximately sixty sports coaches across Kenya and neighboring countries. The clinic will focus on providing practical instruction for the coaches in attendance to help them become Christ-centered leaders for their athletes.  During the clinic, the coaches in attendance will hear instructional messages from three USG attendees, including one staff member. The topics that these messages will cover include “Coaching with a Purpose”, “Characteristics of a Godly Leader”, “Creating a Lasting Impact on Players”, and "Having an Eternal Perspective as a Coach." After each speaker, attendees will reflect on the message in small groups. Beyond the important work that the group will be doing alongside USG's partners in Kenya, they will be doing a six-session Bible study together as a team through the book of Galatians. The group must remain grounded in the Word of God while being busy serving during the day! Lastly, the group will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Kenya by going on a safari at Amboseli National Park! Who Is Attending? USG is grateful to have fourteen sport industry professionals attending the mission trip to Kenya. Below is a short biography written by each attendee to allow you to get to know each of them better. Each of their biographies will have their reason for attending and a prayer request that they have leading up to the trip, and we encourage you to lift those requests to the Lord in prayer! Aaron Magnuson- Facilities Operations Coordinator at Pacers Sports & Entertainment I’m excited for this unique opportunity to serve the people placed in front of me and expectant to see how the Lord is moving in another part of the world. A prayer request from me is that our group would maintain physical health throughout our time in Kenya.  Alex Kaiser- Account Manager, Partnership Activation with the Charlotte Hornets Simply, I felt the Lord call me to this trip. I initially had a trip planned that would have prevented me from going to Kenya, and as soon as it got cancelled, the Lord put it on my heart to ask Mikey about what this year was looking like. It wasn't even a week later that applications opened up, and I knew it was what the Lord had for me for this summer. For the Lord to keep my health intact! I have struggled with a few different health issues over the last few years, and getting on a plane for a day is a bit nerve-racking. Anna Hunsinger- Media Communications & Journalism Major at Asbury University I’m going on this trip to deepen my relationship with Christ, to seek the nations, and to share His love with others. I've never been on an international mission trip, and I know that this opportunity was one I couldn't pass up. Please pray that I can be a light to those I encounter. That ALL my words and actions are all for the kingdom! Anthony Wedel- Ticket Office Associate at Liberty University Athletics I am attending this trip to push myself out of my comfort zone and experience something completely new in my walk with the Lord. A prayer request for me is that I can be fully present during the whole trip and be willing to be open to all experiences and opportunities that the trip is going to bring. Also, prayers that true radical transformation happens for the people we interact with, and our team. Carter Stanton- Director of Creative Strategy for Southern Methodist Football I want to challenge myself personally to spread Jesus' name across the globe. A prayer request is for me to have an openness and willingness to allow the Lord to work in me and in our team in whatever ways He desires. Elizabeth Wood- Owner of Ascension Performance Training and Mental Performance Consultant After spending several summers in high school serving on mission trips both in the U.S. and abroad, I’ve sensed the Lord stirring my heart to return to this kind of service. I believe He’s called me to empower others to step into their God-given purpose—especially through athletics in this season of my life—and I’m excited to bring that heart to Kenya. My prayer is that God would prepare hearts to receive His love and truth through our time there. I also ask for prayer for humility and a teachable spirit—for me to learn from those we serve and to plant kingdom seeds that will bear eternal fruit. Hope Anderson- Athletic Equipment Manager at Oregon State University I decided to go on the Kenya Mission Trip to push myself out of my comfort zone, especially in my faith. I am excited to join alongside the other members of the mission team to go out, serve, and build relationships within the body of Christ.  My prayer request is for God to continue preparing my heart for the trip and to be present while in Kenya. Paul Conner- Account Executive for Florida State Athletics My reason for attending the trip is to grow closer to the Lord and to learn what it means to serve and live on mission! Prayer request for me is for health and safety, being able to be fully present with the people and experiences around me, and to learn more and become closer to Jesus. Sydney Wright- Associate Manager, Marketing Partnerships at WNBA I am attending this trip to serve and to learn about another culture. My prayer request is to love the kids and people well that we will be working with and for safe travel. Victoria Smith- Learning Specialist at the University of Minnesota Athletics After building relationships with some of my international students through faith, I felt called by the Lord to participate in this mission trip and further explore the relationships He builds with His people outside of my own cultural background. My prayer request is that I may posture my heart in a manner of servitude and that I be open to all the ways the Lord will work during our time together. Caitlyn Manning- Chief of Staff for Middle Tennessee State Football I am so excited to be joining the Kenya 2025 team!  This is such a powerful opportunity to impact spiritual and relational growth -- not only in the communities we serve but also within our team. Sports are an international language that we get to use to share the love and light of Christ. I've always had a heart for Africa and a passion for sharing the gospel internationally. I can't wait to spend time with this team and see how God will work through us in Kenya! Elias Henry- Seasonal Basketball Coach for the Orono Boys Basketball Association I'm attending this trip because I want to share the hope of Christ that I once heard about and eventually received for myself—a message that brought a life-changing experience into my life. I believe God has called me to serve others with that same message of love, hope, and transformation. As a coach and mentor, I’ve seen the impact of leadership and presence—and I’m excited to do the same through this ministry opportunity, pointing others to Jesus not just in word but in the way I live. Please pray that I would be led by God in all things and that those I encounter would see Christ living through me. Angela Marin- Director of Athletics at the University of Texas at Dallas I am attending this trip to stretch myself personally and in my faith. I am excited to see the Lord work through USG and the opportunity to plant seeds of Christ's word. Praying for endurance, courage, and community. Jordan Varner- Club Soccer Coach at Grand Canyon University I'm attending to glorify the Lord and grow through a new experience. My prayer request is for opportunities to share the Gospel. Conclusion USG is grateful to have the opportunity to serve the Lord in Kenya alongside a group of Christ-centered sport industry professionals. A special thank you to every supporter of Uncommon Sports Group, specifically those who have donated to the Clean Out For A Cause  funding operation. Without your prayerful and financial support, trips such as these would not be possible! If you are interested in keeping up with USG’s activities in Kenya, be sure to follow our social media pages or subscribe to our newsletter  so you can see what we are up to!