The referee places the ball on the 30-yard line. The play clock begins to tick down second by second. The team huddles and begins to make the play. They have one down to make it into the end zone. With thousands watching live and even more tuning in on ESPN, they break the huddle and head to their positions.
Down… Set… Hike!
If anyone has been around me for more than a day, they probably know I love the color orange and am a huge UT Volunteers fan. I grew up watching the VOLS on TV and going to as many games as I could. The past few years, I haven’t made it to Neyland Stadium, but you better believe I have kept up with the games via the internet.
With football season in full effect, I thought it would be fun to introduce you to Team Guatemala’s starting offensive line up. We tackle, block, run, and catch with the best of them! Just like every other team, we have had our share of top recruiting classes and watched some players come from behind the scenes to become superstars. With God as our manager, we are pretty much unstoppable.
Quarter Back: Noe—Our fearless leader on the field. With communication as a strength, and a great understanding of our game plan, he knows how to execute each play with precision. Noe has vision for the future, but also knows how to add structure in our daily schedule to make sure we can get to that end result. To the world it might look like he carries the whole game on his shoulders, but this man knows how to release the pressure and operate in peace in the midst of chaos.
Center: Kristen—Begins the play. Although she hates being the center of attention, this strong woman of God helps lead our team into new places, advancing the kingdom day by day. With an incredible sense of discernment, she sometimes makes last second adjustments to the play to make sure the ball (vision) is carried forward. Being secure in who she is and her giftings, she blocks the team from many attacks. Though small in size, her spirit can take on about anyone! I’m thankful to call her my teammate, and sister in Christ.
Right Guard: Brady—On the front lines. This man of God is ready to block, fight, and stand against his opponent. Fearless as they come, he meets the opponent eye to eye each play. Brady never backs down; he stands strong in his position and identity as a Son of God. Although one of our newest players, he has made a name for himself and in the kingdom.
Left Guard: Jesse—The helper. This girl is ready to do her job and help where ever needs it. She can block on the front lines, but she is also quick to double team with the center or left tackle to make sure the job gets done well. She is constantly observing and aware of her surroundings, making sure no one slips through the cracks or breaks the line. She is strong in the physical as well as the spiritual. This girl fights hard and loves harder.
Right Tackle: Javier—An anchor to our team. Javier offers stability and strength to our team. In the midst of a constantly changing environment, Javier helps us come back to the foundation—ministering to the Lord. Steady on his feet and firm in his beliefs, this man seeks the presence of the Lord wholeheartedly through worship and prayer.
Left Tackle: Jenny—Protecting the blind slide. She offers a wall of protection by standing in the gap, ready to take on any attacks that may come her way. With her deep heart for intercession, she makes many key plays that people may never see. She stands firm in who she is, exemplifying strength and stability for the team and others around her. This girl often sees things that the rest of the team isn’t able to, and acts on those things before anyone can get hurt.
Tight End: Kacie—Most versatile player on the field. She can block, she can catch, she can throw, she can run! Her skill list never ends. From teaching a life-changing lesson from the Word, to being a listening ear with sound counsel, she is the best of her kind. You never know what this girl has up her sleeve. She loves adventures and fun, but in the blink of an eye can be intentionally seeking the spirit. She shifts the defense (satan) by just being on the field. We are one lucky team to have this girl on our side.
Wide Receiver “split end”: Kristin Rene’—Clutch player. This girl is so in tune with the Father’s heart that she is able to hear His voice and foresee where the ball is headed. Kristin Rene’ stops at nothing until the play is done. The quarterback is always able to count on her to come through with a Word from the Lord or a vision of His love. Light on her feet and with perfect precision, she runs the long routes with endurance and stamina. She is always ready to receive. With hands wide open, she runs towards the end zone.
Wide Receiver “flanker”: Robin—Gains the yards. This girl is fast, technically sound, and always ready to make a play. When you give her a route (assignment), she does it and does it well. She doesn’t mind sacrificing for the hard catches to help the team gain position in the kingdom. With her eyes focused on the Father, she runs towards the end zone while causing the fan’s gaze to follow her every step.
Halfback:Kimberly—Tough to bring down. With an eye for the bigger vision, she can see the opportunity and run straight through it. She has a prophetic eye that helps see the field better and directs the team into a gain in yardage. Though small in stature, she has a strength and toughness that any opponent would be scared of. She has a passion and love for the Lord that keeps her going for longer. As one of our newest players, she has been a great addition to the team.
Fullback: Gabe—Fearless. This guy helps tackle the opponent head on, sacrificing himself for the betterment of the team. Many of his works go unnoticed, but the final results advance the team to new places. He might be a tough guy to the world, but this man of God has a pastor’s heart for the church. He sees the unseen and goes after them with gentleness. We can call him the unsung hero of our team!
Coaches: Jonathan and Ann Little—Teach us how to play our position. This extraordinary couple caught the vision for this team before anyone else. They stood with the manager for months before anything was formed, knowing the team would come together in His timing. They have believed in the team when many were ready to give up. They pushed the team to places they never thought they could reach, and helped the players stay unified during the toughest of times. Though they are not always seen, the team wouldn’t be where they are without Jonathan and Ann.
Mascot: Misha—Our #1 cheerleader. This little girl (or not so little any more) carries the team with her never-ending energy. From the moment she wakes up until we put her to bed, she captivates every person in the room. We have had Misha for 6 months now and couldn’t imagine our team without her.
