Unified, the young adult ministry of Grace Community Church, will be going on an 8 day mission trip to Medellín, Colombia. This trip will use the platform of sports—soccer and basketball—as a bridge to connect with local communities, share the love of Christ, and build lasting relationships.

In Colombia, young people face significant challenges that pull them away from a life rooted in Christ. Many youths struggle with the pressures of gang culture, drugs, and the temptation to put on a “too cool for school” persona. Following Jesus is often seen as unpopular or embarrassing, which leaves young believers hesitant to live out their faith openly. This creates a gap between the hope offered by the gospel and the realities youth face in their communities.

Sports present a powerful opportunity to bridge that gap. Soccer, the world’s most popular sport and a cultural heartbeat in Colombia, is a universal language that breaks down barriers of class, culture, and even spoken language. A simple ball creates space for relationships to form naturally, allowing joy, laughter, and connection to open the door for deeper conversations about faith.

This mission trip specifically calls for young adults to go because they carry both energy and influence. By sending a team of young adults who are bold in their faith and joyful in their witness, we can model for Colombian youth that following Jesus is not only meaningful but also life-giving and exciting. Our presence will show them that living for Christ is not something to be ashamed of, but something that can shape their identity, friendships, and future. This is a critical opportunity to encourage youth in Colombia to pursue a Christ-centered life, even in the face of cultural pressures.

This mission is about more than just playing sports—it’s about using our gifts, energy, and unity as young adults to share the gospel, encourage the local church, and grow deeper in our own faith and fellowship.