Dan Kapsalis' Soccer Mission Trip

Dear Friends,

Six months ago, I had the privilege of traveling to Guatemala for a week to serve beside my daughter who was on an 11 month, 11 country mission trip.  While spending 5 days in Guatemala, we were given gracious accommodations with a gentleman named Luis (pictured below) who runs the mission. Among other things, I spent one of my days playing with the children at an orphanage.  I had brought my soccer ball with me and although I did not speak their language, when the ball dropped onto the hard dirt, the language barrier disappeared. The children laughed and cheered as I showed them tricks and engaged in scrappy games with them.  They hung on me and smiled.  They had moments of pure joy through a simple game of soccer.  As my relationship with Luis progressed throughout the week, he expressed a desire to have a program for the children he serves to experience the thrill of being a part of an organized sport. He asked me to come back and run a camp for these children and the area children in this poor region.  It was a plea that was hard to deny.

Dan with one of teh kids at the orphanage

So, in February 2017 I will be returning to Guatemala to volunteer my time to run a week-long soccer camp for the children of Antigua. My daughter, Alexa, knowing these people, their culture and their needs so well, will be accompanying me on this mission.  

Sport is a universal language. Sports has proven to be one of the most effective relationship building tools for the growth of the Gospel. Simply sharing the game together, whether playing or coaching, quickly breaks down barriers and establishes lasting friendships. As all of you know who play this sport, what comes out of it is far greater than a score at the end of a game.  Self-esteem, confidence, fellowship, trust, hope.  All these intangibles are developed through the game, and so very much needed in the lives of these children with little to hold on to. 

I feel very blessed and grateful to have the opportunity to donate my time and to help impact these young lives.
Alexa, Luis and Dan

I am still working on fundraising for this trip. I am asking you to prayerfully consider joining me on this mission through prayer and your financial support to share the game of soccer and bring hope to the children of Guatemala. This trip would not be possible without the generosity of so many.

My goal is to raise $3000 by January 15th to make this mission a success. The funds will be used for our round-trip airfare, on-site accommodations, daily meals and some equipment for the camp which I will leave behind.

Gifts of support can also be sent to: 
Dan Kapsalis
c/o Soccer Missions
12585 Traverse Place, Fishers, IN 46038
Any amount is appreciated.

 If you have any further questions about the trip, please feel free to contact me.

Thank you for your consideration and support.
 
With Love,
                                                          
Dan Kapsalis