Our soccer season is one of the most important ways we connect with kids who may never come to the youth center. I use this time not only to build relationships with the players, but most importantly to help them understand the love of Jesus. This season, I shared an illustration that especially caught the attention of one player, Lena. During practice, I asked everyone to reach into their pockets and pull out whatever they found. Since we were on a soccer field, I didn’t expect much. Out came candy wrappers, pieces of grass, and even a Band-Aid. When Lena pulled out a Band-Aid, I asked about it. After she explained why she had it, I handed her five dollars and said I wanted to buy it. She immediately protested and tried to give it back. She couldn’t understand why anyone would want a used Band-Aid. That was the point! I explained that the Band-Aid wasn’t valuable on its own. It became valuable because someone was willing to pay for it. In the same way, our worth is not based on what we have done or how we see ourselves. Our value is found in what Jesus was willing to give for us.

WILL ARIAS,  71Five Campus Coordinator – Shady Cove

541.841.6400 | will@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB