In one of Mexico’s regions most affected by organized crime, a family is using soccer to bring hope and faith.
Sharing the gospel in Central Mexico is difficult. Cartels control daily life, and communities are hostile to other beliefs.
Yet this is where Juan Manuel Ruiz* felt called to serve. “We share that God can change lives, that people no longer need drugs or anything else, only Him.”
He moved there in 2013 with his family, committed to reaching young people, even at great risk.
“When I stepped into this place for the first time, I felt the Lord speak to my heart: ‘Do you remember that wherever the sole of your footsteps, it will be for My glory? This is your time and your place.’”
A Heart for the Youth
One day, while jogging, a group of teenagers threatened to kill him and chased him, throwing stones.
“They were less than a metre away,” he recalls. “But it was as if someone pushed the stones aside.”
Instead of anger, something shifted in his heart.
“God told me: ‘Just as you need Me, so do they.’”
From that moment, he saw beyond their violence. These young people, far from God, shaped by broken environments and in need of hope.
Soccer Opens a Door
The turning point came through his daughter, Karla*, who played soccer. Through her matches, Juan Manuel saw the reality teens faced: broken families, poverty, and constant pressure to join criminal groups.
That reality made clear how much these young people needed, not just a coach, but hope.
He recognized himself in them. Once far from God, he had been rescued from addiction and a life without purpose. Now, he knew what they needed.
“These young people need real opportunities. They need a different way of life.”
That opportunity came when he was invited to coach a girls’ team after a crisis with their previous coach.
Juan Manuel was able to use soccer as a ministry to troubled youth in Mexico.
He started small-praying groups at the end of training. Gradually, he shared short biblical reflections.
“I taught them how God sees them—how precious they are in His eyes.”
Karla stood by his side.
“With every training session we became friends and opened their hearts,” she says.
Change followed. The girls’ behavior improved, and even their parents noticed.
“The girls stopped using bad language and being aggressive. When asked why, they said, ‘Because the coach told me I am God’s daughter, and I must act like one.’”
Transformation Through the Game
After eight months, Juan Manuel expanded the work to boys and younger children.
In one year, more than 120 young people heard the gospel through soccer.
His work became known, and more doors opened in nearby communities.
He began leading training sessions across the region and teaching workshops based on biblical principles in schools and cultural centers. He also started a community kitchen for children from low-income families and began visiting rehabilitation centers, bringing the gospel.
The impact reached beyond the field. According to a study conducted by the local police, violence in local schools dropped sharply, and young people began choosing a different path, one filled with God’s love and purpose.
“When the police asked the teens why, they said, ‘Well, the pastor is teaching us that we can live differently,’” he recalls.
Even two teenagers who once tried to kill him are now part of the community.
“Now those boys are my friends. They care about me and ask for advice,” he says. “We realized that what we were doing through soccer was transforming the community far beyond what we expected. It was no longer just a team; it was a ministry for God’s glory.”
Facing persecution
As the ministry grew, so did the risks.
Cartel members monitored the activities. At times, Juan Manuel was threatened or denied access to certain areas.
“We realized that what we were doing through soccer was transforming the community far beyond what we expected. It was no longer just a team; it was a ministry for God’s glory.”
“We could go to a certain point, and even before, we had to ask permission,” he recalls.
Community leaders have also put obstacles in their way, scheduling mandatory meetings at the same time as their training. “Still, children would sneak away to attend,” he adds.
In 2026, after a government operation against a cartel leader triggered violence, he received explicit death threats.
Juan Manuel and his family fled for nearly two weeks.
He still remembers those days: motorcycles with armed men patrolling the neighborhood, cars burning in the streets, and fear everywhere.
“The news doesn’t show what’s really happening,” he explains, “This is daily life for us”
Still, they remain steadfast.
“My family and I have decided that sharing the Word is more important. Despite the risks, we trust God above our fears.”
Strengthened
Three years ago, Open Doors connected with Juan Manuel and invited him to a Standing Strong Through the Storm training.
“I realized we were living through persecution; and how important it is to be strengthened to face it well,” he says.
Since then, his perspective has changed; and so has the impact of his ministry.
Some of the teenagers he mentors are now beginning to share the gospel themselves.
“They say, ‘Now that we are equipped, we want to support others going through similar situations.’”
Even Karla’s faith grew stronger through this process.
“God taught me about His perseverance,” she says. “His love is patient; it waits for us. That’s how He has been working in the hearts of these young people.”
“My family and I have decided that sharing the Word is more important. Despite the risks, we trust God above our fears.”
Faith that continues
Today, the soccer team project has ended, but the mission continues.
Juan Manuel and his family still serve in schools and communities, sharing the gospel wherever doors open. Recently, he received a new opportunity to coach again in one of the local schools.
He now pastors his church and continues to invest in the next generation.
“It’s a blessing that God keeps us focused on His purpose… this is my calling until He calls me home.”
His prayer remains the same: “Lord, help us reach one more person, one more family.”
Despite ongoing challenges – including his wife’s need for surgery – the family continues to trust God and serve faithfully.
With the World Cup drawing attention to Mexico, Juan Manuel asks for prayer:
“Difficult times are ahead. Let’s enjoy the moment; but also intercede for the church,” he says. “We need people willing to say, ‘Here I am. Send me.’”
The World Cup kicks off on June 11 in Mexico! As you watch the games, pray for Christians like Juan Manuel who are working to build the church amidst persecution.
You can also read the full World Cup prayer guide.
