More Than 18,000 World Cup Fans Embrace Jesus After Pro-Soccer Player-Turned-Pastor Ignites Gospel Campaign

Brazil's Gabriel Jesus, right, and Cameroon's Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, left, fight for the ball during the World Cup group G soccer match between Cameroon and Brazil, at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Friday, Dec. 2, 2022. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)
By Billy Hallowell
Editor

December 9, 2022
A former professional soccer player-turned-pastor is on a digital mission to reach World Cup fans with the Gospel.

Jesse Bradley, a preacher at Grace Community Church in Auburn, Washington, told CBN's Faithwire he's seen thousands of soccer fans embrace Christ since launching his effort.

"We're able to create content where we share the Gospel. I share my story, and people are making decisions to follow Jesus," he said. “We’re reaching millions of people. We're seeing over 18,000 already make first-time decisions."

But it's not limited to simply counting decisions made. The effort also has a discipleship element, with Bradley partnering with Global Media Outreach, a company leveraging technology to spread the Gospel, to ensure people are connected to a Christian community.

"They … follow up, and we help those people find a church," he said. "So, it's not just decisions; it's disciples."

Bradley said the stunning results from the campaign are indicative of a "massive hunger across the world now for God, for hope, for faith, for Jesus." He said the interest levels are high.

That's why Bradley and his team are telling his story and using his testimony to bridge interest in soccer and Jesus in unique ways.

Watch him explain the ministry outreach and his testimony:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJQNasPb7aI

"We all know there's something much more significant than soccer that we need," he said. "And I discovered it myself later in life, but our souls are content, and we have joy in peace when we discover relationship with [God]."

Bradley’s digital campaign relies on creating content that "leads to conversations and even conversions," delivering these messages to mobile phones, among other personal locations.

The less-than-60-second videos speak about the World Cup before going into Bradley’s story.

He was once a professional soccer goalkeeper who had a tragedy, which creates interest in the viewers. Bradley shared with CBN's Faithwire how he reached his childhood dreams of playing soccer in Scotland and Africa, but a medication he was prescribed to prevent malaria nearly killed him.

"I literally was fighting for my life for a year," he said, noting he faced psychological effects in addition to serious physical ailments. "And in the middle of the pain, God birthed a new purpose and passion."

Bradley entered the ministry and hasn’t looked back.

"Stories are powerful; everyone has a significant story," Bradley said. "You have a powerful story, and when you share it, we learn more about God, we appreciate God, we see how God works … and how He transforms our lives."

He continued, "We really go from the secular to the spiritual and then to the Gospel in Jesus."

As for the massive reaction to the Gospel message, Bradley is deeply encouraged.

"It's so fulfilling," he said. "I've been in ministry now for two decades, and we’ve never seen more fruit than we have in the last two years."

Source

"We're able to create content where we share the Gospel. I share my story, and people are making decisions to follow Jesus," he said. “We’re reaching millions of people. We're seeing over 18,000 already make first-time decisions."

Not surprising...

God once told me a long time ago, He had a lot of people (souls) in football, and overtime I've come to get a clearer picture of what He meant.

One of them was while watching a live match between Tottenham and Bolton, and then the unthinkable happened, a Bolton player, Fabrice Muamba slumped, and what I saw on that day sent shivers through my spine.

I saw how everyone on the stadium that day forgot about football and who was the opposition, and were united on how to save the life of Fabrice Muamba.

I saw just about everyone in the stadium praying and hoping for the best including the opposition players, some of who were shedding tears.

Me myself, where I was watching the game in a restaurant, was seriously praying for God to have mercy on the player, and I believe so also many across the world watching the same event as it unfolded.

The ref, Howard Web, despite that the stricken player had been taken off the pitch, felt what transpired on the pitch that day was more important than the game itself, so decided to call off the game and led the players, coaches, staff, match officials, back to the dressing room.

It was relieving when news filtered in that the stricken player, Fabrice Muamba had been resuscitated.

On the day when the game was rescheduled, I saw the players of Tottenham all putting on white t-shirts with the inscription at the back, "pray for Muamba".

This was a top flight English club not Nigerian or African, so that some would begin to say they were brain-washed, so who were they all "praying" to exactly but God?

Fabrice Muamba after surviving the incident also said it was God who saved His life. He expressed His gratitude to God and also the medics who were on ground to attend to him.

That in a nutshell me gave me further insight to what God meant when He said, "I have a lot of people in football."

Football is a tool God would use to bring many souls to Christ in these last days.

God bless.

jesusjnr2020:
Not surprising...

God once told me a long time ago, He had a lot of people (souls) in football, and overtime I've come to get a clearer picture of what He meant.

One of them was while watching a live match between Tottenham and Bolton, and then the unthinkable happened, a Bolton player, Fabrice Muamba slumped, and what I saw on that day sent shivers through my spine.

I saw how everyone on the stadium that day forgot about football and who was the opposition, and were united on how to save the life of Fabrice Muamba.

I saw just about everyone in the stadium praying and hoping for the best including the opposition players, some of who were shedding tears.

Me myself, where I was watching the game in a restaurant, was seriously praying for God to have mercy on the player, and I believe so also many across the world watching the same event as it unfolded.

The ref, Howard Web, despite that the stricken player had been taken off the pitch, felt what transpired on the pitch that day was more important than the game itself, so decided to call off the game and led the players, coaches, staff, match officials, back to the dressing room.

It was relieving when news filtered in that the stricken player, Fabrice Muamba had been resuscitated.

On the day when the game was rescheduled, I saw the players of Tottenham all putting on white t-shirts with the inscription at the back, "pray for Muamba".

This was a top flight English club not Nigerian or African, so that some would begin to say they were brain-washed, so who were they all "praying" to exactly but God?

Fabrice Muamba after surviving the incident also said it was God who saved His life. He expressed His gratitude to God and also the medics who were on ground to attend to him.

That in a nutshell me gave me further insight to what God meant when He said, "I have a lot of people in football."

Football is a tool God would use to bring many souls to Christ in these last days.

God bless.

Amen!

A former pro-soccer player, now a pastor, led more than 18,000 World Cup fans to Jesus Christ through a digital Gospel campaign.

So which of the churches are they going now?

Remember how you've been condemning some churches up and down the forum so how are you sure they embraced your own Jesus if there's contradicting teachings and conflicting doctrines among those claiming they have embraced Jesus?

Wow... this is awesomeness

MaxInDHouse:


So which of the churches are they going now?

Remember how you've been condemning some churches up and down the forum so how are you sure they embraced your own Jesus if there's contradicting teachings and conflicting doctrines among those claiming they have embraced Jesus?

This question of yours shows how little you know about the body of Christ.

OLAADEGBU:

This question of yours shows how little you know about the body of Christ.

I know you can't answer the simple question i just want you to see how stupid Kumuyi have made you.

The Bible Jesus prayed for his real body (disciples) to have the same line of thought {John 17:22} but you've been condemning many churches here. So how are you sure that the so called Jesus the people in question embraced is the right Jesus?

MaxInDHouse:


I know you can't answer the simple question i just want you to see how stupid Kumuyi have made you.

The Bible Jesus prayed for his real body (disciples) to have the same line of thought {John 17:22} but you've been condemning many churches here. So how are you sure that the so called Jesus the people in question embraced is the right Jesus?

The sheep know the voice of their Shepherd and since you are a stranger to the covenants of promise and an alien to the commonwealth of Israel, the body of Christ will continue to be a mystery to you.

I here you!
Catholics and many white garment churches are out there also claiming Christians so all your criticism against those churches shows you lack understanding if the so called members of the body could be found any religion calling themselves "CHRISTIANS"

That's the truth!

OLAADEGBU:

The sheep know the voice of their Shepherd and since you are a stranger to the covenants of promise and an alien to the commonwealth of Israel, the body of Christ will continue to be a mystery to you.

MaxInDHouse:


I here you!
Catholics and many white garment churches are out there also claiming Christians so all your criticism against those churches shows you lack understanding if the so called members of the body could be found any religion calling themselves "CHRISTIANS"

That's the truth!

You still don't get it. That is why it is difficult to describe the colour "Red" to the blind.

Anytime Kumuyi tell you the answer to the question let me know!

OLAADEGBU:

You still don't get it. That is why it is difficult to describe the colour "Red" to the blind.

MaxInDHouse:


Anytime Kumuyi tell you the answer to the question let me know!

Ask your so called "anointed" leaders.

OLAADEGBU:

Ask your so called "anointed" leaders.

Only Jehovah's Witnesses are Christians that's why we don't jubilate when some people say they've embraced Christ because the same people will still pick up weapons against their neighbours {Mark 12:31} and worse still their fellow believers {John 13:34-35} only JWs know that we must not kill anyone be it friend or foe {Matthew 5:43-48} but as for all others including Kumuyi followers you can kill your church members in Ghana if Buhari and Ghanaian president disagree today.

So those people you're celebrating aren't true Christians yet until they've been taught all that Christ commanded us {Matthew 28:19-20} that is what will make them his disciples {Act 1:8} and the body of Christ that mustn't fight itself! Colossians 3:15

MaxInDHouse:


Only Jehovah's Witnesses are Christians that's why we don't jubilate when some people say they've embraced Christ because the same people will still pick up weapons against their neighbours {Mark 12:31} and worse still their fellow believers {John 13:34-35} only JWs know that we must not kill anyone be it friend or foe {Matthew 5:43-48} but as for all others including Kumuyi followers you can kill your church members in Ghana if Buhari and Ghanaian president disagree today.

So those people you're celebrating aren't true Christians yet until they've been taught all that Christ commanded us {Matthew 28:19-20} that is what will make them his disciples {Act 1:8} and the body of Christ that mustn't fight itself! Colossians 3:15

Are you born again? If not how dare you call yourselves Christians?

Brainwashed mumu!
What is the meaning of BORN AGAIN?
Are your 18k football watchers BORN AGAIN?

OLAADEGBU:

Are you born again? If not how dare you call yourselves Christians?

MaxInDHouse:


Brainwashed mumu!
What is the meaning of BORN AGAIN?
Are your 18k football watchers BORN AGAIN?

How can you know the meaning of being born again when your NWT has twisted the very WORD that can regenerate you? Since you are adverse to anything coming from Pastor Kumuyi, check out the link below and save yourself from pain.

https://www.nairaland.com/1534996/days-praise-3-divine-human/14#down

Chai!
Kumuyi don turn this one to complete puppet!

Why can't you explain your beliefs without directing people to links?

https://www.nairaland.com/4087846/true-life-story-ex-deeper-life/1#60973678

You mentioned "BORN AGAIN" and i asked you if your 18k football watchers are now BORN AGAIN so you can tell me how they became BORN AGAIN after explaining what it means!

OLAADEGBU:


How can you know the meaning of being born again when your NWT has twisted the very WORD that can regenerate you? Since you are adverse to anything coming from Pastor Kumuyi, check out the link below and save yourself from pain.

https://www.nairaland.com/1534996/days-praise-3-divine-human/14#down

MaxInDHouse:


Chai!
Kumuyi don turn this one to complete puppet!

Why can't you explain your beliefs without directing people to links?

https://www.nairaland.com/4087846/true-life-story-ex-deeper-life/1#60973678

You mentioned "BORN AGAIN" and i asked you if your 18k football watchers are now BORN AGAIN so you can tell me how they became BORN AGAIN after explaining what it means!

Nah! I have since learnt that I should never attempt to teach a pig to sing because it not only wastes my time but it also annoys the pig. You are called Mad Max for a reason.

OLAADEGBU:

Nah! I have since learnt that I should never attempt to teach a pig to sing because it not only wastes my time but it also annoys the pig. You are called Mad Max for a reason.

Naaaaaaaaaaaaa, you're empty upstairs!
As for the tag "MAD" it's not due to my outfit but my faith and the same thing was said about a young first century Jewish carpenter {John 10:20} so it's OK! Matthew 10:25

jesusjnr2020:
Not surprising...

God once told me a long time ago, He had a lot of people (souls) in football, and overtime I've come to get a clearer picture of what He meant.

One of them was while watching a live match between Tottenham and Bolton, and then the unthinkable happened, a Bolton player, Fabrice Muamba slumped, and what I saw on that day sent shivers through my spine.

I saw how everyone on the stadium that day forgot about football and who was the opposition, and were united on how to save the life of Fabrice Muamba.

I saw just about everyone in the stadium praying and hoping for the best including the opposition players, some of who were shedding tears.

Me myself, where I was watching the game in a restaurant, was seriously praying for God to have mercy on the player, and I believe so also many across the world watching the same event as it unfolded.

The ref, Howard Web, despite that the stricken player had been taken off the pitch, felt what transpired on the pitch that day was more important than the game itself, so decided to call off the game and led the players, coaches, staff, match officials, back to the dressing room.

It was relieving when news filtered in that the stricken player, Fabrice Muamba had been resuscitated.

On the day when the game was rescheduled, I saw the players of Tottenham all putting on white t-shirts with the inscription at the back, "pray for Muamba".

This was a top flight English club not Nigerian or African, so that some would begin to say they were brain-washed, so who were they all "praying" to exactly but God?

Fabrice Muamba after surviving the incident also said it was God who saved His life. He expressed His gratitude to God and also the medics who were on ground to attend to him.

That in a nutshell me gave me further insight to what God meant when He said, "I have a lot of people in football."

Football is a tool God would use to bring many souls to Christ in these last days.

God bless.

Glory be to God the lover of all souls.

MaxInDHouse:


Naaaaaaaaaaaaa, you're empty upstairs!
As for the tag "MAD" it's not due to my outfit but my faith and the same thing was said about a young first century Jewish carpenter {John 10:20} so it's OK! Matthew 10:25

True Christians would rejoice at the topic of this thread and for you to be crying foul shows that you are working for a different master.

That's exactly why i asked you if they are now TRUE Christians since you've been condemning many churches here on Nairaland and you're not even sure if the so called 18k embraced Catholicism which you've always malign on Nairaland!

OLAADEGBU:

True Christians would rejoice at the topic of this thread and for you to be crying foul shows that you are working for a different master.

MaxInDHouse:


That's exactly why i asked you if they are now TRUE Christians since you've been condemning many churches here on Nairaland and you're not even sure if the so called 18k embraced Catholicism which you've always malign on Nairaland!

Once they are born again they are true Christians and we know Jehovah wickedness (JWs) are not born again hence you fail to see the difference between local churches and the Church of Christ.

OK your brothers here are attending LOCAL CHURCHES while you are attending international shey?
Ọmọ no forget sey oyinbo dey do gay and lesbian marriages o yet they claim they're BORN AGAIN!

OLAADEGBU:

Once they are born again they are true Christians and we know Jehovah wickedness (JWs) are not born again hence you fail to see the difference between local churches and the Church of Christ.

FreedomfromtheT:
Glory be to God the lover of all souls.

Amen!

MaxInDHouse:


OK your brothers here are attending LOCAL CHURCHES while you are attending international shey?
Ọmọ no forget sey oyinbo dey do gay and lesbian marriages o yet they claim they're BORN AGAIN!

The scoffers scorn expectedly (2 Peter 3:3-7)

OLAADEGBU:


The scoffers scorn expectedly (2 Peter 3:3-7)

Come see Kumuyi slave!

Peter was talking about those who doubt our hope of a brighter future in God's Kingdom, OLAADEGBU is quoting Peter to back up footfall watchers as BORN AGAIN Christians.

Walahi talahi you're empty!

MaxInDHouse:


Come see Kumuyi slave!

Peter was talking about those who doubt our hope of a brighter future in God's Kingdom, OLAADEGBU is quoting Peter to back up footfall watchers as BORN AGAIN Christians.

Walahi talahi you're empty!

See how you wasted my time.