A Global Vision for the World Cup

Victory Beyond the Cup was Cru’s initiative to rally Christians around the world’s largest soccer tournament. Our goal was to mobilize 100,000 believers and 10,000 churches. We encouraged the global Church to aim for the ultimate goal of seeing people won for God’s Kingdom.

Equipping Believers to Connect

More than a year ago, Cru’s Athletes in Action staff asked the Lord how to reach people through the World Cup. God challenged our staff to initiate Cru’s World Cup outreach, Victory Beyond the Cup. We provided free resources to equip Christians to open their homes, bring their communities together, and spark meaningful spiritual conversations.

This strategic effort focused on hosting viewing events, building genuine relationships, and presenting the gospel. By connecting through a shared passion for soccer, participants bridged cultural divides and shared a message of lasting hope with their neighbors.

Lives Changed in Maryland

One amazing example of how God used this initiative occurred in Maryland. Tommy Schumacher, an area director for Fellowship of Christian Athletes® (FCA), hosted 46 World Cup watch parties in his office parking lot. Tommy invited local pastors, FCA staff, and local soccer professionals to join in the outreach. Some matches drew as many as 200 people. At every watch party, a soccer professional shared the gospel in person or through Athletes in Action videos.

“Sport is something that … brings [people] together,” Schumacher said. “It’s an amazing way for church members to share their faith — watching a sporting event together, eating together, getting to know each other.”

During one watch party, a woman who had recently moved to the area stopped by. For the next two hours, she talked with different volunteers who shared their testimonies with her, encouraged her, and prayed with her.

“I think I want this God you’re talking about. I want to know this Jesus,” she said.

Schumacher gave her a Bible and prayed with her as she put her trust in Christ. Two days later, she returned and held a “Free Event” sign by the road, inviting people to come and watch.

Far-Reaching Global Impact

God used the excitement of the World Cup this past summer to draw people to know Jesus. An estimated 185,500 people downloaded kits to host World Cup watch parties and share the love of Jesus. This was well beyond the number we were praying for. In addition to the host kits, almost 30 million people visited the Victory Beyond the Cup website.

Thank You for Partnering with Us

You make it possible for us to provide the operational support that makes outreaches like Victory Beyond the Cup possible. We are a team with you in God’s kingdom work. Thank you for your prayers and support of our ministry. We appreciate you!

Please Pray for:

1. Those who were exposed to the gospel all around the world. Pray that many would put their faith in the Lord for salvation.
2. The thousands of believers who hosted watch parties and were introduced to new ways to share the gospel with their friends and family. Please pray they would continue to reach out to their friends and neighbors.

NOTES:

• The event photo was taken at one of the Maryland FCA watch parties.
• Give securely to Mike and Sus Schmitt at give.cru.org/0124650.