Bible-Believing Ball Blocker Offers Testimony by Example
by Doug Greengard
December 6, 2004
(AgapePress) - Simply put, Matt Jordan is one of Major League Soccer's best goalies. Now with the Columbus Crew, Jordan continually ranks as one of the league's finest. While playing for Dallas in 2001, his nine shutouts tied him for the league lead. Two years earlier, Jordan's 1.08 goals-against average set a team record and was second best in MLS. When it comes to soccer, Jordan, the tenth overall selection in the 1998 MLS college draft, has achieved great success in keeping others from reaching the soccer goal. In life, his greatest quest is to see others score life's biggest prize -- a personal relationship with Jesus Christ."I really believe that being a leader by example is the best way for me to share my faith," says Jordan. "I've found that a lot of people look at the way I live my life, the way I conduct myself and the way I handle myself out on the field. That's how I can best reach people: by leading by example. That is my way of blessing others."
Just as he does on the soccer field, Jordan faces challenges in the game of life. He uses the same biblical principles to emerge victorious.
"I go through just as many troubled times as anybody," adds Jordan, a former standout at Clemson University. "People think that just because you're an athlete you are untouchable. But a lot of times, you're more vulnerable. I'm really blessed though, because I'm in a profession that's really pure and I'm able to use my God-given gifts on a daily basis."
Jordan, the Colorado High School Player of the Year in 1994, could easily get caught up in his accomplishments. But the 6-2, 185-pound goal-keeper is constantly reminded of the peace and joy he enjoys when he keeps himself focused on being led by the Lord.
"My daily focus is to let go and let God take over," says Jordan. "It's not easy sometimes because you feel like you want to have control of things. But if you approach everything that you do, whether it's on the field or off the field, and you do things according to His Word, the rest falls into place."
Generally, that means another opponent's kick kept out of the goal and another day living in the Lord's presence. "I feel God's joy when I do my best with the gifts that He's blessed me with."
Doug Greengard is chaplain for the NFL's New Orleans Saints and the host/producer of Christian Sports Minute, a radio feature airing on more than 300 stations in North America. To obtain Heroes of Faith, a book filled with 24 stories of well-known sports figures, send a donation of $10 or more to: Greengard Family Ministries, 2250 Gause Blvd., PMB 51089, Slidell, LA 70461.
