Happy 250^th Birthday,

USA!

 

Due to the 2026 World Cup Games being hosted here, we have the opportunity to share America’s 250th birthday with people from all over the world. Many visitors are in the United States for the first time. These weeks, it has been interesting to hear their impressions as they visit cities, eat at local places, go to stores, and are cheered on at their football practices and games. People are amazed with the plethora of choices at stores, the serving portions of food, ice in drinks, free refills, air conditioning, Ranch Dressing, free bathrooms, and that people greet and speak to them. They are also enjoying trips to the Grand Canyon, NASA, rodeos, Buc-ee’s, Waffle House, high school football stadiums, and community events. Mostly, people have commented on how Americans are friendly, helpful, supportive, and hospitable. What wonderful reminders they give us to be grateful for things we might take for granted.

 

As we celebrate our 250^th Birthday today, may we, too, take the time to marvel and thank God for the privileges, blessings, and opportunities we have as citizens of the United States of America. Through our words, deeds, and actions, may they also see the love, faith and freedom we have in Jesus.

 

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

1 Peter 4:9-10

 

Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.

Romans 15:2

Giving God the Glory

Austria’s soccer/football star David Alaba states, “Jesus Christ is my father, my friend, creator of all things. He is everything.” Alaba gives God credit for guiding his career and life.

Lionel Messi, from Argentina, has achieved nearly every recognition in football. He accepts them with a grateful and humble attitude. In their game with Algeria, Messi scored all three goals, the first World Cup hat trick of his career. After each goal, he pointed to heaven and then made the sign of the cross twice. After their victory over Algeria, Messi took the attention off himself and with gratitude voiced, “I can’t ask for more than what I received. Thank God that he has given me so much; now everything is just for enjoying.” He expresses that his talent is a gift from God.

 

Players from Curacao and Germany came together to pray after their World Cup game. Jonathan Tah from Germany stated, “We share the same faith and we can come together in Jesus Christ. Moments like this show what football is really about beyond the competition. During the game we’re opponents, but after the game we’re Christians, so we’re brothers. We all believe that Jesus is glorified through the game, and that is why we came together. The world teaches us to fight for our crowns. Jesus calls for us to lay them down. Football may create opponents, but Christ creates brothers.”

 

The first thing the United States team did, after their victory over Australia, was to gather in a circle on the field, as Mark McKenzie, defender, led them in prayer and gave God the glory. When interviewed McKenzie stated, “My identity isn’t in football. My identity is in Jesus Christ.” Alex Freeman commented, “Success can become a place of pride, but gratitude keeps the heart grounded. Football is temporary. God’s faithfulness remains forever.” Christian Pulisic leads a team Bible study called “Bible Time.” Midfielder Weston McKennie’s bio states, “All glory to God.” The U.S. team also prayed together after their victory over Paraguay and their loss to Turkey.

 

After Ghana’s World Cup win over Panama, the players and staff gathered on the pitch, joined hands, and bowed their heads. Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare led them in a prayer of thanksgiving stating, “All Glory Belongs to Jesus.”

 

Cristhian Mosquera, of Spain, says, “My GOAT is God.” He is quick to shift the focus of his achievements to his faith. “God remains above all accomplishments.”

 

After scoring, Felix Nmecha, of Germany, knelt to the grass, took an invisible crown off his head, placed it on the ground, and pointed up to the sky. Afterwards he stated, “The game matters, but God matters more.” His bio on Instagram states: “Football is my passion. Jesus is my foundation. All the glory I give to God. He is the one who gave me this talent.”

 

Kenji Gorre, playing for Curacao, declared, “Talent and fame are not enough. Without Jesus, we are nothing.” The team sings worship songs during practices and rallies. They prayed prayers of thanks with the players from Germany and Ecuador after their games. Gorre said, “HIStory is being made. Thank You Jesus.”

 

Daniel Munoz, of Colombia stated, “Today all glory and honor belong to God.”

 

Cody Gakpo confirmed that 11 to 12 players from the Netherlands have been praying together throughout the FIFA World Cup.

 

Bukayo Saka, of England, declares, “God’s plan is perfect.”

 

Austrian defender David Alaba shared, “Jesus Christ is my father, my friend, the creator of all things. He is everything. My identity is not found in trophies, fame, or achievements, but in my faith.”

 

Congolese footballer Noah Sadiki states, “We aren’t just playing for trophies, we are playing to witness for Christ.”

 

Faith Pixel wraps it up well, “While the world worships trophies and fame, these legends are pointing to the ultimate King. Every crown, trophy and moment of glory ultimately belongs to Jesus. Believers are saying the greatest victory is not the World Cup, but knowing Christ.”

 

And whatever platform God has given us, may we, too, be quick to take a stand, speak up, and give God the glory.

 

Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.

Psalm 115:1

 

World Cup 2026

World Cup 2026 will be from June 11 – July 19. There are 48 teams playing all over the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The welcome mat is being rolled out, as people from all over the world come to play and cheer on their team. Each team selects a city to live in for practices and games.

 The soccer team from Algeria chose Lawrence, Kansas. Germany is in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and Spain is training in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Although most people in Lawrence, Kansas know little about Algeria, they are welcoming their visitors and expressing interest in learning more about the players and their country. By the first week, the residents were beginning to wear green jerseys to cheer on the team. A news crew interviewed an older man and asked him what he knew about Algeria. He replied, “Not much yet, but we want to welcome them here.” The University of Kansas sent its marching band to Algeria’s training field. They had spent the week learning the Algerian National Anthem and played it as the team came out on the field. The Algerian team is investing in the community, by offering training sessions, going through drills, and signing autographs. They are considering themselves honorary Kansans.

 

The people in Alexandria, Virginia had a street festival, with Croatian food and music. Soccer fans in Spokane, Washington have gathered to watch Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah. A new Egyptian restaurant has seen its business increase, since the soccer team came to town.

 

Curacao is the smallest country to ever reach the FIFA World Cup. They are settling in Houston, Texas. There are 156,000 residents in Curacao and almost 7,000 have come for the games. It’s a way to share their island, culture, and team with the world.

 

Players and fans from Scotland, Germany, and the Netherlands are also staying in Texas. Dallas Stadium and Fort Worth shuttle busses are taking tourists to the Buc-ee’s near Texas Motor Speedway. Trinity Metro Cowtown shuttles are offering visitors rides to Buc-ee’s, Tanger Outlets, Fort Worth Zoo, and Six Flags.

 

From grocery stores, amusement attractions, food, and special events, the world athletes have come to experience the US. May they see us at our best.

 

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

John 15:12