For Korean soccer goalie Daniel Park, his job as the last line of defense to the goal is a key role on his team that he values and performs with the deepest respect. 

Like his position, Daniel understands what is needed for a solid chance to stop the opponent from scoring, and his faith in God’s plans and purposes has grown over the years to be his own last and lasting line of defense. 

Daniel began playing soccer in primary school and loved it, finding joy in helping his teammates be successful and doing his part to give his team the best chance to win.

Just as he became familiar with soccer at a young age, he also knew God early on. His dad is a pastor, so it was natural for Daniel to attend church and experience God’s realness and presence.

But it wasn’t until he attended Calvin University in Yongin, South Korea, that his faith took on a deeper meaning. There, he met FCA Korea Leader Noah Kim, a Calvin University alumnus and former soccer athlete. Noah was involved in the Calvin Huddle as a student-athlete, and when he graduated and joined the FCA Korea team, he returned to serve his alma mater.

Daniel was one of the first athletes Noah connected with. At first, while attending the men’s soccer team Huddle and diving into God’s Word with his teammates, Daniel took a quieter approach, listening to what Noah would share and following along. Over time, Noah helped him apply what he read in the Bible into his daily life, and Daniel began to understand what it meant to make his faith his own.

“Who Jesus is and what God’s Word says became more real and authentic to me,” said Daniel. “What was unclear before became clear.”

Noah’s mentorship guided Daniel and his teammates through the seasons. Noah travels with the team to tournaments and competitions, and they have Huddles together during away games so they can keep fostering relationships and develop their spiritual growth during tough competition.

“Focusing on the Word helps me stay focused on what matters,” said Daniel.

Little did he know how true those words would ring.

**

Daniel hopes to play soccer professionally and spent last off season preparing for tryouts. He had a major competition in August that could determine his status for professional prospects, but things went sour when he tore his ACL during practice. Everything was up in the air, and worries circled through his mind: What if I can’t workout again? Will I be able to get back to my old form?

“Injuries like this create a lot of worries and anxiety in the lives of athletes,” said Noah. “This was very unexpected for Daniel. He was a player with a heavy heart.”

Daniel continued to wrestle with his worries while leaning on those around him for reminders of hope and God’s truth.

“It was a cross,” said Daniel. “It’s not easy and something you can’t control. But my dad encouraged me not to worry and reminded me I am in God’s hands.”

Daniel dove into God’s Word, leaning on Scripture to soothe his anxious heart and reminded him of God’s care and faithfulness, especially amid the unknown.

“I tried to see beyond this circumstance and trust that God’s got me and has a perfect plan in His time.”

It is hard to balance disappointment and belief, a teeter-totter trust Daniel maneuvered. His faith grew tremendously during his season of challenge, and Noah has had a front row view of this transformation from when he came in as a freshman to now in his senior season.

“In the beginning, Daniel was just following along, doing what he was told or suggested, but he’s really taken an active role as a leader,” said Noah. “It’s been a blessing to see him grow in his faith. He’s leading his teammates and living out what it’s like to live as a Christ follower.”

His ACL healed and Daniel is back on the field for his last collegiate season, anchored in his faith in God’s goodness and timing. He is trying out for professional teams and has joined the FCA online Huddle for pro soccer players. He’s transformed into a leader on the field and with his teammates and has seen the good that comes from relying on God’s Word.

Thinking back on his injury, Daniel remembers how he relied on Huddle time as as pace to share his struggles.

“In fierce competition, Huddles were a great strength for me,” he said. “Even in difficult times, I was able to spend time with God.”

Daniel wishes for all athletes to know that the power of presence and recalibration with others helps build lines of defense for faith.

“Soccer is not everything,” said Daniel, “It is just part of our life, but it can become everything in our life if we don’t pay attention. So many athletes struggle and don't have time to speak about what they're going through and let out what's in their hearts. Huddles not only help them grow spiritually but help build community. It’s a gathering we really need, like a compass pointing us to what matters the most.”

Learn more about what God is doing through ministry in Korea, and pray for Noah as he continues to serve and care for athletes like Daniel.

-FCA-