Coaching football provides platform to share Christ in Serbia
“Football and winning drove me for most of my life, but now pleasing my God is my number one motivation.”
This attitude sums up Josh Hepner’s ministry in Serbia—coaching football for the Kraljevo Royal Crowns and sharing Christ with young athletes. He and his wife, Kristen, have lived in Kraljevo for a year and love the life God has given them.
Getting There
Twenty-seven-year-old Josh is a former NCAA football player from North Greenville University. Though he could have pursued football as a career in America, he chose to put his family first and use his coaching skills in ministry.
This decision led them to Serbia, where nationals are surprised Josh and Kristen would choose to leave America for their country.
“I have heard quite a few responses when I tell folks I actually moved here and will be living here for the next few years,” Josh said. “My favorite was ‘Welcome to hell, everyone is trying to get outta here and you could go anywhere in the world and you came here.’”
This incredulity in itself opens doors to ministry as people are curious about why Josh would choose to call their city home. Ironically, Josh loves Serbia–the hospitality of the people, delicious food, incredible landscapes and slower pace of life. Most importantly, Josh and Kristen know God has clearly called them to Serbia and given them a love for the country.
“I love waking up each morning and seeing what the day has in store,” Josh said.
Royal Crowns
Josh is one of the first Americans to play and coach a Serbian football team. He is the linemen coach and one of two defensive coordinators. During this first year of play, the team won the North and South division in Serbia, and ended the season 7-1.
“I was really pleased with our defense,” Josh said. “It was a force to be reckoned with, and we took pride in shutting a team out.”
But Josh’s desire to win on the field is overshadowed by his desire to impact the lives of his players.
“I want to make my players better men off the field,” he said. “I want to teach them that skills they learn in football will take them much farther off the field—being a team player, taking responsibility when you screw up, giving 100 percent in everything you do, and never making excuses.”
Josh also wants to introduce them to Christ. Coaching Serbs—who love sports and are good athletes–and giving them new skills opens the doors to their hearts. Josh has become an area star, even being featured on a local TV show. During an interview he was asked what he would tell people who wanted to be Josh Hepner.
“Why in the world would you want to be someone else?” Josh asked. “God made you the way you are and he wants to use you in a mighty way.”
To keep up with the Hepners and know how to pray specifically for them, follow their blog. To find out about more ministry opportunities in Serbia, visit the Web site pray4serbs.org
Posted by Karen Pearce on Feb 24, 2009
Similar: Serbia
