Living It Out at Age 16: Meet Jayla

A teenager girl who goes against the social norm, who knows why she was put on this planet and isn’t afraid to dream crazy big dreams? It is a rare find, but that’s Jayla Elstad. I’m soooo happy to introduce her to you today. I sat down with Jayla and her mom recently and listened to her story, how God stirred her heart at age 11 and asked her to serve people around the globe with one simple thing:
the game of soccer.

She’s completely inspiring, beautiful inside and out, and although she is young in years, she is wise in God-given wisdom. You’re going to love her! So, without further adieu, Jayla Elstad.

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Hi, I’m Jayla and I am 16 years old. I am a girl with a passion and fire for God and because of this passion, I began a ministry for Him over 5 years ago.

When I was 11 years old God spoke to me through the game of soccer. I had missionary friends who lived in Paraguay and wanted to start a soccer camp. I also had a friend who had two HUGE boxes of used soccer gear, and didn’t know what to do with them. I decided to take that used soccer gear and send it overseas to my missionary friends.

I deflated the balls, washed up the gear, packed it up, and gave it to people who were going to visit the mission base in Paraguay. The missionaries were able to put the gear to good use and share Jesus through the game of soccer. It was so fun and such a great experience to be able to see God speak through soccer.

Then I had a crazy thought, what if I could do it again?

What if I could turn the giving of old soccer gear into something big? I prayed about it with my family and soon after I created TruthFC. TruthFC is all about the sharing of God’s love through the giving of soccer gear.

Since I was only 11 years old, starting this was big in the eyes of my peers, but I was willing to take the challenge. I had found my passion, and I was ready to live it immediately and not wait.

I have continued to collect new and used soccer gear, and since 2010 I have sent gear to five different countries, on 7 different missions trips. Never could I imagine all that in just a few short years.

I am not done there though. My dream is for this ministry to grow even bigger and touch the lives of those living in poverty who don’t have the opportunity to play soccer.

Having found my passion through the love of God and soccer, I plan to live that passion out.

If you are interested for more information about TruthFC or donating your old soccer gear, feel free to check out my website, TruthFC.com. Have an amazing day and don’t be afraid to live out your passion now.

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Learn more about Jayla and TruthFC at www.truthfc.com.

How are you living bravely this summer? We want to hear from you! Something powerful happens when we share our story – it brings encouragement and strength to so many others.  Share yours below. 

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