Missionary Athletes International

Missionary Athletes International The vision for using soccer to reach a lost world led to the inception of MAI by Tim Conrad in La Habra, California in 1983.

Missionary Athletes International (MAI) is a Gospel-centered ministry that introduces people to Jesus Christ, teaches them to follow Him, and empowers them as leaders through the global environment of soccer. The fall of 1986 brought Dave Irby to MAI as its first full time staff member. In the fall of 1987, six other men joined MAI’s staff. That growth in personnel and programs has continued stead

ily since. MAI became a charter member of the International Sports Coalition in 1985 and has been a member with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability since 1989. The fall of 1990 brought the opening of MAI’s first divisional ministry office outside of the Los Angeles area. This office was headed by Jon and Ruthie Ortlip in the town of Bolton Northern England. In 1991, Brian and Chris Davidson opened MAI’s third ministry office in Charlotte, North Carolina. MAI’s fourth ministry location, the Czech Republic, was opened in 1993, led by Bill and Lisa Galipault. The fifth office opened under the leadership of Rick and Janice McKinley during 1997 in Wheaton, IL. In the late 90’s, MAI’s office in England became an independent organization under “Ambassadors in Sports.”

Today, MAI has three office locations in the United States, two of which also house MAI headquarters functions. Executive functions are located in Charlotte, North Carolina and Mission Support Services in La Mirada, California. Ministry sites include La Mirada, California; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Chicago, Illinois with additional ministry programs occurring in other states. MAI’s main methods of evangelism and discipleship have been the organizing of soccer teams, conducting soccer camps and taking short-term soccer tours overseas. These programs are augmented by other ministries, including: clinics, school programs, prison and inner city ministries; training leaders to be sports ministers and sending them out to partner with other Christian agencies. We thank the Lord for His blessings in allowing us to grow from a few summer soccer camps, one international tour and a men’s amateur team thirty years ago to impact the lives of thousands of people each year through multi-faceted, year-round ministries that comprise MAI today.

She has seen how impossible it would be to face such darkness without the hope found in Christ. Now, Par Tha Lang is pre...
06/19/2026

She has seen how impossible it would be to face such darkness without the hope found in Christ.

Now, Par Tha Lang is preparing for the opportunity to serve in Honduras, where she hopes to carry that same light and share the Gospel's message of peace and redemption with others.

While she knows this trip will bring new experiences and challenges, Par Tha Lang is excited to follow where God is leading and use this opportunity to serve.

Join us in praying for Par Tha Lang as she prepares for this mission trip and all that God has planned for her.

If you'd like to support Par Tha Lang and the team heading to Honduras this summer, you can donate through the link in our bio.

Through his time in the Leadership Development Program, Andrew has grown in his faith and developed a deeper understandi...
06/17/2026

Through his time in the Leadership Development Program, Andrew has grown in his faith and developed a deeper understanding of the Gospel that once changed his life. Now, Andrew is preparing for the opportunity to serve in Honduras, where he hopes to share that same Gospel through both his testimony and the game of soccer. While he knows this trip will bring new experiences and challenges, Andrew is excited to follow where God is leading and use this opportunity to serve others.
Join us in praying for Andrew as he prepares for this mission trip and all that God has planned for him.
If you'd like to support Andrew and the team heading to Honduras this summer, you can donate through the link in our bio.

For many years, the Charlotte Eagles have been a big part of his story.What started as an opportunity to play soccer wit...
06/15/2026

For many years, the Charlotte Eagles have been a big part of his story.

What started as an opportunity to play soccer with friends became an opportunity to grow in faith, build lasting relationships, and learn from coaches who modeled what it looks like to follow Jesus.

Through his time with the Eagles, he learned valuable life lessons, grew as a leader, and developed a desire to serve others.

Now, as he prepares for a mission trip to Honduras, he is excited for the opportunity to grow in his faith, experience a new culture, and share the love of Christ with others.

Join us in praying for Ro as he prepares for this mission trip and all that God has planned for him.

If you'd like to support Ro and the team heading to Honduras this summer, you can donate through the link in our bio.

Soccer first drew him in, but what kept him coming back was seeing people live out their faith and share the Gospel.Afte...
06/13/2026

Soccer first drew him in, but what kept him coming back was seeing people live out their faith and share the Gospel.

After moving to Charlotte from Vietnam at 7 years old, Luan found community through the Charlotte Eagles.

Through years of involvement in Eagles programs and the Leadership Development Program, Luan grew in his relationship with Christ, was baptized at 11, and began asking a question that still shapes his life today: “How can I serve the Lord?”

As a follower of Christ and professional barber, Luan is committed to living faithfully and reflecting Jesus wherever God has placed him.

Join us in praying for Luan as he prepares for this mission trip and all that God has in store through his story.

If you'd like to support Luan and the team heading to Honduras this summer, you can donate through the link in our bio.

Faith was part of Abby’s upbringing, but eventually it became her own.After drifting away from God and struggling throug...
06/10/2026

Faith was part of Abby’s upbringing, but eventually it became her own.

After drifting away from God and struggling through a difficult season, God showed her the power of faith, perseverance, and trusting Him through every circumstance.

She was introduced to the Charlotte Eagles and the Leadership Development Program, where she has spent the last several years growing as a leader and learning how to share the Gospel.

Now, in her final year of LDP, she has the opportunity to serve in Honduras and share the hope of Christ with others.

Join us in praying for Abby as she prepares for this mission trip and all that God has in store through her story.

If you'd like to support Abby and the team heading to Honduras this summer, you can donate through the link in our bio.

Since giving his life to Christ, Moses has seen God continue to guide him, strengthen his faith, and shape his life. Thr...
06/08/2026

Since giving his life to Christ, Moses has seen God continue to guide him, strengthen his faith, and shape his life.

Through two summers in the Leadership Development Program, he has grown as a follower of Jesus and learned valuable lessons about serving others.

Now, Moses is preparing for the opportunity to serve in Honduras, where he hopes to share God's love through both the Gospel and the game of soccer.

While he knows this trip will bring new experiences and challenges, Moses is excited to follow where God is leading and use this opportunity to serve others.

Join us in praying for Moses as he prepares for this mission trip and all that God has planned for him.

If you'd like to support Moses and the team heading to Honduras this summer, you can donate through the link in our bio.

God has been using every step of Phil’s journey to grow him as a leader, servant, and follower of Christ.  Through the L...
06/03/2026

God has been using every step of Phil’s journey to grow him as a leader, servant, and follower of Christ. 
 
Through the Leadership Development Program, Phil has experienced firsthand how serving others can strengthen his faith and deepen his relationship with God.

Now, he’s preparing for the opportunity to serve in Honduras, step out of his comfort zone, and continue putting his faith into action. 
 
Join us in praying for Phil as he prepares for this trip and all that God has in store for him. 
 
Join us in praying for Phil and the entire team as they go to share the Gospel, using the game of soccer.

If you’d like to support Phil and the mission of the Leadership Development Program, you can donate through the link in our bio.

Sostika’s family came to the US as refugees from Nepal when she was 9 years old. Although she was raised in a Hindu hous...
06/01/2026

Sostika’s family came to the US as refugees from Nepal when she was 9 years old. Although she was raised in a Hindu household, she encountered the love of Christ through the Charlotte Eagles staff who lived in her neighborhood. 

Sostika has participated in the Leadership Development Program for 4 years and traveled to Colombia on a mission trip with the Eagles in 2024. She is stepping out once again in faith to serve and grow in Honduras this summer. 

Join us in praying for Sostika and the entire team as they go to share the Gospel, using the game of soccer. If you’d like to support Sostika and the mission of the Leadership Development Program, you can donate through the link in our bio.

From surrender to service. What began as a personal journey of understanding God’s grace has grown into a desire to shar...
05/27/2026

From surrender to service. 

What began as a personal journey of understanding God’s grace has grown into a desire to share the hope of the Gospel with others.

We’re grateful for the way the Lord is raising up young leaders through the Leadership Development Program — not only to grow in their own faith, but to serve, connect, and love people across cultures through Christ. 

As our students prepare for Honduras, we invite you to pray for every conversation, every relationship built, and every life impacted by the truth of Jesus. 

If you’d like to support students like him as they step out in faith and serve internationally for the very first time, you can donate through the link in our bio.

05/17/2026

For years, the Eagles Leadership Development Program has been walking alongside refugee and immigrant youth in East Charlotte— discipling, mentoring, and equipping the next generation of leaders through community, Scripture, and intentional investment.
This year marks a new chapter.
For the first time, these young leaders will step beyond their own context and experience an international trip together. 🌍
Over the coming weeks, they will have the opportunity to:
• Experience a new culture and broaden their perspective
• Grow in confidence, leadership, and faith
• Witness how God is moving around the world
• Discover what it means to lead with humility, courage, and purpose
These are not just students preparing for a trip— they are emerging leaders being shaped for lifelong impact.
Would you join us in praying for and supporting this team as they prepare for this unforgettable experience.
Colossians 1:15–23
To give, click the link in bio.

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9303 Monroe Road, Suite L
Matthews, NC
28270

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