December 17, 2024
On Monday, December 9, the East Texas Baptist University Hockey team departed Texas for Sweden as part of ETBU’s Tiger Athletic Mission Experience (TAME). This marks the 22nd trip for ETBU Athletics under the TAME initiative and the second international mission for the Tiger Hockey team, following their 2019 trip to Slovakia. In partnership with the International Sports Federation (ISF), Salt Factory Sports, and Sport for Life, the team engaged in ministry, service, and cultural exchange throughout their week-long journey.
Each day of the trip was filled with meaningful experiences that blended faith, hockey, and outreach. Senior Dominic Desjardins reflected on their mission work: “It was exciting to play hockey in Sweden and have the opportunity to share with the players on the opposing team after the game. It’s incredible to see how hockey can be a bridge to sharing the love of Christ and connecting with others.”
Team members immersed themselves in Swedish culture, participating in prayer walks, sharing meals, and engaging in youth outreach activities. Junior Tim Ruf emphasized the spiritual impact of the trip, stating, “God works through even the smallest connections. During this trip, I learned how the little things, like offering a listening ear or a simple invitation to church, can have a profound impact on someone’s life.”
Senior Nikolas Roudkovski shared his experience building relationships through community service, recounting a conversation with a local resident named Alx. “When I met Alx, I felt God telling me to invite him to church,” Roudkovski said. “I pray that seeds were planted in his heart that will grow into something lasting and transformative.”
In addition to their ministry efforts, the team has played hockey games against local teams, creating camaraderie and giving the Tigers an opportunity to share the Gospel. After one game, opponents joined the ETBU players for pizza and conversations.
“I’ve learned this week that by having a small conversation about the Lord can go a long way, even if you do not get to see the entire transformation with the person you are trying to share the Lord with,” graduate student Carson Loos. said. “Planting the seed of the Gospel is very important, although it can be very intimidating to do, but by pushing yourself to be vocal with others, it can bring great joy when you see progress in others.”
The ETBU Hockey team concluded their time in Sweden with outreach events and a floorball tournament with youth after church before returning to Texas. Through TAME, ETBU continues to fulfill its mission of integrating faith, learning, and living in service to Christ. Since 2016, ETBU Athletics has sponsored TAME trips to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Serbia, Israel, Jamaica, Slovakia, France, Japan, Greece, Scotland, Australia, Spain, Portugal, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, Chile, Honduras and Sweden.