Dear Friends and Family,

We hope and pray that this update finds you and your loved ones well, healthy and joyful.

We are surely enjoying warm weather (finally!). Luca and JJ cannot stand staying inside and are constantly asking mom (and dad) to go outside, to the park, pool, etc. Summer is fun! 

As we watch our boys grow and explore the world, we are constantly reminded that very soon they will start paying attention to what is around them. We all know there is A LOT out there (schools, movies, music, social media, literature, etc) that does not necessarily point them to Christ.

We don't want our boys to grow up in a bubble, but we definitely feel the responsibility to navigate them through these seasons, reminding them of how loved, beautiful and perfect they are in Christ, and that more than anything, Jesus loves them dearly. 

As much as we walk with our boys, it is the Spirit of God that will change their hearts forever. Our everyday prayer is that Luca and JJ will give their hearts to Christ. And as we do that, we do check our own hearts too, as we try to lead by example. It is not easy! But Christ is enough. 

As we get bombarded with lies every second through all sorts of different medias, may we be reminded to guard our hearts, dive into His word and experience a joy and peace that only comes from the Lord! HE IS SO GOOD!  

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." 

(Proverbs 4:23)

Leandro, Nicole, Luca and JJ

As many of you know, I (Leo) haven't seen my family in Brazil (or here) for almost 3 years now. That has been really hard.

But we had the joy of having Leo's dad (Josias) and cousin (Rodrigo) visiting for 3 weeks. JJ finally met his grandpa and Josias finally got to see our house! We had also prepared something very special. One of Josias' dreams was to see the Grand Canyon, so we made it happen! Pictures cannot not do it justice. In fact, let us know if you would like to see the video of Leo and his Dad crying and hugging as they contemplate God's creation! It is awesome!

It was really a time of encouragement, laughter and work (Leo and his dad installed a shower in our basement!) and we are so thankful for such sweet time with Leo's dad and cousin! We cant wait for the whole family in Brazil to meet JJ for the first time! We are hoping to travel to Brazil as a family this fall. 

It was also very special to watch Grandpa Josias playing with Luca and JJ. Saying goodbyes was a little harder this time. The boys LOVED having grandpa here and have missed him since. Family is such a sweet gift from God! 

Our fiscal year ended in April. Through the generosity and kindness of many, and through a hard working staff we were able to finish the year well financially. In the midst of such crisis, war, pandemic and uncertainty, God reminded us of how faithful He is. We are certainly driven by lives being transformed by Christ, but we ought to be good stewards with all resources we are given, so we celebrate a great financial year and give ALL glory to God! 

We slowly but steadily continue to grow. Chicago now has 19 staff and we continue to care for each other, our teams,  our families and our community. We are a mature team, and it is such a joy to serve such an incredible group of people. I always say "I get to serve amazing people with amazing hearts". Thank you for your support in every way! We have bigger dreams and with God's lead, we will get there, one step at a time, for God's glory!

We just wrapped up Spring season and kicked off Summer! It is a different pace, but same awesome ministry opportunities. In fact, good weather allows us to do even more so we are all excited to get out there! 

Spring season was absolutely amazing! Through 7 different Micro league locations, club teams, Urban ministry and neighborhood ministry, we were able to impact, invest, and journey with more than 500 kids (and their families). Seeds have been planted, prayers made, healing and restoration, forgiveness, smiles, joy, and even salvation! God is working in our communities - Praise HIM! 

At the end of our Spring Season, the Chicago Eagles had the privilege to host, for the first time ever, a fundraiser event with David Kim, Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra. He performs on one of two violins, both crafted in the 1700's. The night was amazing, and we were able to raise almost 15k towards our Urban ministry. Such funds help us to continue to lower the cost of our programs, to allow any family to be a part of our Eagles family! Thank you all who made this event so special! 

As for the Summer activities, we already have 40 people in Brazil (have been there the last two weeks) sharing Christ with our dear Brazilian brothers and sisters. The Summer Academy team will be back this week, and will stay for another 5 weeks, doing camps, playing games and being mentored by our amazing staff. The Summer Academy is very dear to all of us, as most of us in Chicago joined MAI because of our involvement with the Summer Academy program in our golden years! 

As part of their experience, these young men and women will be coaching at our Summer Camps. We are really praying for more campers this year. Last year we had about 600. We used to have about 1000 kids every summer. These kids and families are having a blast playing soccer, learning, and most importantly, hearing about Christ, who loves them so much! 

We also have a team of high school boys in Colombia, South America (Youth Tour). Through our partnership with Cosdecol, we are able to help their local sports ministry, invest in our boys, and watch them share Christ with hundreds of Colombian kids (and families). It is awesome! They have been there for almost two weeks now and will be back in the US soon. 

Lastly, we (the four of us), the Facurys and the Urbans get to serve Camp of the Woods ministry in NY for the week of the 4th of July. We will be running daily soccer clinics the week we are there. It is awesome to be able to serve the families there. We will be enjoying a nice setting, with amazing lodging, food, and most importantly, daily worship and preaching. It is really a time to rest a bit, and to be fed and invested in as well. Such a blessing!  

1. Safe return of the Summer Academy team
2. Safe return of the Youth Tour team
3. Transformation/salvation to happen through our various summer programs
4. Safe trip to Camp of the Woods in NY
5. Health and well being of our staff with so many different activities going on

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)