Know Their Story is Live!
Ep 7 – Friendship First, Reaching the Nations in Peoria with Mandy Hobbs
April 7, 2025
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Episode Summary:
In this episode of Know Their Story, host Jimmy Houck talks with Mandy Hobbs, one of the team leaders for Bethany’s Tuesday Night Soccer Ministry, about how soccer has become a powerful front porch for gospel relationships. Mandy shares her heart for using this weekly pickup game as more than just a recreational outlet—it’s a space for cross-cultural friendship, intentional listening, and patient evangelism.
Together, they explore the unique opportunity God has given Bethany Church to welcome people from all over the world—India, Nepal, the Middle East, South America, and more—right to their doorstep through this growing ministry. Mandy shares how the soccer team builds trust through small acts of love, moments of vulnerability, and by consistently showing up.
Key discussion points include:
✔️ Why soccer is a “front porch” for gospel conversations
✔️ How listening with both ears and eyes shows people they are seen and valued
✔️ The challenge and beauty of long-term relationship-building across cultures
✔️ How simple actions—inviting, observing, praying, and even baking cookies—can lead to eternal impact
✔️ Why love and boldness must go hand in hand when sharing Jesus
This episode will inspire you to think about your own “front porch,” and how genuine love and faithful presence can open the door for someone to know Christ.
Key Quotes:
🕊️ “Time is the greatest gift you can give someone—and it’s something you can never get back.”
🌍 “It feels like the world is coming to us. God is bringing the nations right to our doorstep.”
👀 “Love listens with ears—and with eyes. Sometimes just noticing someone is a way of saying ‘you matter’.”
💬 “It might not look like a baptism tomorrow, but we’re part of a long chain of what God is doing.”
💡 “You don’t have to be great at soccer to make a difference. Just be present, be loving, and be real.”
