Becoming Champions: Embracing God's Call and Purpose

It is a joy to share with you the journey God has led us on in Guyana, where the vision is simple but profound: a church in every village, so that every person has the opportunity to hear the gospel clearly. Since 1999, we have seen God do remarkable things in some of the most remote and challenging places—places with no roads, no electricity, and no running water. Yet, in these villages, the light of Christ is shining, and lives are being transformed. Through children’s ministries, youth camps, medical clinics, and the training of local leaders, God is building His church, often in ways that surprise us and always in ways that humble us.

The heart of what we do is rooted in the conviction that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. The story of Rommel, who came to us as a teenager and is now a key leader, is a living testimony to the power of long-term faithfulness and discipleship. We have seen the fruit of staying in one place long enough to watch children grow into leaders, and even the next generation stepping up to serve.

Reflecting on the story of David and Goliath, it’s easy to think the lesson is simply that God will always remove our giants. But sometimes, the giants remain. The deeper truth is that God is in the business of making spiritual champions—not just a select few, but anyone who will take Him seriously. Champions are not defined by worldly success or recognition, but by faithfulness, courage, and a willingness to see a cause greater than themselves.

God chooses the unlikely, gives us what we need, and never sends us out alone. Champions are found at the front lines, willing to give themselves fully, to ask the hard questions, and to focus on God rather than the obstacles. The call is not to be someone else, but to be faithful with what God has given you. Every believer is gifted and called to serve, and greatness in God’s kingdom is available to all who will trust Him and step forward in faith. The world needs champions—right here, right now. Will you be one?

Key Takeaways

• 1. God Uses the Unlikely for His Purposes God delights in choosing those whom the world overlooks or dismisses. Like David, who was the least likely candidate to face Goliath, God often calls us to tasks that seem beyond our abilities. Our limitations are not obstacles to God, but opportunities for Him to display His power and grace. If you feel unqualified, you are in good company—God specializes in using the unlikely to confound the wise. [26:34]
• 2. Faithfulness Over Time Bears Generational Fruit Long-term commitment in one place or to one calling allows us to witness the slow, beautiful work of God across generations. Investing in people, discipling them, and remaining steadfast through challenges leads to spiritual multiplication. The story of Rommel and the children of pastors now becoming leaders is a reminder that faithfulness today can shape the church of tomorrow. [12:46]
• 3. Champions See a Cause Greater Than Themselves True spiritual champions are motivated by a vision that transcends personal comfort or ambition. David’s question, “Is there not a cause?” challenges us to lift our eyes beyond ourselves and embrace God’s mission in the world. When the gospel becomes our driving cause, we find courage to step into difficult places and do hard things for the sake of Christ. [31:46]
• 4. God Equips and Goes With Those He Calls God never sends us out alone or unequipped. He gives us His Word, His Spirit, and spiritual gifts uniquely suited for the work He calls us to do. Our focus should not be on what we lack, but on the sufficiency of God’s provision and presence. Even in the most remote or intimidating circumstances, we are never alone. [29:34]
• 5. Greatness in God’s Kingdom Is Found in Surrender The path to becoming a champion is not about self-promotion or extraordinary talent, but about giving ourselves fully to God. David gave himself, not knowing the outcome, trusting God with everything. When we let go of what we cling to and surrender our lives, God does more than we could ever imagine. The world may never call us champions, but in God’s eyes, faithfulness and surrender are the marks of true greatness. [38:02]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:00] - Introduction to Achieve Guyana
• [02:32] - Life and Ministry in the Wilderness
• [06:05] - Reaching Children and Youth
• [08:20] - Youth Camps and Bible Conferences
• [10:43] - Training Local Pastors and Leaders
• [12:46] - Rommel’s Story: From Teenager to Leader
• [14:24] - Understanding Salvation and Calling
• [16:57] - Rethinking David and Goliath
• [19:05] - God Makes Spiritual Champions
• [20:48] - The Ripple Effect: Edward Kimball to Billy Graham
• [24:47] - Lessons from David and Goliath
• [26:34] - God Chooses the Unlikely
• [29:34] - God’s Presence in the Hard Places
• [31:46] - Champions See a Greater Cause
• [34:23] - The True Point of David and Goliath
• [35:40] - Faithfulness and Spiritual Gifts
• [37:17] - Focusing on God, Not the Giants
• [38:02] - Giving Yourself Fully to God
• [40:04] - The Need for Champions Today
• [41:40] - God’s Power to Make Champions
• [42:31] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Observation Questions

1. In 1 Samuel 17, what reasons does David give for wanting to face Goliath, and how do his motivations differ from those of the other Israelites?
2. According to the sermon, what are some of the ways God has used “unlikely” people in Guyana to accomplish His purposes? [[26:34]]
3. What does the story of Rommel illustrate about the impact of long-term faithfulness and discipleship? [[12:46]]
4. In the sermon, what does the speaker say is the real point of the David and Goliath story, beyond just “defeating giants”? [[34:23]]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does God often choose people who seem unqualified or unlikely by the world’s standards to do His work? How does this challenge our own ideas about who can be used by God? [[26:34]]
2. The sermon mentions that sometimes “the giants remain.” What does it mean for someone to be a “champion” for God even when their problems or challenges don’t go away? [[16:57]]
3. How does seeing a “cause greater than yourself” change the way a person approaches serving God or facing difficulties? [[31:46]]
4. What does it look like in practical terms to “give yourself fully to God” as David did, not knowing the outcome? [[38:02]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon says, “God delights in choosing those whom the world overlooks or dismisses.” Have you ever felt unqualified or overlooked? How might God want to use you right where you are? [[26:34]]
2. Think about a time when you stayed committed to something or someone for a long period. What fruit did you see from that faithfulness? Is there a relationship or ministry where God is calling you to “stay put” and invest for the long haul? [[12:46]]
3. David asked, “Is there not a cause?” What is a cause or mission that stirs your heart beyond your own comfort or ambitions? How could you take a step toward serving that cause this month? [[31:46]]
4. The speaker shared that God gives us His Word, His Spirit, and spiritual gifts. What is one gift or resource God has given you that you haven’t been using? What’s a practical way you could start using it to serve others? [[29:34]]
5. Champions are found “at the front lines,” willing to give themselves fully. Where is your “front line” right now—at home, work, school, or in your community? What would it look like to step forward in faith there? [[32:52]]
6. The sermon challenges us to focus on God, not the giants. What is one “giant” (fear, obstacle, or challenge) that’s been keeping you from moving forward? How can you shift your focus to God’s sufficiency this week? [[37:17]]
7. The world may never call us champions, but in God’s eyes, faithfulness and surrender are the marks of true greatness. What is one area of your life where you need to surrender control to God? What’s holding you back? [[38:02]]