A sea of faces from varying backgrounds and ages look up in excitement. The lights dim and conversation fades to a whisper. From the boxing ring in the middle of the Sanctuary the announcer raises his microphone and smiles “Welcome to the Rock Church…”

On Sunday, March 9, 2013 the Rock Church was proud to sponsor the first Battle for the Troops event, which held seventeen amateur boxing matches, including three at the Olympic level. All proceeds of the event benefited wounded vets here at the Rock.

The day boasted several hours of family fun with rock climbing, skateboarding, bounce houses, a karate demo, and food vendors. Raffle tickets were sold for prizes ranging from complimentary boxing lessons, health supplements, meals at local restaurants and a 40-inch flat screen TV. All ticket sales went to supporting our veterans.

 The spirit of God made was felt as hundreds of attendees, many who had never before stepped foot inside of a church, interacted side by side in both the pre- and post-fight events, creating a sense of community that touched the hearts of many.

Chris Byrd, a former boxer and two-time heavyweight champion of the world—and also a member of the Rock Church North County, was on hand. He shared words of encouragement to all the young and aspiring athletes in attendance, as well as thanking the church for making such a day happen.

“This event is off the charts!” he said. “I cannot believe we are in a church!”

Fighting for God

When asked why in the world the Rock would hold a boxing event inside of a church, Pastor Miles responded with a smile, “Because we can!”

With a charismatic grin, he then elaborated: “We fight the Devil every single day for God, and it’s a matter of life and death. Yet we cannot win that fight without God.”

After a powerful message about the importance of having God in your corner and watching your back in your daily struggle, the crowd bowed their heads as Pastor Miles led the sanctuary in prayer. He asked for anyone who had never given their lives to God and wanted His presence to fill their hearts to raise their hands. By the end of the night one hundred hearts had surrendered to God as new soldiers of Christ.

Fight Recaps

Bout #1:

Juanito Garcia /Anthony Carilla – Winner

Bout #2:

                Jerred Quezadas/Daniel Ruiz – Winner

Bout #3:

                Daniel Ramirez – Winner/Jovanni Gonzalez

Bout #4:

                Franky Sanchez/Jose “el terro” Pancho – Winner

Bout #5:

                Valerie Altavos – Winner/Mercedes Van Buren

Bout #6:

                Tristan “TJ” Setzer/Nick Carrico – Winner

Bout #7:

                Robert Lopez – Winner/Thair Ramirez

Bout #8:

                Francisco Garcia/Ricardo Soto – Winner

Bout #9:

                Eric Puente/Nelson Salsar - Winner

Bout #10:

                Abduloh Nemantago/Steven Mendoza - Winner

Bout #11:

                Tyler Herberger – Winner/John Vasquez

Bout #12:

                Ronald Locsin – Winner/Miguel Sanchez

Bout #13:

                Jessica Ramirez – Winner/Latisha Smith

Bout #14:

                Brian Nevarez – Winner/Christian Olivas

Bout #15:

                Houssain Fakhreddine/Gabriel Hernandez – Winner

Bout #16:

                Alex “the Great” Robinson – Winner/Nicholas Cortez

Bout #17:

                Daniel Arrores/George Gonzalez – Winner

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12 NLT)