Members of the Rock Church family often go above and beyond what would be considered normal to support the church, its ministries, and the community at large. So when Ryan Oropallo came to the Rock Cancer C.A.R.E. ministry with a unique idea, ministry leaders embraced it as another surprising blessing.

Ryan attended ASK, a prayer and fasting event at the Rock last May, and left a changed man.

This was the first time Ive ever attended anything of that magnitude. Since I have been saved, Ive never heard God speak so clearly to me, said Ryan, a professional Jiu-Jitsu fighter from San Diego who serves on the Rock Security Ministry.

Ryan decided to raise money for the Rocks Cancer C.A.R.E. Ministry (RCC), which provides an array of services to meet the basic and financial needs of individuals with cancer and their families. Ryan was already planning a July trip to Brazil, where he would compete in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu International Masters and Seniors Championship, a competition of jiu-jitsu masters from all over the world.

"[Many] people who donated are friends of mine that were previously diagnosed with cancer and are now cancer-free due to treatment, prayer and support such as [the] ministry provides. -- Ryan Oropallo

In Brazil, Ryan trained with Ricardo Vieira, a nine-time winner of the championship. Ricardo also is a fellow brother in Christ, known for his work with needy children in some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Brazil. At the championship, Ryan faced a long day of competition with Ricardos support, and walked away with the gold medal!

Ryan believes that he could never have succeeded without supernatural support. The only explanation is God's blessing. The talent and competition in Brazil is obviously top-notch. An American was not supposed to go to Brazil and win this tournament. To even better show an example of God's power, He didn't allow a single point to be scored against me [during] the whole tournament.

When Ryan told his friends and family about the unique services that the ROCK Cancer C.A.R.E. Ministry provides to cancer patients, he was able to raise $1,000 to support this ministry. [Many] people who donated are friends of mine that were previously diagnosed with cancer and are now cancer-free due to treatment, prayer and support such as [the] ministry provides.

Ultimately, Ryan views the entire experience as a great illustration of the amazing things that happen when we trust in God.

With God by your side and your faith in him, anything is possibleI don't care how unreachable you may think your desire is. If it falls in line with His plan, it can and will happen.