NW Christian Soccer Player Shines On And Off The Field - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

SPOKANE, Wash. - Senior Forward Austin Friedly is not only playing in hopes of a State Championship, he is also making a lasting impression on lives abroad.

For the past two years, Austin has spent part of his summers on a mission trip in Nicaragua, a country with one of the highest poverty rates in Central America.

He worked inside an orphanage in the town of Jinotega, working with kids that have had anything but a good life.

Friedly only worked there a few weeks, but built up quite the relationship with a couple of the young girls, likely acting as the only mentor and positive influence in their lives.

Austin is back home now, trying to complete a goal that has meant so much to him in life. It's no longer life's biggest priority though, ministering to these girls has now made him want to just be a better man overall.