A Year in the fight life| a look at 2025

Written by Chaplain Zach Anderson | The Fight Life Ministries

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It’s an honor to have you in our network of investors and supporters, helping bring the hope of Jesus to the ever-growing world of combat sports.

All because of grace

As we look back over the previous year and ahead to what can be, God’s grace is what remains constant. He calls, equips, and sustains. We see you as a part of His acting grace in our lives—The Fight Life exists because of you.

His grace has provided in tangible ways with things like finances and resources, and also through opportunities that have stretched me, our ministry, and family in new ways.

In our letter last year, we shared how we were eagerly praying for a new vehicle. We are thrilled to share that the Lord provided not only the vehicle but also the finances to purchase it. Our new vehicle has already made such a difference in our travel capabilities to fight events abroad and to supporting churches. Thank you for praying with us and helping make this possible.

We also shared that we were in the final months of raising our budget as chaplains. And through God’s grace and lots of hard work, we reached the first level of our budgeting goals. It’s so humbling to continue in God’s call and move more into a truly full-time position in ministry. Of course, we look to better strengthen our budget, but we celebrate this milestone.

Growing in competence

It’s been my goal to better equip and strengthen our volunteer chaplains across the state. I dedicated many hours this year to reworking our website and incorporating a new section titled “Volunteer Hub”. This secure tab provides access to training videos, feedback forms, and resources to empower chaplains to serve fighters with confidence. This is a great step for the future and will compound our potential.

As a ministry, we prioritize being present at competitions and also present through our digital ministries. This long-term approach to genuine connections has led to meaningful relationships over these past several years and opportunities to be even more present in the lives of competitors.

These opportunities presented themselves by means of performing multiple weddings and a beautiful baptism for a longtime friend. Sandwiched in the middle of these special celebrations was a funeral for a fighter and his wife as they said goodbye to their 13-month-old boy. No matter the fight, through victory or defeat, we are present. It’s God’s grace that allows me the opportunity to say at the altar, “You are now husband and wife,” and also muster the strength at the grave site to say, “We commit this little boy to this sacred resting place.”

You may never step foot in the locker room of a fight event or know what it’s like to support a family in a tragic moment of grief, but by being in our corner through your giving and prayer, it’s as if you’re right there with us helping bring the hope of Jesus to the world of combat sports.

God's grace provides opportunity

It may sound odd at first to say it’s God’s grace that has provided these opportunities, but He is the One building His church. He is the One equipping, challenging, and providing. Our role as His people is to be obedient and Spirit-filled. This means taking steps of faith before we know all the details. This means staying true to His calling and working hard as if the outcome depends on us, whilst praying as if it all depends on Him.

Adding to the opportunities presented this year, we had the chance to referee several bouts for our friends at Fusion Fight League, overseen by the expertise of the Wyoming Athletic State Commission. This, believe it or not, was more anxiety-inducing than most everything else in the year. My father and I have attended a few events as referees and did quite well. However, I did forget to empty my pockets, and my dad may have left his pant leg in his sock for the entirety of a round. But, we did good!

As a minister, a ministry, and team, we are growing in competence and are able to serve competitors, coaches, families, and staff with a cohesive culture and system of discipleship that aligns with our vision of supporting fighters in and out of the cage to live in grace-filled victory that only Jesus can bring. As we continue to tread new ground and adjust our methods, our mission has stayed the same.

Thanks for being in our corner

We are blessed to be in the position we’re in and grateful to have you on our team of investors and supporters, providing the means in which we are able to function. As we step into a new year, please pray for us as we are still looking to move into a new home as a family. Pray for the ministry, that we would come alongside what the Lord is already doing in the fight world and make the most of every opportunity to speak love and truth. Also, pray for the continued strengthening of our budget so we may conduct our operations with stability.

If you aren’t already, please consider giving a one-time gift or signing up for automatic, monthly support at: s1.ag.org/thefightlife. We love you and love to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out with any comments or questions. Have a great year and keep living The Fight Life!

Thank you for taking time to read this blog! Be sure to check our latest updates for Into The Fight Life Podcast, and Fight Church. See you in the next TFL Blog!

For His Glory,

Chaplains Zach and Katy Anderson