Desert Roots and Gospel Goals

Growing Up in the Middle East: A Childhood Shaped by Culture and Service

Matthew and Daniel Leo grew up in the Middle East, where sunbaked streets doubled as soccer fields and neighbors quickly became family. Their childhood was filled with the rhythms of daily life, including shared meals, local traditions, and long afternoons chasing a ball through the dust. With parents devoted to humanitarian work, the brothers were immersed in a life of service and shaped by a deep love for people, culture, and faith that would stay with them wherever they went.

Faith and Athletics: Living for Christ On and Off the Soccer Field

Now students at Cedarville University, the brothers lace up their cleats as members of the University’s soccer team. But if you ask them, they’ll tell you their identity goes far deeper than their roles on the field or in the classroom. As they shared recently on the Cedarville Stories podcast, they see themselves first and foremost as children of God — young men whose purpose isn’t just to win games but to live lives that reflect Christ.

Competing With Purpose: How Faith Guides Their Game

Matthew shared how his identity as a follower of Jesus isn’t something he sets aside when he steps onto the field. When he's playing in front of a crowd or pushing through a tough match, his faith remains central to who he is. The way he competes, responds to pressure, and carries himself flows from that deeper commitment. For him, soccer isn’t separate from his spiritual life; it’s another place where his walk with Christ is lived out.

A Heart for the Middle East: Future Plans Rooted in Mission

Daniel followed with a heartfelt message for those who may not yet know Christ. He encouraged listeners to explore the Bible with an open heart, describing it as a powerful collection of stories about real people — flawed, broken, and often struggling — who encountered God’s grace. Through those stories, he explained, there’s a clear picture of hope, redemption, and purpose. Both brothers emphasized that a life shaped by faith is not about perfection but about daily trust and living in a way that reflects something greater than themselves.

Their future plans? The Leo brothers hope to return to the Middle East after graduation to continue the work their parents started. They want to invest in people, love their neighbors, and serve in a region they still call home.

In a world often driven by status or stats, Matthew and Daniel’s story is refreshingly simple and deeply inspiring: two brothers chasing a ball, loving deeply, and running toward a calling far greater than themselves.

About Cedarville University

Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.