Pressing On Since 1960

Since the first trip in 1954, Jim returned many times to Mexico. He helped establish churches and always shared the Gospel. On April 1, 1960 Youth Enterprises Inc. was founded in Los Angeles, California. Youth Enterprises Inc. was the beginning sharing God's story through sports; thus sports evangelism was born. Jim along with his wife Diane, daughter Joleen and son David began to learn Spanish by attending La Escuela de Lenguas in San Jose, Costa Rica.

The first organized basketball and softball teams traveled to three states in Mexico. They ministered in universities, communities, sandlots, and wherever they were welcomed. Foreigners were not allowed to share Jesus Christ. The law stated that only Mexican clergy could preach, but only with permission. A new strategy was adopted, and thus the name Youth Enterprises, Inc. was changed to Sports & Cultural Exchange, Int’l. (SCEI) in foreign countries. Our Christian faith was a vital part of our culture and was acceptable in that context.
Other sports teams including baseball, softball, basketball, tennis, judo and soccer ministries began to form and serve throughout Mexico. We partnered with other organizations to grow our foundation of sports evangelism such as Overseas Crusades' (now called OC International) Sports Ambassadors. We sent our first women's basketball team to Mexico.

SCEI took a soccer team to Mexico knowing it was no match for the Latin American soccer players. Sports officials were told up-front that the team was there to learn from them. They were thrilled and accepted our challenge. A skydiver named Ken Small, asked Jim if he could go and minister with the team. It was perfect. Half-time came and our friend Ken skydived into the center of the field with a message and gospel literature. The crowd all stayed around to hear. God was teaching us that skydiving, athletic ability, musical talent, medical expertise, computers, and construction gifts could all be used to glorify God and build His kingdom.

SCEI continued to make foreign connections throughout Europe, Central America, and Asia.

We invited the Korean Hallelujah Soccer Team to minister in Mexico with us. The testimonies from the soccer field were in Korean translated in English for Jim to translate into Spanish. The ministry was a true blessing and learning experience. This trip was also to get the Mexican Soccer team ready for the World Cup.

SCEI was invited to Cuba by Pastor Ernesto Alfonso. We carried bibles, food and so much more to spread God's love.

We were invited by the Korean Sports Federation to attend the ’88 Korea Olympics. Another opportunity to share Jesus Christ, though the churches there are doing a great job!

The head of the Pakistan Army invited us with open arms and would pay all expenses. However, we could not mention Jesus Christ! We continue to pray for those who need to hear of God's Grace.

Co Founder Jim Gordon passed from this life to his eternal home with his Lord and Savior in November 1999. Jim set the ministry up for great success and his legacy continues to impact lives. David Gordon, Jim’s eldest son, was voted in as president of SCEI’s all-volunteer board of directors.

The name Sports & Cultural Exchange International was simplified to Sport X Change International. This same year, we humbly celebrated 55 years of God’s amazing grace in Sport X Change and 44 years of sports evangelism. “To God be the Glory, Great Things He has Done.” We give praise to our Heavenly Father for the saints that He touched—those who supported us in prayer, in finances, and with words of encouragement.

In 2020, we celebrated 60 years of God's faithfulness!