Ryan Oropallo Fights For RCC And Wins!

Members of the Rock 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 exciting and surprising blessing.

Ryan attended at the Prayer and Fasting Event at the Rock on May 30^th, and left a changed man. He explains, “This was the first time I’ve ever attended anything of that magnitude…Since I have been saved, I’ve never so clearly heard God speak to me.” He decided to raise money for the church, and to focus specifically on Rock Cancer C.A.R.E. (RCC), a ministry 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 trip to Brasil, 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.

In Brasil, Ryan trained with Ricardo Vieira, a nine-time winner of the championship, and also a fellow brother in Christ, known for his work with needy children in some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Brasil. At the championship, Ryan faced a long day of competition with Ricardo’s support, and walked away with the gold medal! Ryan believes that he could never have succeeded without supernatural support. “The only sensible explanation is God's blessing.  The talent and competition in Brasil is obviously top-notch.  An American was not supposed to go to Brasil 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.”

Ryan was not alone in reaching his monetary goal, though. He also talked to friends and family, who supported his desire to support Rock Cancer C.A.R.E. “[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 possible…I don't care how unreachable you may think your desire is.  If it falls in line with His plan, it can and will happen.”

Rock Cancer C.A.R.E. and the Rock Church family are incredibly blessed to have such a strong spiritual and physical champion!