On the evening of Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the Kobe Stake Center, professional basketball player Yoeli Childs of the Kobe Storks, together with his wife Megan Childs, a former NCAA Division I volleyball player, participated in a fireside for the youth and YSA of the Kobe Stake. They shared messages under the theme “Walking with Christ On and Off the Court.”
Approximately 80 people—including youth, YSA, missionaries and their friends, and nearby Church members—and an additional 30 online participants gathered to hear how the Childs family has deepened their faith in Jesus Christ while competing at the highest levels of sports. They also answered a variety of questions.
Sister Megan Childs reflected on growing up in a Latter-day Saint family in Utah but having very few Latter-day Saints around her at college. She recalled feeling lonely at times when she declined alcohol at parties. She hoped God might give her some kind of encouragement or “sign” for her efforts, but no dramatic miracle occurred. Still, by attending Church, participating in her singles ward, and going to institute, she learned to find her place not just because of friends but because of the joy of following Jesus Christ.
She quoted the Dream of Lehi from the Book of Mormon (1 Nephi 8), encouraging the youth to be strong like those who held fast to the iron rod and were not shaken by the mocking voices from the great and spacious building. “God loves you. Your efforts are building the foundation of your faith,” she testified.
Quoting youth leaders, she emphasized that “walking with Christ” means attending Church even when alone, praying, and reading the scriptures—continuing to walk with Christ even when the pace seems slow.
She also shared a humanitarian experience from several years ago in Samoa, where she was deeply touched by the girls in an orphanage who sang praises to God. Through the Spirit she felt that God loved them—and that she herself was also loved and watched over by Him.
Brother Yoeli Childs, originally from Utah, joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as an 18-year-old college freshman and married Megan at age 20. After playing in the NBA G League and in Germany, he joined the Saga Ballooners in Japan and now plays for the Kobe Storks.
He compared walking with Christ to the way his four‑year‑old daughter loves to “walk” with him because she knows her father. Likewise, knowing the Lord is essential for walking with Him. Understanding who we are, why we are here, and who God is allows us to follow the perfect example of Jesus Christ.
He shared that his professional path has been full of unexpected trials. In his final year at BYU, COVID‑19 canceled the season right before the tournament. He could not participate in the NBA draft and was released during preseason. His first professional season in the G League was shortened to only 15 games due to COVID‑19. His second season in Germany ended after three games because of a knee injury requiring surgery.
Later, their small family of two grew into a family with two daughters, and they continued to move—to the G League again, back to Germany, and then to two cities in Japan. Had life gone exactly as he envisioned, he might have played in the NCAA Tournament, won a national championship, been drafted in the first round by the Utah Jazz, and enjoyed success in the NBA. Yet, looking back, he said, “Even though it didn’t happen the way I hoped, the trials made me strong.”
He testified that hardships enabled him to grow, to become a better basketball player, and to become a better husband and father. Most importantly, they deepened his relationship with Heavenly Father and the Savior. “If you give your best and strive to follow the life of Jesus, you will always be led to growth and joy,” he said.
Knowing who God is requires lifelong learning. Brother Childs explained that he loves the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15), which contains deep symbolic meaning when viewed in its Jewish cultural context. One such symbol is the father “running” to his son. In ancient Jewish society, men of status walked slowly; running was seen as undignified. Yet the father ran and embraced his son—a powerful image of Heavenly Father’s love.
He taught that Jesus Christ showed the perfect example of loving all, forgiving, and keeping the commandments. He noted that the culture of professional athletics is often the opposite of the covenants and commandments he keeps. Some teammates were surprised that he did not drink alcohol, avoided inappropriate language and conversations, and arrived at games in a suit on Sundays. Yet as they watched, more teammates came to respect and understand his life of faith.
He encouraged the youth to love, forgive, serve, and keep the commandments like Jesus Christ, even imperfectly, so that they can fulfill the purpose of life and draw closer to God.
Brother Childs shared how, at 18, he initially resisted commandments until a sister missionary from Samoa taught him that commandments are blessings—they do not restrict us but protect us from pain and show us the path to walk with God. His perspective changed completely.
He testified that loving the commandments brings joy and gratitude, that God offers endless blessings, forgiveness, and love, and that each person has a divinely appointed purpose. God desires a personal relationship with every individual.
During the Q&A session, he shared the following:
· He dedicates all his time—whether practicing or studying—with the mindset of offering it to God.
· His wife is the most important and respected person in his life, someone who always helps him become better. The gospel and covenants have united them as one.
· When he was not selected in the NBA draft at age 22, he felt angry with God despite his efforts and faith. But now he understands that God had something better prepared for him, and coming to Japan was part of that blessing.
· Although he converted at 18, he rarely prayed about serving a mission because his identity as a basketball player was so strong. He strongly encouraged the youth to pray—God will always answer.