Jon Ortlip grew up in Haiti as the son of missionaries, which shaped his deep commitment to global outreach and ministry. After moving to the U.S. for college, Jon earned a BA in Physical Education from Houghton University and later a MA in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary.
A passionate soccer player, Jon won two National Christian University Soccer Championships and has traveled to over 50 countries, leveraging soccer to create opportunities for outreach, coaching, and training. His journey in football ministry began with Sports Life and Missionary Athletes International, where he focused on camps and tours before helping to establish Ambassadors Football (formerly Ambassadors in Sports) in Bolton, England.
In 1996, Jon moved back to the U.S. and launched the International office in Cleveland, Ohio. Now serving as the International Director of Ambassadors Football, Jon leads the organization’s efforts across 35 countries, impacting thousands of children and communities through soccer and the Word of God. Jon is passionate about empowering the Church to offer football discipleship programs that shape the next generation with a biblical worldview.
Jon has been married to Ruthie for 41 years. Together, they have three married children and one granddaughter. His life’s work remains focused on training and equipping the global Church to change nations through football ministry centered on Christ.
