Soccer
Dear Faith Family,
Praying you and your family are well.
So exciting! Header into the back of the net! Big match coming up . . . in . . . Canada? Oh, yeah! Not in South Africa. I’m up in the Seattle area for our District Convention. We just heard a fantastic presentation from Pastor Joel Schulz in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. I knew Joel as a college classmate who was great at soccer. After trying many different outreach ideas when first assigned as an outreach pastor in Canada, Joel tried the idea of starting a soccer camp. They began in 2001 with a big turnout of 80 kids. It’s now over 180 kids! They teach basic soccer skills and a love for the game of soccer. But in the middle of the day, they use the opportunity to also teach the kids about Jesus. Here is a link to their soccer camp: http://www.crossoflife.net/Soccer%20Camp%202010.php
In one of the most ethnically diverse areas of the world, Pastor Joel and his congregation are using soccer as a way to make an impact in the lives of kids and families who don’t yet know Jesus.
In his presentation, here are a few of the main points:
1. Evangelism is a process. (developing relationships and getting people to learn more about Jesus takes time.)
2. Involvement in Community is important. (how are we involved in our community, connecting with new families?)
3. Relationship and Fellowship is vital. (spending time, caring about others, showing how God’s love has made an impact in our hearts by showing love to God and other people—these are important for other people to see.)
All these stem from the love God has shown to us, as these words of God teach us from First John: “This is how we know what love is:
Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.
And we ought to lay down our
lives for our brothers.
If anyone has material possessions
and sees his brother in
need but has no pity on him,
how can the love of God be in him?
Dear children,
let us not love with words or tongue
but with actions and in truth.”
What are ways we can be more involved in our communities? How can you position yourself and the use of your time and gifts to show care an help to other people so that they see how your faith in God has made an impact in your day to day.
Dear Faith Family, let it go beyond a passing thought or fleeting fancy. With whom might you have opportunity to share Jesus? Pray for them. Talk to them. Be a friend to them. Why not start simple—invite them over for a play date with your kids to play with their kids. How about throwing a party? What events are happening this summer you can attend with your un-churched friends?
God be with you as you talk over the fence or call or text as you make your plans to take the next step to share Jesus with someone new. God will be with you and bless you.
Prayer idea: Thank God for his love lavished on you that you are a child of God through faith in Jesus. Pray for your friends and family who don’t yet believe in Jesus. Ask for opportunities to show love to them and witness to them how much Jesus means to you in your life. Please pray for Pastor Joel in Canada, too—their soccer camp begins soon.
Blessings on your week, don’t forget to check your World Cup scores!
--Pastor Dan