A few years back I came across a story about a young African boy who had an encounter with a missionary. The missionary provided him with some Biblical materials and (if my memory serves me correctly) a pamphlet on Abraham Lincoln. This small act of giving initiated something within the young boy.
It drove the African boy to dream of attending college in the United States of America, during the 1950’s. Now, this young man left his village with only 3 days of food and his dream. His journey took him through hostile tribal territories, encounters with deadly illness and no college connections. However, his dedication for three years led him to the eventual matriculation at a college in the state of Washington, and later to a teaching post in Europe.
The story seems something out of a movie, and nothing short of a miracle. I have reflected upon it often when I have encountered various obstacles in my path of playing soccer and when God has set before me “opportunities” to be of service to others.
It is with exciting faith that I undertake the Faith Inspired Football Initiative. It is an extension of the outreach ministry of Christ Community Church, where my grandfather serves as pastor. It is an opportunity to lend much needed to support missionaries who are tirelessly utilizing their gifts to spread the Word of God in South Africa. Moreover, it is a message, to each boy and girl who is impacted by every training bib, ball, boot, and goal, that God’s word shall accomplish His will and prosper in the thing for which He sent it.
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