How are you preparing to use the world’s most popular event? You may be asking, “What event is he talking about?” I’m talking about the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. How are you using this event that will be holding the attention of the world for over 30 days to reach the people in your community?
You may not think it has anything to do with you, especially in the suburbs of America, but let me ask you a few things. Do you have refugees living in your community? Do you have a Hispanic population in your community? Do you have soccer-loving kids in your community and your church? If you’re in a church like I was, you can answer yes to all of those questions. So let’s use this platform to reach people for the kingdom.
My family and I now live in Cape Town, South Africa, one of the host cities for the World Cup. We run Ubuntu Sports Outreach that provides primary school-aged boys with coaching mentors from local churches in township communities. Those relationships get kids connected to that church and to Jesus. Where we live, World Cup fever is reaching its height. People are excited and expectant about what is coming. Trust me, in your refugee, Hispanic, and soccer-playing communities the excitement is also building. People are reading Internet stories, wondering who will start for their country, and preparing to watch all the games. You can use this attention and passion for the glory of Christ and to spread the word about your church.
Here are a few ideas on how to capitalize on this event. Host a public viewing event for specific attention-grabbing matches. Put together a 5-a-side soccer tournament for kids. Have a soccer-themed worship service in your church. Host a soccer camp for kids in your community. These are just a few of the ideas, but possibilities are left only to your creativity. There are resources and ideas available at www.theultimategoal.co.za. Also check with your local sports ministry like FCA, Athletes in Action, and Upward. They will likely have even more ideas and resources. Don’t allow this great opportunity to reach new people in our communities pass us by.
Casey Prince served as the Director of High School Ministries at Grace Community Church in Raleigh, NC for 7 years. His family now lives in Cape Town where they have started Ubuntu Sports Outreach.
You may not think it has anything to do with you, especially in the suburbs of America, but let me ask you a few things. Do you have refugees living in your community? Do you have a Hispanic population in your community? Do you have soccer-loving kids in your community and your church? If you’re in a church like I was, you can answer yes to all of those questions. So let’s use this platform to reach people for the kingdom.
My family and I now live in Cape Town, South Africa, one of the host cities for the World Cup. We run Ubuntu Sports Outreach that provides primary school-aged boys with coaching mentors from local churches in township communities. Those relationships get kids connected to that church and to Jesus. Where we live, World Cup fever is reaching its height. People are excited and expectant about what is coming. Trust me, in your refugee, Hispanic, and soccer-playing communities the excitement is also building. People are reading Internet stories, wondering who will start for their country, and preparing to watch all the games. You can use this attention and passion for the glory of Christ and to spread the word about your church.
Here are a few ideas on how to capitalize on this event. Host a public viewing event for specific attention-grabbing matches. Put together a 5-a-side soccer tournament for kids. Have a soccer-themed worship service in your church. Host a soccer camp for kids in your community. These are just a few of the ideas, but possibilities are left only to your creativity. There are resources and ideas available at www.theultimategoal.co.za. Also check with your local sports ministry like FCA, Athletes in Action, and Upward. They will likely have even more ideas and resources. Don’t allow this great opportunity to reach new people in our communities pass us by.
Casey Prince served as the Director of High School Ministries at Grace Community Church in Raleigh, NC for 7 years. His family now lives in Cape Town where they have started Ubuntu Sports Outreach.
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