Over the years, believers have looked for ways to connect with young people and to evangelize them. This can be a particular challenge with young boys, who would not find attending church services or youth groups appealing.
Central Asia
In Central Asia, some of SGA’s missionary pastors are organizing Christian sports camps. One Christian brother had 60 children and teenagers attend a very intense programme. In between activities opportunities were taken to talk to them and witness about the Lord.
Another started football training for teenagers from disadvantaged families. Only a couple of them have fathers. The parents of one orphan boy, Arsen, died and he now he lives with his stepfather, who abuses and beats him. One day Arsen shared that one of the believers had become like a father to him.
As a whole team, they are studying the Scriptures. It is evident that this ministry is having a positive influence on the boys, bringing about apparent changes with transformed lifestyles.
Serbia
Preparing the new football pitch in Parta, Serbia
In Serbia, Rajko Terzic, an SGA sponsored missionary, works with children and teenagers through Sports Evangelism. In one village, he is building a football field. He has been encouraged that the children come and help with the work. They are keen to finish the field so that they can spread the Gospel and play football without hindrance. There are other children from that village who, with their parents, are also interested in coming when the field is finished.
Rajko sharing the gospel with the young people
Rajko writes,
“A boy named Aca started coming to football and then to children’s classes. He told us that he reads the Bible regularly and is always active in class. He also helped us with field work. We pray for him, and we are grateful to the Lord that the number of children who hear His Word is constantly increasing”.
Rajko thanks the Lord for these opportunities and asks Him that everything that is done through these sports activities will glorify the Lord and that young souls will be won for Christ.