Sports Outreach

This is Martin (say: Marteen). He's one of the local youths that we met in the park. Him and his friends were hanging out near the playground because they did not have class that day due to exams, so we invited them to play soccer with us. The kids here really like soccer so it is a good ice-breaker. After a couple games,

We are praying that by building relationships with these kids they will open up to us and share with us what is happening in their lives so we can point them to Jesus and how He can help them though their struggles. Perhaps they will open doors to speak to their classmates in their school.

God wants Martin. Of his group of friends, he was the only one who doesn't smoke, although after his friends encouraged him he told us he drinks. He seemed rather surprised, to hear Scott step out from our group and individually vocalize that he doesn't drink. "Not even just a little bit?" Nope, not even a drop. It was a moment that was of God; Dave almost jumped in to add a "me too" to Scott's statement, but felt the call of the holy spirit to hold back and let Scott's statement speak for itself that he was speaking out alone and not just going along with whatever is popular in whatever group you hang out with. We pray that that experience like this will leave positive impressions on Martin and the other kids--that its okay to stand up against peer pressure and do what is right.

Martin says his english is "not that good" but he has not seemed to have much difficulty communicating with us despite that, and we thought his English was quite good. He really liked the Passion of the Christ when he saw the movie, and he shared with us that he has never been to the States, but he will be going to New York to visit relatives in two months. We are continuing to pray for Martin and are praying the God will touch his heart.

Team USA versus Team Poland:

Polish girls Eva and Diana drawing with sidewalk chalk in the park with the Arts Ministry: