By Andrew Schaeffer, serving in Burkina Faso, West Africa
“Soccer is the world’s sports language, which is why soccer ministries work the world over!” Andrew wrote, in a January 2012 alife article. The following adapted excerpt from the Schaeffer’s recent update further illustrates that claim.
Soccer rocks in Burkina Faso! It also creates opportunities to share the good news, which is why we have often partnered with short-term teams to organize soccer camps in our city, Bobo-Dioulasso.
This year, we decided to partner with churches in two nearby villages—Borodougou and Peni. (Both are located next to a local soccer field.)
However, I sensed resistance to this idea: Moving outside of Bobo would be more costly, time consuming, and even risky. Would the local pastors promote the camps? Would church members help to recruit campers? Would the campers show up?
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National Team Inspires
Pastor Emmanuel, Bobo district superindendent, and I had confidence that once the word got out, the campers would show up. Soccer is especially big here this year.
Last February, our national team placed second in the Africa Cup—their highest finish ever! The night they qualified to play for the championship, the whole country erupted in celebration. We have never seen such patriotism here. Now that the Burkina Stallions are trying to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, star players have become household names.
Risk Brings Returns
Shortly before we arrived at Borodougou for the first day of the week-long soccer camp, it rained hard. When we arrived at the village, only a couple of students were waiting for us.
Pastor Emmanuel and I were disappointed. But the local pastor reassured us, and in a few minutes more arrived. Then the youth group leader jumped on his moto (scooter) and took off. Soon he was back with a couple of students. He returned again and again until all of the campers were gathered.
Throughout the week the students were engaged, and we had a great time together. Two decided to follow Christ, and we have a wide open door to return any time!
In Mark 1:38, we read that Jesus’ disciples were overwhelmed with local concerns and forgot their neighbors. Jesus insisted, “‘Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.’”
Remember the neighbors!
What You Can Do
Pray
Pray that God will continue to multiply the work He’s begun through soccer ministries. Using our weekly Alliance Prayer Requests, join other Alliance family members to pray for Alliance workers around the world engaged in innovative ministries that include soccer camps.
Give
- When you give to the Great Commission Fund (GCF) that supports Alliance workers like Burkina Faso team leaders Andrew and his wife, Esther, you partner with them in sharing the joy that life with Jesus brings.
- Give now
Learn More
- “Soccer, of Course!” also illustrates how the world’s most popular sport is a bridge to reach the lost in West Africa.
- Read Esther Schaeffer’s article, Faith, Hope, and Soap, which details another effective outreach in Burkina Faso.