Based on an update by Soeuth and Syna Lao, Alliance international workers who serve in Cambodia
Soccer is one of the tools God has used to build His Kingdom at Living Water Church in Poipet. It is like a magnet. Every afternoon, at least 20–30 children walk or bike to the churchyard looking for opportunities to play a game or just hang out at the church’s playground.
Many of these kids come from broken homes. Some have never seen their parents and are being raised by distant relatives or aging grandparents. Others have alcoholic, abusive fathers or have dropped out of school due to family poverty or other reasons. One thing they all have in common: they are seeking something better than what they have experienced at home.
Earlier this summer, the Poipet sports ministry hosted a soccer tournament at Living Water Church with nine U13 (under age 13) teams competing. About 150 children from in or around Poipet came to play or cheer for the teams.
It is exciting to see how this ministry is reaching the youth with God’s love. One day, after long hours of soccer practice, Pastor Chean, who is on staff at Living Water Church, stayed to chat with the kids. Some of them asked him to share his testimony.
The pastor told the children that he was raised in conditions similar to their home situations. After he finished his story, many of the kids were weeping—they finally had found someone who understood the hardships they were experiencing.
Pastor Chean went on to say that they could find hope and love in Jesus Christ—the true Father who would never abandon or abuse them as their earthly fathers have. As a result, 11 soccer team kids gave their lives to Jesus that evening.
What You Can Do
Please pray for the five sports committee members to have a clear vision for reaching children for Christ through this ministry. Also, pray for effective discipleship and follow-up of the youngsters who made decisions for Christ and that they will continue to grow in their faith.
Join the Alliance family in interceding for our workers in Cambodia and worldwide, who are taking the good news—in word and deed—to hurting people who desperately need the hope only Jesus offers. Use the weekly Alliance Prayer Requests to assist you.