Motto: “Remember your creator in the days of your youth.”
Ecclesiastes 12:1
"I'M RIDING SHOTGUN" screamed the guys as they raced for my car and wrestled for the front seat on the way to an evening of sports. Eventually things settle down as I hear the 'click' of seatbelts. Its the beginning of an exciting evening!
All Nations Sports Club was birthed after several refugee teen boys we were acquainted with joined gangs. My colleague and I recognized that their younger brothers were just a step away from trouble. The problem is greater for single moms who lose control of teenage sons.
All Nations Sports Club was birthed after several refugee teen boys we were acquainted with joined gangs. My colleague and I recognized that their younger brothers were just a step away from trouble. The problem is greater for single moms who lose control of teenage sons.
So we approached a church about using their gym
for an evangelistic sports club for newcomer boys aged 12-17. We outlined the
goals and activities. We’d have 2 hours of sports with a
‘God-talk’ half-time. Our leaders were to be role models and we were hoping the
boys would go to Christian camps in the summer. The church agreed to adopt the
club as a ministry so that we could come under their insurance policy and use
their facilities.
We started off with 4 boys whose widow mom is a Believer from Muslim Background. Soon friends from Somalia, Iraq, Syria, Nepal, and Afghanistan, etc. begged
“Can we come too?” Each boy had to have permission from his parent. The demand quickly
grew and we had to be selective which group of 10 boys we would take. Eventually our club grew to 3 groups.
Early on we identified 4 simple rules(4 R’s): Respect God, Leaders,
Each Other, and Property(including rules for riding in our cars). We carefully explained
our expectations. It was challenging at first. We also remind the boys and their parents a day ahead of sports club.
One time a boy was mad with another boy and as he entered the church doors exploded with the ‘f’ word. Since we had explained there would be no swearing in the club, he got a ride home and given a week to think about what he had done. It paid off!
One time a boy was mad with another boy and as he entered the church doors exploded with the ‘f’ word. Since we had explained there would be no swearing in the club, he got a ride home and given a week to think about what he had done. It paid off!
Before dividing into teams, we start
the evening off with a short prayer. Christian ‘peer’ leaders assist and give
testimonies and pray when asked. The boys respect them. At half-time we have a
15 minute ‘God-talk’. Since we are dealing with many Muslim boys, we start off
with Arabic and English names for Old and New Testament characters they know. Generally,
we address the topic “Who is God?” using OT characters in the fall season. In
the spring session, we shift to “Who is Jesus?” with emphasis on the NT. Resources
we utilize include Bible for Children for the younger boys and The Hope Project for the teens. Last year one of our specials was a Christian hip hop artist. They l-o-v-e hip hop!
If this whets your appetite to start a sports club of your
own and would
like to hear more, please contact me.
Heavenly Father, thank-you for allowing us to minister
to these boys at risk through sports. Amen.
