Two years ago, I (Lisa) met a team in Kenya whose goal was to help church communities establish a sports ministry*. The primary focus wasn't on sports itself, but rather on using sport as an intercultural tool to build relationships and bridges to children who so desperately need role models. The idea inspired me even back then.
Two years later, I find myself in Kariobangi – one of Nairobi's slums – sitting next to a young man. Amos (name changed) had bought a basketball three months earlier and started shooting hoops at a sports field in his neighborhood. Gradually, children joined in. He began coaching these kids, even though he's not a pro himself. Before he knows it, almost four teams are coming together to practice every day. A little later, I learn that Amos is a pastor at a church and has bigger plans for these young people. He asks... Sports Friends for support, his goal is to "coach" the kids not only athletically but also spiritually.
Together with 25 youth leaders, pastors like Amos, and other interested individuals, I'm sitting in a church/school, participating in one of the three-day training sessions to gain insight into this exciting work. The next few months will show whether I should get involved with the Sport Friends team.
*Sports ministries are ministries of a church or similar organization that use sport to help people and reach them with the Gospel.
