September, the beginning of a new school year, is usually greeted with special excitement: new children, new parents, new plans. The biggest excitement this time was probably the number of new students.
The thing is that currently there are a lot of private football schools in Rivne, some even have better infrastructure, parents are happy to send their children there, but my worries were unfounded, all the younger children’s groups were filled with beginners, and the “veterans” did not go anywhere.
With my 9th grade boys, we decided to read the Gospel of Matthew, verse by verse, in Bible lessons. Previously, I conducted thematic lessons, the boys grew up, began to read better, so we work like adults. First, we read a passage (each one verse in turn), then we reflect, draw conclusions, talk about application. During various competitions, I am interested in observing how the boys react to victories and defeats, to the honest and dishonest behavior of their rivals, and the mistakes of their partners. This is the field for applying the biblical truths that we explore in the lessons.
Our senior U13 team started playing the second round of the regional championship. There were some worries here: the two best guys moved to the Veresa academy, the main goalkeeper lost interest in football, stopped attending training, and they went through the championship as leaders. The first matches proved that not everything was so bad with our game: other guys took on the role of leaders, and although we still became a little weaker, we did not lose our team spirit.
An interesting incident happened during one game. Our guys scored a goal from offside, but the referee counted it, despite the protests of the opponents and our recognition of the offside position. The opponents put the ball in the center of the field, my guys look at me: somehow it’s not fair! Then I shouted: “Do you know what to do?” The hopefuls stepped aside and let the opponents score an easy goal – justice was restored! I was pleased that the guys reacted quickly and correctly! By the way, our opponents looked at us as if we were weirdos, and I was once again convinced that in our sinful world, people are not used to goodness and nobility, and do not always react adequately!
I am sincerely grateful to you, friends, for your prayers and support of this ministry!
