November was full of events and competitions for the Christian Floorball Club SKY.
At the very beginning of the month, for the first time in 4 years, we again participated in the First League of the Ukrainian Floorball Championship in the adult category. Our team went to the first round in the city of Uzhgorod. It was a long trip and complicated by the fact that as the head coach, for the first time in the history of the team, I was unable to go. I watched the matches online and was constantly in touch with the guys over the phone, talking about the matches, their reactions, and their condition. Assistants and students were already there with the team, encouraging and mentoring the guys. Two days in Uzhgorod, spending the night together in a hostel were a good time for relationships and mentoring. One of the guys got injured on the first day and could not even leave the field himself and could not play in the following games. It was also a good opportunity to talk to him and pray with him.
Soon after this tour, God comforted us with the outcome of the sporting plan, because four of our boys were invited to the Ukrainian national floorball team under the age of 19. Interestingly, they summoned those who were the most active in terms of studying the Word and discipleship. For them, this was also an encouragement.
Later, our two younger teams under 12 went to the city of Lutsk for the second round of the Christian Floorball League Edge, where the children had a good time with their coaches not only in the gym but also out in the city as they walked around the city and had conversations on various topics.
This month, after a pause of several years due to the war, the Ukrainian women’s floorball championship started. It was held in Lviv, and this season our team is also participating in it. It was an interesting time, when the girls saw their imperfections in character, shared them, and talked about what God shows them and how He works with their hearts during and after the games.
And the next day in the same Lviv, a tournament was held between teams of children under 10 years old, where our team also came. It was an unusual tournament because there was no score in it. After all, for all of us, it was important that the children simply enjoyed the game. All the children received medals, awards, and a lot of emotions. The teams were able not only to play but also were given a tour of the castle. A very good moment was that some of the children were accompanied by their parents, and for the coaches, it was an opportunity to influence not only the children but also to build relationships with their parents.
We thank God for this time and every child we have a relationship and the opportunity to influence through God’s Word and our lives. Please pray for the growth in the knowledge of Christ of the leadership team of ministers, for the boys and girls who are close to the leaders, for their reconciliation with God, and the dedication of their lives to Him. Pray for new children to come who may have never heard the Gospel, that it will change their hearts and lives.
Vitaly Bakunets
