Sport in the church is not the most common ministry. Many people do not see what benefit it can bring, and how God works with people through sports. Church Centered Sports ministry – this was the theme of the leadership camp in Zalessie for older children of the Christian football club “Nadia”. Tom Merchant – a representative of the mission Missionary Athletes International, have been teaching the course about why sports ministry is needed in the church for 6 days.

Guys who already have coach experience found very valuable to hear what God wants to see in their ministry, and how it can build a church. The main idea of the course was that sport is a tool that helps to improve relations between young people in the church, and with unbelievers. This is a great opportunity to bring the Gospel to the world, having a contact with people in it. We also saw that the sports ministry is a wonderful example of how God is working with young people, and other members of the church can see their spiritual growth and those fruits that brings the ministry. We looked at the traits that sports leader should have and what to do for the development of the ministry.

During the whole camp God has worked with the hearts of young ministers, strengthened their relationships, and showed His mercy and grace throughout it. Even through the weather – the night before the start of the camp began to snow, and guys were able to have fun on a snow hill.

Also younger guys participated in the camp. They were pleasantly surprised by the fact that senior team spent a lot of time with them, organizing different games, sharing their testimonies and instructed in the Word. For many boys such relationships in the team were a direct proof of God’s love, which changes people’s hearts.

Here are reviews of some of the participants:

Ivan Pavlov
“The camp was great. I do not know what to highlight because it was equally wonderful. It was just like at home, but even better. There was no some sort of stress or discharge; nobody was forced to do something with a stick. At the same time, it was interesting to take a course of sports ministry. It would be great to do it more often.”

Pavel Tivonchuk
“Camp in Zalessie is a great time for work and leisure activities. During the camp I got new knowledge about CCSM (Church Centered Sports Ministry), learned how to start it properly. I liked the morning sermons of guys from Nadia and beyond. I particularly remember a sermon of Pasha Rudenko about real joy in Christ. It was a great time; this will be great memories in the future. Really thank the Lord for this time!”

Marina Yanchuk
For me it was a great blessing to be in the camp. Course about “sports ministry” has shown me that even a small idea (dream) can become a great thing of the Lord, if we trust Him and pray without ceasing. CFC “Nadia” is for me an example of how sport can be a way to glorify God and to change people’s lives through the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the game of football. Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father,” and even playing football. For me personally, it was an important issue where God sees me, where my place is, and how to use what He has given me for the glory. Thank you for the opportunity to learn these lessons, thank people who served and helped to organize the camp. Thank God!

Dmitry Sosnowski
“I love camps. This time we had was really special. I like sports, entertainment and communication until the morning. This camp is different because we didn’t have just fun, but we also worked (prepared a place for a football field). In my opinion, collaboration unites and helps to develop the quality of work in a team. Can’t wait for the next camp.”

Andrew Kazmiruk
“First of all I want to thank God for this wonderful camp! Also thanks to Alexander, Tom and others who donated money for the camp! I liked the camp very much, the theme was useful and practical for young people. The atmosphere in the camp was like at home! I would call this a family camp vacation to study the spiritual principles in the field of sports ministry! Thank God for such a wonderful time!”

At the end of the camp everyone wrote the plan of the sports ministry in light of what they have learned that week. Many guys caught the idea to develop the ministry of the CFC “Nadia” in different areas or even to start a new sports ministry in the church. Please pray that the Lord revealed His will and those plans wouldn’t have remained only on paper.

Many thanks to all who prayed and sacrificed make this camp possible. We thank God for the fact that He kept us safe throughout the camp and gave a wonderful time of fellowship and discipleship in Christ.

Pray for the further development of the sports ministry CFC “Nadia” and strengthening the hearts of young ministers.

Olya Denysiuk