Play For Hope

Olivia and I arrived in Kigali a week ago and Ira joined us a few days later. We are very glad and encouraged by the way that Play for Hope is working. The Lord has amazing plans for us this summer and we are amazed that everything is going better than we expected. Before I arrived the team held a 3 day training for local community leaders, many from local churches, on sports ministry. It has been amazing to see these leaders take in so much information and implement what they have learned on the field. Some of these coaches or community leaders already have soccer or basketball teams or they have a specific group of street kids that they minister to. The coaches were all very happy to learn new skills, drills and exercises to challenge the kids and help them improve. The coaches were also instructed in effective teaching techniques, excellent leadership qualities, and how to mentor the children in meaningful ways, speaking positive messages into their lives. For me, I have really enjoyed learning how the gospel and positive living can be incorporated into the teaching of sports. Yesterday we held the first clinic at this one site and at the end "Prof" (one of the amazing Rwandan coaches) was talking to the kids. He was comparing a chest trap to problems in life, he explained maybe you will be having some problems come your way and they are coming forcefully at you, you can control them here by using your chest, knock them down to the ground like the soccer ball and kick these problems away with your feet. I love this analogy, and we are encouraged to take full advantage of "teachable moments" during the clinics. At the end of Prof's lesson he asked if there would be anyone here who wanted to accept Jesus into their hearts and one by one the whole crowd, except 5 or 6 kids out of 56 raised their hands and then stood up. He had them repeat a prayer and then he continued to pray over them. This was a highlight moment so far, I have so much hope for these kids (many who have no homes or family what so ever). I know they are looking forward to the rest of the week of camps and learning more about what it means to accept Jesus in their hearts. Prof and other coaches will continue the sports ministry at this sight after we leave (they are dong fine with little more instruction from us right now, which is excellent to see). I am so encouraged that these coaches are excited about continuing "Play for Hope"...I am seeing how it is becoming a sustainable project and the kids are benefiting tremendously. They are hopeful about improving their skills and excited about working toward a positive future.