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Soccer as a Ministry Tool?

Posted: May 31, 2011 | 

We have been running our heads off for the last week with the Bob Jones soccer ministry team. Gil Fremont and seventeen young men (including missionary kid Nathan Patefield from Rio) have been with us in Sorocaba and have been using their skills to minister. They’ve played over 90 games in the last three weeks!

One of our young men, Bruno Franco, organized a schedule that has had the team dropping into bed at night totally exhausted. They’ve been to several juvenile prisons and half-way houses to share the Gospel through soccer. They have seen nearly 50 decisions for Christ during there time with us. 

Sunday was a special treat as they spent the day at Faith. In the morning Sunday school hour we saw two teens make professions of faith. Both Gustavo and Leidy have been a part of our church for awhile but were touched by the message on Sunday.

That afternoon the team played the Habiteto team with around 300 spectators present. For some reason everyone was cheering for the American team. They did a great job after falling behind one to nothing they came back with two second half goals. However, the Habiteto team came back with two of their own and won three to two.

The Gospel was preached at half-time. Though there were many who chose not to listen there was a good group that paid close attention. We’ll see how God will use this rich seed to His glory.
Yesterday (Monday) the team again visited the prisonsystem where they played two young teams and saw eight teens make professions of faith. In the afternoon the BJ team played a semi-pro team and ended the game in a tie.

The teams leaves tonight but they have left a great impression on Sorocaba. Special thanks is in order for Coach Gil and his love for Christ and Brazil.

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