In a country where 61% of the population is under the age of 25, Kenya is a fertile ground for camping ministry. It was the second day of a recent Sports Friends camp in a rural Kenyan community and energy levels were soaring; the campers were having the time of their lives, and deep bonds were forming between the youth and their coaches as they joined in the games and activities together. Campers were curious to know more about this person who was the foundation of the Christian faith, and many were receiving the message of God’s love. The gospel had brought a sparkle to the village, and people were beginning to notice…
Suddenly, a group of disgruntled youth stormed into the camp, demanding that it end at once. They didn’t want this change in the village. It was a critical moment as the coaches met together to try and reconcile the situation peacefully. After much discussion and prayer, the objectors were invited to join in the camp for lunch. They hesitantly accepted, and the coaches began to call on friends to be in prayer.
While eating together, the coaches were able to interact with these young people in the same way they had done with the campers – with unconditional love. The youth ended up staying for the rest of the program, and were deeply impacted by their experience. They had come with the intention of ending the camp, but by God’s grace were instead changed by it.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven”. Matthew: 43-45
Throughout May, we’re raising funds to help send 10,000 youth to camps like this one all around the world in 2017. It takes just $50 to bring the gospel to one young person. Find out more: www.sports-friends.org/thecampaign