“Oh no. The church has sent the wrong person.” It was the first thought to run through the trainer’s mind. “This man cannot do anything for Christ.” He looked like a thug! He did not know how to speak or behave in a church context, and his story revealed his...
There is a conspiracy. You have always been pursued. Sports Friends coaches in Southeast Asia know that God is always moving, stirring in hearts that long for truth, freedom, hope, and honor. They know He works in both the most obvious and in the most obscure places,...
Open Doors, an organization that advocates for persecuted Christians around the world, reports about these nations we love in Southeast Asia: Converts to Christianity face the most severe forms of Christian persecution. Abandoning Buddhism or tribal animist beliefs is...
“They struggle with internet addiction. Gambling. Alcohol. The kids learn from their parents and teachers to drink to gain social standing and have more friends. So kids don’t go to school, they go to the liquor shop. They have drug problems and steal to get money for...
We recently held a Basic Training to equip new coaches in Thailand. Meet four of our participants who are now trained and ready to take the gospel to the young people in their communities through sports ministry: Coach Koy Coach Koy holding up her coaching philosophy....
…let me provide some background first. Every morning, just before dawn, Buddhist Monks leave the temple to go out into the community and local markets to collect alms (rice dishes, curries, money, etc.) from local Buddhists. The act of offering alms is a way...
What is your favorite sport? Soccer!!! What’s your favorite Bible verse? 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness...” This verse is a huge part of how I ended up in Thailand. I knew that I...
After a nail-biting four hour journey along the winding mountain roads of northern Thailand, we finally pull up outside the house. We’re met by Coach Sathit, his family, 12 new-born puppies, and a whole host of chickens. The kettle is boiled ready for coffee, and we...
The Esan region of northeast Thailand is often described as one of the hardest places to do ministry in Thailand. Christians are few and far between, Buddhism is strong, and drug addiction is widespread. Although there are some church-planters in the region, the sheer...
Sports Friends currently has over 80 full-time missionaries and staff around the world. Get to know our newest national staff member, Pete, who is serving in Thailand. What is your role with Sports Friends? Sports Ministry Trainer and Coordinator What is...
By Denise Poon, SIM Thailand “It touched my heart,” PbeeMai says. It’s one of his constant refrains, and when he says it, he puts his hand to his heart in a slightly dramatic fashion and smiles, shaking his head and making a face as if he’s really touched or just...
On this month’s edition of Meet the Team, we’d like to introduce you to Maneenoot aka Noot! What is your role with Sports Friends? Administration, Finance, and Camp Programs Coordinator. Favorite sport: My favorite sports is Volleyball. Favorite Bible verse: "In...
By Denise Poon, Thailand Aof had gone to church for many Sundays and had said many “Amens” to the prayers people had prayed for her – but nothing really worked until she challenged God herself. “Aof, God has chosen you. I want you to open your heart and mind and...
By Anna Baker, short-term volunteer from Australia Last month, a group of about 30 key volunteer coaches from across Thailand, all trained by Sports Friends, joined together for several days of pre-season training up in the mountains. In sports, pre-season training...
By Bec Oakley, SF Thailand Recently we have been part of the Sports Friends training team for two very different trainings. A few weeks back we travelled through the mountains to a small Karen village outside of Mae Sot, near the border with Myanmar. There were...
By Jessica Peroyea, SF Thailand Gods’ love speaks all languages. It is amazing that two groups of women coming from completely different languages and cultures can meet together and learn from one another. This is what happened at our recent Thai Women’s coaches...
On this month’s edition of Meet the Team, we’d like to introduce you to Brian, a SF videographer based out of Thailand! Name: Brian Yung Role with SF: Videographer Favorite Sport/Team: Basketball/Toronto Raptors Favorite Bible Verse: "He has shown you, O...
By Jill Ireland, SF South Asia One of the parts of my job that I love as I seek to support our Sports Friends leaders in South Asia is the time we spend reading the Bible together over Skype. We have just started a new series reading 1 Thessalonians. Last week we were...
By Ashley Sullivan, SF International Preaching on Sunday mornings is just one part of being a pastor. Meet Pastor Pradit from Thailand, a man who takes the role of coach as seriously as he takes his role in the church! Pastor Pradit came to the first ever Sports...
For September's addition of Meet the Team, we'd like to tell you a little bit about Andrew, our Deputy Director for Southeast Asia! Name: Andrew Role with SF: Deputy Director of SE Asia Favorite Sport/Team: Football, my favourite team is whomever I am coaching at the...
By Sarah Bullock, Providence Baptist Church Sarah recently returned from a short-term trip to Thailand with a team from her church, Providence Baptist. We're so thankful for church partnerships like PBC and are thrilled to share Sarah's perspective from a week at...
By Bec Oakley, SF Thailand Most mission agencies have some variation on a “Pray, Give, Go” slogan somewhere on their websites or in their literature. It's a constant challenge to keep people engaged in the praying and giving, but an even greater challenge to mobilize...
By Cat Edwards, SF International We are standing on the sidelines of what has got to be one of the most picturesque soccer fields in the world. To the right are rows upon rows of strawberry plantations, vineyards, and vegetable patches, which provide financial support...
Happy New Year from Thailand! The Thai New Year was celebrated this week between April 13-15. Highlighting Thai New Year's celebrations is Songkran, a nation-wide water festival. Traditionally a sign of respect and well-wishing, the throwing of water has become more...