The Greatest Wisdom of All

Jul 11, 2016 | Sports Friends Africa, Sports Friends Kenya

By Mia Smith and Lemmy Dalano, SF Kenya

Remote camps have been a major focus for Sports Friends, designed to deeply impact communities that otherwise wouldn’t be drawn into the ministry. One particular camp, stationed within an unreached people group in Kenya, highlighted just how impactful camping ministry can be.

kenya

Coach Martin, who had been involved with the community beforehand, took on the responsibility of heading up the efforts to use a week of camp to minister to the youth in the area. Knowing the ongoing religious tensions would be brought to the surface with this event, the villagers stood by to watch how it would be handled. As the jerseys were passed out to the youth who would be participating in the camp, Coach Martin announced the theme of wisdom that would be emphasized throughout the week. With that, the crowd of devoted non-Christian believers were appeased, thankful that a good virtue would be taught to their young men.

IMG_2294

Badaso, a co-worker and pastor that came alongside Martin for the week, started off the first match with a word of prayer, asking God to reveal his wisdom to the campers. Excited to have a chance to play organized football, the boys played enthusiastically. Afterwards, they expressed to Coach Martin how thankful they were for the unity they found in the sport. The week went on, filled with joy-filled games and impactful teaching on wisdom. Just as Badaso and Martin had hoped, small seeds were being planted, soon to sprout in one boy in particular.

Abdul had been noticed by the coach from the beginning as a strong leader and attentive listener. At the end of the camp he approached Coach Martin, seeking answers to the questions that had been on his heart. He asked of true wisdom and how it could be obtained, reflecting on the power Badaso’s first prayer had had, how it changed his perspective and filled him with longing. Martin shared about the provider of wisdom and how Abdul could know him. Hope-filled, Abdul returned home and shared all that he had learned with his family who accepted it with joy.

kenya1

Now, Abdul is the captain of his football team, using his influence to positively change those around him. He constantly encourages those around him to seek out and pray for wisdom, as he did at camp. Coach Martin’s mission didn’t stop with one week of camp, it continues as he mentors those who came to know the greatest wisdom of all!