By Ishaya Inuwa, SF Nigeria
“I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.” Acts 7:34
Culturally, in many parts of northern Nigeria, girls are not associated with sports. One of the reasons is because sports wear exposes the body more than normal, and therefore a girl is termed ‘loose’ when she is involved in sporting activities. But the girls, just like the boys, need the touch of a Savior because they are not exempted from the social ills of society. In fact, girls suffer even more oppression since they are seen as second-class citizens in a culture that is male dominated.
Knowing that girls are created in the Image of God and need to grow to the fullness of the statue of Christ has caused Sports Friends Nigeria to strategically develop a vibrant girls sports ministry under the leadership of our girls coach developer, Coach Dairya.
Recently, during a residential girls camp, coach Dairya, with tears in her eyes due to the oppression girls are going through, shared this story:
“Generally, the camp was a great success. We had fun playing games, worshipping God, studying the word of God, learning a craft (card-making) and eating together.
Over the course of camp we had many group talks with the girls (132 of them). The first talk we had was on personal health and hygiene. During the talk, we discussed care of the body, the house, and the environment and our responsibilities as girls in the community. The second talk we had with the girls was on healthy relationships (with parents, family, friends and boys). The third talk was on violence against girls.
During the talk on violence against girls, we discussed different kids of abuse. Some of the girls were able to open up to us about their own experiences and the experiences of some of the girls in their communities. One girl told us about how the elderly male folks they call ‘uncles’ in the community are sometimes feared because they can be abusive. Another also told us about a father who abused his own daughter and scared her from telling anyone. Most of these girls are under the age of thirteen. They are hurting from the great oppression but have been silent. They are confused and emotionally drained. They need freedom!”
God is sending us to bring truth and freedom to young girls like these through sports. Will you join us in praying for them as we walk together with church leaders and discuss how to address these social ills? These girls rejoice in our coming to them as answer to their prayers. Hallelujah! Thank you for the part you play in helping make this possible.