Ex-academy member Frank write of
his experiences in Africa
I'm out in Africa right now, It has been such a brilliant
demonstration of Gods sovereignty that I am out here at this time
because it’s not easy at all. *John, who I am working with,
has struggled to feel like he is making an impact out here because
the sports ministry is still small and are not able to use him to
the effect he so desperately wants. However I have been here 9 days
and despite hardships it is going well. We have set up a bible study
once a week for the cricketers that *John coaches. (He helps coach
the national side and the army team). Sport means so much to these
guys who literally have to scrape through life, sometimes with as
little as £1 a day. Despite this they are so full of zest for life,
it is humbling to see them enjoying their sport and being so content
with the little amount they have.
We
had our first bible session 2 days ago and we looked at "I am the
bread of life" as part of the series on the outrageous claims of
Jesus. It went so well thanks to Gods grace and we had 11 people
turn up, which is truly amazing! They grasped the concept of Jesus
as our Saviour and the way to eternal life in heaven along with
faith in Jesus as the key to salvation rather that human works. They
asked some fantastic questions and we really got to grips with who
Jesus is. Next week we are looking at "I am the good shepherd" so we
pray that more people will come and that Gods word would be spread
through this time with the cricketers.
We have also recently got involved with training with the national
boxing team! One of the national guys invited us last week and we
went for a session. It was properly battering and my abs and lats
are still in pieces! Some of the boys that box here are seriously
beastly, they train everyday at 7am and 4.30 for 2 hours. *John and
I with the sports ministry are trying to get a bible study up and
running for those boys too so prayers for that would be brilliant,
along with prayers that we survive our daily training with them!
Although
the people here are so vibrant and happy, it is a country that is in
desperate need. It's been so shocking seeing the level of poverty
here and the chaos of the infrastructure is staggering. Due to the
lack of money and resources ministry is extremely difficult and the
sports life staff work for nothing. It's a tremendous picture of
faith to work for God's glory while scraping through life not
knowing when the next meal is coming. Through my experience I have
learned so much about what it means to serve God and be a faithful
soldier for his work. I was talking with one of the sports life
coaches today and we spoke about struggles on this earth being
nothing compared to the eternal riches that God has promised his
people.
Hebrews 6v19 "we have this hope as an anchor for the
soul, firm and secure."
God's word is amazing and whilst I have been out here, especially in
tough times, we have been strengthened by the Word of God so many
times.
2 Corinthians 4v16-18
"All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is
reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving and an overflow
to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though
outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day
by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an
eternal glory that far out-weighs them all. So we fix our eyes not
on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is
temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
Frank
* Names have been changed
