Sports Evangelism Youth Outreaches
Pastor Daston reports on the sports evangelism they are doing in Malawi.
We use sports as a tool to evangelize the youth. Because young people do not always attend church meetings, sports is a great way to reach them.
What do we do during Sports Evangelism?
I would go to any sports ground with my small Bible and a soccer ball. I will then call the local young people over and ask if they would like to train with me. When we have gathered a group of people together, I would introduce myself as Daston Kapata, a youth pastor from the Free Baptist Church. I would tell them that I like sports and that I also like Jesus. When I see that they don't know Jesus I would jump in and share a short message with them.
Before we start the game or training session I always ask one of the young people to pray, if they fail to pray I would ask them if I can teach them how to pray. If they say yes, I would also use this opportunity to shortly share with them.
When we have matches with other teams I would ask one of the young people to share their testimony with the rest and during halftime, I would also preach a short message for them.
I also use this opportunity to teach the youth good behaviour and Biblical morals such as to not play rough with team members or the other team and not be vengeful and do bad to others like they have done to me.
Sports Evangelism attracts more young people than church meetings do. It also gives them a place to belong and to spend their time instead of going to bad places. Young people need to feel accepted and that they have a place where they can interact and relax with other young people who are like-minded.
This ministry has expanded into having a few Free Baptist Teams and having young people who have accepted Jesus into their lives and hearts and now share their testimonies and help me with the outreaches at events or practice.
Thank you for your continued support from South Africa.
Pastor Daston Kapata
Mwamadi Free Baptist Church
Mulanje, Malawi