August 2020 - Reaching the World One Community at a Time
Dear Friends of Sports Outreach,
Kendall Alvey prays with sports camp kids in Lynchburg, VA
Did you know that Sports Outreach’s growing Domestic Ministry features Missionary Coaches working in eight states and has their sights set on adding more in coming months? Coaches serve their communities in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Indiana, Delaware, Ohio, and Texas through programs such as sports clubs, camps, tournaments, and other innovative events, all in connection with the local church. Each month Kendall Alvey (Domestic Ministry Director, based in Lynchburg, VA) and other Sports Outreach leaders interact with the Coaches, providing a platform for fellowship and accountability, as well as ongoing sports ministry training and resource sharing. Technology is used to provide face-to-face interaction with remote Coaches. There are currently 11 U.S. Coaches pouring into the lives of children of all ages, including mentoring for those wanting someone to walk alongside them “off the field.”
Kendall Alvey recharges with her family at the beach
The goal of our efforts, as always, is to make relationships, share the Gospel, disciple people and help build Christian leaders. Rich Riehl, Southeast Ministry Director, offers a compelling glimpse into the world of Domestic Ministry:
“Imagine the anxiety you would feel if you were a 12-year-old boy playing in your first ever soccer game in an organized youth league. Now multiply that by 10. That was the Good News Soccer Team a little over a year ago. Our Charlotte, NC Coaches have been working with the children at Thompson Child and Family Focus, a facility that provides a safe environment for children that have experienced abuse of many forms. It is a 24-hour residential facility where they go to school, sleep, eat, and receive therapy. Part of that therapy is sports. Allowing the children the opportunity to be ‘just kids’ on Saturday mornings is therapeutic! Our rules were simple—no fighting, no quitting, and have fun. God was all over this situation, guiding us and allowing the boys to shine. We prayed before and after games, oftentimes with the other teams. Whereas we did not win a game on the scoreboard, we won in so many other ways. God is Good!”
As long-distance travel is currently not in peoples’ best interests, local, community sports ministry is more important than ever! Take a moment and consider if now might be the time to get involved in seeing the lives of children transformed through sports and relational mentoring. A gift of any amount is appreciated (www.sportsoutreach.net/usa); or perhaps you have a connection to one of our domestic coaches and want to start giving toward their ministry. Another option is to let us know of anyone in your area that you think might be interested in ministering through sports. You can contact Kendall Alvey at kalvey@sportsoutreach.net or call our office at 434-582-4707.
Blessings,
The Sports Outreach Domestic Ministry Team
P.S.: DOMESTIC TRIP OPPORTUNITY!
In 2021, a new aspect of our Domestic Ministry will bring great opportunities for young people! Sports Outreach is partnering with 12th Rock Ministries, for three mission trips within the U.S. Team members will step outside their comfort zones, grow into leadership roles, and encounter God in new ways. A focus on discipleship will result in strengthening the spiritual disciplines of each person. The teams will help lead a children’s sport camp and participate in service projects. Trip opportunities are July 10th - 17th, July 24th - 31st, and August 7th - 14th, 2021. If you are interested in finding out more about trip opportunities for your youth group, please contact Alexa Carlson (Trip Coordinator) immediately and reserve your spot (we anticipate these weeks being filled by December 2020). She can be reached at 434-849-2864 or acarlson@sportsoutreach.net.