CELEBRATING BREAKTHROUGH IN '22- THE TRILOGY
PART THREE: BREAKING THROUGH TOWARD DESTINY
Dictionary.com defines destiny as, “the predetermined or inevitable course of events.” Scripturally, in Ephesians 1:11, we are reminded that, “In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.” (NIV). We have saved the best Breakthrough for last, and if you’ve been around Sports Outreach long enough to see it grow from a handful of team members to hundreds (including volunteers), and from ministry sites in one country to now nine countries, you’ll ecognize that we are stepping into our destiny. The destiny being the introductionof Robert Katende as Sports Outreach International Director!
Since its inception Sports Outreach has had an international focus, and now it seems right and good that after almost 35 years of ministry Sports Outreach is calling someone to an international position. And who better than Robert Katende? His roots with Sports Outreach began with being mentored by Aloysius Kyazze, and since then his exemplary and innovative leadership have seen him as ProjectnCoordinator in Katwe, Sports Outreach Director of Kampala, and Sports Outreach Africa Director. Robert’s introduction of chess to Katwe slum inhabitants inKampala, Uganda, led to the production of Disney’s “Queen of Katwe” movie and has ignited chess programs in many areas around the globe. As International Director, one of Robert’s most prominent roles will be to travel to international ministry sites to work with field directors and determine how Sports Outreach can best represent their work and advocate for their needs.
While the addition of Robert Katende as International Director is a huge breakthrough for Sports Outreach, we have also invited other field directors to share their reasons to “Celebrate Breakthrough in ’22.”
MUAN HAULAI, NORTHERN INDIA DIRECTOR
In 2022 more than 450 kids were brought forth from darkness into the light of Jesus Christ, the youth soccer team got their first win at a tournament, and a partnership with Easton Hall School was formed, providing a place for ministry activities.
DINO BAJRIC, CROATIA DIRECTOR
A major breakthrough was the city of Gracac providing a field for sports programming and later receiving a substantial grant to go toward improvements and maintenance for this field.
WILSON AND ROSE ESTELLA, BRAZIL DIRECTORS
SOI Brazil's missionary work is only nine months old, but with joy we can share great victories that God has given us . Since February 2022, 45 children received Christ as Savior, mothers share about transformation they see in the lives of their children, and in addition to our sports programming, in July we held our first oral health clinic serving parents and children.
HUMBERTO ALFÉREZ, EL SALVADOR DIRECTOR
In 2022 we have seen children and teens accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord, hosted two mission teams, had six soccer players qualify to try out for the El Salvador national team, and gave thanks for a new local sponsor donating clothing each month. In addition, the soccer academies in Honduras and Guatemala are doing well.
BARNABAS MOSES, SOUTHERN INDIA DIRECTOR
We give praise for continued renovations for the school buildings and the few children that are coming to the school. Also, new relationships have been built through community impact events, a prayer network supporting the work has begun, and co-workers who fear the Lord and want to work for His purpose have come on board.
PASTOR FRANCIS JUMA, KENYA DIRECTOR
In 2022 we had the resumption of mission trips after Covid, with New Albany Presbyterian Church in Ohio as a breakthrough seed. We also added a ministry site in Kibera slum, started African dress fashion and curtain making as part of the Vocational Life Skills Project, and began a new basketball ministry, with a volunteer coach to help develop this sports platform.
DAN NARVAEZ, DOMESTIC MINISTRY DIRECTOR
Breakthroughs included funding for construction of the SORC Medical Center in Kampala, Uganda, launching the Dominican Republic ministry after a February 2022 outreach trip, a virtual Bible study in Kenya, baseball camps in the cities of Waco, TX and Lynchburg, VA, and a chess outreach with the chess advisory team and guest, Robert Katende.
JANINE FILIPPIN, INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS
The main 2022 breakthrough is receiving clear and consistent communication from the international field and sharing with SOI Board members, staff, and donors.
