Team from Oregon Visits Soroti, Uganda

(Trip report written by trip leader and SOI staff member, Don Brenneman)

What joy to be with the Sports Outreach staff in Uganda. Since 1995 I have had many journeys through 10 time zones to be with some of the most amazing people on the planet.

The African staff continues to live and love like “Jesus” and now second and third generations of “Christ followers” are multiplying the process.  Each trip is unique and full of challenges but with each there are numerous moments that make your heart soar.

This USA team was one of the first to be hosted by the Sports Outreach volunteer staff in Soroti (NE Uganda).  Senior staff members Sam and Ritah Kibedi have invested in establishing ministry in the region for two years now.  Their team is now well equipped to engage in sports ministry within the community. Last year set the stage, as we ministered to over 55,000 people during the World Cup. I will never forget the excitement as World Cup matches were shown live, via satellite, under the stars on a BIG SCREEN.  Every night three to four thousand people who did not own a TV were overjoyed to watch the matches and at half time hear testimonies from our staff and local individuals.

This year we dedicated a new SOI office in Soroti that is staffed by all local volunteers. These young men and women are bursting with enthusiasm and passion for sports ministry. They are well trained in games and connect with the students in such a meaningful way. We did a program at a primary school  of 1500 kids where several of our staff had been students. Groups played various games, sang songs, and learned that Jesus loves them and has a great plan for their lives. Several of the teachers commented on how their spirits were lifted seeing former students minister and give back to their school.

One of the greatest highlights of the trip was meeting all the Soroti staff volunteers at the office for the first time. Forty plus people crammed into a small space that was like a sauna but full of the powerful spirit of God. It was something that will continue to rest on my heart as a testament to the faithfulness of our Lord.

One of the lady volunteers, Fatima, is from a Muslim family, and has been playing soccer in her burka in past months.  After a soccer match we had a sharing time and she and 5 others committed to follow Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Sam Kibedi has been praying for this young lady and was so pleased to see this new sister in Christ serving others.  She was at the office the next day helping prepare a shared meal for all of us. I even saw a feeding program initiative when several children off the street and two old people watching us were invited to share our meal. WOW, my heart is full of praise for this new ministry.

Please pray for the Lord to protect this group of young volunteer staff members. It’s like the new church in Acts with everyone helping and involved. We know there will be challenges and Lord willing the battles will be won and the evil one kept away. Thank you all for allowing Sports Outreach to be alive and active in the NE region of Uganda.