A team of nine men from varied ministry backgrounds headed to Taiwan with Sports Ambassadors for two weeks of games, clinics, and sports ministry. They worked with churches, church leaders, and Alex, a One Challenge mission worker.
The team ranged from ages 15-72, a mix of wisdom and energy. As Alex noted, “It was an odd team and combination, yet we worked well together as the Spirit had purposely planned this team to do greater things for the sake of the gospel.”
In just 14 days, they were united by their love of God and shared the gospel with over a thousand people through the means of basketball.
Jumping Right In
They landed on the first day, and, despite the heat and jet lag, went straight to practice. Even that first day, over a dozen young men who were not believers came to play. Using a gospel bracelet, the team lost no time in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
Over the course of the trip, the team had three to four sporting events per day. They were able to speak in schools, community courts, mountain villages, churches, and even at the City Municipal Hall. They spoke with over a thousand people in this region, including the mayor and city councilors.
Even a local newspaper interviewed the team, what a unique opportunity and experience! There is much to praise God for, as well as continued prayer for seed of the truth to grow in those who heard the gospel.
God Works in Mysterious Ways
This trip did not come without its challenges. Day one, a player sprained his ankle. Day two, another player injured his knee. On day three, the team was in a car accident, which will cost $20,000 to fix. Praise God, no one was hurt!
A few days later, another team member broke his rib cage trying to block an opponent. An earthquake hit the gym during one of their basketball clinics. While in the mountains torrential rain threatened the basketball program for the day. The team was worn out and exhausted by the end of the trip, but to God be the glory through all things.
They pushed through all of this and shared Christ’s truth with these people despite everything, and by God’s strength. “I couldn’t believe that God works in a mysterious way,” Alex says. “On the other hand, there were struggles and challenges that come with the goodness.” The team made it safely home, and God was with them the whole time. He worked in their defense!
The momentum of this trip has not stopped. Alex, who lives in Taiwan, says: “(Churches in the area) believe sports is one of the best and fastest way to reach non-believers. Part of the plan after the team leaves will be a series of follow-ups, such as inter-church basketball competition, summer camps outreach, mission trip to other parts of Taiwan, youth church league and plant two churches through sports.”
Pray with One Challenge
Praise from Kaohsiung, Taiwan:
- The ability to share the gospel
- Safety of the team
- The opportunities provided by God during this trip
Prayer:
- Continued work in the hearts of those who heard the gospel
- For continued work in the hearts of the team
- Healing for those injured during the trip
- For the funds regarding the car accident
- Continued work in Taiwan through the churches there
Encouragement
As Peter warns is in 1 Peter, Satan is prowling the earth like a lion. He seeks to fight against us and against God. Let us be encouraged by this story. Let us also be encouraged by Peter,
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:8-11)
God is our eternal strength. Let us rest in him and find our comfort in times of struggle in Him. Let us praise him for the work accomplished on this trip.
