21 September 2009
In Ethiopia, there are currently more than 1,500 churches trained and equipped by Sports Friends, that are ministering to their communities through sports ministry programmes—in the countryside, in the cities, and even in the slums.
While in Ethiopia, our group visited one such church that has targeted homeless young people living in the streets of Addis Ababa (a city of more than 5 million people). These kids have no family, no clothes beyond what’s on their back, and no place to sleep at night except on the streets.
They don’t go to school, and they must beg and forage for food. Their lives are as difficult as you can possibly imagine. In Addis Ababa, there are thousands and thousands of such street kids.
The church we visited uses football to draw the kids off the streets, and into a situation where they can get to know them and develop relationships. Their goal is to know them, love them, and help them gain a better footing in life.
While football draws the young people and keeps them engaged, the church has an entire holistic ministry approach. They have four levels of support and assistance available for young people.
Four levels of support
Young people earn each level of support based upon their continued participation in the church's programmes. The first level of support is a bar of soap and access to the church’s shower/hose (believe me, this is a big deal!) so the kids can wash themselves and their clothes.
Next is a shoeshine kit to teach the kids how to work and make some money.
The third level of support is a place to live—the pastor himself has seven kids living with him.
Finally, the church provides the opportunity and funding for kids to get back into school. Keep in mind that this is not a wealthy Western church, but a very poor Ethiopian church, looking to share the little they have with those less fortunate—sharing both their material possessions and their great love of God.
The three young people in the photo were recently recognised for having scored the top marks in their respective classes at school. They were all rescued from the streets and given a new foundation—a home to live in, an opportunity to go to school, a new sense of their immeasurable worth and value in God’s eyes, and a new Christian family.
Sports Friends’ motto is, 'Transforming Lives; Strengthening Communities'. This church exemplifies how God is using the powerful platform of sports ministry and the faithful, loving service of his people to do just that in the slums of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia!
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