A Sporting Chance

Moldova, Republic of | Debbie Meroff

OM Moldova sponsored the country’s first KidsGames in 2004. Surprised by 1200 participants, the team knew they were onto a winner for reaching the next generation. Sports ministries became an official branch of OM in 2007, and since then 15 churches have started over 15 soccer (football) teams as part of their outreach.

Moldovan leader Eugen Ciumac is grateful for professional support from Ambassadors in Sport International (AIS), the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and other groups that enable OM to offer training camps for players and coaches throughout the year. In May 2010, AIS held a clinic for 37 would-be coaches from 20+ churches, training them from scratch.

Enthused participant Igor Rascovschi, “This is my third sports clinic! My church was motivated by Eugen to start a team four years ago. We started with 30 kids, some in church and some not, and a number of them have come to the Lord. Now we want to start a new team in another village, and also offer table tennis and volleyball.”

Practices and games regularly include time for interactive Bible studies, discussions or challenges. As far as OM is concerned, the ultimate goal of a sports ministry is the evangelisation and discipleship of children and teens. And the strategy works!

As Pastor Vladimir Boncev observed, “When we just invite teens to the church, their parents ask why. But if it’s a sport activity, the barriers fall down!”

Credit: Debbie Meroff
© 2010 Debbie Meroff