"When you combine sports and young people, there is always a catalytic response," said Dan Britton, with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). FCA partnered with OM Italy to host a sports camp. Kids were introduced to volleyball, baseball, football, and even ultimate Frisbee. Coaches used sports analogies to teach life lessons like honoring others and living for Jesus.

One coach said, "When I shared Bible stories, the children asked questions, and I could see that they understood them. That gave me great joy."

The camp not only blessed kids but their working parents as well, who had nowhere to send their kids for the week between the end of school and the beginning of other summer programs. The camp was a free option that provided a safe and nurturing place for the children.

"We worked with the city hall to coordinate youth summer activities, so the camp was advertised in its publicity materials — and they respected our desire to share from a biblical perspective," says OM worker Paula Guadagno. "The fact that they saw we were working with them to meet a community need opened a huge door for us."

Local churches were also encouraged to partner with the camp and serve their community. It was a great week of meeting local families and sharing Jesus with them. FCA leader Britton summed up the week simply, "God was glorified."

You can partner with sports missions through the links below.