As the world turns their eyes to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup of Soccer Athletes in Action has developed a vision that both churches and local residents can be involved in.
Reaching the top players in our country is strategic in reaching our nation for Christ. We have prayed about the best way to reach the players, but not just to reach them but also to train them to reach others and to use every opportunity to share Christ with people. As AIA we believe that God has given us the following plan to reach and send the players.
There are three areas of focus in this plan:
1. Evangelism. To bring the gospel to as many players and officials in SA’s top soccer leagues.
2. Discipleship. To help these players and officials to grow in their faith and to live changed lives.
3. Sending. To help the player and officials to see that God is sending them as missionaries on the sportsfield.
In 2008 our focus is largely focused on evangelism. In 2009 the focus will become more on discipleship. In 2010 we want to trust God that this will end in sending the players all over SA to help the Church during 2010. After 2010 we trust God that these players will continue to have ministry wherever God sends them. To accomplish this, we believe the following projects will help us.
Evangelism: These are the projects we are working on to evangelise the players. A further explanation of the projects follows later in this document:
Sport and Life Conference (13-15 June 2008)
23 Players attended. 12 Became Christians.
High profile youth Soccer Camp (June 2009)
40 players, 8 bacame Christians.
AIA/Church Soccer Tournament (19-20 July 2008)
Did not happen.
High profile soccer team to SA (July 2008/2009)
In 2008 we had 2 teams in SA
South Africa players to India (May 2009)- sent 3 players
Discipleship:These are the discipleship projects we are working on:
Running a Soccer camp for youth (7-11 July 2008)
71 Players. 51 Became Christians.
Training the church with Ubabalo (14-18 July 2008)
113 children attended.
Monthly Social ( 2008/9/10)
We had 2 socials in 2009.
Total Athlete training camp ( 2008/9/10)
We had 2 camps in 2008.
High Profile Tour to India (May 2009)
Sending: Projects in Progress:
Evangelism training conference four days before the World Cup 2010.
Send players to churches to help reach the community.
Sending teams from SA to other countries to share the gospel.
2010 Vision