James Marzuki, a native missionary in Indonesia, was puzzled when God called him to start a soccer program. He was not interested in soccer and had few soccer skills. But when his second son approached him, saying he did not want to stay in school, he wanted to play soccer, James had further encouragement to start a Soccer Academy. He started the school for academics, as well as soccer training.
Outreach Grows to Reach Parents
One child who came to James’ attention when he finished elementary school was named Husni. James asked Husni’s mother if Husni could attend the soccer school because she knew the school had a good reputation among believers and others in the community. Many sent their children to the school because it had good quality soccer and education programs, especially in English. With his mother’s consent, Husni began to attend.
James was happy to discover that when children came to the academy to train, their parents came to watch practices and games. James recognized this as an opportunity to reach both the parents and children with the Gospel. He had his wife come to the training times and engage the parents in conversations.
After talking with the parents for several months, his wife started a share group to talk about the parents’ problems and spiritual matters. She eventually explained that the answer to their problems was Jesus because He would forgive their sins and help them with their problems. Husni’s mother came to watch practices and games; she became a part of the share group and was saved.
Husni is Changed
When Husni first came to the school, he was not happy. He was a sensitive person with little confidence in himself. He kept to himself and had difficulty communicating with other people. However, Husni flourished at the school, physically because he was receiving good nutrition and exercise, and academically because he was learning English. He joined a group that studied the Bible from creation to Christ.
After two years at the school, he became very skilled at soccer and in his knowledge as a believer. He was happier and became a leader of the soccer group of players under age 15. When Husni went home for the holidays, his mother was delighted with his progress. He had grown physically, and he had become a believer. She was amazed by the changes in his attitude.
Fruit of the Ministry
Now, Husni has become a skilled player in the top league for players under 15. James is preparing Husni to attend an intensive soccer training session in Spain for two weeks and is also helping him prepare for high school. Most importantly, Husni and his mom lead a small discipleship group of their own so others can hear the Gospel, too.
Husni’s story is one example of how missionaries reach people with the Gospel through their varied interests. Gradually, the missionaries build a relationship with the unbelievers and then share the Gospel.
The next step is training the believers to lead their groups to evangelize and disciple the attendees. This step is vital as it allows the missionaries to establish more groups and further spread the Gospel. As the missionaries evangelize new areas, they need prayer support for doors to open for them to reach unbelievers. Your prayers can help them.
