Ministry in Colombia:
My first exposure to the kids was playing sports. Who knew this is what “ministry” looked like. We took a soccer ball, some baseballs, and badminton rackets to have some fun. We spent about 2 hours playing and getting to know the kids. Our plan was to go back in the afternoon to play baseball but in the spirit of the world race, plans changed.
Soon enough, baseball became my evening activity. My female teammates stay with our hosts daughter Karen, to teach English. The rest of my team goes to play baseball.
There are days when I am the only female on the field but that doesn’t matter. I am out there for something bigger than baseball. I must be because I don’t have any idea of what I’m doing out there, I’m having fun and I showing Jesus’ love. His love can look like playing baseball.
We have been told by Alex Rocha, that if we were not playing baseball in the field that the kids would be out there fighting. As an athlete I have heard before that a sport has “saved” someone from a bad situation, but to be apart of it was something else.
It’s also interesting to hear the story of how sports can be brought to these neighbourhoods where its not even safe for outsiders to walk around. Its amazing that the love of Jesus can transform a heart and break it for a community. Even if that is through a sport, like baseball.
I am thankful to be a part of this love.
