As of last week I am a member of Rukwa United Football Club. I am not currently being paid like some of my fellow teammates (we’re negotiating my contract). Rukwa FC is now 1-1 after a 3-1 victory over City Stars. So here’s the story of how this all came about. On our third full day here in Sumbawanga, Tanzinia I asked our host, Henry if there were any soccer games I could play in. Some guys that live with us led me to this field between the house and our church where some guys in their 20s were starting a game. They asked me to join, and I was impressed with their organization and the fact that everybody had cleats. After we started playing many people from the neighborhood came out to watch, so I began to think maybe this was not your average pickup game. When a goal was scored the other team had to do knee high jumps as punishment and after the game a man came over and talked to all the players.
Me and the team before their game.
What I found out that night and two days later was that I was playing with one of the city’s best soccer teams. The team invited me to practice with them everyday and come to their games. I showed up at the game last wednesday and they were disappointed I did not have shoes to play in. I guess I might play with them next time, although I’m not sure how the uniform situation will work itself out. I am certainly enjoying pracitcing with the guys everyday, although one day we did not have a ball and did calesthinics for an hour, so that was not too fun.
Doing calesthinics with the team
Our pastor and host, Henry, is excited about the opportuninity I have to play with the team. He wants the church members to become more involved in the community, and is now encouraging the church to attend Rukwa’s practices and games. He also called me David Beckham in front of the congregation. There is a good opportunity to be a witness to many of the team members as the coach and some of the players are Muslim. Of course, me playing soccer has certainly been fun, but it is not our main ministry objective here in Sumbuwanga.
For the past week we have been teaching English and basic computer skills to some of the young adults in the church. Hopefully these lessons will lead to greater job opportunities as many of the people are just finishing school or are unemployed. Starting Tuesday we will also be working on a construction project for the church. I am looking foward to the first opportunity I will have in Africa to make something with my hands. We are really enjoying our time here in Tanzinia as we live in a house with 17 people. The landscape here, much like New Mexico or Arizona, is very beautiful as we are surrounded by red and brown mountains.
Tanzinian Landscape
Please be praying for our team and squad. Heather and Aly have been feeling especially sick and I feel my body is fighting an infection. Also, 8 of our squadmates have Malaria so be praying for our health. Also be praying for the church here in Sumbuwanga to be more bold witnesses for the kingdom. It will be next week before I get to blog, but my next blog is going to talk about what I miss about the states, hopefully it will be entertaining. God Bless.
