Planting Small Seeds of Big Impact in Nigeria

Vincent Van Gogh once said, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” This seems to… Read more Planting Small Seeds of Big Impact in Nigeria

Vincent Van Gogh once said, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” This seems to echo Jesus’ teaching about small things like a tiny mustard seed or a pinch of yeast, which ultimately grow into something large. SportQuest has a huge global vision, but our strategy remains focused on training ordinary people to do simple, small – yet powerful – things in local neighborhoods and communities through the tool of sport.

As we continue to develop this training culture in the SportQuest family, our goal is to train all our staff in the principles and practices of multiplying disciples and help them start disciple-making movements. Last month, March 21-23, we had the opportunity to provide this training for SQ staff member, Lawson Sampson (pictured above with wife Joy) , in Badagry, Nigeria. Through our partnership with Biglife , we were able to send two skilled and experienced Nigerian trainers to facilitate the discipleship training for Lawson and his community. Around 25 people participated in the training, including some local church leaders, members of Lawson’s church, and some players from the soccer team that Lawson coaches. The training was very successful, and everyone was excited to start implementing what they learned into their daily lives.

The basic idea is to find a “person of peace” and share your story with them. Then ask them if they would like to know the Person who changed your life. Then you share God’s story with them and show them how to discover God in the Bible. As this person opens their heart to Christ, you challenge them to invite a few people from their social circles who might also be interested. The person of peace becomes a group of peace. The group is discipled, and then the group multiplies. We keep multiplying until the whole earth has heard! This is the simple model we see in Scripture, and – not surprising – it actually works!

During the training, the trainees go prayer walking in their community and look for people of peace. Lawson met a man named Victor (pictured below) whose wife had just given birth to their first child. Victor was very open to what Lawson shared and expressed interest to know the Person who changed Lawson’s life. Last week, Lawson met in Victor’s home with Victor’s family and friends to help them discover Christ through God’s Word!

The same thing happened when Lawson met a young lady named Felicia (pictured below). She introduced Lawson to her immediate and extended family, and now they are also open to discovering God in the Bible together.

Also, Lawson challenged his soccer players who came to the training to invite three of their unbelieving friends to come to practice with them. After practice ends, they do a short Bible study and break into small groups with the three friends they brought and discuss what God is saying to them.

We are so excited for what God is doing in Badagry, Nigeria! Lawson and the others who were trained are strategically positioned to make a huge impact in their community! Pray for a mighty move of God to awaken hearts and raise up spiritual families who effectively make disciples all throughout Nigeria and West Africa!