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Sports Camps bring the peace of Christ in the midst of war

Ashley (Fisk) Feister served with SportQuest in Belgium from 2004 - 2008. These were pivotal years in her life that laid a solid foundation for what God is calling her and her family to do today. Ashley and her husband, David, lead a discipleship program for young adults that combines hands-on farming, outdoor adventure, and deep biblical training called Planted Gap Year.

For Yackencys Domínguez Trías, enrolling her 10-year-old daughter Georgette Medina in a SportQuest soccer program resulted in several unexpected benefits. While watching her daughter practice, Yackencys saw a group of women exercising and learning about Christ. She wanted to join this community of women and decided to get involved. Today, Yackencys is part of the Vida Fitness Team and works out while Georgeth learns soccer skills. Both mother and daughter have embraced Christ and are becoming devout followers. More than 90 children participate in the SportQuest soccer academy and fitness program located in Maturin, Monagas in eastern Venezuela. SportQuest Partner Cesar Daniel Bermudez runs the program and has a dream that it will grow to serve 500 youth. Residents in this community face many challenges including poverty, dysfunctional homes, alcoholism, and drug addiction. “We have seen how the different sports and fitness programs have allowed children and their parents to play sports and go to church together,” Cesar says. “Children and youth play sports and are discipled. Mothers attend daily fitness training and learn the Word of God. Fathers are invited to participate in games to connect with their children and also to learn about the Lord. As a result, several participants have made their confession of faith, have been baptized, and attend church regularly.” Santiago Salazar met Jesus through soccer. At 14 years old, in the middle of a biblical teaching, Santiago accepted Christ into his life. In December 2021, he was baptized and today he attends church on a consistent basis. As prepares to be a professional soccer player, he is also learning how to share his story and his love of Christ with others. Great things are happening in Venezuela through sports and fitness while learning about Christ. Praise God!

The Pacora Gardens community is a quiet, impoverished neighborhood on the east side of Panama City, Panama. The area is known as a “dormitory city” as residents work in the city during the day and return to the community late at night to sleep. There are many children and teenagers who live in this area with their parents and are often left alone at home during the day. Seeing an opportunity to share the gospel through sport ministry in Pacora Gardens, SportQuest Partners, Enrique and Zuleyka Catalan, are helping to build a faith community where children, teenagers, and parents can all grow in the knowledge of God and His purpose for their lives. “A large number of children and young people identify with sport; it is universal to play soccer or basketball,” said Enrique. “Play is a magnificent tool that has allowed us to establish relationships within the community and share the message of hope through Christ. Ultimately, our goal is to establish a church in this neighborhood of about 500 homes.” The Catalans and 20 members of their own church coach and minister to the children each week. The children range in age from 4 to 15 years old. About 30 to 50 boys and girls meet once a week to play games, learn the fundamentals of faith, and what it means to be a follower of Christ. Five-year-old Angel Navarro was reluctant at first to learn about the Lord. But, as the days and weeks went by, he continued to learn more about what it means to be a follower of Christ and to be free from sin. He enjoyed playing with the other kids and after a few weeks, he asked Christ to come into his heart. “We hope that Angel can continue to know and grow in God through this mission,” said Enrique. “We’re excited to think about what God has in store for his life.”

SportQuest Partner Oscar Abraham Combines a Love of Surfing and Sharing the Gospel

On the morning of August 14, 2021, Haiti experienced a devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake. Thousands were killed and injured as buildings were reduced to rubble. The natural disaster compounds the political turmoil occurring in the country after its president was assassinated earlier this year. To offer hope and compassion to those impacted by the crisis, SportQuest Partner Thonny Fabien mobilized a team of coaches and athletes to help victims. The team implemented a comprehensive response plan to provide help for people impacted with shelter, food, personal care items, and transportation. Team members also offer hope and healing through God’s grace. “The population is traumatized, and my team is taught to support those who are affected with mental pain, suffering, and illness. We use a training curriculum called ‘Sports in Disasters and Trauma,’ says Thonny. “We are prepared to go, and we don’t want to miss this opportunity to help needy families and children.” Thonny also sent word to his personal support team that he and his family were safe and unharmed and requested financial assistance. As a result, SportQuest and other supporters provided funds that made it possible for more than 110 athletes and their families to receive assistance. “The families are so grateful for this blessing,” Thonny said. “In Matthew 9:37-38, it is Jesus who has the ultimate heart of compassion for people who are helpless. He calls us to ask our Father to send people into this hurting world. He wants people to be filled with compassion and to be changed by Him. I am so blessed by those who have offered to help.” Thonny and his team continue to offer encouragement to those who have lost family members and homes. If you would like to help Thonny and his team to bring practical help and Christ-centered hope to those impacted, please visit www.SportQuest.org/donate to give online, with a bank transfer, or by mailing a check. If you give online, please include a memo: “Haiti earthquake/Thonny.”

Venezuela media outlet, Hispano Post, recently featured a story about how SportQuest partners Oscar Peña and Alejandro Galeno bring together local athletes in Los Teques to make a difference in the lives of youth.

SportQuest Partner Thonny Fabien inspires coaches and athletes through unique discipleship program

Rance shares about his experience during a short-term mission trip in Belgium and how the conflict he encountered taught him what it means to serve and ultimately deepened an important relationship.