Italy (MNN/OM) — A Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) team for the United States partnered with an Operation Mobilization (OM) team to reach out to young people in Italy. Together they offered two sports ministry events this summer. A team of six, led by soccer coach Tracy Duck, ran a highly-successful sports outreach in Torre Pellice.
Although the area had been deluged with rain for six weeks, the rain stopped just in time for the opening morning. The rest of the week remained sunny and hot. Field Leader Eliseo Guadagno, who coordinated activities, reported there was a good variety of sports offered. "The numbers that came were unbelievable. And when you start loving peoples' kids, the parents come, too."
Dozens of kids enjoyed making Good News bracelets and learning what each colored bead represents. The team saw some repeat the Gospel story to friends and family. At the end of the week, the church and team held a barbecue for participants and their families.
"The church was thrilled by the response," says Guadagno, "and the community saw that the church was serving them. Now we need to follow up and show this as an ongoing attitude."
Pray that God will grow the seeds planted during this summer sports outreach and that many will come to Christ as a result.
