Brazil (MNN) — The 2014 World Cup. Thirty-two teams. Twelve stadiums. Sixty-four soccer matches. Thirty-one days.
As far as sporting events go, it’s one of the biggest, with 10% of the world’s population watching. That’s more than 715 million people tuned in! It’s a global case of World Cup Fever!
But you may be wondering: what does World Cup Fever have to do with you?
With your help, Compassion International works to release children from poverty in six of the competing countries, including Ghana, Colombia, Mexico, Honduras, Ecuador, and this year’s host country, Brazil.
But for Compassion children, soccer (or “football”) is more than just a game. If you were to visit a Compassion child development center anywhere in the world, you would see a game in action!
(Photo courtesy Compassion International)
Playing football is more than kicking a ball around. It teaches core values such as cooperation and respect, and brings communities together. Playing sports such as football offers children companionship, support, and a sense of belonging. It will even improve health and reduce the likelihood for disease. Sports boost school enrollment and attendance.
Sports can give children a chance to dream of something bigger than themselves. This year during the World Cup Fever, think of the impoverished children of the countries represented at the matches. One day, one of these children may even wear a jersey and run out onto the field.
And you can watch as his dreams come true.
(Photo courtesy of Compassion International)
Here are six ways you can pray for children in poverty during this month of World Cup Fever:
Pray that children in poverty will use sports as a way to grow physically and emotionally.
Pray that children will see the success of players from their countries as an inspiration to reach for their dreams.
Pray for the safety of children in Brazil, as events like the World Cup can increase the risk of human trafficking.
Pray for families displaced from their homes because of World Cup building projects.
Pray that children’s athletic skills will be nurtured through Compassion International.
(Article Courtesy of Compassion International: http://blog.compassion.com/world-cup-fever/#ixzz34uJL6jNr)
