Article from Athletes in Action about UW's International team trip to Holland

Mini Project in Groningen


From Wednesday 10 to Friday, February 12 has a special mini project in the District Korreweg place in Groningen. It has worked with staff from other organizations in America sportministry (Uncharted Waters) and Egypt (Egypt AIA, Youth for Christ). We have during the project the way the American organization Uncharted Waters (UW) used. They organize sports camps for children at the request of churches. That way we could see how both organizations work and what we can learn from each other.

The Great Comeback

After a constructive and inspiring leader we have a joint training event where we had learned much from each other. UW was especially impressed by the focus on equipment and supervision of the team leaders and churches within the AIA, as the worship leader during the Event. AIA has especially learned a lot from the fact that UW is working with themes, much more rigid structure persists and gives sportclinics. On Wednesday we have worked with Jan Waanders, district evangelist, the project promoted and afternoon workout in the gym. There were more children than expected! The first two days we have had around 20-30 children, both afternoon and evening. We went with them nice football, basketball and dance. Above all we could tell them about our God! Using the umbrella theme "The Great Comeback" every day there were two key issues discussed. These key issues were also linked to weather conditions in sports, so the children while the sports items can be remembered. Some children had to get used to the new format during exercise. There was far more Bible-time coach and then they were used. Even when things ended, was the first time some of the sports removed. Because, they said from Uncharted Waters: "We love sports, but we love Jesus more!"

The last day we had as many as 50 children, a pleasant and blessed so busy! On Thursday and Friday we called the children to Jesus in their hearts to adopt, where a few excited children shouted that they "already had done"! Nice to see God with the children at work, but also good for them to pray that they actually change and start living for God! Both our foreign guests and participants of AIA can look back on an enthusiastic and inspiring educational week.