Around the world, sports evangelism continues to serve as an effective way to build community. It provides opportunities to share the Gospel while engaging in mutually-enjoyed activities.
Water Mission, a safe water charity based in North Charleston, South Carolina, has developed unique and engaging ways to use sports evangelism in the communities it serves around the world.
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How Water Mission Uses Sports Evangelism
Water Mission is a Christian engineering nonprofit committed to providing safe water and sharing the Living Water message of Jesus Christ. The safe water charity hosts community events around the world to share the importance of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) solutions. The Water Mission team in Mexico has found sports to be a great way to connect and share the Living Water of Jesus Christ.
“Everything in Mexico is about relationships,” says Kevin Herr, project manager for Water Mission’s Mexico country program. “It all comes down to the people that we’re working with, finding people that are passionate about serving their communities and making a difference.”
Clowns, superheroes and sporting events are often on the agenda when Water Mission teaches WASH best practices in Mexico. Catering to a variety of demographics, each theme serves a purpose.
(Photo courtesy of Water Mission)
“When I was in Mexico in December, the team had a basketball tournament,” Herr said. “The goal is always to get different segments of the community together. You’re not going to get the same people at the superhero clown show as the young men that are going to come out for sports.”
FIFA estimates that more than eight million Mexicans play soccer on more than 17,000 teams. Water Mission’s Mexico team engages communities regularly through soccer tournaments, along with basketball and baseball games.
(Photo courtesy of Water Mission)
Sharing the Living Water Message
More than 5 billion people around the world do not know Jesus Christ. By partnering with the local church, Water Mission’s Living Water program aims to help people experience the spiritual transformation that only comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ.
To learn more about Water Mission’s safe and Living Water programs around the world, visit watermission.org.
Acadia Munari is a freelance writer for Water Mission.
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