Managers On A Mission (MOAM) is an organization striving to “develop uncommon individuals of character,” and particularly “future leaders of sport,” through Christ-centered service projects.
Fueled by donations from countless teams across the college and professional landscape, it invests in both the children of Africa and the future of coaches, trainers and student managers by serving overseas, providing sports equipment and preparing the next generation of leaders for a career in sports.
In partnership with Sports Spectrum, MOAM is sharing stories of some of its own up-and-coming sports leaders, specifically their experiences serving in Africa this summer.
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Person: Kyle Ensor
Position: Sports management major (University of Tennessee), JV baseball coach (The Webb School of Knoxville)
Place: Liberia
“I love to do things that push me out of my comfort zone, both with my faith and regular life activities. Getting to know high schoolers and befriend them, spend time with them and help guide them in building a relationship with Jesus, filled me with so much joy. Every time I would leave the high schoolers or teammates, I felt like I was on top of a mountain. I had never been a Christian leader before, and I was very nervous that I would not be able to do it … When I saw the opportunity that MOAM offered, I knew this would be another way for me to step out of my comfort zone and grow, while also impacting others’ lives.
“While I was in Liberia, I had a lot of time to think about my past, my time in Africa, and my future … the one thing that Jesus kept telling me was that I needed to hand over control to Him. I am a person that likes to be in control of my life, and when it goes a way I am not expecting, it takes me time to focus back in on the important parts of life. Jesus loves us no matter what and is in total control …
“I think a lot of the time Americans can get caught up in the stuff they have and the quantity or quality of it. In Liberia, I learned that if you have Jesus, you don’t need anything else, because He will give you the ultimate happiness. It doesn’t matter how much money you have, what car you drive, your GPA, etc. None of those things will ever match the happiness and love Jesus brings you. The kids in Liberia have nothing compared to us Americans, but they have so much more joy than us because they believe and know Jesus. They treat everyone the way Jesus loves us. They truly cared and loved all my teammates and the other kids in the village so well.
“In Liberia, I saw the kids, staff and mommas living out life like Jesus wants us to more than I have ever seen before. This was their workplace, and it was inspiring to me because that’s how I want my workplace to be like. I want to be in an environment where people love each other to the best of their abilities, and work together like a team. It may not end up working out every time, but the effort must always be there.
“I hope that I can use my faith to build deep relationships with people in my career and make my job into something more meaningful than something I wake up and do every day in my life to earn a living … I hope I can always remember that no matter what job I have, I can love on people the way Jesus does and make people smile by showing His love like the Liberian kids did to me.”
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