Football...in Siberia!?

While we were in the States on our last furlough (Fall of 2008-Spring of 2009) we shared with the churches we visited  how we were praying specifically about the use of sports as another way to reach young people. We had already been contacted by a Russian man who loved American football and was getting together with some guys who met to practice, as best they knew how, without a coach or trainer. They all had hopes that someday they would see a team formed here in Krasnoyarsk. This man kept in touch with David for several years. Even while we were in the States on furlough he e-mailed us to wish us a Merry Christmas and say "Hello" from time to time. David attended a "practice" or two and was asked by this new friend if he would be able to coach these guys to help them get ready to actually play against other teams in Russia. We found out a bit later that there is even a larger interest in a local football team than just with the group of men who want to play.  Evidently there is a desire with the local city government to see a team formed as well.

There even was some financing at some point and the guys actually had pads and other equipment shipped from the States.  Over the years some of the equipment has been dispersed and they are now ordering the remaining amount that they need in order to have everyone in a uniform and proper gear.

Recently, as he promised to do, the guy who has kept in contact with David over the last few years, called us to let us know that the guys are now ready for a coach to get them game ready. Since we had been praying about this opportunity for some time as well as for the Lord to help us reach more young men, David accepted and is now the main trainer for the Siberian Bears football team.

I have been so looking forward to this post! I think I have also been more excited about this whole endeavor than my husband. He is thinking...I don't know THAT much about football!! I am thinking...I don't have to coach them, just invite them and their families into our home and make friends with their wives for witnessing opportunities galore! Awesome! What more could I ask for???

Since practices have been in full swing for several weeks now, I think David is doing a wonderful job on the coaching side and the guys are very pleased with him and the progress they have made in such a short period of time.

In order for the guys to make it to practice after work and school/institute, practice is often scheduled in the late evenings. With our car being "out of comission" this makes it a bit more difficult for David to get home after practice since buses do not run that late out to the village where we live. It has been great to hear that the guys always offer to take him home after practice. This time spent in the car with different players has given David more opportunities to witness and get to know each of them better. Thank the Lord for a positive side to us not having a car right now!

Please pray for us in this new and exciting ministry opportunity. We are thanking God for it and praying He will be glorified in every part of it. Winning games will be the reward for the guys. Winning souls through this will be our reward!