In September 2007, 3D-Outreach in conjunction with Benoni Baptist church did a short term mission trip to Xai Xai Mozambique. As part of the trip they hosted a soccer tournament. Complete brand new soccer kit was donated for prizes, as well as brand new soccer balls.

This year, we have just had the privilege of doing the same.

3D-Outreach, Benoni Baptist and 3 of our interns from 2007 headed off to Xai Xai, with another brand new soccer kit, generously donated by the same sponsor as last year. It was incredible for our interns to return to the place they called home for a year. They were greeted in the warmest way possible. Relationships that had been formed during the course of last year were as strong as the day they left Xai Xai to return home and the local community were just thrilled to see them.

We also had the privilege of linking up with local missionaries and pastors as well, and it was incredible for us to see the way in which God is using them to spread his word within the community.

The soccer tournament was a success and we had 6 teams competing. The final was nail biting as the winners from last year entered the field kitted out in the prize they had won. They were playing against a team that had no shirts or shoes to play in, so we were all rather happy when the team without any kit won the tournament. Throughout the day there were quite a few children looking on, and Charlotte (one of our second year interns, now working for Benoni Baptist church at kid’s haven) had an amazing time with the children that all remembered her from last year: colouring in, telling stories and playing games.

The whole day created an open door for one of the local pastors to share a devotion with all that had gathered to watch the soccer, with a large amount of them being young people. The pastor shared with us that it is very rare for him to have such an opportunity to minister to the youngsters as they are really difficult to gather and the soccer tournament was the perfect event.

It is wonderful to see our churches getting involved in short term missions and establishing relationships that are kept up by regular visits and ministry!

Filed Under: News and Stories
Associated Tags: 3D Outreach, Benoni Baptist, Xai Xai