Introducing “Ubabalo”  (GRBC SPORTS MINISTRY)

I am humbled to write about the Lord's work among the youth through Ubabalo ("God's grace").

Earlier in the year we were, by God's providence, presented with a unique opportunity to use football in reaching out to the youth. We are honored to be the pioneers of this at present within the Reformed circles in Namibia. It might even be a good idea to brainstorm how everybody would benefit from this venture and work on possible improvements together.

Quite a good number of youths, whose age ranges between 15-23, join me at the Windhoek College of Education for football training. We begin by briefings on any premeditated subject, followed by football practices. Then, we conclude with prayer. My ears are bent to listen closely to the real issues confronting them during this time of sharing. We also have individual face-to-face sessions. You don’t realize how effectively the Lord uses this private time to speak to the needs of these boys. The strengths of this are the ties you develop with them. They start to trust and respect your views on certain matters. That is indeed what you aim at ultimately. Now when questions of faith and religion are addressed, they tend to pay attention. Sometimes they call to know if they can accompany you to the mid-week bible studies or prayer meetings.

You won’t believe that I received a call from a lady calling me ‘coach’. Hearing that, I thought something was amiss. I am a coach for sure, but most certainly not to women. I guessed that she is in her late forties. So I doubted if she was speaking to the right person. She sounded happy, and I too responded similarly. Then she said I am Vieira’s mother, and immediately I new the connection because he is one of my boys. As we went on she shared her happiness about the notable changes she saw in her son since his return from Windhoek. He used to drink, smoke, and mix up with some bad boys in Otjinene. But since he returned she would find him reading the bible, praying and going to church. She wondered if it would last, but it did not stop. She had no choice. She enquired from the boy what was happening. He told the story of Ubabalo and his coach. When she could not contain her joy any longer she picked the phone and called. She went on and on thanking God for such visible impact Ubabalo had on the young man.

As you would expect I spend moments in silence reflecting on our conversation afterwards. What stood out to that parent is the clear difference in her son’s life. Honestly, I can’t tell whether Vieira is converted or not but I can confidently say that the Lord has been at work in his life. Pray with me that the other boys may experience something of the Lord's hand in their lives. The work demands dedication, patience, a big heart to win souls. Consistency is also needed. I hope that this testimony will create warmth in your hearts in order that you may be prompted to start this kind of work in your churches.

Yours in Christ
Ehrenfried K.