Early in life, David was handicapped from Polio and confined to a wheelchair. Two years ago, he attended a Sports Friends training conference in Nigeria where he was challenged and inspired. He felt God leading him to use soccer as a platform to reach young people. However, as he left the sports ministry training, doubts started, "God, how can I coach a team? I have never played soccer." After wrestling with God, David faithfully followed the Lord’s leading and started a soccer ministry for boys.

David transported himself each week to soccer practice on a customized wheelchair that he pedaled with his hands. At first the boys came and things went well. Soon however, one of the boys told David, "I can’t play for you. You are in a wheelchair and can’t even play!" The boy left the team. David was very hurt. Although it was difficult, David continued to love this boy and stayed faithful to the ministry God had called him to. After many weeks, this boy who had insulted David returned and apologized to "his coach," and was welcomed back by the team.

David faced other challenges as well. His team was a mixture of both Christian and non-Christian boys. At first he mainly called on the Christian boys to pray, but this upset a number of the other boys, so he began to lead the prayers himself which the boys found more acceptable. During this time, the boys began to see and understand the power of Christian prayer. One day, David forgot to open their time together with prayer. One of the non-Christian boys was upset with him and said, "You are letting the devil in by not praying." David was convicted but also happy that the boy took notice.

David has continued to faithfully love and mentor these boys for months. Over time, he has been able to share with them the love of Christ. Seven of these boys have now placed their faith in Christ, including the boy who earlier insulted David. From his wheelchair, David has challenged many other able-bodied coaches to develop sports ministry programs. Please pray for David and the boys on his team and for the many other faithful sports ministers like David serving the Lord in Nigeria.

Pray

• Praise God for how he is using Sports Friends around the world to reach young people for Christ
• For those who are headed to Camp Langano this summer—that they would have a transforming experience.
• That God will raise up more workers for this ministry.
• That God would bring many into the kingdom through intentional sports programs.

Find more specific Sports Friends prayer requests here.

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