For all the soccer players, majority of us were focused on the game at hand. We were playing a premier league team in Tanzania. Many players on this team were called up to their particular country’s national team. We had a short practice in the morning (after breakfast), went to the stadium to help out with some finishing touches with prep work, and went back to the hotel to catch a short nap.
Here is a look at the stadium we played at.
Once we returned to the stadium, our boys got the warmup in and took the field, neither team knowing what to expect.
We were able to have the stadium filled with 4,000 people, who at halftime of our game were able to hear the gospel! Although, this professional team outclassed us on the field (5-0 L) we were blessed to hear the total wins off the pitch – 816 souls were saved! 816 souls were saved! All glory be to God.
After the game, we all cheered on the victors of the match – KMC football club.
Many of us have made friendships with a few of the guys on this team. Abraham (pictured below), speaks English and we were able to have many great conversations with him. He additionally plays for the Somalian National Team and wears the #10 jersey for KMC.
After the game was over, many of the players did a “jersey swap”. Meant to show a sign of respect, this is a trend done by many professional teams. We gave away our jerseys and KMC gave away a good few of their away jerseys. Here is Reid Rhodes representing some of the KMC merch he received.
At dinner that night, we had some testimonies given. We shared what God has been speaking to us individually this week. Many raised there hands saying the connections that have been made already. But the most common answer had to deal with the amount of decisions we knew to have been made that night. The many souls that were saved. It was somewhat of an emotional moment. We all were very appreciative of everyone who played a huge part in making this happen, because we know without everyone’s part, none of this could happen. Brother Jerry Wyatt and his family, the church in Morogoro, the connections with the stadium owner, the connections with KMC Tanzania, the financial aspect of our ability to come out here were all an incredible part of being able to bring people together to hear the good news!
Thank you for your continual prayers!
YOM Staff/Eagles Soccer