As the pastors surveyed the stadiums and the thousands of spectators, a light went on for them. Now they began to understand. Now they saw the potential of drawing thousands together in order to hear the message of Christ!

The Charlotte Eagles were the first American team ever to compete in the country of Rwanda, making it a national event. The first match was held in the town of Butare, where the only university in the country is located. A capacity crowd of over 6,000 braved a torrential downpour to see the American “Christians” record a 3-0 win. A testimony and the gospel were presented at half time. Thousands of people mobbed the team on the field after the game and hundreds made commitments to Christ!

The 2 matches held in the Capital city of Kigali were broadcast live throughout the country. Bordering nations such as Burundi, Uganda, Congo and Tanzania also were able to receive the Rwandan radio signal. The crusade coordinator, Reverend Nathan Amooti, estimated that over 8 million people listened to the game and heard the gospel message that was presented at half time.

Overall, 60,000 programs printed in the Rwandan language were distributed along with 10,000 programs printed in English. Each program contained a message from the athletes containing the plan of salvation and testimonies by two of the Eagles players. In addition, thousands of Gospels of John and New Testaments were provided in Kinyarwanda (the Rwandan language) for the cooperating churches to use for their follow-up purposes.

With each match the crowds grew. As word travelled, the final match in the National Stadium drew nearly 30,000 people. Several commented that the players were gifted young men that brought honour to their country and exemplified the true meaning of sport and competition. Actions and attitudes speak an international language that radiates with a smile. It was only 6 years ago that this nation was torn apart by genocide. Now many barriers have been broken down and the Lord is using sports ministry to help bring reconciliation and forgiveness to heal a nation.

The two soccer matches held in the National Stadium in Kigali were broadcast live throughout the country. Bordering nations such as Burundi, Uganda, Congo and Tanzania also were able to receive the broadcast. The crusade coordinator Reverend Nathan Amooti , estimated the that over 8 million people listened to the game and heard the gospel message that was presented at half-time. God accomplishes much more than we can even dream of!

The last match we had problems with the sound system and on getting the problem solved we realized the radio signal was taken off the air at half time. One of our Canadian brothers helping with sound climbed in the radio van and had the technician flip the switches to send out the radio signal and that solved our sound problems in the stadium.

Prayer is a powerful tool in fighting the roadblocks that often are thrown in the path. Please pray for the follow-up programs that will be taking place over the next several weeks. Thousands need to be contacted and discipled as they start a new life in Christ! Also pray for Don Brenneman and Sports Outreach Institute as they return to Rwanda tentatively this July to hold seminars, training sessions and sports clinics for the numerous churches throughout the country who wish to begin outreach programs of their own. Over the next 5 to 10 years they hope to develop a program that is run and staffed by Rwandan nationals. Ask that the Lord make clear the steps necessary to build a strong sustainable ministry that brings young people hope for the future and blessings for all eternity.

We need mature, adventuresome servants willing to give their time and heart to the children and young people in East Central Africa. Perhaps God is tugging at your heart. We would encourage you to be a part of this exciting program this summer! For more information please contact Don Brenneman at 503-521-9038 (rental home).

Don Brenneman Sports Outreach Institute 503-579-3352 don@sportsoutreachinst.org