Kampala Ministry Center
In 2016 we formed a ministry partnership with Sports Outreach Institute (SOI). The mission of SOI is to identify and train committed Christian leadership in the effective use of sports ministry, in the spreading of the Gospel message, and in alleviating human suffering. We will be supporting the new Kampala Ministry Center located in Uganda. The center has eight children's homes full of orphans that previously lived on the street. We are excited to be part of this great ministry.
Meet Patrick
This is Patrick. He is one of the young men we support through Sports Outreach in Uganda. Here is his story.
"Before finding Sports Outreach I was living on the streets just craving for what to eat and without a place to stay. I had totally lost hope and I didn’t have any plan of going to school. I was doing not good things and was very desperate! After seeing the coaches teaching soccer in my community and spending time with the children, I went to them because I wanted to play. The soccer program was being conducted from the place where I had my hide out at night and I kept on going to play every evening. That’s when I met coaches and told them my situation who welcomed me to join them in their feeding programs. And eventually they got me [a place to stay]. They invited me to come live in the Sports Outreach Children’s Home. It was the first time I felt safe in a very long time. It was the first time I felt hope in my heart! I have lived here many years now and I now act as the house parent for the other younger boys. I also am the assistant to coach Moses with soccer programs and play on the Good News Soccer team. I was not in school for many years and had no hope because I was so behind. Sports Outreach has supporters that encouraged me to dream big and not give up. Since that time I have [helped me] complete my Primary Level and I'm planning to join the vocational school. I want to become an electronic engineer, I am looking forward to get a well-paying job, which will enable me to help other children from the streets. I am so thankful to the many people God has brought here to help us!"
Learn more about his story in this video.
The Queen of Katwe
"From living in the streets in the slums of Katwe to learning chess in a Sports Outreach Institute missionary program to becoming one of her nation’s top chess players competing in international competitions, Phiona Mutesi has come a long way from the 9-year old girl who came for a cup of porridge. The subject of dozens of media stories and a book, “The Queen of Katwe,” which has now been made into a Disney movie. Phiona is an inspiration to millions, and especially to girls in a nation where girls are particularly marginalized.
Despite all of Phiona’s recognition and “success” as many call it, she has always kept her focus on God, family and friends. Phiona has said many times, she recognizes how blessed her life has become because of chess and how she wants to open the doors of opportunity for other girls and women.
It is amazing to see how Phiona has so quickly progressed from student to teacher and child to mentor; she is a true example of hope in Uganda."
Watch the trailer to the Disney movie below. In theaters September 2016.