Children at one of last year's Thai camps. Kids all over the world have the chance to make new friends and connect with Christian mentors at Sports Friends camps - picture by Cat Edwards.
Fate is a 13-year-old girl from Ethiopia with a bright smile, always a giggle, and a quick, witty response. She is blind.
During last year’s camping season, Fate attended a Sports Friends camp for disabled girls and was able to partake in many activities that were new for her. She swam, played games, and even made crafts. She also learned about God and His abundant love for her.
Sports are a magnet, a universal language that can bridge the gap between the church and the community. Sports Friends taps into the passion young people have for sports to introduce them and their families to the love of God. As we serve in 13 countries across Africa, Asia, and South America, our ultimate hope is to see transformed lives and strengthened communities because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This desire centers all of our camps.
Fate's life took a different turn after she attended a Sports Friends camp.
Last summer, 4,885 children around Africa and Asia were afforded the experience of a lifetime – to travel with their coaches and friends to a place where they encountered the love of the one true God like never before. Each week of camp overflows with fun and excitement. But, even more importantly, many of the campers leave changed – new creations in Christ.
During this year’s Camper Scholarships Campaign, Sports Friends hopes to raise enough money to send 3,000 young people to camp. This unforgettable experience costs just $50 per camper! Our campaign runs from May 19th until the end of August.
Fate’s time at camp was full of joy and fun, but, even more importantly, it served as a launching pad for true transformation. After the week ended, Fate began attending church in her village. She eventually accepted Jesus as her personal savior, and, since her decision, several of her siblings and her mother have come to know Christ as well. She has even challenged her father to reconsider his faith!
For kids like Fate our camps can be a dream come true and the beginning of a new life.
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