STELLENBOSCH, South Africa — Before the 2010 World Cup kicked off on African soil, a team of Brazilians were already looking ahead to 2014 when Brazil hosts the next World Cup.

Their training ground, however, is in South Africa, where they are ministering to youth and getting ideas on how they can use soccer to minister to their own people in the next four years.

“Our goal was to come here and serve the communities and learn something for Brazil 2014,” said Celio Freitas, team leader for the Brazilians. “We are preparing a great campaign to lead in Brazil.”

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — When he was just a 3-year-old toddler, Raldo was standing too close to a fire his uncle built. Not realizing his small nephew was nearby, the uncle turned around and doused the fire with paraffin.

“The fire came at me,” Raldo said.

Now 9 years old, Raldo is severely scarred on his face, arms and hands from the blaze. But that does not stop this youngster from living a life like any kid his age.

Raldo is just one of hundreds of children in the Capricorn township who received a new pair of shoes thanks to Samaritan’s Feet South Africa, a Christian non-profit organization that works through volunteers to share Bible stories and distribute shoes to children in need.

JOHANNESBURG — “I will never be the same,” said João Batista. “I will go back [to Brazil] a different person. This has changed my life.”

A Brazilian volunteer mission group, 200-strong, has come to South Africa to minister during the World Cup. Representing 25 denominations, they come under the coordination of the Brazilian Baptist International Mission Board. They are here to share the Gospel through soccer and health clinics; puppets and plays; and arts, crafts and sewing classes.

Players on the soccer pitch face continuous physical obstacles as they work together to score a goal. Brazilian volunteers in South Africa are facing spiritual obstacles as they strive to lead people to Christ. Intercede for these faithful brothers and sisters in Christ who could easily become discouraged. Pray that the volunteers will have good health, safety and abundant opportunities to share their faith.

Watch Brazillian volunteer Michell Castro with Connection Africa 2010 share prayer requests from Troyeville Baptist Church in Johannesburg, South Africa.