During the World Cup, Central Baptist Church in Pretoria decided they want to do “one or two things and do them well.” They chose to focus on outreach and hospitality. The church, which is located close to a World Cup stadium, is working with partnering congregations to share the Gospel with fans on their way to the stadium and to provide meals during big screen showings of World Cup matches.

PRETORIA, South Africa – Unashamed, she handed Bibles to passersby. As fans walked past Mariska de Jager, some took tracts, a Bible or a DVD testimony of Kaká, a well-known Brazilian soccer player. De Jager’s husband, Marius, ran across the street to help another group pass out more materials.

Several churches have partnered together to host a “Big Screen Outreach” at Central Baptist Church in downtown Pretoria, one of the host cities of the 2010 World Cup. Yesterday, the de Jagers and about 60 other volunteers gathered to distribute materials and host a showing of the Paraguay vs. Japan game.

SOSHANGUVE, South Africa – The bus is brought to an abrupt halt in the middle of a narrow street, and the North American ladies are hurried from the vehicle. The people on the street immediately surround the women.

Normal neighborhood noises are overpowered by the sounds of drums pounding, vuvuzelas blowing, hands clapping, feet stomping and voices cheering. The parade of dancers, musicians and soccer enthusiasts eagerly escort the North Americans through the dusty streets.

PRETORIA, South Africa — Suicide. Grief. Abuse. These are some of the issues faced by the women on the South African national soccer teams. About 27 female soccer players from Athletes In Action (AIA) came from the United States and Canada to train with and minister to over 30 members of the South African teams — Banyana Banyana (the national team), Betswana (the Under 20 team), and Betwana Betwana (the Under 17 team).

A large part the training camp was spent on drills, skill building and simulation matches, while relationship building and group sessions aided in the women’s emotional growth.

During the sessions, some South African players opened up about their social and familial exploitation, such as rape and lesbianism, which they experience on a regular basis in their living situations.

The urban center of Pretoria/Tshwane is the second largest in South Africa. There is a need for more new churches in this strategic and growing area, especially churches who will minister to immigrants from neighboring African countries.

Near to many of the World Cup stadiums people live in wretched conditions. The effects of poverty and unemployment are evident all around. Individuals who are suffering from acute physical needs simply don’t have time to think about their spiritual state. Christians wanting to reach out and help these needy communities require godly wisdom. Intercede for followers of Christ in South Africa who have a heart to share their possessions and their faith with those who are less fortunate. Remember especially members of Eastside Community Church in Pretoria and King of Kings Baptist Church near Cape Town. Pray that people who receive assistance from Christians will acknowledge that the followers of Jesus are representatives of God and His great love for all people.

An Ultimate Purpose Beyond the Game

See more photos of Athletes in Action

PRETORIA, South Africa — “Normally when I played soccer, I played for myself,” says Tumi Mogotsi, a university student from Soweto, South Africa. “Now when I play on the fields, I know I’m going to play for God – not for me.”

Mogotsi is one of about 50 athletes attending an Athletes in Action (AIA) training for ministries related to the World Cup which starts on Friday. More athletes will arrive within the week.

AIA is a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. “Our main mission is to use the platform of sports to reach the world for Christ,” says Terry Bortz, operations director for AIA media.

Athletes from ten countries are participating in the AIA training and will travel in teams throughout South Africa during the World Cup. These teams will minister alongside local churches as they hold soccer clinics and lead in other efforts to share Christ with the surrounding communities.