Nehemiah Foundation International

Last June we had set up a basketball league in Ilagan consisting of seven teams representing seven different zones and each team consisted of twelve players. We arrived just two days before the playoffs and it was a very exciting time with each of the teams working and playing very hard. We started this league to reach out to the young people who did not yet know the Lord. Sports evangelism is a great way to bring the community together. This is not just for the players but also for those who come to watch.

The young people from Alinguigan had been competing for the last four months. Following the playoffs we had an award ceremony as well as an unexpected surprise. We held a drawing for all the players and coaches and three people were blessed with a two year scholarship to attend a trade school of their choice, all expenses paid. Nothing like this has ever been done here before and we feel so blessed to be the first to show them the love of God through giving of something that could not be repaid. God is so good.

Once the tournament was over we held a special meeting with all of the players and had a wonderful time of sharing. We shared with them how amazing it was to have a relationship with the Lord. It was a unique and special time. We shared personal experiences, our testimonies and the word of God. The guys were very enthusiastic you could feel the presence of God.

By the end of the evening seventy of the players had given their lives to the Lord. It is a night we will never forget. The following day we went to town to purchase each of them a bible. We also bought several bible study guides for the leaders. We have four leaders including one Catholic priest who are spending time with these guys every week learning about the love and faithfulness of God.

This year we are not only hosting the basketball tournament but we are also hosting a girls volleyball tournament. There will be eight basketball and volleyball teams from two villages consisting of twelve players each. The average age range is 16—19 years. Half of the players are from Alinguigan and half are from Sta. Victoria, Ilagan. Right now teams are being formed and games should begin around the first of July. Sports evangelism is a very effective tool of ministry and we hope and pray that we will see many lives transformed through these events. Both players and spectators.

Our next trip to the Philippines is scheduled for mid September. We will be focusing on sports evangelism.