FCA in South Africa

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes partners with sports ministries in 106 countries. One organization the Northland Region of FCA (Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota) partners with is Sport for Christ Action South Africa (SCAS) under the leadership of Christo Spies. Christo is a former mental performance coach and school chaplain who has a heart to see the world transformed with the Gospel of Christ.

SCAS exists to “To love and serve people in sport in order to help them understand that life’s greatest gift is Christ’s love and life’s greatest joy is sharing it.” This focus aligns with FCA whose vision and mission is “To see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes and to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church.” SCAS is already on the ground doing the work, and FCA Northland comes alongside them to provide support and encouragement. 

The Ball Project

As they explored other ways to impact those around them and as the country began to open up again, Christo had another idea utilizing The Four, a simple way to share the Gospel with symbols:

1. Heart – God loves you.

2. Division sign – Sin separates you.

3. Cross – Jesus rescues you.

4. Question Mark – Will you trust Jesus?

The four symbols have been used on bracelets as conversation starters for a long time, but Christo had them printed on tennis balls and soccer balls and brought to kids in poor communities and other sports teams. As they share the truth of The Four, those who can recite back what each symbol means get to keep the ball. It is a practical way to meet a physical need but also share the ultimate hope we all have in Christ.

Walking Together

As we have faced challenges over the last year, we have had the tremendous opportunity to walk with others around the world whose greatest desire is also to see the Gospel proclaimed around the world. Christo often joins FCA staff on weekly prayer calls, and we have the privilege of praying for each other even though we are thousands of miles apart. We also get to see how God is moving in South Africa, and Christo gets to see how God is moving in our region.

Despite the frustrating things we see around us, we can trust that God is always at work and drawing people to Himself. His plan is so much greater than we can ever imagine. Like the account of Elisha and his servant in 2 Kings 6:15-17, we don’t always see what God is doing:

“When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

God is at work even if we don’t recognize it. He is doing things we may never see. He is always good. He always has a plan, and He is in control. He asks us to trust Him, to seek His face, and to never give up hope that He can and will do immeasurably more than anything we could ever as or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

South Africa Needs Prayer!

Pray for South Africa as it continues to deal with the pandemic. South Africa is just beginning to ease restrictions – again – after another long lockdown. Pray for Christo and his team as they bring the hope of Christ’s love to coaches and athletes in South Africa.