OC International - missions for today's world

SPORTS AMBASSADORS...
is more than just a game 

“You would never have reached me in a church…but you caught me on
the basketball court. Today I am not only a follower of Jesus Christ,
but I am a pastor because of the message I heard during the
halftime of a Sports Ambassadors game.”

Sports Ambassadors (SA) exists to evangelize the lost, encourage the pastor and his congregation, edify sports missionaries, and equip the church. Since 1952, SA has been sending sports teams to more than 67 countries and sharing the gospel to more than 11 million spectators. These teams have evangelized many and have encouraged pastors that have needed a partner to help them reach their neighborhood. SA has also stimulated many of the 2,500 Sports Ambassadors athletes to become leaders upon their return home.

In the last few years Church Sports International (CSI) has trained SA staff to equip the church leaders to do and use sports ministry in evangelistic and discipleship efforts. This has been accomplished mainly through summer teams or career sports ministry specialists. The partnership of SA and CSI will serve churches around the world.

There are three levels of involvement with Sports Ambassadors and CSI. The first is to go on a three week team trip. Second, commit to one or two years assigned to a country. And third, be a Sports Ministry Specialist assigned to an OC team in Latin America, Asia, Africa, or Europe. 


SA and CSI want to accomplish:

	Evangelization of the Lost Impact teams such as basketball, volleyball, softball Camps, clinics, leagues, coaching Adventure sports Global community games Special events (field days, 10K runs, sports festivals) Major sporting events (e.g., Olympic Games, World Cup) Media
	Encouragement of the Pastor Motivate, mentor, and encourage pastors and leaders (formally and informally) Stimulate and cultivate strategic partnerships
	Edification of the Sports Missionary Pre-trip envisioning and training Mission trip discipleship
	Equipping of the Church Facilitate workshops, seminars, and training centers Research in order to evaluate and enhance sports ministry evangelism and discipleship Recruiting, training, and mentoring church-based and parachurch sports ministry leaders

The World is Their Stadium

When there is no opportunity to preach the gospel through traditional means, sports evangelism has opened the door to the hearts and lives of thousands of people. Christian players have been able to penetrate into the unreached worlds of those who have never heard of Christ. These people will come to a game, but will never darken the door of a church. It is in the context of the athletic arena that these people hear the good news of salvation.

Millions Have Heard

Since 1952 nearly 2,500 athletes have played over 6,000 games in 67 countries. They have presented the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to over 11 million people in person, radio, and TV broadcasts. SA ministers through the four E's: EVANGELIZE, ENCOURAGE, EDIFY, and EQUIP.

Millions are Waiting to Hear

Athletics are an effective way to reach individuals who are not open to the preaching and teaching of the gospel. It is a way to connect with them on a personal level by displaying a life of integrity, passion, and fervor. Millions of people are connected to the heart of the Father through SA athletics each year. If you, your church, or sports team is interested in changing lives through the power of Jesus Christ and athletics, view the new trip schedule.

Sports Evangelism

Sports fans in the audience are given a brochure containing the personal testimonies of athletes who have found their way to Christ. It also lists scripture passages that lead the audience into a personal relationship with Jesus. They are then able to request a personal visit by local and national workers or missionaries, or request to study the Bible through a free Bible correspondence course. Through the study of God’s Word, many receive Jesus as their Savior and Lord.

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“Venture for Victory (SA) became a springboard for most
of the good and rewarding things that have happened in my lifetime.”
Don Odle, Athletic Director and Coach, Taylor University