Grant Sheppard established and founded the World Sports Ministry in 1999. Since its creation, this ministry has grown globally, and as a result, millions of lives have transformed (Mujika, 2021). The mission of the World Sports Ministry is to equalize sport for all people, of all ages, genders, and nationalities; therefore, the organization creates the appropriate conditions for training. In addition, the Bible supports the provision of training sessions to sport’s participants (King James Bible 2017, 1 Cor. 9:24). Issuing various resources such as food, school supplies, and guidance to youngsters shows support of the organization to all the attending children. I presume through this training these children engage in sports activities, get to know each other, and form friendship ties that are essential in the actual world. In my opinion, this policy of the WSM is a great step forward in the development of soccer and other sport types as equality is a common goal that many organizations are trying to reach.
Sports also consist of the spirit, mind, and body. Mujika (2021) explains the issue in the same way Nelson Mandela does, namely, sport can change the world, inspire and unite people in a way that nothing else can. Despite Nelson Mandela not being an actual member of World Sports Ministries, its representatives continue preaching his popular quotes. I agree with this statement as by playing sports people get distracted from their daily routine, problems, relax mentally and psychologically, and strengthen the physical state of the body. I think that soccer being watched by many fans has the power to unite people from all walks of life, races, and religions. The World Cup is viewed by many people; therefore, it enchants the attention of practically every sports fan. Additionally, sharing the interest in this sport type with others can form relationships that enable fans to convey God’s loving message.
Influencing people to participate in sports has proved to be a big success. Therefore, soccer is not aimless, it is not just running for running but this sport type aims to send a message to God through its fans and their beliefs (New International Bible 2017, 1 Cor. 9:26). Dave Hannah founded and created the Athletes in Action in 1966 (Bishop, 2017). After forming the first wrestling team in 1966, they traveled in various nations such as Germany, Australia, Czech Republic, among others preaching the Gospel and representing the United States. I agree with the WSM’s aim to provide not only individual but also collective growth. A society introduced to God’s message shows higher potential and love than separated individuals. Recently, the ministry announced that they would build a facility worth 24 million dollars to construct a sports complex that will be opened in a couple of years (Bishop, 2021). From my point of view, sending God’s message via sport is a good way of engaging people in religion and ubiquitous love.
AIA constitutes various tabs, including Get Involved, Athletes, Coaches, Donate and About. Parts of the Get Involved tab include Trips, On Campus, Premier Events, By Sport and Campus. I tried the Donate tab and learned that it allows people to fund and donate to mission trips and youth camps. Athletes all around the world require a community in which they can develop aggressively and connect with a higher purpose during and also after their competitive careers. As a result, AIA has dedicated itself to assisting athletes in their spiritual, mental, and physical development. From my point of view, it is a good way of supporting athletes and maintaining their psychological health, as well as establishing broad-based connections with the majority of sportsmen.
References
Bishop, L. (2021). Athletes in Action plans a $24 million athletic facility expansion. Dayton Daily News. Web.
King James Bible. (2017). King James Bible Online. Web.
Mujika, I. (2021). Sports science is a team effort. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 16(4), 463. Web.
New International Bible. (2017). New International Bible Online. Web.