The World Cup is coming to Pennsylvania the summer of 2026. This is a great opportunity to reach the children and the family with the Gospel. As believers we are commanded to “Go and make disciples of all nations” Matthew 28:19. This command includes the children.
We already have two events scheduled: Tuesday, August 4 at the Blue Mountain High School (Southeast region) and Saturday, August 8 Location TBA (Northwest region). These events require many churches to work together, and I am excited to say the pastors I spoke with jumped right in. One pastor said to me, “Anywhere you can share the Gospel with a large group of people, I’m in!”
Please pray for me as I continue to contact pastors so that we can reach all areas of the county.
The events will last about two—three hours each and will include a mini-soccer clinic run by soccer coaches. Our hope is to have some of the high school soccer players join us, a soccer lesson which includes the Gospel, an invitation to receive Christ as Savior, food, and free giveaways~ FUN!
Our prayer is to reach 200 children and their families through these summer outreach opportunities. Many volunteers are needed to help with registration, food, the soccer clinic, and counselors those who respond to the Gospel. Most needed are people who will show the love of Christ to a dark world.
We are planning to give a full-size Wordless Book themed soccer ball to every child who pre-registers and a mini-soccer ball to every child in attendance. To help cover the cost of the balls we are making this our Christmas project.
The cost of one full-size soccer ball is $15. The mini-soccer ball is $11. If you would like to give towards this project, see the enclosed Christmas Project insert. Money that comes in over what is needed for the balls will go towards team bands and any rental fees that may be incurred.
We also would like to ask that you add this World Cup Soccer Outreach to your prayer list. We are very aware that only through the working of God will this outreach see people come to Christ and begin to attend a Bible teaching church where they can be discipled in the Word of God.
My hope is in the Lord,
Shelley Hikes
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