The Gospel at the PADSA Easter Soccer Tournament

The PADSA (Pietermaritzburg And Districts Soccer Association) Easter Soccer Tournament took place from Friday 25th through Monday 28th March 2016 at the Northdale Stadium. Aziz, Jono and Gary attended on the 25th, 26th and 28th March to engage soccer players, spectators, response support staff, and many others in attendance with the Blessed Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

From beer drinking loiterers outside the grounds, to scripture twisting car-guards, to young children eager for tracts and a chat, to teenaged youth open for conversation, much Christian literature was distributed with the clear message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified, declaring “. . .  For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:” (see 1 Corinthians 5:7).

It is also truly amazing how many “Christians” we regularly bump into at these type of events who move around incognito! It is really sad to say the least.

37  Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
38  Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. ~ Matthew 9:37,38 

Friday 25th March

 

Saturday 26th March

   Whilst taking a lunch break, Samuel in the yellow Maritzburg United kit, who hails from Nigeria, came by and heard some of his friends say, “Are You Ready?” aloud, to which Gary responded, “Yes. Are you ready to stand before GOD on Judgment Day?” Whilst his team mates carried on, he came to chat and said he needs to recommit himself to GOD! After sharing the Gospel with him and conviction coming upon him that his life is not pleasing to GOD, that soccer is an idol in his life and other things too, he said he needs to repent. We then prayed with him afterwards and encouraged him in his commitment to being a living sacrifice for GOD! We pray for Samuel’s salvation.

Monday 28th March

      Aziz had earlier used a bullhorn to preach around the main grandstand, but was approached by an organiser that had summoned a SAPS officer to confront him to stop using the same. They had no problem that we distribute our literature and speak to people, but they were concerned for Aziz’s safety if the crowd became hostile towards him using the bullhorn and, as they said, could throw bottles at him. They also mentioned that there were other religions present. Gary had warned Aziz before hand that PADSA had jurisdiction as we were in an area they had paid for and therefore we would have to have a sound permit. In circumstances like this we should exercise a measure of caution where we are to heed the words of our Master, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16). In stead of being run off out of the stadium, we still were able to distribute much Gospel literature after the bullhorn incident and were also able to have many more conversations.

The above “Ten Grand” tract was one of many used. We also used a pink-paper tract titled, “The Reason You Must Be Born Again.”

     

And much later on Gary raised the name of our Lord Jesus Christ using his voice as a trumpet and nobody objected to the preaching. Many heard the Gospel of GOD calling all to repentance and faith in the only Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! All praises to our Great and Sovereign GOD for ordering our steps in His harvest.