Seeds of Faith Through Sports: Summer Ministry Impact in Taiwan and Beyond
Sports Ambassador, Alex Tan writes:
Halfway through this summer mission, I am filled with gratitude for the ways God is using sports, relationships, and the local church to open doors for the gospel. What began as basketball games and children’s camps has become something much deeper: a season of connection, healing, prayer, and new opportunities for children and youth to encounter Jesus.
Reaching Hundreds Through Sports Ambassadors
In early June, the Sports Ambassadors tour spent two full weeks sharing the gospel through basketball with more than 900 children and youth. During that time, we played 17 games, led several clinics, hosted a youth ministry workshop, and served children with special needs. Each activity became more than a program—it became a doorway for encouragement, trust, and gospel conversations.
After the tour, I travelled to Hualien to meet with pastors and discuss the strategy and mission purpose for the July basketball camp. These conversations reminded me that lasting ministry impact does not come only from large events, but from local leaders who continue walking with young people after the final game ends.
KidsGame: Where Play Became a Place of Healing
A week later, we held the first of two KidsGame camps with 42 children, ages 7–14. The camp was full of games, sports, singing, dancing, laughter, a few tears, and even a few injuries. But beneath all the activity was a deeper ministry purpose: helping children see their own stories through the story of Joseph.
- Unfairness and the pain of being mistreated
- Persevering when life still feels unfair
- Doing our best even when circumstances are hard
- Receiving and extending forgiveness
- Celebrating God’s faithfulness
These themes connected deeply with many of the children in Taitung. Some come from broken homes, underprivileged circumstances, single-parent households, abuse, or families experiencing divorce. As the story of Joseph unfolded, it offered language for pain, hope for healing, and a picture of God’s presence in difficult places.
When Pastor Bruce invited the children to come to Jesus, many responded in prayer. It was a holy and tender moment—one that filled me with joy, but also with a burden. My prayer is that these children will not only remember the camp, but will continue to experience healing, peace, and discipleship through the local church.
Partnership That Multiplies Impact
This summer outreach has been made possible through meaningful partnership with the Faith Hope and Love Foundation in Taitung and Kaohsiung. Twenty-two church leaders participated, and Pastor Bruce hosted the KidsGame camp with the hope that many unchurched children will begin connecting with the church and growing in faith. The impact of the camp will depend not only on what happened during those four days, but on the faithful presence of leaders who will continue nurturing these young lives.
What Comes Next
We have one more KidsGame camp coming up this week. The numbers may be smaller than the first camp, but we are still expecting children who do not come from church backgrounds. Please pray that the gospel will take root in their hearts and become active in their daily lives.
You can watch highlights from the Sports Ambassadors outreach here: