Football to the Rest of the World

These Acehnese boys are playing sepak bola (foot ball) in their neighborhood street. Boys grow up playing soccer like boys in America grow up playing baseball or basketball. It is many boys’ cherished dream in Indonesia to grow up to be a professional soccer player. It is a dream only realized by the very few.

But even those who never become professional soccer players still get good exercise, learn how to work with a team, and learn how to show good sportsmanship. These are all good things. The Apostle Paul commended this type of discipline, but recommended something even better.

“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:7-8, ESV).

While every boy on Sumatra knows how to train for soccer, very few know the skill of training for godliness.

Pray for the truths of God’s Word to be broadly proclaimed on Sumatra so that people can discover the value of godliness.

Pray for discipleship with new believers on Sumatra to succeed in building up true godliness among all peoples of Sumatra.

Pray for the Holy Spirit to give young boys on Sumatra the desire to be holy that is as strong as their desire to be a professional soccer player.