Even as temps creeped up into the 100s over the week, the powerful love for a sport known around the world, combined with the powerful love of the Creator of the world, drew us together for an unforgettable week. The IFM & NCC (Northside Christian Church) Summer Soccer Camp was a huge success in so many ways.
We were blessed by the attendance, enthusiasm, and talent of each of the 42 campers. Developing young talents for the glory of God takes a diverse team, and God provided! From coaching drills, to leading a team of campers, to preparing drinks and snacks, this week would have been impossible without our amazing 34 members volunteer team. Each interaction between volunteer and camper demonstrated their joy in sharing a sport and God whom they know and love.
Each night campers spent the first part of the evening with teammates practicing and developing fundamental skills for the game. About halfway through the evening it was time for refreshment. Cool A/C in the NCC fellowship hall, a delicious snack, time to chat with new friends, and a devotional based on our theme verse, Deuteronomy 20:4, provided that needed pick-me up! After this, it was back to the fields for what everyone had been waiting for, the time to put everything we had been learning into practice through scrimmage games!
There are so many reasons why this week is one of the highlights of the year. One of our favorites is relationships. IFM Summer Camps (both Soccer Camp and Arts Camp, which took place earlier in the summer) provide a space for relationships to develop which we pray will bring glory to the Lord. In a world where meaningful face-to-face interactions are increasingly being replaced by digital exchanges, a week spent together in healthy competition and camaraderie provides much needed space for new friendships to develop and old ones to grow deeper. In addition to this, our camps provide a space for the Body of Christ in Columbus to live out what Christ has called us to: Life lived together with surprising unity among our neighbors who God has brought here from around the world, and in doing this we make Him known. We pray that Jesus and His Kingdom were made famous through the love and generosity displayed this week by the local Church.
When you bring together the powerful love for a sport known around the world and a God who powerfully loves the world you know it is going to be a good week. We can't wait to see how it gets even better in summer 2023!