Leslie Sillis, FIS Public Officer

G'day 'Friends' in Sport Ministry

It's been 9 months since moving to Nowra. I'm very much enjoying living and working in and from the Shoalhaven region. The settling in has not been difficult at all. The people of Victory Christian Fellowship have warmly accepted me into the church. The church environment offers me a great place to serve and to develop and mature in the faith.

A decision was made at the church to replace the smaller Wednesday Nights Home Fellowship Groups for this year with two study and teaching courses in basic communication (6 weeks) and the New Testament book of Matthew (32 weeks). This has proven a huge blessing to so many in the church. Walk thru the Bible, Old and New Testament Seminars are also planned for July and August''. My thoughts for sharing the Good News and for the winning of souls are summed up best by American, Jim Rohn "You cannot speak that which you do not know. You cannot share that which you do not feel. You cannot translate that which you do not have. And you cannot give that which you do not possess. To give it and to share it, and for it to be effective, you first need to have it. Good communication starts with good preparation."

........ Please Consider ........

Urgent prayer and financial request

Amen, God is good! Just the high cost of Public Liability Insurance Cover are not. We are in urgent financial assistance. The cost are just under $2,000. Our deadline is May 22nd. Can you help? e-mail fis@hotkey.net.au requesting FIS bank account details or send cheque/money order to FIS, P.O. Box 3353, Nowra North, NSW 2541

Without Public Liability Insurance Cover for our 'Towards the Goal' Soccer Camps the ministry cannot run. A receipt is given for all donations. Please consider.

Sport is a link to the unsaved.
Sports events and achievements are big news. Sports men and women are often the heroes of our nation.

I've taken this from an article in the, The Daily Telegraph, Friday May 3, 2002. Under the headline, Culture Clubbed. "They are Aboriginal and Samoan, Lebanese and Australian. They have Polish blood. They have families and come from the bush and city. Some have no kids. They are married and they are single. They pray to different Gods. They are the West Tigers ... ...".

One question I ask myself and would have you ask youself is how much has organised sporting clubs replaced the church in Australia? The article reflects our society, a diversed people from all backgrounds and living situations. For many Australians it becomes their place of worship, Culture Clubbed. "Surely the sporting fields of Australia are a mission field ripe for harvest".

Some Christians see sport as an enemy, others see sport as a activity separate from Church life and a small few are actively using sport as platform to win others to Christ.

I invite you to catch and run with the vision to see local churches run sports camps
that will lead you on a great adventure to win those in our communities to Christ.

You can do this by becoming a missionary partner with FIS in winning those who don't personally know Jesus. Regularly pray and support financially the work of FIS. All staff and volunteers raise their own support through partnership with other Christians and local Churches. click here and request information on financially supporting FIS Ministry .... or to volunteer your abilities and time for short term mission as a soccer coach .... or to present your prayer request

FIS run soccer camps: Creates a culturally relevant tool for friendship evangelism drawing individuals and families to the Church. According to the Department of Sport and Recreation, the top organised sport for five to 14 year olds in NSW is soccer.

Your friend and partner in Sports Ministry
Leslie Sillis

IT'S NOT ABOUT WHO DID WHAT BUT ON WHAT WE DO ACCOMPLISH TOGETHER

Autumn 2002 News and Prayer Letter