Soccer is among one of the most popular sports throughout India and the popularity continues to grow. Haggai leader Tom*, a young man in his thirties and a soccer player, has had the blessing of having a large influence within the coaching world in his native country. This has allowed him to impact over 20,000 people in different areas around the world with the Good News. It is through this passion and influence that the Lord put on his heart to start a sports ministry.

Tom grew up in a Hindu-believing family and encountered Jesus after a low point in his life. He’d been living a lifestyle that plummeted his grades in school, leaving him without hope for a future in further education or secure employment. His friends began to abandon him as it became clear to them he wasn’t going to be successful. At this place in his life, his teacher and people he now does ministry with shared the Gospel with him, and his definition of success was forever changed.

Today, as a soccer player and coach, he’s taught pastors, leaders, teachers, coaches, and youth how to reach others through sports ministry strategies. From these leadership and development trainings, they’ve formed outreaches, academies, clinics, camps, mission trips, and leagues.

Although it’s a large mission field, Tom is passionate about intentional, faithful discipleship. For six years, he and a young man read the Bible together and Tom answered as many of his questions about God as he could. Starting his faith journey as a teenager and now in his twenties, this young man recently chose to follow Jesus and God has since called him to work in Tom’s ministry! “What a joy to see a 23-year-old young man come to Jesus and start doing His work. Praise God and glory to His name alone!” Tom says.

Surrounded by rampant needs in his city, Tom’s calling has expanded to help the poor and vulnerable in his country. It started small but has grown to reach more than 18,500 families and individuals with food, supplies, and spiritual guidance. For over five years one twelve-year-old watched Tom and the volunteers faithfully serve, provide, and share the hope of Christ. In October last year, this now 18-year-old decided to volunteer his time, too, and through this service encountered a widowed woman in need. Widows in India are often left destitute. The ordinary term for a widow in India is “vidhwa” which originates from the Sanskrit word “vidh” which means “to be destitute.” God stirred in this boy’s heart through service and right there, he committed his life to Jesus. The next day, he asked to be baptized. Today, he’s studying computer science and continues to serve in Tom’s ministry.

Tom now has a wider team of volunteers who have helped him expand his reach — feeding the hungry and helping the poor, disabled, widows, youth, and blind. They recently entered a leprosy village — men and women considered untouchable and despised by society — and were able to supply them with food and share the love of Christ (whose specific love for lepers we see in Luke 5!). Many surrendered their lives to God.

Matthew 6:33 reminds us to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Tom heard a call from God, obeyed, and through Haggai’s equipping was given the tools needed to raise strong leaders within the sports community and beyond in India. He continually praises the Lord for the blessings this mission work has received. Through every opportunity and circumstance, God has been faithful and continues to provide.

*Name changed for security.

Written by Sierra McKinnis