Leaving a long-term impact during the World Cup

June 6, 2014 - PRLog -- As many in Brazil decry the reported corruption of their government in light of the upcoming World Cup, OneHope is taking the opportunity to partner with more than 5,000 churches for youth soccer outreach during this highly-anticipated international event.

Some, like José Bernardo, OneHope’s Director for Brazil, hope the corruption will open the nation’s heart to their need for God—and he sees the World Cup as an opportunity to share the Gospel’s Truth.

“We began to plan for the World Cup in 2010,” said Bernardo. “Our biggest message is anti-corruption.”

The OneHope team has developed special resources for churches to use during the World Cup, including Opening Whistle—a program for leaders that provides ethics lessons for children and is coupled with comprehensive training workshops.

Through sport programs like Royal Games, an interactive program where children visit different stations, playing games and learning how to know Jesus, they are creating resources for the church to use long after the games are over.

Even with mounting security concerns, the OneHope team in Brazil reports that churches are ready to teach against corruption and minister to kids through Royal Games and other sport programs.

“The World Cup will come and go,” said OneHope President Rob Hoskins. “It may never return to Brazil. But God’s Word, it has come to Brazil. And it’s going to stay and make a lasting difference.”

Through its partnership with local churches, OneHope has reached more than 120 million children in Brazil since 2000.

About OneHope:

In 2014, OneHope reached its billionth child—a young girl in China—with a relevant Gospel message. This year OneHope will reach nearly one hundred million additional young people with Scripture programs that are age- and culturally- specific based on research it conducts among children and youth, leaders and educators in each country it works. Since 1987, OneHope has helped kids experience God’s Story by collaborating with churches and ministries—and working with local governments, schools and non-governmental organizations—by bringing a message of Hope to children and youth in more than 100 countries. www.OneHope.net