PANAMA — The Hosanna church in Panama City organized a soccer tournament where 24 teams representing different neighborhoods and churches participated. The so-called “Christian Champions League” served as an opportunity to lead young people away from negative temptations and to evangelize soccer players who did not know the Lord Jesus Christ.

24 teams from different churches participated for the first time at the Christian Champions League in Panama City. The sporting event was used as a youth evangelism platform. Kadosh futbol club, belonging to the Kadosh church, was crowned champion of the league.

Sair Gonzales – Kadosh FC Manager:

“The whole community of San Sebastian is here, a place that is not very well known. It reminds me of when they introduced Jesus and said, ‘he is from Nazareth’ and asked ‘can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Well, today, from San Sebastian, they came out champions.”

Adolfo Machado – Panama soccer national team:

“A great Cup, I think it is a very wise activity. We know that the youth need to get out of their environment and with biblical principles they can succeed.”

Edwin Alvarez, senior pastor of the Hossana church, organizer of the event, explained that the teams brought non-christian youth. However, by participating in the event, many of these young people came to a church and many gave their lives to Christ.

Pastor Edwin Alvarez – Hosanna Church senior pastor:

“Soccer has become the number one sport in the world, the one that generates the most emotions. We are looking for a way for them to find a healthy, safe, Christian environment without the temptations of the world. At the same time, they can develop their talents and abilities. This becomes an element of evangelism.”

Sports activities such as the Christian Champions League set the roadmap for future sporting events in many sporting disciplines.

Read more news on Christian Ministry and Evangelism on Missions Box.