God's Heart for the Nations

In the past 11 years, God has allowed FCA to expand from the US to 106 countries around the world. This follows the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20 of making disciples throughout the world: “Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

It can be very easy to be inward-focused or to just think about our own community and team. But the reality that we see throughout the Bible is that God’s heart is for ALL the nations, for ALL people. In my role as an International Advancement Coordinator, I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to hear stories from our international teammates and then share them with our US staff, coaches and athletes.

In countries like the ones in Central Asia, it is forbidden to teach/preach the Gospel. A coach from Central Asia shared that he was born and raised in a Muslim family. Following Jesus would mean being kicked out of the family, cut off from his friends and society, or much worse. In a life-changing event, the coach was hit by a car while walking. The car was traveling at 30MPH and sent the coach flying through the air. Miraculously, the coach survived the accident. Upon recovery, a fellow coach told them about Jesus and invited them to visit their church. Soon after, the coach accepted Jesus and he was baptized! As I learned about this experience, the coach said something that really struck me: “Since my coach was attentive and obedient to God's Words, I heard the Gospel and believed in Jesus! Today, we are coaching together, raising up champions, and glorifying Jesus through it.” This solidifies the truth that God has a heart for ALL nations. And we have the opportunity to be part of His great, global plan!

We see in Romans 10:13-15 that God wants people to know Him and love Him. But that only happens as they are told about Him. As a follower of Jesus Christ, you are sent to make disciples among the nations! As a coach and athlete, there’s a chance you’ve been in contact with athletes or coaches, maybe even on your same team, that call a different country their home. Maybe God has sent you to this team for the purpose of that relationship! It is God’s desire that the followers of Jesus would fill the Earth “As the waters covers the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14).

If God’s heart is for the nations, what does that look like on your team? What is your role? As you think about your sphere of influence on your teams and communities, think about what the Apostle John wrote in Revelation 7:9: “After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands.” What an incredible picture and goal for each of us!

As you compete today, I encourage you to be a person who has God’s heart for the nations! As a coach or athlete, you have an incredible opportunity to serve people around the world. Over these next few days, we hope this plan helps you grow your heart and provides you tips on practically getting involved in God’s global ministry. There are many ways that you can “Pray, Give and Go,” and you can have a lasting, eternal impact in your community, on your team, and around the world!