The great city of Tema is split into communities - there's at least 25 or so. Obviously we are few so we are narrowing our focus for this season to three communities where we have initiated some good contacts.

Community 1 is basically a large slum as well as the local market and this is where you will find Pastor Jake and a newly launched Christ Embassy. Now Christ Embassy is a worldwide group of churches initiated from Nigeria. This particular branch used to meet in Pastor Jake's house and they finally have a building that they've been meeting in for just 6 months. It is a small congregation, but how REFRESHING to be in a Body that is very community focused - there is a great understanding that WE are the Church, not the building. Hence, the soccer outreach.

Community 1 is filled with the "rough" guys that don't want to go to church, but they will step on a soccer field. It doesn't matter who is who or where you're from on that field. Everyone is equal and everyone is safe. Fully knowing who was putting the soccer game on, people came in numbers and enjoyed playing against the pastor himself - they gave him one heck of a hard time when he totally blew a major goal opportunity!

At the end of the game the church provided beverage and bread, hung out for awhile, shared the Gospel and invited people to church. The guys were just themselves - even joking that they may get sick from having a "soft drink" but they needed a "hard drink." THAT is where Jesus goes - to the people who need Him most.

Makaela of course was a huge draw for the kids, as she was swarmed and they watched in awe as she ate her cereal. They couldn't believe this little baby could eat so well. They all wanted to push her stroller and just look at her. They showed us one of their local games and explained that the white powder they were laying on the ground was pounded corn that needed to be dried out before cooking and eating.

Needless to say, this was a day that I felt at home...people waving, laughing, playing, just loving and enjoying life. Thank God for giving us a game that brings people together with ease and joy!