An atmosphere of anticipation hung over the field as the final player stepped up to take their shot. The ball flew, the goalie jumped, the crowd roared! Celebrations erupted as the winner of the tournament took the victory by penalties in a very close final match.

Was this the World Cup? No, something even more exciting, it was our Mission Football Tournament, organised for the second time following last year’s inaugural event.

This year, an expanded lineup of eight teams came together from churches across Poland. Each represented a different nation: Montenegro, North Macedonia, Finland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Pakistan.

Congratulations to all the participants and fans, and especially to the church from Kutno, representing Pakistan, who won the tournament!

The goal was not only to play football, but more importantly to pray for the nations. Churches were provided with information about the country they represented and how to pray for the people in those nations.

In many places across the world, sports is a great way to engage and build relationships with people. It is a universal language that often transcends cultural barriers and brings people together. In communities who are yet to hear about the message of Jesus, it can be a great foundation for sharing the values and stories that shape our faith and the love of God for each person.