Organization Name: Peace Ambassadors Society

Project Name: The Partnering in Pakistan Through Sports

Name of person completing report: Irfan Francis

Has the project been completed?

The “Partnering in Pakistan through Sports” project, led by the Peace Ambassadors Society, successfully completed its mission to use sports as a powerful avenue for spreading the Gospel in GAPPS (Go All People Places) areas of Pakistan. The initiative strategically engaged communities, youth, sportsmen, church leaders, Sunday school teachers, and coaches through activities such as ReadySetGo Trainings, Bible Sports Camps, and Regional/National Sports Conferences. By integrating sports with Christian teachings, the project aimed to share the vision of sports ministry, demonstrating how Church leaders, Sports leaders and Coaches can serve their communities and effectively convey the word of God through sports and play. This approach not only fostered community engagement and spiritual growth but also fulfilled the mission of reaching where the Gospel had not yet been shared, making disciples for Christ and promoting unity across diverse groups.

The project has proved significant effectiveness in multiple facets of its mission. Firstly, the project successfully trained over 4500 leaders across Pakistan in the principles of sports ministry. These leaders, drawn from diverse backgrounds including youth, sports professionals, church leaders, Sunday School teachers, and coaches, were equipped with the tools and knowledge to integrate Christian values into their roles within the world of sports and play.

Secondly, the project has had profound spiritual impact, with many participants making life-changing decisions to commit their lives to Jesus Christ. This spiritual transformation underscores the project’s success in conveying the word of God through sports, reaching hearts and minds previously untouched by traditional evangelistic methods.

Thirdly, the project expanded its reach to more than 45 cities across Pakistan. finally, the project stands as a testament to the transformative power of sports in advancing the Gospel, training leaders, fostering spiritual growth, and promoting unity across varied communities throughout Pakistan.

What’s working / has worked well?

• The project Partnering in Pakistan Through Sports successfully trained over 4500 leaders from diverse backgrounds (youth, sports professionals, church leaders, teachers, coaches) in sports ministry principles. This training equipped them to integrate Christian values into their roles and activities.
• Many participants experienced profound spiritual transformation, making life-changing decisions to commit their lives to Jesus Christ.
• The project expanded its reach to 4 provinces and more than 50 cities across Pakistan, indicating a broad impact and outreach.
• The partnership with churches in Pakistan for the “Partnering in Pakistan through Sports” project was exceptionally fruitful, demonstrating strong collaboration and mutual commitment to using sports as a platform for community engagement and spiritual growth.
• We spreaded the vision of sports ministry throughout Pakistan, engaging communities, youth, sportsmen, church leaders, and teachers in integrating Christian values through sports and play.
• churches unite and gather in one place, fostering collaboration in advancing the vision of sports ministry across Pakistan.
• We have collected data of youth, sportsmen, church leaders, Sunday school teachers and Sports Coaches.
• Strengthen the unity of Church of Pakistan through Partnering in Pakistan through Sports.
• Peace, Love, Harmony, Spiritual and physical Growth were Promoted through Partnering in Pakistan through Sports.

What isn’t working / hasn’t worked well?

• Inflation and political instability posed significant challenges in executing sports events within a constrained budget.
• At times, weather conditions prevented us from conducting scheduled training sessions.
• Sometimes, we faced challenges with lack of response from church leaders, which affected our coordination and implementation.
• Some churches still not accepting sports ministry due to entrenched traditional customs and beliefs.

1. Limited Engagement Despite Training: While over 4,500 youth were trained through sports ministries & churches, not all participants have fully embraced or effectively integrated these principles into their roles and activities. Continuous engagement and follow-up may be needed to ensure the training translates into practical application and sustained impact.

2. Varied Levels of Collaboration: While the partnership with churches has been fruitful, the level of collaboration and commitment vary among different organization and regions. Ensuring uniform enthusiasm and support for the project’s vision across all partners can be challenging.

3. Sustainability and Long-Term Impact: Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project’s impact is critical. While the initial outcomes are promising, support, resources, and strategies are necessary to maintain and build on the progress made.

4. Geographical and Logistical Challenges: Expanding the project to four provinces and more than 50 cities across Pakistan was a significant achievement, but also present logistical challenges. Coordinating activities, maintaining consistent quality of training, and providing support across such a broad geographical area were difficult.

Overview:

The “Partnering in Pakistan through Sports” project, was initiated by the Peace Ambassadors Society with the vision to spread the teaching of Christ through sports and Play, aims to establish new partnerships in Pakistan through sports activities with the vision of making disciples for Christ through sports and play. This annual report summarizes the project’s accomplishments, challenges faced, measures of success, and the significant Kingdom benefits it has provided.

The project was designed to leverage sports as a platform for community engagement, spiritual growth, and the dissemination of Christian values. By partnering with Churches and Christian organizations in Pakistan, the Peace Ambassadors Society sought to empower communities, youth, sportsmen, Church Leaders, Sunday School Teachers, and Coaches through structured sports events which includes ReadySetGo Trainings, and Bible Sports Camps, Regional Sports Conferences and National Sports Conferences.

Project Completion:

The “Partnering in Pakistan through Sports” project has been successfully completed. Over the project’s duration, significant milestones were achieved, including the establishment of partnerships with eight different Chirstian organizations under the Sports Acceleration Team Pakistan umbrella which Includes:

1. Peace Ambassadors Society (PAS)
2. Pakistan Sunday School Ministry (PSSM)
3. Life Through Sports (LTS)
4. Peace Through Education and Sports (LTS)
5. Overflowing Mercy Foundation (OM)
6. Athletes in Action Pakistan (AIA)
7. National Sports Colation (NSC)
8. Scripture Union Pakistan (SU)

Community Engagement:

Through ReadySetGo Trainings, Bible Sports Camps, and Regional Sports Conference and National Sports Conferences, the project engaged communities, youth, sportsmen, church leaders, Sunday School teachers, and coaches across Pakistan.

Discipleship:

By making disciples for Christ through sports and play, the project fulfilled its vision of spreading the teachings of Christ in a practical and engaging manner.

Prayer Request

We humbly ask for your continued prayers for Pakistan, especially for the Christian youth who are suffering and facing numerous challenges in every field of life in Pakistan. Please pray for the ongoing success and impact of the “Partnering in Pakistan through Sports” project. May this initiative continue to spread Christian values, foster spiritual growth, and unite communities across Pakistan. Your prayers and financial support are vital as we strive to make a lasting difference in the lives of many

Measures of Success Update

Financial Disbursement:

Regarding financial disbursement, the funds allocated to the Sports Acceleration Team Pakistan partners have been promptly transferred to the respective organizations bank accounts. In return, each partner has diligently provided us with detailed bills, comprehensive reports, and attendance sheets documenting the outcomes of the various trainings, camps, and conferences conducted as part of the “Partnering in Pakistan through Sports” project. These documents serve as critical evidence of the project’s financial transparency and the impactful utilization of resources towards achieving our shared objectives of community engagement and spiritual growth through sports.

This project has also sparked a remarkable spirit of unity and collaboration, forging 53 new partnerships and inspiring 78 churches to adopt innovative sports strategies. This collective effort transcends denominational boundaries, creating a powerful coalition dedicated to spiritual growth and outreach. Such unity not only strengthens the Church’s ability to serve but also amplifies its impact, illustrating the profound power of coming together for a common cause.

The training of over 4,500 leaders—including youth, sports professionals, church leaders, and Sunday School Teachers has equipped them with essential tools to weave Christian values into their roles. This empowerment has led to profound spiritual transformations, igniting a wave of renewed faith and commitment to Jesus Christ. The project’s success in fostering significant spiritual awakenings underscores its pivotal role in building a robust and vibrant Christian community.

By integrating Christian values into sports and play, the project has demonstrated an innovative and engaging approach to spreading faith. This method has reached a diverse audience, illustrating the transformative power of embedding faith into every aspect of life. The project’s strategic efforts in data collection and partnerships lay a solid foundation for future endeavors, ensuring that the impact will continue to grow and flourish.

The “Partnering in Pakistan through Sports” project stands as a powerful testament to the impact of faith-driven initiatives. It has shown that when faith and action converge, they create a formidable force for change, spreading hope and transformation across Pakistan. This project exemplifies the extraordinary outcomes possible when we act with unwavering faith, embodying the message of Christ and transforming lives for His glory.

Testimonial

We have gathered impactful stories from leaders, trainers, church pastors, and participants across Pakistan, highlighting their transformative experiences and spiritual growth through sports ministry.

Leaders

Mr. Ajmal Tahir Alban, an international basketball player and integral member of the sports acceleration team – Pakistan for over 18 years, shares his insights on sports ministry through Peace Ambassadors Society (PAS). The journey in sports ministry has been incredibly impactful for the Peace Ambassadors Society. PAS organizes sports training, conferences, and Bible sports camps in different cities of Pakistan.

As part of our team’s commitment, we’ve established partnerships with churches across Pakistan through our initiative ‘Partnering in Pakistan Through Sports’. This collaborative effort has been instrumental in bridging communities and spreading the message of peace and unity through sports. Participants in our programs have discovered firsthand the transformative power of combining faith with sportsmanship, leadership, and teamwork. PAS remains dedicated to expanding our outreach and equipping churches and communities to use sports as a tool for holistic ministry and societal change. Our goal is to continue fostering a culture of peace and harmony through the universal language of sports.

Mr. Emmanuel Asad, who has been a dedicated member of the sports acceleration team – Pakistan for over 18 years, brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role in sports ministry. His extensive tenure underscores his deep commitment to using sports as a transformative tool for spreading the Gospel and nurturing spiritual growth within communities across Pakistan. “I am very thankful to my God who gave me this Opportunity to serve my community through Partnering in Pakistan through Sports”.

Mr. Stephen John, Thank God through this initiative partnering in Pakistan through Sports. We arranged RSG Trainings, Bible Sports Camp and Sport Conference. The positive impact on participants has been profound. Many have testified to personal growth in their faith journey, discovering new ways to express their Christian values through sportsmanship, teamwork, and leadership. Our emphasis on the Great Commission has empowered individuals to see sports not only as a recreational pursuit but as a strategic mission field where they can embody Christ’s teachings and impact lives for eternity.

Looking ahead, I am committed to expanding our reach and impact, equipping churches and communities to use sports as a tool for holistic ministry.

I am Faisal Asad, and I have been involved in sports ministry for over 20 years. I am very grateful for the Partnering in Pakistan through Sports to arrange the Partnering in Pakistan. This project has been incredibly fruitful for us, and I am thankful to the Supporters for entrusting us with this impactful initiative.

I am Maxwell Khokhar, and I have been involved in sports ministry since 2015. I am grateful for the initiative of partnering in Pakistan through Sportsl, it is an opportunity to spread the value of partnership and the Gospel across Pakistan and built new partnerships with churches and organizations. Through our involvement, we have been able to spread the vision of the sports movement, making disciples in all nations for Christ in the world of sports and play.

Trainers Comments

My name is Ehtisham Francis, serving as a trainer with Sports Movement Pakistan, I have been involved in the sports ministry/ movement Pakistan since 2017 after completing my multiply school, having completed my International Sport Leadership School (ISLS) in 2022. It’s a privilege for me to be part of the sports movement in Pakistan, and I am grateful for the opportunity given to me to spread the gospel throughout Pakistan, especially in the GAPPS regions where our team faced significant challenges. Despite these obstacles, we were able to conduct trainings, Bible sports camps, and conferences, and it has been incredibly fruitful. Through this initiative partnering in Pakistan through Sports, we have formed new partnerships with churches, para churches and Christian organizations and many souls have come to know the Lord and experienced His presence in their lives. I am thankful to God for enabling us to carry out this work and for the vision I have received through Sports leaders to spread the Gospel and make disciples for Christ in the world of sports and play across Pakistan.

I am Sajida Bhatti and I am grateful for the opportunity to spread the Gospel throughout in the big city, Karachi and beyond, particularly through Partnering in Pakistan through Sports. It’s a blessing to witness how God is using sports as a powerful tool to reach young hearts and minds, fostering spiritual growth and community engagement. I am committed to continuing this journey of making disciples for Christ through sports and play.

Rashid Masih, I am very thankful to Pakistan Sports Acceleration team who provided me an opportunity to promote the value of Partnership in Sports. It’s looked difficult but thanks God who made possible through “Partnering in Pakistan through Sports”.

I, Victoria Iqbal, have been deeply involved in sports  ministry  and recently completed Multiply School in 2023”. It’s a tremendous privilege for me to contribute to the sports movement in Pakistan through Partnering in Pakistan through Sports. I am thankful for the opportunity to promote the Value of Partnering and Gospel across Islamabad and all over Pakistan and specially in GAPPs cities, Seeing how God is working through sports to impact lives and communities is truly inspiring, and I am committed to continuing this journey of serving His purpose in Pakistan.

My name is Naeem Younis from Gujranwala City. The experience of Partnering in Pakistan through Sports was really good as always, because our aim in reach the unreached and it’s always amazing to reach people through sports in a fun creative way. The purpose of this program  was to equip people by providing them with insights on how we can use sports, different tools and activities to proclaim the Gospel in more responsible and innovative ways. The participants warmly embraced both the innovative approach and the insightful content imparted during the sessions. For many participants and leaders, this Program was new and it provided them a novel experience, and they realized the transformative impact of sports in reaching people and multiplying disciples. Few people and churches were still unable to accept the impact of sports. But we are hopeful that sports have that power to change the heart of a person and it will continue bringing positive impact by reaching more people for Christ.

Church Leaders

Pastor Matti Karamat, vicar of  Church of Pentecost, shared his reflections on the impact of Ready Set Go one Day sports trainings held at his church:

“Hosting sports trainings at our church with collaboration with Peace Ambassadors Society has been a transformative experience for our youth and church leaders and sportsmen. This event has not only fostered physical activity and community engagement but has also served as powerful platforms for spiritual growth and discipleship. Participants have consistently shared how they’ve been inspired to see sports as more than just a game but as a tool for sharing Christ’s love and teachings.

Witnessing the transformation in our community, as individuals embrace their role in fulfilling the Great Commission through sports, has been incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about physical fitness or skill development; it’s about spiritual formation and impacting lives for eternity. We continue to encourage and support our members to integrate what they’ve learned into their everyday lives, both on and off the field.”

Pastor Matti Karamat’s perspective highlights the dual impact of sports as a tool for physical and spiritual development, aligning with the church’s mission to spread the Gospel effectively in their community.

I am Rev. Nayyar Kamran, Vicar at Martinpur  Presbyterian Church in Nankana Sahib, Pakistan, Introducing Ready Set Go sports trainings at Martinpur Church has been a significant step towards engaging our community in a meaningful way. These sessions have not only enhanced physical fitness and teamwork but have also been instrumental in fostering spiritual growth and evangelism among participants.

The positive impact on our church members has been remarkable. Through these trainings, participants have learned to view sports as more than just recreational activities. They have grasped the concept of using sports as a strategic tool to share the Gospel locally. This approach has empowered them to see sports fields as mission fields, where they can embody Christ’s teachings and values through their actions and interactions.

Rev. Nayyar Kamran’s perspective underscores the transformative power of sports as a tool for evangelism and community engagement, aligning with the church’s mission to reach people with the Gospel in practical and impactful ways.

My name is Major Amjad Sardar. I am from The Salvation Army Church-Pakistan, Islamabad. I am serving as Divisional Commander at The Salvation Army Islamabad Division. It was very encouraging for me to being a part of sports ministry. I used this word for LTS (Church without building) after attending the RSG sports leadership conference. It was a very wonderful experience. I was very excited to attend the conference. Now we are ready to serve in sports ministry. We, as The Salvation Army stand with sports ministry. We would love to promote sports activities in our Churches and with other friends. The sports movement is a wonderful opportunity for ALL. I am very grateful to Life Through Sports – Pakistan for organizing the blessed conference.

Rev.  Ilyas (Moderator Faisalabad Presbyterian Church of Pakistan): Faisalabad Presbyterian Church  is always very much open to Sport Acceleration Team to work in collaboration. SAT has organized several activities with the support of Rev. Emric Joseph. Pastor Ilyas shared that the sports is another very effective channel to reach and teach the youth about evangelism. He also emphasized to increase the activities across Pakistan, where it has not reached yet. (Picture Security)

Participants Testimonies

“My name is Maria Shamoon. I am from Gospel Faith International Church-Pakistan, Quetta. I am serving as Assistant Commissioner at Quetta. It was very encouraging for me to being a part of sports ministry. This sports conference encouraged me a lot. When I attended the first Vision-sharing meeting at Quetta region organized by SAT sports partners it was a blessed time for me. So, from that time I was seeking the opportunity to serve and learn from sports ministry. After attending the RSG sports leadership conference. It was a very wonderful experience. I was very excited to be there at the conference. Now I am ready to serve in sports ministry. The working of sports ministry in Pakistan is very powerful tool to serve the young people. We, as representatives of government stand with sports ministry. We would love to promote sports activities in our Churches and with other friends. The sports movement is a wonderful opportunity for ALL.

I am Pastor Raza Irshad, and I am from Balochistan. I am Pastor and serving as a youth Pastor in a local Church. I want to share with you that recently, the team Life Through Sports (LTS) came to our city Quetta, and I got the opportunity to attend their Regional Sports conference which is about sports Ministry overview. I learned lots new things. It was a divine appointment, and I felt the Holy Spirit speaking to me. I decided that I also want to serve the youth in my church through sports.

My name is Sheela Riaz. I am 21 years old. I am from St. Francis Solana’s Church, Nawabshah. I am a cricket player at club level. When I was listening about RSG training I was very confused about how possible Sports and Church work together. I was very excited to attend the training. Many of my concepts became clear during this training. Now I am ready to introduce sports movement vision to my other friends.

Testimonial: Kamran Vincent – Rediscovering Faith Through Sports

My name is Kamran Vincent. My life revolved solely around cricket, and I had distanced myself from the church. However, everything changed when I came across a unique program that combined sports with spiritual growth.

This partnership Program “Partnering in Pakistan Through Sports” was a turning point for me. It showed me that sports, particularly cricket, could be a powerful medium to reconnect with my faith. The activities and teachings provided through this initiative helped me see the importance of spiritual values in my life. Through the program, I found my way back to the church. The support and encouragement from the trainers and fellow participants played a crucial role in reigniting my spiritual journey. I realized that my love for cricket and my faith could coexist and even complement each other. Today, I am more connected to my church and have found a new purpose in using my passion for cricket to spread positive values and faith among others. This experience has been transformative, and I am grateful for the opportunity to blend my love for sports with my spiritual growth.

Testimonial: Sajal Nadeem – A Life-Changing Experience at Bible Sports Camp

My name is Sajal Nadeem, and I had the privilege of participating in a Bible Sports Camp that strongly changed my life. This camp was not just an ordinary sports camp it was a transformative experience that increased my faith and strengthened my connection with God through the unique blend of sports and scripture. Before attending the camp, I viewed sports merely as a physical activity, a way to stay fit and have fun. However, the Bible Sports Camp opened my eyes to the incredible potential of sports as a tool for spiritual growth and community building. The camp provided an encouraging environment where we could engage in physical activities while simultaneously exploring and reflecting on God’s word. One of the most impactful aspects of the camp was how it integrated Bible verses into our daily activities. Verses like Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” and 1 Corinthians 9:24, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So, run that you may obtain it,” resonated deeply with me. These scriptures reminded me of the importance of perseverance, faith, and the strength we receive from Christ in every aspect. I am now more committed to living out my faith and using my passion for sports to glorify God.

I am Lia Imran Attending the sports conference was a transformative experience for me. Through this I learned the importance of proclaiming the Gospel, making disciples, and obeying the Bible in and through the Church. I gained valuable insights into how these principles can be applied in sports and play, reaching every city and community, and working in teams as a servant through partnership. This conference has equipped me to be more effective in my role as a Sunday School teacher, and I am excited to apply these principles that I have learned in the RSG training.

My name is Rabia Arif. Attending the Ready Set Go training in Kot Radha Kishan, Raiwind was a deeply impactful experience for me as a Sunday School Teacher. Through this training, I gained a profound understanding of making disciples for Christ in the world of sports and play. This moment was incredibly effective for me as I not only learned about discipleship but also grew closer to Jesus. The training challenged me to see my role in Sunday School as more than just teaching about actively engaging in the Great Commission. I am now more passionate about sharing the Gospel and making disciples, using sports as a tool to reach young hearts for Christ. This training has truly deepened my faith and commitment to Christ.

I’m Raza Tariq, and I want to tell you about the amazing changes in my life after just one day of joining Ready Set Go (RSG) sports training. Before, I had trouble being disciplined. My eating and sleeping habits were not good, and I was also disorganized in my prayer routine. When I first heard about RSG, I was curious but didn’t expect much for my spiritual life. However, the instructors at RSG taught us important lessons about faith, perseverance, and teamwork while doing different sports activities. That’s when I realized how sports can connect with our spiritual discipline. Now, I’ve learned that sports are not just about personal discipline; it can also bring order to our spiritual life. Through the training, I discovered the power of prayer and meditation in improving my overall spiritual discipline. Today, I can say that RSG has made a positive impact on my life.

My name is Sunny Zakria and I live in Sheikhupura city. I have been serving with a church for 3 years now. I have been a part of many trainings and lead my own Sunday school and Youth group as well. Ready Set Go Training was a new kind of training and I was excited to learn more about it, furthermore I was not sure what it will going to be because I couldn’t grasp how sports could have a spiritual impact on someone’s life. By being a part of this training really provided new insights and I realized the significance of connecting with the youth through sports as an effective strategy to reach people worldwide. Because there are many people which we are missing and if they cannot come to churches, we can go to them in fields and proclaim the Gospel. I have got a new tool and now I am more enthusiastic to implement the heart values and sports in my group.

Blessings

Irfan Francis

General Secretary

Peace Ambassadors Society