Prodigal Magazine

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The way that Jesus reached people always took on a different form.  For some, He reached them through healing.  For others, He reached them through a parable that revolved around where they were in life.  He told parables about fishing when He came into contact with fishermen.  He told parables about various walks of life, hoping to tie in the lessons of God to something that they could understand.  Upper 90 Ministry is seeking to do the same thing, using the most global sport in the world to open the door for the message of Jesus.

Upper 90 Ministry was founded by Chris and Stephanie Hampton, two former collegiate soccer players at Mount Olive College.   Their passion for their Savior and their passion for the sport of soccer led them to start a ministry that would reach kids with the message of Jesus through the gift of a soccer ball and a pump.  Chris told me, “Ever since I accepted my salvation, I knew I wanted to bring this relationship to other people and my passion for soccer was going to be the tool in which I would do it.  As most new born-again Christians often do, I wanted to jump right into it, but God knew that I had to mature in my walk with Christ before it could ever happen.  Six years later, He opened the doors for me to use soccer as a witnessing tool.  It was apparent to me that I could work with another world-wide ministry to help distribute soccer balls to children in desperate situations around the world.  Since soccer is a global sport, a brand new ball and pump given to children that most likely have never received a brand new gift at all would bring so much hope to them, all while being told that God loves them.”

As Chris seeks the Lord with the support and help of his wife, they know the goal that lies before them and are taking aim, understanding that we only have a few shots in life to show people the love of Jesus.  Chris added, “My overall goal is to bring joy and hope to children while sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and letting them know that God loves them, no matter what their situation is in life.  So, when they go out and kick the ball around with their friends, they can share their story about how they received this brand new ball and how God loves them.  Before you know it, we have little children playing soccer all over the world and sharing God’s love with other children.”

Upper 90 Ministry has set a goal of 1,000 soccer balls and pumps to be distributed.  They are seeking to raise enough money by October 31^st, 2009 so that the balls and pumps can be ordered and ready to be distributed by January 2010.

Here is how you can help:

1 – Pray for Chris and Stephanie – Let each of us pray that God will open doors and provide all that is needed for this ministry to reach its’ maximum impact.

2 – Donate – For only $8, you can provide a soccer ball and a pump, and more importantly the message of the love of God, to a child in desperate need.  If you would like to donate, simply go to their website to learn how to donate.  My youth group is raising money throughout September, hoping to donate as many soccer balls as possible to this ministry.  Team up with your friends at work or your church group to join in on this worthy cause.

3 – Tell others about the ministry.  Word of mouth is one of the ways that Prodigal Magazine has grown over the years.  As you begin to support Upper 90 Ministry, let’s spread the word to others that we know, telling them how they can also get involved.

The Bible tells us that we need the faith of a child in order to enter the kingdom of heaven.  Let’s all help this ministry to give children something to have faith in even when it appears there is nothing to believe in where they live.

For more information, please visit their website at www.upper90ministry.org