Jo’s Story

“I think it is fair to say my year in Botswana far exceeded any prior expectations I had about living and working in this beautiful country.

Despite visiting the country several times on short-term trips, nothing prepared me for the welcome and reception I received while living and working in Gaborone, Botswana’s capital city.

With a brief of developing sports ministry, training local Batswana to run sports camps during school holidays and linking up with different churches and organizations, I had an exciting task from the start – to combine sharing my Christian faith with a much loved passion for sport was a dream come true.

The reality of this work proved to be amazing – from meeting the directors of the Botswana Football Association and planning sports ministry camps, to meeting the state’s head of education and getting permission and support to run sport and share my Christian faith in primary schools – there were very few dull moments!

I will never be able to fully express how it feels to watch 400 children – most of who live in dire conditions – just loving to play football, lacrosse and a host of other sports – the sound of these children laughing and singing is from Heaven – the looks on their faces is one of pure joy – to see the local coaches enjoying it every bit as much as the children sends a shiver up the spine.

To see pastors and churches get excited about the opportunities for sports ministry in their communities and being able to assist them in achieving their vision for this is a privilege. The impact sports ministry can have in a community is a new concept to many, but with a number of churches getting involved, the possibilities are hugely exciting – I for one cannot wait to see how the work will develop.

Working in a different culture presents it’s own challenges and there were times when I made mistakes and had to change my British thinking or approach. However, I learnt more through mistakes and the difficult times than I did when all went to plan.

Although I went to Botswana to serve, I came away with far more than I was able to give. I met the most amazing and beautiful people who embraced me in their wonderful culture. The children, so full of joy, were an example to us all. I made friendships, which I pray will last a lifetime”.