The European Soccer Championship will be decided between the 8th of June and the 1st of July. EURO-2012 is a great occasion for Ukraine. Every resident of the country will be affected to some extent, some more, some less. Thousands of volunteers, hundreds of thousands of fans from Ukraine and other countries, millions of television viewers watching Ukraine - that's EURO-2012.

 

"Better than a Trophy" is a partnership between different denominations, churches and organizations for one purpose: evangelism during EURO-2012.

 

Calling volunteers!

Be a volunteer from your church! The EURO-2012 championship is an opportunity to proclaim the Gospel in a more effective way - when thousands of tourists and local fans are here in our cities, when the air is filled with both joy and disappointment at the same time, when people are more open, positive and sociable, when everyone is talking about soccer, you talk about Jesus! Because what really matters is not soccer, but TRUE VICTORY!

 

The language of sports, especially soccer is an international language!

 

People of all ages and nationalities understand and love soccer. Even Christians love soccer! Today, if I walk into a school, a university, or just onto a playground with a Bible in one hand and a soccer ball in the other, which will the boys (and probably even the girls) choose? As likely as not, the soccer ball. Not because the Bible is bad, but because they understand soccer, they are interested in it and excited by it

 

"I love soccer, and I am also interested in Jesus, I am excited by God, I want to understand the Scriptures and want people to be saved" - these are good and proper desires. But I have these desires and walk up to a complete stranger and say: "Hey, listen here, God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life", will he listen to me? Probably not. Why? Because there needs to be a relationship as a foundation for that type of conversation - even if it is just a little ordinary friendliness.

 

Let's take this as an example of using an opening to start a real conversation with a stranger: you say "I'm a fan of 'Real Madrid'". If he answers, "Good man! And I can't stand Barcelona." You're communicating! There's the start of a friendship on the basis of a shared interest. Cool!

Of course, there is also the case where every reasonable person will answer that "Barcelona" is the strongest team of the season. But then you can say that supporting "Barcelona" is the same as worrying about Klichko getting into the ring with a chess player. Everyone will appreciate your clever comment and you have the start of a relationship with other intelligent people. Even if they support "Barcelona".

 

One of my acquaintenances, with whom I played soccer, said, "If you want to know the essence of the character of a person, you can either wait for the chance to see him going through tough times, or you can play soccer with him." Soccer is a great basis for a relationship.

 

We are already victors with God, victors in the spiritual sense, and it isn't important how the Ukrainian team will play. We always have something to be joyful about. When everyone else thinks that soccer is the most important thing, we, as God's children can show that, as always, God is the most important thing. The championship will be decided in Kiev. Sixteen teams will start in the tournament, but they won't all make it to the championship. Only one team will win. That's not how it is for the rest of us. A championship awaits everyone in this life, and the outcome will be either VICTORY or TORMENT - depending on faith in Jesus Christ.

Victory at the championship goes to those who believe in Christ! "for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." 1 John 5: 4, 5