Changing Lives Through Sports
By Tan Kian Aun, IpohBUG Secretary
Photos courtesy of IpohBug
FOR the last four years, youths have been coming in droves to the Army Rangers' Camp along Tambun Road in Ipoh every Sunday evening. It's football time, even during the month of Ramadan. At every gathering, at least 50 youths from various ethnic backgrounds turn up to play.
Welcome to the IpohBUG, acronym for Ipoh Big Ultimate Games. It began with a group of youth workers who had a burden for impacting youths in Ipoh. It grew, first as an inter-church youth group event, and then as an inter-denominational church telematch. As it became popular, those behind it decided to target youths beyond the reach of youth fellowships and church groups. Football and ultimate frisbee were popular with youths and provided a common platform for outreach.
IpohBUG comprises people from various denominations and is funded by those who volunteer in the ministry. Initially, the games were held at the YMCA Ipoh field. As more people came to know about it, new activities were added and games were held at various locations around Ipoh. Today, it is recognised by the NECF Youth Commission or YouthNet as an outreach and discipleship tool.
There is no preaching, but on the field, kicking a football around or tossing a frisbee, ministry workers and coaches are able to connect with the youths. Lifestyle coaching is also incorporated to teach the youths Kingdom values. These include good sportsmanship, respect for rules and personal integrity, not taught in theory but lived out through sports.
As an inter-denominational ministry, IpohBUG is not anchored by any particular church. The Ipoh churches, however, network closely with one another to follow up with new believers according to locality. IpohBUG is not set up to do follow ups or bible studies and worship, and thus requires the participation of youth fellowships and churches in the area. IpohBUG is also not promoted as a Christian activity, although the fact that it is run by Christians with biblical values is not hidden from parents.
Currently, IpohBUG runs weekly training that includes football, badminton and tennis. It has participated in the local football league and also conducts numerous friendly matches with local teams. Two private schools have even approached IpohBUG to take over their sports training!
With its growing popularity, more funds and workers are needed. There are opportunities to grow the work but due to the lack of workers and funds, things are moving slowly. IpohBUG continues to believe that in God and through God, all things are possible. It is our desire that lives be changed, both physically and spiritually, through sports. |
