In June 2014, during one of our mission visits, the team brought something unexpected to the children of Mpiana Ntita: soccer cleats, jerseys, and equipment. What followed was one of the most joyful afternoons the team had ever witnessed.
Children who had been playing barefoot on dirt fields suddenly had real cleats. Teams formed, games started, and laughter filled the air. For a few hours, the weight of difficult circumstances lifted — replaced by the pure, uncomplicated joy of play.
Sport is more than recreation. It builds confidence, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. Seeing the children of Kasai run, compete, and celebrate reminded everyone present why this work matters — not just for the big programs and the statistics, but for moments like these.
