April showers held off for Operation Mobilization Ireland’s annual junior golf camp during the first week of the month. The camp, organized in partnership with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Golf and Glasson Hotel and Golf Club, was open to golfers age 12-17 from local clubs. Thirteen golfers attended the camp.
In addition to golf instruction by professional Anders Forsbrand, the participants focused on life lessons that explored characteristics like honesty, openness and perspective. Coaches shared from their own personal experience as golfers and used principles from the Bible.
FCA golf coach Daniel from the U.S. said the golf camp increased his faith in God during the week. “This experience changed my attitude toward missions by showing me that missions is not about executing a program or telling others what they should believe,” he said, “but all about humbling yourself, serving others in love, and listening to them and their hearts.”
During the coaching groups, the campers gave prayer requests. The second day, one camper, Paul, told them about his baby cousin who was born premature and on a ventilator. The doctors had tried to take the baby off the ventilator, but he barely lasted a minute without it. The next day, Paul raised his hand and said thank you for praying for his cousin. The doctors had taken him off the ventilator the night they prayed for him, and he breathed unassisted for eight hours.
“The power of prayer and the power of God were definitely evident in our midst,” said Daniel.
At the end of the week, the coaches held a banquet for the campers and their parents. Campers received certificates of participation and other awards like “Camper of the Week” and “Most Improved.”
“The golf camp is probably my favorite ministry event that we put on,” said Dax, OM Ireland’s Sports Coordinator. “Sport is such a natural launching pad for having conversations about the deeper things of life. To be a part of the experience of making the Bible and the gospel practical and relevant for these young people is a real privilege. I’m so thankful for Anders and FCA Golf and their faithfulness to this event over the years!”
