Every Saturday, a field in Thailand comes alive—not just with the sound of footballs being kicked, but with laughter, stories, and the quiet work of transformation. For Coach Bas, it’s never been just about the game. It’s about being there.
In a village where many children are raised by grandparents and rarely see their parents, consistency is rare. But Coach Bas shows up. Week after week. Rain or shine. With a smile that says, “You matter.”
At first, the kids came for the fun. Some didn’t even like soccer. But they came to see their friends. To feel safe. To be seen. To share a meal. Over time, something deeper began to grow.
Through Sports Friends’ training, Coach Bas learned how to weave the gospel into everyday moments—during warm-ups, water breaks, and post-game chats. He didn’t preach at them. He lived it with them. And they noticed.
Now, 17 kids gather regularly. They play, they laugh, they learn about Jesus. Some have come to faith and been baptized. Others are still on the journey. But all of them know they are loved.
When asked what he would say to another church considering sports ministry, Coach Bas responded:
| “The kids don’t have time to wait—there are so many temptations in the world around them. I want to encourage you: start now. You don’t need all the equipment. Just begin. Because when children look at us, they don’t see the gear—they see our hearts.” |
In a world full of noise and distraction, presence speaks volumes. And through the faithful presence of coaches like Bas, God is changing lives for all eternity—one Saturday at a time.
Sports Friends a Ministry of SIM is a faithful partner of The Bolick Foundation