So why do we send equipment to missionaries and the local churches they work with?

The missionaries run leagues and clinics that bring kids and adults in where they are presented with the Gospel message and the missionaries can make sure the greatest number of people can use the equipment. Also, the equipment coming from the local church helps the church build relationships with the unchurched in their communities more than a group that that is only in the community for a short time.

So, where do we get the equipment and how do we send it?

All of the equipment Eternal Pastime sends is donated. These donations come from two main sources. The first is the body of Christ. Christians have cleaned out attics and garages and donated old equipment. Many have donated money to buy new equipment and pay for shipping cost. This allows the local Churches to be involved in a real “hands on” mission project. The other source of equipment has been summer leagues, high school and college coaches. These groups donate used or out of date uniforms and equipment that they no longer need.

Eternal Pastime collects, cleans, fixes, and sorts equipment and ships it to the field where it is needed. We have found that the best way to do this is to send the equipment with mission teams going to the particular field. It is cheaper to send the equipment this way, and there is a greater certainty that it will end up in the right hands. Eternal Pastime is an all-volunteer ministry with no paid staff.

What is the future for Eternal Pastime Ministries?

The most important thing is to be faithful in doing the Lord’s Will. Under that guiding principle Eternal Pastime has three main goals:

1.   To continue gathering and fulfilling request for all types of sports equipment.
2. To have a team or teams of volunteer coaches go and conduct sports clinics with foreign missionaries.
3. To set up other independent sports equipment ministries in other regions of the country to help meet the overwhelming demand for sports evangelism.

To meet these goals Eternal Pastime must grow. We must have more contacts for equipment donations, and greater financial resources for the cost of shipping of equipment. We need Christian coaches that would be willing to serve as short-term volunteer missionaries.

If you, your Church, or FCA group would like more information, or is interested in partnering with us in this exciting opportunity of sports evangelism, contact Eternal Pastime at:

Eternal Pastime Ministries
C/O Paul Dudley
22928 Greystone LN
Lebanon, Mo 65536
pdudley98@gmail.com

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 NIV

Not a suggestion to the Church, but a command.

Sincerely,

Paul Dudley