Missions Archives — Breakaway Outreach

4Mar, 2024

West Africa Sports Ministry Reaching Youth in Mali

A message from one of our West Africa representatives…

“I’m one of the youth leaders in my region here in San Pedro [Ivory Coast]. The Lord allowed me to be in contact with pastor Jimmy [Breakaway Outreach] and by the grace of God, last year in November, the pastor invited me to Ghana, Accra, to be part of the team to really learn through the ministry of sport. It is my first time to see that putting youth together to play sport, we can share the gospel with them. I [also] noticed through the sport, we can be in contact with Muslim youth and share the gospel with them. I have a colleague in Mali. Mali is one of the countries here in West Africa, but Mali is Muslim country [95% Muslim]. The brother in Mali really appreciated the idea, and invited me to be in Mali to have five or six days with them, pulling the youth for sport activity, and sharing the great love of Jesus. I want for you to pray for our countries here, especially in Africa, where a lot of youth, they love sport and I believe through the ministry of sport, we can win many souls to the kingdom of God. That’s the reason I’m very, very happy. Every day I’m telling the Lord, thank you for the contact He gave me through pastor Jimmy, and I’m learning from him to also apply the same ministry here in my country, Ivory Coast, and also in Mali and different countries. By the grace of God, we’ll see many youth be connected to the kingdom of God. Pray for our country. Pray for our youth. Thank you very much. May God bless you.”

18Oct, 2023

Playing for an Audience of One: Sports Ministry Devotional

Most of us have heard of Babe Ruth, but few have heard of Babe Pinelli? Pinelli was an umpire in Major League Baseball who once called The Great Bambino out on strikes. When the crowd began booing in disapproval of the call, Babe turned to the umpire and said, “There’s 40,000 people here who know that the last pitch was a ball.” Pinelli responded coolly, “Maybe so, Babe, but mine is the only opinion that counts.”

In life it’s easy to get caught up in playing for the approval and the opinions of others, but in the end, it’s not our scoffers or critics by whom we will be judged, only God. This book offers 52 weekly devotions for what it looks like to play for an audience One—to seek first the approval of God over all other voices and influences in our lives.

This doesn’t mean you have no affinity or accountability to your teammates, coaches, family members, or neighbors. Playing for the audience of One means those relationships will be more deeply impacted by the fact that you are playing for a bigger purpose—the chief aim being to please your God and bring Him alone the glory in your life. Playing for an audience of One means you will bring honor to your godly leaders, while ignoring the critics, the haters, and those who are not in your corner. It will even entail overcoming your most difficult opponent: yourself (your fears, your insecurities, your doubts, your lack of confidence). None of these need to get the final word in your performance or the spiritual marathon you are running. By playing for an audience of One, you choose to put God first over all others, including those inner voices that speak contrary to God’s best intentions and His ultimate reign over your life.

Each devo comes with a prayer and questions for personal reflection or group discussion, fitting for athletes, coaches, parents of athletes, and sports ministry leaders who work with athletes. The format of the devos also work well for fostering devotional times and gospel sharing at sports camps/clinics during mission trips.

24Aug, 2018

Why Baseball Outreach in Europe?

Baseball Outreach in Europe

For over a decade Breakaway Outreach has been mobilizing mission teams to facilitate baseball camps in Europe. Why do we do this? This video answers that question. Listen to some of our camp leaders in Italy, Ireland, and Germany, share how this ministry is reaching people far from God and transforming lives.

Europe a Forgotten Mission Field

Europe has been described as one of the most forgotten mission fields of our day. Once at the epicenter of the sending church, today it is a region where the church has faced attrition. The church in Europe has the lowest growth rate at 1.1% annually. Europe’s cities, through their diverse populations and activities, produce connections with individuals and cultures from around the world. Imagine what would happen if that influence could be harnessed to extend God’s Kingdom.

Why Baseball?

Baseball is a relatively unknown sport in Germany. Having Americans instruct baseball is not only engaging for German youth, it impacts entire families and communities. Utilizing baseball camps for 8-18 year old young people has proven to be groundbreaking in its effectiveness to share the gospel.

Short Term Mission Trips

We provide short term mission trips for Americans to serve in Germany. Although you don’t have to be a baseball player to go, a general knowledge of the game is important. The most important aspect is your willingness to serve others and build relationships with our German friends. Contact us about mission trip dates and locations.

12Jan, 2015

Must Read Missions Books

Looking for some interesting reads on the topic of missions? Here are some popular missions books worth recommending:

Let the Nations Be Glad!: The Supremacy of God in Missions | John Piper

This third edition of Piper’s bestselling book shows that worship is the ultimate goal of the church and provides readers with a sound theological foundation for missions. Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn’t. Worship is ultimate.

Foreign to Familiar: A Guide to Understanding Hot- and Cold-Climate Cultures | Sarah A. Lanier

In this quick read, Lanier provides a practical introduction to understanding cultures through the categories of “hot-climate” (relationship-oriented) and “cold-climate” (task-oriented) cultures. Foreign to Familiar is a splendidly written, well researched work on cultures. Anyone traveling abroad should not leave home without this valuable resource! Required reading for cross cultural workers. This book creates within us a greater appreciation for our extended families around the world and an increased desire to better serve them.

Peace Child | Don Richardson

This gripping true story is the firsthand account of Don Richardson, who served among a cannibalistic people group. In this tough climate, Richardson built a bridge between the Sawi’s sacrificial culture and the sacrifice of Christ to successfully explain the gospel for the first time. Peace Child is a great read for anyone interested in serving among unreached people groups.

Operation World: The Definitive Prayer Guide to Every Nation | Jason Mandryk

Now in its seventh edition, Operation World outlines key demographic, historical and spiritual data for every country in the world. The content is highly organized, making it easy to look up specific facts quickly, and there is also a daily prayer guide to help you pray for the nations.

Through Gates of Splendor | Elisabeth Elliot

Written in 1957, this classic missions book is written by Elisabeth Elliot, whose husband Jim was killed by the Auca Indians in Ecuador. Elliot details his journey with the other four missionaries who lost their lives sharing the gospel.

The Poor Will Be Glad: Joining the Revolution to Lift the World Out of Poverty | Peter Greer and Phil Smith

This challenging book outlines the distinction between a handout and hand up in the way we approach poverty alleviation. Greer and Smith draw on real-life experience to offer practical and actionable ways that individuals can contribute to the economic development of their community and the world. It’s a great read for anyone who wants to use community development as a platform to share the gospel.

Great Commission Companies: The Emerging Role of Business in Missions | Steve Rundle and Tom Steffen

For many countries that are socially and legally closed the gospel, workers must use creative methods to share their faith. In Great Commission Companies, the authors explain how business people are using their acumen to start companies and share the gospel all over the world.

A Spirituality of Fundraising | Henri J.M. Nouwen

Have you ever raised funds for your church, another organization, or a mission trip? Maybe you felt uncomfortable about asking people to donate money. It’s time to change the way you view this important task. Henri Nouwen explains why fundraising for ministry is not a burden but rather a tool for discipleship. “Fundraising is, first and foremost, a ministry.” Nouwen approaches fundraising from a position of strength rather than weakness, seeing it as spiritual work. “Fundraising is precisely the opposite of begging,” he points out. The core of fundraising is casting a compelling vision that people want to be part of.

Strangers Next Door: Immigration, Migration and Mission | J.D. Payne

“The nations” are now converging in neighborhoods around North America because of recent trends in globalization and migration. In this practical book, J.D. Payne offers insights and examples on how Christians can make meaningful cross-cultural relationships right in their backyard.

The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose in Your Life | Os Guinness

In this thoughtful work, Guinness contemplates the deep question, “What am I here for?” Guinness exhorts readers to consider what God’s calling is for their lives, stating, “No idea short of God’s call can ground and fulfill the truest human desire for purpose and fulfillment.” For those looking to be able to articulate God’s specific purpose for your life, this book is a key resource.