The Bible and the Football, Part 4

Danilo works with other trainers at Club Deportivo. Together, they work to show children a different way of life. Danilo said, 'We pray before each football game. We want to show that everything we do is under a higher power. Learning to be a good sports person can help to become a good citizen. ' Danilo speaks with experience. His seventeen-year-old son was killed in crossfire between two fighting groups. Danilo saw it happen. At the funeral, Danilo spoke to his son's friends. He asked them to forgive. He asked them not to hunt for the killers. Danilo said, 'The change in me has really come through knowing God. ' For young people in Medellin the club has helped save their lives. It has helped to show a different way, by example. But the club also aims to influence the children's families. They invite parents to meet with project leaders. They do special discussion groups for parents. Here, they are able to discuss issues like conflict. Club Deportivo hopes that, in this way, they will be able to change communities. They hope that one-day, the children of Medellin will not wake to the sound of gunfire. And one day their lives will not be governed by fear and hatred. They want to create a community filled with hope and peace.

People do not often put the Bible and football together.