Through sports and chess, Robert Katende takes Christ to communities of young people from all religions living in IDP camps and local slums in Uganda.He shares his wisdom on mentoring young people, pastoral calling, effective sports ministry, and the absolute importance of ministry contextualization.Since the true story of one of his students was portrayed in the 2016 feature film, Queen of Katwe, Robert Katende continues to serve in sports ministry, coaching young people in Kampala, Uganda.What You’ll Learn:How sports ministry differs from sports activity programsThe ingredients for an effective sports ministry Why understanding the community is so important when starting a sports outreach ministryAbout the Guest: Robert Katende is best known as mentor and coach to Phiona Mutesi, their true story was portrayed in the 2016, family-friendly film, Queen of Katwe. As a young person Mutesi became a chess phenom and Robert Katende was her coach. Robert became a Christian when he was a teenager. He began working with Sports Outreach Ministry full time a few years after volunteering as a university student in Kampala, Uganda. The ministry included young people from the slums of Kampala and living in IDP (Internally Displaced People) camps.Before going to university, he overcame many struggles in his childhood like being separated from his young mother, growing up during a time of war and civil unrest, being raised in different households and growing up in the slums of Nakulabye in Kampala.With hard work, he was able to go to Kyambogo University. That’s where he began to volunteer with Sports Outreach Ministry participating in soccer. He completed a degree in Computer Engineering at Kampala University.Today, Robert and his wife, Sarah, have three girls. He has attained a master’s degree in International Community Development from Northwest University Seattle, USA. He continues to serve in Sports Outreach Ministry (SOM) where he is the Director for Southern Uganda and founder of the SOM Chess Academy. He is also the founder of the Robert Katende Initiative, in Uganda. Scripture Related to Episode :Matthew 19: 23-26; With God All Things Are PossibleEphesians 4: 1-3; What’s Your Calling?John 13: 34-35; Unconditional LoveRomans 7: 21-25; Speaking to the Inner ManLinks Related to Episode:Sports Outreach Ministry (SOM), Southern Uganda Robert Katende InitiativeContact Robert Katende, Robert Katende InitiativeContact SOM Chess AcademyContact SOM KampalaTimestamped Show Notes:01:12 - Topic: The Importance of Understanding the Unique Needs of Communities in Ministry 03:12 - The Blessing of Being a Family Man04:16 - Growing Up in Several Homes05:53 - Sports, Mentorship, Character Development, Evangelism and Discipleship07:12 - Why Chess for a Sports Program?08:08 - Relational Evangelism and Connecting with Kids One on One08:50 - Understanding the Local Community 09:01 - Diving in When Young People Have Given up on Life09:12 - Addressing Generational Bondage10:11 - Restoring Hope and Transforming Lives10:39 - Sports Outreach for the American Congregation11:13 - Role of a Sports Minister12:18 - Losing, Winning and Christ13:32 - Advice for Starting a Sports Outreach Ministry14:02 - Taking the Church to the Community14:55 - Sports Ministry vs Sports Activity Program15:11 - Ministry On Field and Off the Field16:15 - Unconditional Love in Action17:04 - Contacting Robert Katende17:53 - Joke Time for Breakfast