“The best and fastest way to learn a sport is to watch and imitate a champion.”
 This popular adage rings loud for Anthony Ouma – he not only knows this from experience in sports, but likens the same to his walk of salvation. The fastest way to succeed, he observes, is to mimic Christ, the champion of champions.
Affectionately known as Tony, the 26-year old is a man passionate about his two callings – football and evangelism. Luckily, he has found the perfect platform to effectively marry the two. As sports director at African Inland Church's (AIC) Diguna Sports Ministry, he works to ensure that mission-tied sports activities abound, organize youth camps and school missions, as well as evangelism in some of the remotest parts of Kenya. To top it all, he gets to put his skills in football to good use as part of the internal football team that he hopes will make the league one day.
Tony was born and raised up in a strict family where he together with his siblings; five brothers including his twin and two sisters, were brought up to revere God and to distance themselves from vices. Growing up in Pioneer estate in Nairobi's Eastlands, Tony's talent in football blossomed early. This saw him join the prestigious Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA) junior team, besides being an integral part of Kariobangi South Primary School's football team.
At Highway Secondary School, Tony's football abilities went a notch higher when he was selected to captain the school's football team. His sporting endeavors were extended to Maseno University after he joined the institution and became the vice captain of the university's soccer team.
 The Diguna FC
During his time at Maseno University , the ardent footballer was recruited to Kisumu's Riu Stars , who were in the national league. His skills later on impressed the technical bench at the Kenya Premier League side Gor Mahia FC and he was asked to join the team. Unfortunately, the footballer's unfolding dreams had to be halted, as he was required to concentrate on his education.
Nevertheless, all was not lost for Tony since his life was not all about football. The jubilant lad had always been engrossed with studies, as well as his second passion evangelism since he gave his life to Christ while he was in Form Two. All the same, he continued with evangelism during his time at Maseno University ; and it was there that he felt a deeper zeal to submit his life to Christian mission work.
In 2005, after graduating with a degree in Applied Statistics, Tony joined AIC Diguna and his heartfelt desires for mission were put in perfect place, alongside his passion for sports. Just a year later, he was part of Diguna's A-Team, which visited Germany for the FIFA World Cup.
 Handing Out Bibles
Tony concedes that his dreams are finally finding fulfillment as he is not only immersed in sports, but his livelihood is entwined in the great commissioning found in Matthew 28: 18-20, which says:
“Wherever you go make disciples of all nations, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach them to do everything I have commanded you and remember I am always with you till the end of time.”
Tony hopes to use his time at Diguna to ensure that the programs that he has initiated at the institution, which includes building top notch football, basketball and volleyball pitches, as well as a youth cafeteria, are complete in the near future.
This avid sportsman is a testimony of that simple lesson that God has every intention of using the skills He has given us to further His kingdom.
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“The best and fastest way to learn a sport is to watch and imitate a champion.” This avid sportsman is a testimony of that simple lesson that God has every intention of using the skills He has given... + Read More