Population
4.3 Million (city)
11.5 Million (region)
A LASL program in the Middle East will aim to bring Gospel impact through both proclamation and faithful presence in a region where a relatively small percentage of the population is surrendered to Christ. With many people living there asexpatriates, the spiritual landscape is often marked by transition, uncertainty, and loneliness—conditions that can make the Gospel unusually relevant and urgent. LASL can direct its efforts toward reaching communities where relationships are built quickly and intentionally. In a region represented by vast religious beliefs (Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism), living as “sent” ambassadors—praying urgently, serving compassionately, and sharing Scripture-based truth with clarity—believers can help those encounter Jesus not as a theory, but as the Savior and King who offers forgiveness, purpose, and spiritual transformation.
Beyond short-term outreach, the Gospel impact of LASL will also seek long-term multiplication. This includes discipleship for new believers, support for local churches and ministry partners, and training surrendered workers to become steady witnesses in their spheres of influence. Through mentorship, Bible-centered teaching, and follow-up that connects people to community, LASL can help ensure that seeds planted through conversations grow into genuine discipleship. In a context where Christians are comparatively few, LASL’s vision is to strengthen the Body of Christ and foster a resilient Gospel presence—so that over time the truth contained in God’s Library continues to reach hearts, form disciples, and build faith that lasts.
The marketplace theme of “business as mission” calls believers to pursue work with a missional purpose—seeing one’s career, marketplace skills, and daily rhythm as God-given platforms for ministry. In this model, a bi-vocational approach becomes a powerful strength: missionaries can remain deeply rooted in their calling while also building a sustainable international basketball training business. Rather than viewing sports as a side project, the work is shaped intentionallyaround outreach, discipleship, and Gospel-centered relationship-building, all while serving athletes and families with excellence, integrity, and care.
This business focuses on international basketball training for youth athletes, using key program components to build credibility and create consistent touchpoints for mentoring. Training is delivered through basketball camps, advanced individual skill development, and team or group sessions that strengthen both performance and character. The platform extends further through club travel, participation in leagues, and tournaments—providing natural opportunities to meet new communities, engage coaches and parents, and form long-term relationships across borders. Over time, these structured experiences help turn curiosity into trust, allowing skilled trainers to speak truth to young athletes about purpose, identity, perseverance, and hope.
Because full-time sports missionaries must be both athletic experts and relational leaders, the mission is carried through the way training is delivered—not only what is taught. Their skill set becomes a bridge to connect with others in another country, where trust is earned through consistent presence, professional excellence, and compassionate guidance. As athletes develop, so do conversations about life, faith, and meaning; Gospel encouragement can flow through shared moments on the court, coaching feedback, mentorship, prayer when appropriate, and clear invitations to hear and apply the message of Jesus. In this way, the business becomes a pathway for discipleship, not just a profit-making venture.