Myanmar American Soccer Association (MASA)
While MCC worshiped at Victory Church for 20 years, Pastor Billy Joe and Sharon gave an additional privilege to use the Victory soccer field free of charge. This game began on May 30th, 2011, which was Memorial Day. The tournament was known as Myanmar World Cup USA and was held annually in Tulsa during the Memorial Weekend. It started with 12 teams, and now about 24 teams play during the tournament. Mr. Thang Sian Mang and Pastor Thangminlian Khai Dopmul led the tournament for seven years. Annually, during the Myanmar World Cup USA tournament, community gatherings become “Community Fare,” where Myanmar Americans from all over the U.S. gather to eat ethnic and cultural food and fellowship with one another. Later, the sports ministry registered under the Myanmar American Soccer Association at Secretary of State, Oklahoma. The tournament was organized consistently as an umbrella under the Myanmar Christian Church to encourage all Burmese young people to come together in Tulsa to experience Tulsa life and present the Gospel of Christ to our fans and network. Praise God that through soccer ministry, the Myanmar people heard the story of the living God, and the seed faith of the Gospel of Jesus Christ was planted.
A vehicle of the Gospel
The soccer tournament becomes a vehicle of the Gospel with its motto, “For the Game, For the Gospel.” The game opening ceremony was held on Saturday morning and began with an opening prayer. After singing worship songs, the national anthem was sung. A ribbon cutting followed with a short motivational message from the guest speaker for the soccer players and spectators. Thousands of gospel tracts were distributed throughout the tournament, and seeds of faith were planted in the hearts of the young people.
This tournament was born from the heart of Senior Pastor Khai to reach the soccer players and audience for Christ. During the hour break of the final game, Pastor Khai and his son Samuel had an opportunity to share the Gospel for about 20 minutes. That was when the soccer field had the largest crowd, as everyone anticipated watching and seeing who would go home with the winning trophy. Samuel led worship with contemporary gospel songs, Pastor Khai preached in Burmese, and his son continued preaching in English. About 160,000 people were reached worldwide through LIVE broadcasts. Church organizations and local businesses who believed in the vision sponsored the tournament.