For Severin Enang, life’s purpose seemed clear – he had a deep passion for soccer and an equally strong desire to share God’s Word. However, he struggled to find a way to merge his love for sports with his love for God. Torn between these two worlds, he clung to his dream of soccer stardom, even as he sensed God calling toward a different path. It wasn’t until later that he realized God had a plan to use both his talents and faith in a powerful way.

A Childhood Filled with Faith and Dreams

Severin was born into a Christian family, and from a young age, his life revolved around religion.

“The passion of God’s mission was already in me before joining sports ministry,” Severin said. “I really loved to talk to people about God.”

Besides his love for God, he also had a strong passion for soccer. After completing the basic levels of schooling at age 17, he started his pursuit of a career in professional soccer.

In 2008, Severin experienced a life-changing moment when his older brother helped him see that Christianity was not just a religion but was about living in alignment with God’s Word. That year, he gave his life to Christ and never looked back.

His passion for sharing God’s Word kept burning even as he rose to become a professional soccer player, praying with his teammates before games and looking for opportunities to share Christ with them.

Wrestling with God's Call

Despite his success as a professional soccer player, Severin grew increasingly discontent with how players were treated, particularly by coaches and management. He longed for positive, godly influence in the sports world, especially from those in leadership positions. This inner conflict led him to search online for ways to combine his faith with his love for sports. He yearned to help coaches become mentors who would guide their players toward Christ.

For six years, Severin prayed, searched and wrestled with his desires. He felt God calling him to leave his professional soccer career and pursue something far greater that would bring Him glory. But Severin resisted, his heart still set on achieving fame as a soccer player, unable to fully grasp the greater purpose God had planned for him.

An Unexpected Turning Point

In 2011, Severin’s life took another unexpected turn. A severe injury to his left knee left him bedridden for six months. During this time of physical and emotional recovery, God’s voice became clearer, and Severin sensed God telling him to be a transformational coach.

At first, Severin struggled to understand this new direction. Coaching was unfamiliar territory, and he wasn’t sure where to start. But in God’s perfect timing, a visit from a pastor friend changed everything. The pastor shared about a sports ministry training center in South Africa, providing the confirmation that Severin had been seeking. It became clear that God had been orchestrating his steps all along, and now, the pieces were coming together.

Embracing God’s Purpose Through Sports Ministry

Severin’s journey into sports ministry officially began in 2014 when he attended his first local training session. In 2017, he attended an international sports ministry program in South Africa, where Severin’s purpose became crystal clear. He realized God had been calling him to use soccer as a platform to impact lives for Christ. His local ministry, Soccer4Hope, was born.

Severin first came across FCA in South Africa when a classmate from Cambodia gave him a Coach’s Bible. FCA’s mission and vision immediately resonated with him. Through a friend, he connected with the then-South Global RVP, Vincent Asamoah. Severin had finally found a way to merge faith and sports, and since joining FCA in 2021, he has seen firsthand how fulfilling life can be when living  out God’s purpose.

Why Sports Ministry?

Severin is convinced that sports ministry is the best way for him to reach many and make an impact with the Gospel of Christ.

“I have played all levels of football [soccer] in Cameroon,” he said, “and I found out that this is my place in life, the space where God wants me to use all that He has given me to raise the next generation of athletes in Christ.”

God Moves

Time and again, Severin has seen God move in miraculous ways, confirming and sustaining his calling. One such moment came after his training in South Africa when Severin was preparing to return to Cameroon. The thought of leaving “the good life” in South Africa to return to his home country to serve filled him with doubt. Seeking reassurance, he turned to God, trusting Him to provide the clarity and confidence he needed.

God responded with a clear message: “What I have started in your life, I will finish.”

It was enough to convince Severin to continue, and he headed back to Cameroon.

Two months later, in December 2017, with no money or plan for feeding the 200 athletes, he organized his first sports camp. Yet, through God’s provision, and without Severin even asking, the community came together to provide food and resources.

“Fourteen athletes gave their lives to Christ, and all 14 are now professional soccer players and spread the word wherever they go,” Severin said. “Other campers are now Christians and said it’s the word of God that I planted that is now bearing fruit.

“It calls to mind the words ‘Paul planted, Apollos watered, and God made it increase’ (1 Corinthians 3:6-8).”

Embracing God's Plan for You

Severin’s journey is an example of what happens when we surrender our plans to God and embrace His calling. When we allow God to lead, He opens doors we never knew existed and uses us to transform lives for His Kingdom.

-FCA-