Embracing God’s Plan in Nairobi’s Kawangware Slum

FCA Kenya Leader James Otundo understands the importance of “letting go and letting God” guide him through life’s peaks and valleys. From a promising career as a star athlete to being an influential coach transforming the lives of youth in Nairobi’s Kawangware slum, he has learned to focus less on himself and more on God’s purpose for his life.

“God has greatly helped me understand that it’s through His will that I am able to show up to coach, and it is Christ who is the anchor of my coaching career, not myself,” James said.

James has always been enthusiastic about kids and understands the significant role sports play in their lives. Today, he runs his ministry based on his own journey with the mission of steering athletes towards Christ through their love for sports.

A Path of Faith

Growing up in a Christian family, James attended church out of routine. His time at a Catholic high school left him apathetic, but passion poured out through basketball. He played at the World Hope Center in Nairobi’s Kawangware slums, a large court open to the public. Besides honing his skills on the court, he also participated in community service and team Bible study.

Through these experiences, his understanding of God's Word deepened, leading him to give his life to Christ in 2003. His prowess in basketball won him a spot in the main World Hope team after high school. During the 2006 season, he was awarded the second Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the league and began working with World Hope as an administrative assistant shortly after.

Bringing coaches who took him under their wings, loved him and anchored him in God’s Word was a God move, foundational aspects that helped him grow in Christ.

Facing Adversity and Finding Purpose

In April 2014, James' successful path took a turn when a severe knee injury forced him off the court. During his recovery, he felt God urging him to redirect his attention and efforts away from basketball to other major areas of his life. Initially, he resisted, feeling like God had abandoned him.

“I was bitter about my injury and felt God was not on my side,” James admitted about his initial reaction. “But through prayer and encouragement, I searched my heart and sought God’s wisdom. I was wanted to resume playing, but my knee wouldn’t allow it.”

Little did he know, this season of injury was preparation for what was to come.

God used two coaches, George Namake and Allen Jallah, who suggested that James use his experience with basketball as a position for influence off the court. He began learning how to pour into teams through coaching and explored a deeper understanding of the game.

Slowly, he stepped into coaching the junior level World Hope basketball team. Through his position as a coach, James was able to go beyond simply coaching the sport to sharing how God used basketball to show how much He cares for him personally.

“Coaching became my platform for witnessing through my testimony,” James said.

Connecting with FCA and Finding His Calling

James first came across Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) in 2018 when a team from the U.S. came to Kenya for basketball ministry. Through a mutual friend, he met coach Mike Farris, who told him about FCA and introduced him to Moses Muge, East Africa Regional Vice President. Moses connected him to FCA partner Shoot4Life Kenya and gave him an opportunity to learn about 3Dimensional Coaching™ and leading Huddles (small groups).

James still serves in Nairobi and has elevated his focus to equipping seven coaches who serve around the city leading Huddles and sharing FCA resources. He coaches a league team and a developmental team, as well as coordinating camps at Hope Center.

Through the years, James has found purpose through sports ministry. “My interaction with the sport of basketball has been more than just a game,” he said, “it has been an avenue to share the Word of God and serve my community.”

Impacting Youth Through Sports

James understands that much like his teenage self, many young athletes turn to sports to cope with life's challenges. He uses this shared experience to direct their energy in a positive direction.

Said James, “I am blessed to have an opportunity and platform to reach out to athletes through coaching basketball and help them appreciate that however great sport can be, it is greater if we use it to share Christ's love.”

Trusting God’s Plan

God continues to make a profound impact on the youth in Nairobi through James’ journey, which inspires athletes to see beyond their own challenges while guiding them towards a life centered on Christ and embrace God’s purposes.

James has found true fulfillment, leaning on his favorite Bible verse, Psalm 27:13-14:

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

James urges coaches and athletes to trust the process and lean on God’s timing and reminds them that their greatest setbacks can lead to their most impactful ministry when they trust in God's plan.

Please pray for James and his work through sports ministry to impact youth in Nairobi. If you would like to learn more about how to get involved or support his ministry, visit here.



-FCA-

Photos courtesy of James Otundo and Stephen Yu--Unsplash