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What began as a simple act of faith in a small Indiana community has grown into a global movement of sports, service, and spiritual transformation. AGAITAS, a Warsaw-based sports ministry founded in 2012 by Ryan and Neena Burgher, continues to live out its mission to share Christ through sports — this time reaching across continents to empower women living with disabilities in Cameroon.
AGAITAS first launched in the summer of 2012 with a free soccer camp designed to make sports accessible to all children, especially those who might not otherwise afford summer programs. Its goals were simple: to serve families and to use sport as a way to share the love of Christ.
Over the years, that vision has grown far beyond the original soccer field. AGAITAS has evolved into a multi-sport, international ministry that reaches thousands of people annually. “What really makes AGAITAS special,” says Vice President David Wayne, “is how everyone involved—from organizers and volunteers to participants—is changed daily by Christ’s love shown through the enthusiastic sharing of high-quality technical and spiritual instruction. We trust God to use AGAITAS to inspire and grow leaders of all ages who carry the message of love to a hurting and seeking world.”
A Vision Born in Cameroon
In the summer of 2025, Grace College soccer alumni and teammates Ryan Burgher and Jordan Cone began envisioning what AGAITAS could look like in Cameroon, where Jordan and his family serve as missionaries. In addition to his ministry work, Jordan serves as the Co-Founder and Country Director of Petrichor, an organization that runs the largest youth girls league in Cameroon. Jordan’s passion for using sport as a platform for ministry soon led him to connect with Mrs. Norolel Roseline Prudence, the Vice President of Cameroon Amputee Football.
Prudence, who lost her leg in a tragic accident at the age of nine, has dedicated her life to empowering people living with disabilities. “When the bus was coming, I had a choice,” she recalls. “I could save myself or save my sister and her friend. I chose them. God gave me the strength to do it.” Though doctors doubted she would survive, Prudence’s faith and courage carried her through.
In 2021, she co-founded Handicap Vision Association (HAVA) — a nonprofit dedicated to supporting people with disabilities through sports, arts, and vocational training. “HAVA is here to encourage people living with disability to overcome their limits,” Prudence explains. “We want to change mentalities and show that people living with disabilities can achieve great things if given the opportunity.”
Empowering Amputee Women Through Football
The new partnership between AGAITAS and HAVA represents a dream come true for Prudence. “With this partnership, I can achieve a lot of things I never imagined,” she says. “It will help put smiles on the faces of hundreds of amputee girls in Cameroon. We will share the Gospel, bring hope, and change mindsets across the country.”
The program aims to reach over 200 amputee women across all ten regions of Cameroon through training camps, mentorship, and community engagement. Beyond sports, the initiative hopes to influence broader social attitudes and government recognition for people with disabilities.
“This partnership will help better many lives,” Prudence adds. “It will help Cameroon see what amputee women can do — and maybe inspire the next generation of leaders and athletes.”
Looking Ahead
Both AGAITAS and HAVA see this partnership as the beginning of something much larger. Plans are already underway for future international competitions, including the first ever Cameroon Camp and Tournament, which would bring amputee women to one location from all 10 regions, the African Nations Cup for Women Amputee Football, and a potential Amputee World Cup appearance.
Prudence’s message to AGAITAS is heartfelt: “Thank you for believing in this project. On behalf of all the women amputees in Cameroon — thank you for your trust and for giving us hope.”
From a small-town soccer camp to the global stage, AGAITAS continues to live out its founding mission — using sports as a powerful tool to share Christ.
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