ROLLER HOCKEY THRILLS TEACH STREET KIDS TO BE WINNERS IN LIFE

THEN, NOVEMBER 1996: Fast-moving roller hockey was helping former street kids learn the skills they needed to make lives for themselves away from crime and violence.

Teenagers from a rehabilitation home in Belo Horizonte, Brazil were finding out about teamwork and dealing with conflict as they put on their in-line skates and competed for goals.

One team from the House of Rescue, run by Youth With A Mission, took third place in a citywide competition - finding a sense of achievement for the first time in their lives. Used to being thought of as losers, lifting the trophy "made them realize they can win in life, too." said Jeannette Lukasse, who directed the ministry with her husband, Johan.

The sport gave him - a keen ice skater in his native Holland - the chance to talk about topics like fair play, perseverance and dealing with anger. "It's a very fast sport with lots of emotion, which appeals to them, and belonging to a group - and one that wins - is very important."

The two House of Rescue teams began a year earlier, training three times a week at a nearby school or on the rooftop playground at the center -where abandoned and homeless youth who want to try to make a break from the streets were taken in, counseled and taught vocational skills.

NOW: Eight trophies prove that the hockey teams are a winning strategy. The center now fields three teams - one for girls - and has taken home first place in a citywide competition and third place in a Statewide tournament. "We also got two trophies for the best, most well-behaved, organized and enthusiastic fans," said Lukasse.

One of the stars has been Milton, who ran away to the streets when he was seven to escape abuse at home. He arrived at the House of Rescue when he was 14 - "a very tough kid", with a history of drug use and armed robbery. "Being part of the team, helped him enormously", and now 19 he is planning to go on to further Christian training with YWAM.

Newcomers to the center have to complete a two-week probationary period before they win further privileges - including trying out for the hockey teams. Infractions mean they can lose that right. "Being allowed to participate with the hockey is a good stimulus for them to do their best."

The teams invite their opponents to pray with them before each game. The rules for the city league - started by YWAM in partnership with missionary organization WEC - are strict; swearing means five minutes in the penalty box.

The Mighty YWAM, as the teams are known - "because of their great God" - are sponsored by a local businessman. The team emblem features the "running man" from YWAM's international logo - except that he is holding a hockey stick instead of the usual "gospel torch".

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