As we watched Team USA battle Slovenia in the AnnArbor.com community space Friday morning, I came across Trevor Persaud's Christianity Today post about issues surrounding faith and evangelism in South Africa during the World Cup.

A few highlights from Persaud's summary:

A group of Brazilian evangelists are trying to take advantage of a rare chance to speak to North Korean soccer fans, according to an article in the Guardian.

However, the missionaries might not get the opportunity. According to the Guardian, "travel restrictions imposed by Pyongyang's secretive regime mean that, apart from a select group of government officials, few North Koreans are likely to witness their team's second ever World Cup appearance."

South African Baptists, according to Associated Baptist Press, have planned ministry opportunities including match viewings in local churches, children’s soccer tournaments, and a special outreach-oriented newspaper at World Cup events.

Other groups are using the media attention to raise awareness of social justice concerns. CTV reports alarms sounded from charities and church groups of a heightened risk of child exploitation and trafficking with the large crowds. The article states, "South Africa has become a major hub for human trafficking, where an estimated 40,000 children have been lured into prostitution and slavery."

While churches and charities are actively working outside the stadium, Christianity Today explains that on the field, faith expressions are not allowed:

"The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) prohibits players from demonstrating their religious faith, and some Christian leaders are protesting. The Association of Evangelical Priests in Paraguay called the ban “an attack on religious freedom and freedom of conscience,” reports Agence France-Presse."

Regardless of the restrictions, as Team USA tied up the game against Slovenia after rallying from a 2-0 deficit, it was hard not to wonder how many prayers were privately lifted on the field or inside the stadium.

Read the full text of the Christianity Today article here.

Pam Stout coordinates Faith and Home & Garden coverage for AnnArbor.com. You can reach her at pamstout@annarbor.com.