A Report from the World Nomad Games

By Meredith Ward, BFA Connect
Photos By Laura Witty, BFA Communications

We’ve all attended a sporting event – perhaps even in more than one country. But nothing can prepare you for what you’ll witness at the World Nomad Games. Attending these games with two Black Forest Academy (BFA) colleagues was an amazing experience, but in the end, it wasn’t the competitions that stood out most to us.

The Kyrgyz Republic launched the World Nomad Games in 2014 to preserve and promote the heritage of nomadic civilizations through sport, culture, and traditional knowledge. Traditionally, these games are held primarily in Central Asia, but anyone can form a team and participate in the Nomad Games, which take place every two years.

This year, over 3000 delegates from 104 countries participated in over 40 events across nine venues, and I got to attend in person! Some of the games were: national games, horse racing, horse competitions, national wrestling styles, traditional strength sports, archery, horseback archery, animal hunting and intellectual games.

For five days, fellow BFA staff Laura Witty, Anna Woolwine, and I were able to not just experience this amazing event but to do it alongside BFA parents who have served in the host country for many years.

Being invited to join this family was an absolute joy. It was incredible to see them in action, loving and serving not just us as their guests, but the people of the country they have ministered to daily for years. Hearing them explain cultural insights, sharing stories of our brothers and sisters pursuing Jesus, and watching them live out their love for Jesus daily was incredible.

This opportunity allowed us a unique glimpse into the cultures that many of our BFA students grew up in. We came to understand not just their upbringing, but their family’s impact in this region. In fact, BFA’s impact in Central Asia is far-reaching.

Throughout BFA’s history, we have not only had numerous families send their kids to our school, but BFA has also helped start a school in Central Asia, sent staff to serve there, and helped develop the boarding program for another school in the region.

Two of our current BFA staff even served there as newlyweds! Bible translation, evangelism, sports ministry, medical missions, church planting, music ministry, and Christ-centered education have been happening here for years, all in partnership with Black Forest Academy. Being among these cultures, people groups, and our brothers and sisters was humbling and, at times, overwhelming to think about.

While seeing headless goat polo or vertebrae-breaking (yes, that’s an actual event) was incredible, the fruit of the harvest because of BFA is even more incredible. The Lord has been working and transforming eternity in this beautiful area of the world for years. That He allows us, as His children, to partner in this great work is an amazing privilege.