Who am I?
About me / us
My name is Gert Daling, I’m 36 years old, and I was born and raised in Drijber, the Netherlands. In August 2024, I married Martha in Zambia.
I studied Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and worked in that field for four years. I’m also a member of the Reformed Church in Drijber and a passionate sportsman.
Moving to Zambia
In August 2015, I moved to Zambia. Originally, I planned to stay for two years, but I’m still here today — and a lot has happened since then.
When I first arrived, I completed a discipleship training program, and afterward, I joined SportsLink Zambia.
The first few months were a bit slow as I adjusted to life in Zambia and my teammates got to know me. Gradually, I was given more responsibilities, and about a year later, the leader of SportsLink asked me to become assistant leader.
Ride 2 Transform
During my first year, I took part in the Ride 2 Transform Malawi — a 550 km cycling trip over seven days. We cycled through regions that had not yet been reached with the gospel. Along the way, we talked and prayed with people and distributed audio Bibles in their local language.
At the end of that first ride, one of the leaders asked if I would help lead the next year’s event. Since then, I have helped lead the Ride 2 Transform Malawi twice and now serve as the overall coordinator.
Other countries also showed interest: in 2018, I was invited to lead the Ride 2 Transform Spain, and in 2019, the Ride 2 Transform Greece, both held during the Transform conference.
Sports Projects and Training
After about a year with SportsLink, we started a project to build sports facilities at the OM base. Initially, I helped with the work, but over time, I became the project leader. Today, we have a football field with an irrigation system and a basketball court completed and in use.
In my first year, I also participated in the Sports Leadership Training in Kabwe, an intensive four-week course for participants from across southern Africa. After completing the training, I began helping with its organization.
At first, I assisted with logistics and taught a few lessons, but now I’m fully involved as the manager and assistant leader. Each year, we train between 20 and 25 participants, not only from southern Africa but also from other continents.
Leadership at SportsLink Zambia
Meanwhile, SportsLink continued to grow. We began sports-based mission work in new areas of Zambia, and today we operate in five different locations.
In early 2019, our team leader decided to step down, and in June 2019, I was asked to take over as leader of SportsLink Zambia.
Over the years, we’ve conducted many training programs, and the sports ministry has grown tremendously. Today, 48 teams across Zambia are connected to SportsLink, meeting weekly for Bible studies and sharing the Word of God through sports.