FGA Sports Fellowship

At Christians in Sport we make no apologies for emphasising the basics. When we’re supporting young people, university students, adult sports men and women, international partners, or professional and elite sportspeople we stress the basics of Pray, Play, Say. At the beginning of the academic year 2008 it’s worth us reminding ourselves of what it means to ‘Make Sport Your Mission’ – Colossians 4:2-6.
 
Pray. ‘Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ for which I am in chains’. Being devoted means being totally committed such that if you take a cross section of your life and look at it, then like a stick of rock you’d see the word ‘prayer’ running through every part of it. We’re called to be devoted prayers, asking God for opportunities to tell those we play and train with, and those we come into contact with, about Christ when he gives us the opportunity.
 
Play. ‘Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders’ on and off the pitch play in a way that is so different and like Jesus that when others watch you they’ll start to ask; “What is it that she’s got that makes her live that way?” Of course you may never hear others say that, and you’ll be only too aware of your mistakes, but over time and with God’s help if you live differently it just looks so attractive to those that don’t know God.
 
Say. ‘Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone’. Speak graciously – that is in a caring and loving way, and let your conversation be seasoned with salt – so that it’s distinctive and enriching, and when the opportunity arises and in your own way say something of Christ. 
 
And so it is for us as Christian players, what Jesus asks us to do in taking the gospel to lost people isn’t complicated, but we need to keep focusing on the basics and making sure that every day as players we’re Pray, Play, Saying.

After much anticipation of this Beijing Olympic with its massive construction, planning and promotion,finally the countdown is nearer. Who would expect 30 years ago that this can happen in China after years of “cold war” between democratic fighters and communist ideologist. Instead of defending and expanding the idelogy, today they competes in a different war. On August 8, many will  fight for the glory  for a different reason in the sports arenas…

The Beijing Olympic 2008 theme ” One World One Dream” reflects the universal values of the Olympic spirit — Unity, Friendship, Progress, Harmony, Participation and Dream.The theme explains that we all belong to the same world and share the same aspirations and dreams.

How about Christian point of view? Is it a  incredible platform for harvest? Since the International Olympic Committee awarded the city of Beijing the 2008 Olympic Games, many Christian Olympians and groups have been waiting and preparing with both concern and excitement.

 Recently I read an article saying the Chinese government has placed a ban on foreign missionaries and will only allow Chinese chaplains approved by the government into the Olympic Village. Sounds like a blocked goal but do God really limits His plans? Controversy sparked when Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham, told reporters in China that Christians should not evangelize during the Olympics because it is against the laws of the country. But some dint agree…they say this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not only to compete, but also to have a lasting impact for the gospel.

Whatever it is…we know these brother and sisters either way is demonstrating the love of God so that many more will be saved. Maybe we will not have the privilege to be there or having to face the controversy but we can pray from wherever we are.

Lets pray for ….

1. Every Christian bro & sis in China to be lead by the Holy Spirit to witness to others.
2. Every athlete and official to feel fulfilled through giving of their best efforts
3. Every athlete and official will enjoy the Games through fair-play and mutual respect
4. Every athlete and official will be blessed with well-facilitated Games
5. All will experience a touch of world peace and unity of purpose

“May the blessed  glory of God fill China”

Its on Saturday 13th Sept 2008 from 12pm to 5pm!

Its a  project of FGA Cheras Chinese Church Youth with HomeFellowships to raise funds for building fund, a handicapped nursery, CARE centre and single mother group.

Lets come for the fun of carnival with lots of homemade food and carnival games! And your contribution will help other people!

Love your neighbour as yourself.

In writing up his interview with Jason Robinson, (England rugby player and Christian) a sports journalist, Paul Kimmage, imagined the team talk before the game: “Put your bodies on the line. Put your mind on the line! There’s nothing else after this. When that whistle is gone at the end, there is nothing else! They’re arrogant. They think they’re going to win. We’ll take them down.” The writer then imagines Jason thinking “What about ‘Love thy neighbour as thyself’? What about ‘Do unto others as you would have others do unto you’?”

The irony is that Kimmage in his light-hearted, tongue in cheek, article has expressed the dilemma exactly. The Christian player must put his body on the line and be as competitive as the rest of the team but, at the same time, love his neighbour. That is the essence of being a Christian in the cauldron of competitive sport.

If Christian sportspeople see opponents, not as the enemy but as neighbours, and moreover a neighbour whom Jesus tells them to love as themselves, it certainly affects the attitude to the opponent. It is about treating the opponent in the way that we want to be treated: with respect. It is about wanting a fair game, a good contest. It is about wanting the opponent to push us to perform at our best. People often think that being loving and being competitive is an “either or” but, in this setting, love means being competitive!

With that understanding perhaps the way to love one’s neighbour is to give them the hardest tackle one’s body can produce – fairly and within the rules. By doing that one is forcing them to be the best player they can be. Similarly I need the opponent to nail me when I get the ball and to play the most brilliant tactical game they can so that I have to take my gifts and use them to the best of my ability against them. That is to love my opponent in the heat of the competition. It is wanting the best for your opponent, in order to get the best out of yourself. It is playing hard but not seeking an unfair advantage.
Stuart Weir

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