I’m currently witnessing sport and competition at its very
best, determination, participation, encouragement and team work. The
Commonwealth Games has brought a “buzz” to Glasgow. While Usain Bolt may or may
not appreciate Glasgow almost everyone else is enjoying the carnival
atmosphere.
Ensuring that those on the margins are brought into the
centre of the festivities we hosted some games for our clients.
So often the men and women we serve face the day already
feeling that they are beaten, they've lost and there is no point even trying.
By the time we meet people at Glasgow City Mission they have been fighting and
losing for so long, that they have already chosen to hide in addictive and destructive
behaviour.
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| Table Tennis |
Today Friday 1st August I’m watching this very
same group of people compete like their lives depended on it. I’m witnessing
engagement and full participation, even when it’s difficult. I’m seeing people
fall over, fail, not make the mark and yet pick themselves up and have another
go. We've got long
jump, basketball hoop challenge, football keepie ups, street bowls, 100m
sprint, badminton and table tennis.
The noise at our main office on Crimea Street is quiet loud
today, in fact the neighbours might complain. It’s not a destructive negative
noise, it’s cheering, it’s support, it’s the constant noise of encouragement –
it’s what’s needed.
 |
| Basketball |
I can’t explain how personally exciting this all is for me.
We work with these guys day in day out, and sometimes the whole “hopelessness”
of the situation gets to the staff and volunteers too. But today, today is all
about the possibility of winning. Today people are winning, and it’s
BRILIIANT!!!
One of our jobs at Glasgow City Mission is to be the
encourager to help those we serve to participate, engage, and remain determined
and to help each other dust ourselves down and keep going. The apostle Paul
reminded the Philippian Church that he could do all things in Christ who gave
him strength[i].
It is still true for us today. The Spirit of Jesus continues to give us
strength, strength to do the things we cannot do on our own.
We can and do see real change in the lives of the men and
women we serve. We can have real hope for real change. Sometimes we all just
need reminded of it.
