Our Games

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.

Table Tennis

Today Friday 1^st 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.

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[i] Philippians 4:13