An inspired Jonathan Pilbrow from Alice Springs recently wrote to the editor of War Cry with the following perspective on the great Aussie hero. Our sports stars. This is what he had to write...
"Since we spend so much time playing, watching, reading about and debating sport - it follows as Christians that maybe we should put a lot of this postitve energy into praying as well."
"I am writing in relation to the excellent article in the War Cry, on April 2002, covering the role of two Chaplains (Cameron Butler, and Graeme Cole) with two Football Clubs in Australia. I was particularly encouraged by the focus placed on prayer - by the Chaplains - for the players and staff they minister to. It brought to my mind an idea. What if all Australian Christian sports fans prayed on a regular basis for the members of their favourite teams (and maybe even their least favourite teams for an even more radical idea!!). Fans could even nominate to adopt a particular player to pray for, for the season."
"If it happened, what a powerful movement this could be - to pray for the role models of so many of our children and young people. For many Australians - Christians and non Christians alike - sport is a big part of life - and a regular topic of dicussion. Since we spend so much time playing, watching, reading about and debating sport - it follows as Christians that maybe we should put a lot of this postitve energy into praying as well. Maybe on his website www.goodnewsports.com, Butler could invite people to pray for their favourite sportsperson team or maybe."
"To quote Cameron Butler from the article:"Prayer is the greatest thing any person or any chaplain can take to people who don’t know God".We would do well to follow this advice!"
Pilbrow doesn't stop there. He has these wonderful ideas for church magazines, services and newspapers...
"Good performers from the previous round of AFL or Rugby League could be highlighted with a photo and brief description of their performance - as well as a bible verse (and maybe a brief explanation, if necessary)."
- If an AFL player kicked 8 goals 1 behind in a game - you could have Romans 8:1 "There is no condemnation now for those who live in union with Christ Jesus"
- Or, if a Rugby League Player scored 3 tries and 3 conversions in a game - you could have John 3:3 "Jesus answered, ‘I am telling you the truth: no one can see the Kingdom of God without being born again’"
- In Cricket season, if someone took 10 wickets in a game - the following verse could be used.John 10:10: "... I have come in order that you have life - life in all its fullness."
- Or is a bowler took 6 for 25, you could have Matthew 6:25 "Do not be worried..."
Good stuff Jonathan! Reaching Aussies with sport as a theme has great merit, both the good and the bad, the success and failures. Why not take some time and pray for our sporting stars. Use sports to convey the gospel, parables or reach those who don't know Christ's wonderful love.
