|
Church
league softball and baseball helps to brings teams of youth together for
positive activities and growth. While church-sponsored sports may
not be direct evangelism, and does not always turn out as well as hoped,
many young people have been won to Christ through the closer contact
with Christian coaches, team members, and families.
I remember
some well-meaning church folks who tried their best to win me over by
taking me to church and Sunday schools when I was about 10 and 11.
(I did actually join the church.) They cared and they wanted me to
have the benefit of a good Christian witness. I do remember some
very positive experiences and some good lessons. But I hated
church meetings. I didn't care much for the Sunday school classes,
either. I would not actually become a true Christian believer
until I was 17 years old.
These and
other Christians who crossed my path in those early years did not fail
me. They did exactly what they should have done, what we all
should do as followers of Jesus Christ. But I do wonder,
sometimes, how things might have turned out had I been involved with
more sports activities sponsored by the church in those days.
Certainly our young people are worth the effort and expense.
I firmly
believe in the sovereignty of God, and that He will certainly get done
all that He determines to do. I don't think anyone will be lost
because of mistakes or oversights on the part of sincere Christian
believers. God, after all, is the One in control. But I have
also noticed that God works well with men and women who are willing to
do whatever it takes to make sure everyone gets a positive and effective
witness. And very often the best possible witness to anyone is to
simply be there, letting them know we are real people, and making
ourselves available as neighbors, friends and fellow citizens. |
