Our plans don’t always work out, but God’s do. So there you go. Similar to the last time we did snow cones it was overcast and chilly. But, also similar to last time, that didn’t stop our teams from getting out there and bringing Jesus.
This time we were at Dvorak park. It’s nestled into a neighborhood, a public pool in one corner, a playground on the other, and a field in between with a baseball diamond. There is something about this park. Both times that we have done ministry there Jesus shows up in such unexpected ways and it’s always beautiful, relatable and both times has involved me cheering.
The first time the team started a soccer game including two little boys from the area. Those two boys were so excited to be playing with “the big kids,” and this time another game broke out. This time it was “light” tackle football with some middle school and high school kids. The teams were made and soon the game began.
Before my eyes I watched a bridge be built. They didn’t know one another and they may never see each other again. But for that short time their paths crossed and collided in some instances. We all laughed as one young man refused to go down easily and despite the person holding onto his shirt persevered to run, and his shirt ripped in half. The game went on despite it.
There were amazing catches, great running, great blocking and great tackling. But what I saw was so much more than a group of young people playing a game. There were eyes and minds being opened. Perceptions were being blown, opinions changing and maybe this would be the exception, but now there’s evidence of the exception. Now, what was once thought only to be possible is probable.
It’s probable that people will let you play with them, that when you smile they will smile back, that they do want to talk to you about your day, and for a short time not be strangers anymore.
That’s what I’ve seen happen with not only this group, but the last one as well, and I look forward to seeing it with the next group as well.
