Games Pastors

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7

The Olympic Games are almost over; just two days to go and I have enjoyed watching just some of the action. There has been such joy for the athletes who have won medals and such disappointment for the many who may not have even qualified for a final.  Yet all of them have displayed such dedication and determination. They have trained for years sometimes for a few seconds of a race and behind every athlete is a team of just as dedicated and determined coaches, physiotherapists, psychologists, dieticians and so on.

All of them will have been there during the years of training through the cold, dark winter months, the early mornings, the hours in the gym or pool and though they may not have been running, swimming, rowing or participating in the actual race, they have played a vital part in the success of the athlete.  Only one person may have actually won the medal but the support team made it all possible.

For the last two weeks I have been a Games Pastor working on some of London stations.  Every day we walk for hours round the station talking to people, helping them on their way, encouraging them and talking about faith when appropriate. We have even been able to pray with people.  Behind me though has been my support team of encouragers, prayers and intercessors supporting me on my journey. 

I have met so many interesting people and talked to many from travellers to the police who have come to London from all over the UK, the Network Rail people who normally work in offices around the country who for two weeks are supplying vital information to travellers, to the security staff who have made sure everyone gets on their way safely.  Everyone has served with good humour and kindness. I have met those eager to find a greater depth of meaning to their lives and those whose lives are in a mess. I have met those who profess no belief to born again Christians happy to talk about their faith.

Behind all of my endeavours and the work of Games Pastors is the support team whose sterling work has made it all possible. I am sure many Games Pastors would have given up weary beyond measure and discouraged if it had not been for the dedicated prayers and encouragement of those at home faithfully praying.

In the Olympics only the athlete gets the medal. The support team do not.  In the Kingdom we all get the medal, we all get to share in the success of the one on the front line.  You may not be called to be out there but your support in prayers, finances and encouragement is vital and your reward assured. Do not believe the lie that your prayers are insignificant; they are the vital lifeline to give strength, faith and encouragement to the one who is bringing the Kingdom to others.

Today ‘let us not become weary in doing good’ (Galatians 6: 9) but be encouraged that your prayers make such a difference and your reward in the work is assured. God sees and knows and he is so proud of every one of us involved in the business of the Kingdom bringing good news, life and hope to the poor.