Dale los Leones, it is 2-1. The crowd is excited, the two rival teams are playing for a place in the finals. It is the second half. The throng is loud, the drums are beating, the smell of smoke is mixed from various tobaccos,the flares, the trumpets are being sounded, peoples voices are chanting and singing, the emotions are strong. This game is important, very important. People have sacrificed a lot to be there. Many have spent the day with their teams flags laid out on the streets relying on the generosity of others small change so that they can afford to be at the game.
Los Leones won 4-2. It was a great win. Many were delighted, others disappointed that their team won’t go forward. The streets are busy, full of fans. The police are very present. Many cars, vans and even their water cannons to keep fans under control. Public transport is the best way go, but even that has its perils. Broken windows a common sight. Fans desperate to make their mark often turn to destruction. Flags are flown, colours are worn, team shirts proudly displayed be it the losing team or the winning team. This shows a camaraderie, no more than that, you belong, you are part of us,it is part of who you are, there is an understanding, we are family.
This passion for football was captured by David and our eldest son Alex. It is very much a part of South American culture. Something nearly everyone talks about. Whilst we were in Chile David pondered whether or not there was a way of ministering to this culture. Perhaps even the teams. As many of you would know Sports Chaplaincy is growing in Australia. David had made a few enquiries in Chile of old players whether such a thing existed in the teams in Chile. The reply was, ,"No, but more than that, I would be surprised if it would be allowed. I think they would be closed to it.,"
Interestingly enough, God likes to take on the impossible. Or maybe it's just that he wants to stretch us to trust him in these impossible situations. David was chatting with a friend after church early October, who is the Sports Chaplain to a rugby side. He happened to be attending a conference for Sports Chaplaincy the following weekend. He invited David to come along.
At the conference David met the director of Sports Chaplaincy, one thing led to another and David has found himself going to the next training for the Certificate of Sports Chaplaincy in Adelaide late November. The doors just seem to be flinging open. We are excited for this opportunity for David to be equipped. We are excited about what other doors the Lord is going to open as David investigates options for Sports Chaplaincy in Chile upon our return in February.
Dale los Leones!!!!!
