Kingdom of God Appears in Aline-Cleo Gymnasium During Aline vs Waynoka Basketball Game
BY CARMEN STAFFORD
That’s right friends!
It really happened. What a blessing it was to participate in that joyous occasion! I don’t know much at all about sports writing, but I know a lot about sighting kingdom work and this was the work of the Holy Spirit at it’s finest.
During the last quarter of the game played Dec. 5, 2023, the coaches of both teams were wise enough to move in their B line ups to get some much-anticipated time on the court for all the young men.
It was fun to watch both teams put forth their best efforts throughout the game, especially during the last couple of minutes when our differently abled stars were racing down the court and scored the final points of the game.
The crowd was wild with anticipation, and I shouldn’t have been surprised when they stood and cheered for the final scoring. Everybody won. Every soul gathered in the gymnasium felt the movement of the Holy Spirit.
This is what the Kingdom of God looks like!
Outside the walls of our churches and board meetings, into the lives of all citizens whether they are particularly religious or not. God’s plan is for all of us, not just United Methodists, Baptists, Catholics or, disaffiliated Methodist churches. God’s Kingdom comes for all and it was evident to all during this game.
Praise be to God for moving through the hearts of our coaches, players, and fans. God’s Kingdom isn’t meant to be recognized by only church goers. Our Methodist founder, John Wesley, was adamant that we are all to be of an ecumenical nature through our teachings, service, and communities of Faith. I have been blessed to be connected to both communities and am well aware of the power of God that is unleashed through our ecumenical efforts in these rural communities.
Now it’s time for our church leaders to follow this example within the walls of our buildings, of unleashing the power given to us to the world that is meant to move across denominations and religions!
May the power of God’s Holy Spirit be unleashed within your hearts, your churches, and our communities during this season of new beginnings as we acknowledge Christ’s appearance in our lives. Amen.