As the world gets to grips with the impact of the coronavirus outbreak, sportspeople all over the world are also seeing their lives change – particularly those in top-level sport, as their careers are on indefinite hold with serious financial implications.
In April, Christians in Sport (CiS) launched a new campaign calling on Christian sportspeople all over the world to reach out and keep investing in the lives of their sports friends even though sport has been cancelled. In the midst of all the uncertainty, the call to Christian sportspersons remains the same: reach the world of sport for Christ.
Though we can’t train, can’t compete and can’t share life with those in our clubs and teams as normal, now is the time to stay committed to them.
In the past we’ve summarised the call to Christian sportspeople as Pray Play Say. Until play resumes, the call is to Pray Stay Say.
Graham Daniels, General Director of Christians in Sport says: ‘The work of Christians in Sport is more essential now than ever. Sportspeople – whether it’s the 10million amateurs who compete every week or those playing at an elite level – are in limbo, struggling with what’s going on and asking big questions. For 40 years we have existed to reach the world of sport for Christ, equipping Christian sportspeople to live and speak for Jesus. Just because sport is off, the mission is not. We sense a real opportunity and a need for people to stick in the lives of their team-mates.’
He continues: ‘There is then also lots of activity going on internally with our support of elite athletes. We support 500 top-level sportspeople around the world. In light of the coronavirus we have more opportunities than ever. One morning last week we had a Zoom Bible study with 20 top-level (Premiership down) managers and coaches and the same is happening in top-level athletics, tennis and rugby. We want to encourage as many Christian sportspeople as possible that this is a crucial time to share the hope, joy, meaning and purpose they have found in Christ with their colleagues and friends in sport.’
Starting on the 13 April, Christians in Sport have provided opportunities for new online gatherings and resources to help equip and encourage Christian sportspeople the world over in this key mission, with a series of webinars every Monday looking at ‘How do I Pray Stay Say’?
CiS are also encouraging people to gather online to pray for the world of sport and the millions of people in it at this uncertain time. Event opportunities also include running a live Big Sports Quiz used by hundreds of sports clubs and churches every year, gathering hundreds of teams to hang out digitally and take part in the quiz, including a gospel message, live on YouTube every fortnight from Friday 17 April.
