The slogan around the West Midlands proudly proclaimed that “Sport is just the beginning.” It spoke of a commitment to see a legacy from the Commonwealth Games that have just taken place in the city.
Well, we’ve enjoyed the games and certainly have been impressed by the organisation, the facilities, the tireless work of volunteers. Whether or not we will see the great “legacy” often talked about from major occasions like this remains to be seen and to be honest, I think most Brummies and West Midlanders remain somewhat sceptical. There’s talk of a bid for the 2040 Olympics and we’ve got a new swimming pool in Sandwell but will there be anything beyond that? And when it comes to the things that really matter, it’s difficult to see what difference will be made to the cost of living crisis, education or having our bins emptied on time.
Personally, I’ve been hoping for another kind of legacy. The West Midlands have been in the spotlight for the church too. Some of you have watched the games on TV, some of you have been to watch some of the events, some of you have been praying for outreach here and some of you have been and taken part in short term mission here for the past two weeks.
Will there be a longer term legacy from this? My desire is to see people who love Birmingham come to love Jesus and for people who love Jesus to start to love Birmingham. My hope is that with the city and region getting everyone’s attention that my brothers and sisters will see the Gospel need here. My dream is that this will lead to people wanting to come here to help plant churches into needy communities so that the light shines brighter in the darkness here.
Could it be that God is challenging you to be part of that spiritual legacy from the Commonwealth Games.
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