cktimes.ca Archives for The Pastoral Lens
The Pastoral Lens
Against the Odds
Tuesday, October 29, 2002
I just finished watching a very thrilling Game 7 of the World Series. Sure, my team didn't make the post-season this year (the Cleveland Indians), but I still like watching two good teams fight it out for baseball's pinnacle. I liked both teams that were in it this year, the Anaheim Angels and the San Francisco Giants. Neither team was picked to make it to the Fall Classic, so it made it that much more exciting.After a tremendous comeback win in Game 6, the Angels continued their momentum and took the final, claiming the title of World Champions. This was their first win ever in the team's 41 year history. The highest priced teams bowed out early this year, paving the way for the underdogs to come to the forefront. What was the secret? How did they do it? In a word, it's this: unity.
It's no secret that unity is the key to winning. In the sports world, there is a majestic beauty to seeing players on a team work together to achieve the desired goal. The Anaheim Angels had no "prima donna" to carry them, no Barry Bonds, or Michael Jordan, or Wayne Gretztky. Don't get me wrong about this, now, I'm the first one to admit that these men are great champions in their particular sport. However, when a team can put it all together without the catalyst of a superstar to get them there, then that is something to write home about.
Earlier in the week, I attended a special event at the Sydenham District Hospital in Wallaceburg to celebrate the opening of 30 new beds. As the ceremony was carried out it occurred to me that the reason for such a great accomplishment did not rest on the shoulders of any one person. No, it was a whole host of dedicated people working together that brought this about. There were administrators, government officials, doctors, nurses, clergy, volunteers, hospital staff, service clubs, and the list goes on and on, who combined talents to see this through to fruition. There was a time just a few years ago when the real threat existed that this particular hospital was going to close. The community rallied, however, and scored another come-from-behind victory.
The churches of Chatham-Kent are called to come together to serve this community. That is starting to happen in Wallaceburg/Walpole Island. Psalm 133 says: "How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity." As a pastor, my most rewarding work has come when I have worked together with other pastors. We have many, many good churches throughout Chatham-Kent. God has called Christians to work together and cooperate with one another. Jesus prayed for Christians to walk in unity so that "the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me." (John 17:23).
Jesus loves the people of Chatham-Kent. Now, if I want these same people to catch this great message, then I need to be willing to walk in unity with other Christians. Maybe I can take an example from the World Champion Anaheim Angels and see results from ordinary people who are committed to working together. Go to church this week and get on the team! There's always a spot on the roster for one more!
