Soccer, not basketball or football is the world’s international sport.
I did not grow up playing the sport but my two boys played some when they were younger. This month I watched our Middle Eastern friends play an intramural final against a Mexican American team at CSULB. There were many Asian American friends of our friends cheering on the “Blue O” team. It exciting to me because I knew “Oscar” and his brother who were playing. The play was intense with the “O” team scoring first, but their opponents scored on a penalty kick. The call on the foul was controversial and the coach for the “O” team argued with the referee until he was ejected from the field!
It was enjoyable for me to be a part of how the students cheered for their countrymen. They would sing songs in Arabic and also give out this tounge warbling cry. But we all spoke the same language when we scored, “gooooooal!” The game went into overtime (1-1), and then was decided by a shootout. Unfortunately “Oscar” and other missed and the other team took the win. As a fan and supporter of the “O” team we consoled ourselves with the knowledge that we had scored the only legitimate goal, and that we had a bigger cheering section. I am reminded of the scripture which reminds us that living the Christian life likened to the Olympic games.“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus , the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scoring its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2).
It is a challenge to do this work with students from Asia and the Middle East. I find myself in a spiritual conflict with different world views religious systems, overcoming language barriers, and their personal issues and sin. Some are involved in bad relationships because of loneliness or suffer from depression. The ministry at CSULB is because of the team God has provided. I am thankful for the partnership with Jesse from ISI and Zach who is an intern. We pray, plan, and support each other in reaching out to students. Hosting parties, running our weekly meetings, and taking students to Yosemite requires a faithful team. My hope and dream is to one day be worshipping before the throne of the lamb with the members of “Blue O.” And that we together will be kneeling before Jesus and shouting in every tongue “Jesus, you are Lord and God!”
I cannot thank God enough for the cheering section of generous supporters. He has opened up relationships I would have never dreamed of since I started the international student work four years ago. Keeping my eyes on the prize and Jesus For the Kingdom to All Nations.
Arthur Lum
