International Ministries

Sacred Play

August 13, 2009 Journal by Mylinda Baits
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"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, she is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!  All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."  2 Corinthians 5:17-18

"And a little child shall lead them." Isaiah 11:6

I had the chance to enjoy sacred play on a number of occasions lately here in Costa Rica. Yesterday I was able to capture sacred fun as children of the Centro de Transformación Mariposa enjoyed each other and their new tunnel. Jose jubilantly exclaimed that he made it all the way through and he wasn't scared at all. This tunnel, as well as other educational materials, was provided by the generosity of many of you who gave to the Break the Chains campaign to support this family life center as they seek to offer healthy Christ-centered alternatives to the children in their neighborhood. As they learn and play in this loving environment, they are co-creating a new reality with God. I'd call that sacred play.

When we were back in our church in Santo Tomás, the first thing little Elizabeth asked me was when she could come make playdough at my house again. Since my kids are in high school and college now, I don't do much sculpting with playdough these days, but last week, when Elizabeth and her family came to lunch, there was no way I was getting out of making and playing with playdough. Her insistence reminded me that playing is important and that sometimes we need to plan for it or it just won't happen.  Our official job description here is leadership development and Elizabeth's leadership developed a new appreciation for play in me.

After years of hard work and expense by church members and friends from sister churches in the States, the soccer/ basketball court at the Cinco Esquinas Baptist Church is now being used on a regular basis for pick-up soccer by a number of youth from their surrounding community.  In an urban setting with very few options for re-creation, the "cancha" at Cinco Esquinas provides a welcome place to run, breathe and be oneself for many who may not ever find themselves drawn to a bible study or church service. Through acceptance and providing access to their sacred space, the faith community at Cinco Esquinas is offering a ministry of reconciliation. 

Sacred play happens when the divine pushes and pulls us to move through unknown territory and not be afraid. It happens when we plan it and even when we don't. Sacred play can be the opening to a whole new experience of re-birth and re-creation as we are reconciled to the One who created us to play in the first place. 

Thanks for playing a part in making all of these sacred moments possible. 
Having fun,
Mylinda