One of the reasons we created Shattered Studios was to reach out to people who feel disconnected from the church or from faith in general. We have seen firsthand the positive impact God can have on a person’s life when they are willing to bring to Him all of their hurts and brokenness and allow Him to make them a New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). So we are excited when we have the opportunity to share this truth with people who for one reason or another might feel like this message has not been for them.
This week we have the opportunity to share this hope with Gamers at an incredible gaming convention – Dice Tower Con in Orlando, FL. Please be in prayer for us as we have the chance to hang out with some amazing people from around the world and to share Christ’s Love in varying ways.
When I first experienced this convention last year I was struck by the sense of community that I felt within the walls of these hallowed (is that too strong of a word?) gaming halls. People from different backgrounds and walks of life were excited to meet new people and to share a hobby they loved so dear. Sometimes I feel we have lost that sense of community even within some of our churches today. What would it look like if we were more intentional about spending time with one another – sharing food, fun, and yes even games. What if we also intentionally shared life together – both the good times and challenging times?
And what would it look like if instead of always expecting people to come into the four walls of a church to meet Jesus, we brought Jesus to them? What if – dare I say – we endeavored to make even the halls of a gaming convention a sacred space. A space where believers go and experience their shared love of a hobby with people who may not yet believe. And what if – just maybe – through that interaction we can share a smile, a laugh, and form a friendship. A friendship that one day – by the prompting of the Holy Spirit – might lead us to an opportunity to share more about our Savior.
The idea that the Creator of the Universe would desire to spend time with us and care for us individually is truly life-changing. And for that God to send His Son to willingly sacrifice Himself for our shame, wrong-doings, and brokenness is almost too hard to imagine. But sacrifice Himself is indeed what Christ did, and through Him we now have an opportunity to have a restored relationship with our Creator. That truly is Good News. And that Good News is for everyone – whether we share that in the pews or around a gaming table with friends.
The book of Revelation records Jesus’ words: “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal [perhaps even a game?] together as friends.” – Revelation 3:20 NLT (the part in brackets was added by me… just want to make sure that is known, haha).
What hobbies do you enjoy? Are you willing to invite people who may not yet share our faith to join you in those pursuits? And are you willing to invite Jesus into those times as well, hoping that one day you might have the opportunity to introduce them to each other? I promise there is no one greater that you can introduce a person to that will change their lives for the better for all eternity.
Check out our events section for cool things that we are up too this week (including hosting a Faith & Gaming Panel and participating in a Worship Service), and if you are planning to attend the Dice Tower Convention, please grab one of our team members, say “hi”, and play a game with us.
For His Glory!
Derrick Whitmore