It is a Sunday afternoon. Most of the church members have left the building after the morning service. However, a group of 5 to 8 young people is hanging around. What’s going on?
They have an appointment which they wouldn’t want to miss—their weekly round of board games. It is an activity that brought the young people to have fun together and build meaningful relationship.
28-year-old Narit Phusitprapa is the person who started this weekly get-together two years ago.
He shared, “I noticed that a lot of young people in Thailand like to play computer games. And such games are pretty much a solo activity. It does not encourage interaction with other people. Hence, I introduce board games to them. I purchased a few board games that are fun and encouraged critical thinking. The games taught the young people to observe what’s going on as well as to pause and think before taking action. It is good for character building too.
“As we play together, we bonded. Now, after the game, we share God’s Word with one another.”
Narit (second from left) with the young people in his church.
Many other good things have also spin-off. Some of the young people have taken a renew interest in the Bible and have requested for Bible study in the weekdays. As a result, the older ones are guiding the younger ones in understanding God’s Word.
Imagine: What will this group of young people who are digging into God’s Word together and having a role model in their life become? Yes, the potential is unimaginable. Perhaps, among them, there will be a Jeremiah, Daniel or Jim Elliot of our day.
tom felten on October 18, 2011 at 7:12 pm
Going from games to getting into God’s Word together . . . love that progression! And, yes, it’s so vital for us to interact with one another face-to-face, enjoying true fellowship in Jesus. Thanks for sharing this, Poh Fang!
sun15 on October 19, 2011 at 12:54 am
Spending quality time with one another is an absolute necessary. You see I come from India- our work schedule is tight. Most of the members in our church have only sundays off. Some have alternate Sundays off. In such a packed agenda it’s a real challenge to encourage people to come and spend all the free time they have with the church. But I can say this is possible. Our church members meets often, in fact every Sunday, every government holiday, after working hours for the meetings/ practices; we see maximum of our church people coming together in meetings and dinner together.
poh fang chia on October 19, 2011 at 7:40 am
Thank you for sharing your experience, sun15. It’s encouraging to be reminded that God’s truth is universal and His desire for His people applies to all–regardless of which continent we live in.