10 June 2010 – The World Cup 2010 opening, fans bedecked in a variety of South African gear to support Bafana Bafana against Mexico in the opening match,  a variety of good food, drinks and lovely coffees on sale, activities for the children (big and small), a really vibrant multi cultural atmosphere with the sound of vuvuzelas reverberating.  The venue – Soccer City, Innesfree Fan Park, Loftus Versfeld?  No – Cornerstone Church in Morninghill.

What – a church as a Fan Park – what next?  I think the idea of using the church as an unofficial Fan Park was inspired and lead to great fun and fellowship as people watched the 64 games on a big screen at the church.

Some games had many spectators, some not so many but whichever one you attended, you were sure of friendly faces and a relaxed atmosphere – even when there was intense rivalry among the fans!  After Bafana were knocked out everyone had to decide who to support and it was interesting to see some of the choices made.

The local community was invited to attend and many did.  Maybe the most notable were the group of South Korean ladies who attended all South Koreas matches and at the stage where two matches were being played at once, were disappointed to find the alternative match being shown.  Much to their delight, viewing was switched over to the South Korean match.  Although they did not speak much English, their appreciation was obvious.

Many people brought visitors and it would be interesting to know just how many nations visited Cornerstone during the World Cup month.  I know of Mauritians, Britons, Americans, Australians, people from the DRC and, of course, the South Koreans but am sure there were many more. For some spectators, who would not have been able to watch otherwise, the church provided the ideal opportunity.

Even those working to ensure the catering happened had fun.  Our home cell volunteered to man the kitchen one evening and although we went home with sore backs, we also took home good memories of fun and laughter.  Serving for the kingdom is not a burden

Some comments I heard from spectators: “I knew nothing about soccer but I’ve watched many matches here – and have even learnt something!”

“I brought my British visitors here for half a game as they wanted to go to the pub for the second half.  After the game they said they should have stayed at Cornerstone as it was much more fun!”

“I have never met so many people from so many different places!” - Marcus

I’m sure many people could add to these….

As nation after nation was knocked out, we approached the quarter-finals, the semi-finals and eventually 11 July arrived and it was time for the final between the Netherlands and Spain. In honour of the occasion Spanish (paella) and Dutch (stroopwafels) were served and much enjoyed.  Red and orange clad spectators invaded each other’s sides of the hall and much friendly rivalry was in evidence – Hup Holland against Viva Espana!  A vuvuzela blowing contest was held at half time and there was almost a sense of regret that this was the last game.  The red spectators celebrated as Spain won but I think everyone was sad that the World Cup in SA, and the microcosm of it in Cornerstone, were over.

I can only offer congratulations to those who organized the venue and sincere thanks to all who worked so hard to make it a success!  This certainly was evidence of a church opening its doors and welcoming all in and sharing resources –

and isn’t this what God wants of us? Let’s pray that every unsaved person who visited the church during the WC month was impacted in some way and that the seeds planted will be watered and cultivated. As Marcus said in his message on 11 July: “We all need to learn how to score goals for the kingdom – the goal being to lead people to Christ.”

Nicki Bosman