Hole in One!

My disc golf small group meets every Sunday afternoon in the back parking lot. We have about 30 people signed up, so each week we have a fair number of men and women come out and play.

Sunday was a special day. I started us with our regular devotion time. We are in the process of naming each one of our golf holes with scripture. This Sunday’s reference for #6 was Genesis 1:31, “God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was excellent in every way. This all happened on the sixth day.” Our sixth basket is the one that you can see from Old Firetower Road near the gravel road entrance. It’s an average length throw for a right-handed disc golfer. Everyone knows that with a good toss, there is a chance for birdie.

I ended up in the last group this week. Our group of six included a husband and wife team, a couple of newer players, and another guy who has been in our group since we started it last year. When we reached the sixth tee, it was John’s turn to throw first. Most of us were talking and not really paying attention to John’s throw until we heard his disc hit the chains. John yelled, “I think it hit the chains!” You can’t see the basket from the tee on #6; it’s hidden by the pine trees. So, we all ran to look and see where John’s shot landed.

I think Tammy got there first. “It’s in, John. You did it.” Dave gave John a high five and a, “Way to go man.” John began to describe how he threw it, and then told us he had never made a hole-in-one before. Jim and Scott also added that they had never witnessed a hole-in-one, either. It was a grand day!

When we finished all the holes and got back to the parking lot, we came upon the others, who had waited for our group to finish. “Hey, John made a hole-in-one!” Everyone came over and had to hear how he threw it, which hole it was on, etc. We all just stood around and shared the moment. We all had places to go, but no one wanted to leave. What fun!

Of course, our connection is much more than plastic discs. We meet every week, share our stories and pray. This week, I heard one guy’s story of brokenness that God has since redeemed. I had never known how he came to faith in Jesus. We also discovered both of us dreamed about being doctors from an early age. Without the disc golf group, we never would have become friends. Another guy stayed late just to share how much Covenant Church has meant to his family since he started coming. He has a passion to be an Intentional Follower and understands—like never before—the power of a changed life. We’ve become friends through this group, too.

Most of these men and women have worked on the course by installing bridges, cutting brush, and pouring concrete for the basket poles. We are excited about the game, but we are more excited about being together and watching scores of other people come to Covenant to play our course. We hope they connect to our family as well!

Connecting with other believers is powerful. In fact, people who have a connection at Covenant forget we’re a big church because they are known by others and feel like part of a family.

If you’re not a disc golfer, it’s okay. There are lots of places here to connect with other people on purpose. Your intentional effort could be THE difference in your Christian life! There are some awesome people out there!

By the way, tell John Jenkins congratulations on the hole-in-one when you see him this weekend!

Intentionally following Jesus…
Branson