“I’m Beginning to Welcome Jesus Into My Life” 

When we talk about sports chaplaincy, we often speak about the importance of simply being present. Sometimes that presence can feel quiet or unseen, but every so often, a moment comes that reminds us why it matters so deeply.

This story from Sports Chaplaincy Scotland is one of those moments. It shows how a trusted chaplaincy relationship can create space for honest questions, meaningful conversation and a life-changing encounter with faith. The following story has been shared anonymously to protect the player involved, while giving thanks for what God is doing through chaplaincy in sport.

Player contacted me and he wrote : “Hello, I hope you’re doing well. I have a quick question and I understand it’s a bit out of the blue but I believe you could be a good person I could ask as our club chaplain. I am very skeptical around it but I am very open to possibly welcoming Christianity into my life… how would I begin to do this? Sorry for the message out of the blue but I feel like I have pushed the thoughts away for long enough. Thank you.”

I responded:

Hi hopefully you have came to the right person as you already are aware I am a Christian.  Here is a starter try a prayer 🙏 just talk to God nothing formal needed just be open and ask God to be with you and ask for Him to open doors and be with you and you will be amazed. I will give you the logo bible that we have at **************FC, a  great small bible and I can explain it to you.  Going to church also is great, can be a large leap initially but would encourage you to come along to my church very modern and great age group with a fantastic pastor you will be made very welcome in fact we have two ********** players attend when they can.  Trust me this is a journey you will not regret it will change your life.  Sorry for rant but so pleased for you beginning to look at Christianity and more than happy to assist.   Small steps at a time.

He responded 

“Amazing! That’s a start that I am willing to take! I will get a catch up with you next time you’re at ******* & I will pick up the Bible. I have always pondered on religion but I was from a family of atheists & as I have gotten older & went through certain experiences I believe now is a good time to turn to faith. Thank you again. I look forward to the path this may take me down.”

Followed on with this from myself few days later.

"Morning hope all is well, I have shared this if you don’t mind been thinking of you and your enquiry this a great app called you version loads of plans to choose from and sure it will help you in your search.  Great videos small films too.  I use it daily and enjoy it. Cheers.

His response:

Morning, I will have a look into this app. Thank you very much for passing it across. I already feel like a small weight has been lifted off my shoulders by just speaking to you.Thank you.

After meeting with him on our Monday evening training, I asked the gaffer if I could have time with him he responded is he ok I said yes he said use my office and kick anyone out that’s in my office I spent 30 minutes with him and we ended with prayer he was very emotional and welcomed our time together he said is that how easy it is to pray.  

Went back to training the gaffer said is all ok and is he fit for Saturday? I said yes, he certainly is, he has wings. Lo and behold, he banged in a hat trick. His life is changing more calm, less anger and more aligned, he said than ever.  I asked him if he had shared this with his wife. He said yes she sees a big difference and she used to go to church, but distanced away now; her thoughts are changing too.  He has also shared this with 6 players in the dressing room I said HA HA wondered why the logo bibles in the dressing room were disappearing. The players witnessed his change in character also. Amen to that.  The gaffer messaged me and said I don’t know what you said to him on the Monday training night but what a difference in him.  

His last message he sent: “I am Beginning to welcome Jesus into my. 🙏🏽”

We had a great discussion on the last training evening of the season and we will be keeping in touch and have him along to our church I am praying that I can have him based into a local church where he lives as I know of some good churches for him.

What a blessing it has been to work with him and coach him through this amazing journey that God has chosen him and poured out his Holy Spirit upon him the player is totally unaware at the early stage of what happened to him in this life changing journey.  

As a chaplain things can appear dormant and quiet but we remain alert and pray each week for something like this to happen. What an inspiration it has been for me that prayers get answered.  As chaplains, our humble and quiet presence just being there does make a difference.