Golf for Hope
“We’ve got you a hot dog, a golf cart with a driver oh, and some tacos afterward,” Snake informed me. Volunteering as a photographer comes with perks and I was all in on this one.
Even though I know absolutely nothing about the sport called golf, I love the guys who run Convicted4Christ. I love the volunteers and the compassion in their hearts for helping others - and that is what draws me toward what they do.
As I hopped in the cart with Christina, my golf cart chauffeur, and brand-new friend, I immediately knew it was going to be a fun day. Her role was to drive me around so I could take photos and she could sell some 50/50 raffle tickets and give away some of the !MPROV Booze Free cocktails that had been donated.
“So, I know absolutely nothing about golf, do you?” I asked.
“I sure do! Don’t worry, you’re in good hands.” She hit the gas pedal as we sped off to begin our excursion.
“What exactly is the point of golf? How do you score? Like, what is the end goal?” I continued to inquire.
“The goal is to NOT have points…but, really it’s about relaxing, being out in nature, hamming it up with friends, and, yea, developing patience.”
As we drove around, I saw the camaraderie between all the players. And as I took photos of many of the players, zooming in on some individually, I knew there were stories to be told because we all have a story. I also knew this group was a mix of contributors and volunteers mixed in with guys who had been homeless and either currently residing at the sober living or had been helped by the C4C ministry in some way, shape, or form. But, there was no way to point out those differences because these guys all blended so perfectly together. It was pretty clear to me that they were all friends enjoying a day out in nature, hamming it up, and learning a thing or two about patience.
After a day of golf, everyone gathered around for the raffle drawing and tacos. Snake and Michael shared the meaning of the day. They are great speakers and their words tug at the heart. What really impacts me are the testimonies of two men who had grown stronger and healthier by being a part of the C4C Sober Living Community, which is a direct result of obedience to Jesus.
Hearing about their openness & seeing the humility about where they have come from, their gratitude to be where they are today, and their willingness to continue growing was truly the best part of the Golf for Hope Tournament for me.
Like my golf knowledge, I have not had first-hand experience with homelessness or imprisonment, but I am someone who has lived with an addict my whole entire life and I know what living with big loss feels like. I know enough to know just how huge the mentality of hope is. I know it is what will propel us forward to make the changes necessary. Hearing directly from them helped me understand more deeply what C4C is all about, Hope.
That’s a hole-in-one in my book. (And yes, I had to google what the best play in golf is called.)
I did not include the full testimonies of these men as I’m not sure if they are willing to have them publicized, but as I listened to what was recorded, I believe with all my heart that their words need to be heard and I’m going to do my best to sit down with them and turn them into storytellers.
Enjoy the slideshow!
