James Ritchie was interviewed in church on Sunday about the role touch footy played in introducing him to Jesus.

As well as learning a language (Thai), Ritchie enjoys playing sports, but these days, thanks to touch footy, he knows that there’s more to life than those fun things. He started coming along to Southern Cross touch footy on Saturdays when Dylan Brooks, then a school friend, invited him along.

“At that stage I wasn’t a Christian and I thought Christianity was a whole bunch of rules to follow”, Ritchie said. “But after about two years of going along to touch footy on Saturdays with Dylan, I came along to SCPC. It was there that I gradually realised that we’re all sinners deserving death and a long way from God. But incredibly, God sent Jesus to die on the cross in our place and now we have a new life to glorify God.”

Since meeting Jesus, Ritchie has become involved in ministries such as leading youth group, joining the preaching group and inviting other people to touch footy. Ritchie now sees touch footy “as a gospel opportunity”.

Touch footy will start up again from 4-5pm Saturday May 3, on the footy field at Lismore High School (just near the MPU!). Everyone’s welcome to join in and play, or to just come along and watch.