The following is the second part of the column Gifts of The Spirit. The first part was published on January 26 and is aimed at providing a vision for the NAAAs. In our nation there are two major problems related to the subject of using spiritual gifts. The first is that far too few people are involved in any kind of stewardship. They conceive of themselves as spectators rather than participants. None of these 'spectators' have the joy of being actively involved in stewardship and of seeing The supreme spirit work through them in the exercise of their spiritual gifts.
We shall assume that on the basis of the study in Ephesians 4:16, you would no longer consider this a viable option.
A second problem is with those who are actively involved in the stewardship of the local community, but who are not functioning in a stewardship which corresponds to their spiritual gifts. Perhaps the reason why so many have chosen to do so little or nothing in the way of stewardship in the local community is the lack of trust displayed by officials or leaders.
THE BIBLICAL SIGNIFICANCE
According to Christian tradition, as stated in the Gospel of Matthew, The Magi came from the east with gifts. Some traditions say that Gasper or Casper was the King of India, Balthazar the Black King of Arabia and Melchior was the White King of Persia. We are a diverse people. Our dedication to survival follows many a stream. Cleanse yourself in "The Pool of Siloam" In the Biblical conversation, these Kings were not described, nor named but believed to be highly educated individuals who knew to interpret and control dreams. Bede the Venerable 8th century saint points out that "Gifts from the Magi" signifies respect for Divinity, the shortness of life, the call to leadership. Paul tells us we must keep an open mind to the infinite possibilities for exercising these gifts of the spirit. The practical implications of this are many. The fact of diversity necessitates unity and interdependence. Here is the wish list of clubs surveyed in T&T between November – December 20, 2011.
Their identities remain confidential.
CLUB ONE
1. A confident and professional association President, one who is not afraid to take criticism and who genuinely cares for all athletes, not just those who have won medals.
2. A PRO who is interested in all athletes, not just his own.
3. A greater respect and role for women in the sport. It appears at though a woman has to have a 'mister' or concubine in the association to make trips and be given prominent roles.
4. Seeking the athletes' input when making decisions, like rescheduling the National Championships.
5. NAAA official present at the airport when athletes/teams are leaving to represent the country or return (some officials are present only when they have a spouse/friend/madam/mister on the team)
6. NAAA official at club's award functions. None was at D'Abadie Progressive, Abilene Wildcats, Memphis in 2011.
Club Two
My wish for the NAAA is simple but I think will help a great deal in publicizing the list of events for for the 2012 season. Moving into the 21st century at present, the NAAA rely on persons to go to their web site and either print a copy of the year's events or memorize its content. I would like to see that a few thousands (20,000 plus) graphically done nicely folded and wallet size event schedule and places in stores, banks etc. You know, the places where the public frequent. In the US you see the NY Yankees Baseball schedule, NY Giants, The Jets, Rangers. The Public might just find out that there is a track event.
Club Three
Shortlist a Carifta team of athletes at least four months in advance of track meet together with selected coaches in the respective discipline with emphasis on field events.
2. NAAA officials should have unannounced visits to clubs in their respective training areas, and to assist clubs in technical & financial support were needed.
3. Present a more integrated calendar of events, culminating in a national championship.
4. Establish more coordination between schools and NAAA, e.g. Assistance in training of officials; better certification and keeping of records; pressure for joint recognition of athletic achievement.
5. Pay closer attention to the quality and upkeep of facilities, including certification of Olympic standards of facilities.
6. Develop a plan for assistance to community based training, including a rigorous accounting for funds supplied to these communities based "coaches", whom we consider a priceless resource.
7. Develop a plan that includes extensive fundraising which will help alleviate the inveterate dependence on government. Shifting political winds could be problematic.
8. Examine constitutional reformulation and redrafting of the By-Laws of same is paramount.
9. Some indication of the possibility of going to jail for misfeasance.
10. Check the background of elected officials for character flaws.
Members of the executive It would be prudent if you visit the grassroots athletes in their holding pen, encourage them, let them know who you are, they know your picture from the news media, but they do not know you nor identify with you. Do not be so big that you can not reach out and touch. I remember the first time I saw and shook hands with the great Herb McKinley of Jamaica. It was the inauguration of a dream and the commencement of a new life!
About the gifts of the spirit
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work." 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11. I embrace this opportunity to wish readers of my column the best of everything and to the athletic fraternity continued success in your undertakings.