Steve Alessi: Author of Alessi’s Angle, Pastor of Metro Life Church in Miami, Husband of World Renown Worship Leader Mary Alessi and Father of Four. 
Ten days before our Easter services, MLC launched the #WWFStreetGames where church members were divided into 5 teams and were encouraged to hit the streets (and their telephones) in an all out campaign to invite as many people possible to attend church on Easter Sunday. And although our games didn’t involve a duel to the death, we played with an urgency that parallels that of survival, only the lives at stake were not our own.
One of the predominant themes of the movie was that of sacrifice. This theme was present in the players of the #WWFStreetGames as well. They quickly learned that in order to play, they would have to give up most of their free time during a busy holiday week. The prize for this sacrifice? The winning team in our games would be honored at a party where the losing teams will serve them a dinner in a formal setting. Why would anyone sacrifice their free time to win a free dinner? It wasn't about the food or the humiliation of the other team. They chose to sacrifice because they too were once hungry for the truth and someone took the time to share it with them. They contemplated the question, “What if someone had not taken the time to tell me the truth?” No better motivation.
Another important theme in the movie was that of appearance, where the value of a person is based not on who they are but what they demonstrate or what they can do. Throughout the movie, image becomes the deciding factor for the success or failure of the contestants. But the true power of the victors was found in this truth: alone we may look like we have it altogether; like we are doing well, but true strength comes from being honest enough to give and receive help. Teamwork is powerful, and watching our #WWFStreetGames contestants make 1500 calls in one night and distributing 8,000 fliers in the City of Doral was only accomplished because we worked in unity. Everyone involved knew that together we could get it done.
In our games, we all experienced the accolades of being the strongest and the best represented because in the end, we ALL won. George Orwell once said that during times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act. People are hungry for the truth in America and our games became a way to start a revolution by simply feeding those in need.
What would you sacrifice to share the truth? In what ways has teamwork made the difference in your own life?
Best blog of the year so far. No better way to honor the sacrifice that Jesus made for us than to share the truth of the Gospel with others. So proud of my brothers and sisters at Metro Life Church.
Sacrifice? Spiritual answer is anything He asks of me. He won't ask me to give up something without a superior plan that's way better than me holding on to it. "But for real" answer is comfort in my pride. I used to struggle with sharing the Truth because I figured I had to convince the other person what I was sharing was indeed truth. So I feared rejection, which has its root in pride.
Teamwork? I'm recovering loner-with-regenerating-brick-walls, so being a part of the MLC team has colored the way I do life. Most importantly, I've learned how to relate, relate, relate (listen to, love on, and labor for) better with my loved ones, total strangers, and even myself.
Sacrifice is a powerful word full of blessings at the giving and receiving end of it. I would give up whatever the Lord asked of me to give as a sacrifice. I'm always asking Him to tell me what I should purge, what direction he'd have me take in regards to sacrificing myself for His cause. I want to make sure that I use all that I have to give as a sacrifice that will bring others to Him, and will bring Him glory. I can't give Him enough for all that he's done for me, so I say yes to sacrifice even when it's hard.
Teamwork has made a tremendous impact on me. Just last week the church staff surrounded my family in prayer because this battle that the Greens are in requires the team of saints to intercede with and for us. I so appreciate the prayers, love and support of my church family. Lord knows that this MLC team is holding us up, and for that I am so grateful.
Just like David said.. he gave his life for us. That is the ultimate sacrifice. Also there are people around the world that are risking their lives to share the gospel of salvation. When you look at all of this ...four hours on a Saturday handing cards that brings someone face to face with salvation is a piece of cake. I thank God for church family that understands this and I will ask this question...Will you join us next year???? Great message Pastor.
God bless you, Pastor.It is more wonderful than words can say to be able to share the Gospel any way we can, with or without the "rush", or emotion of it.Just doing what Jesus told us to do. He said, "Lovest thou Me? Feed My sheep." (John 21)It's the least we can do.
Thanks for being so faithful to share every week about your experience.
Much love in Jesus!