Impact Through a "Top Spin Spike"

Making Faith Relevant in the Jane-Finch Community, Toronto, ON

Electricity was in the air. Roger and Hans stood at opposite ends of the table, each with their own table tennis paddle. Kids from the Jane-Finch community crowded the table and the two players commenced their game. Sounds of “oohs” and “ahs” filled the air during the next few minutes as the ball bounced back and forth and side to side. Roger delivered a beautiful ball, just perfect for a top-spin spike, and Hans made his move. Roger lunged to return the ball, but he could only watch as it careened into the back corner of the room. The place erupted into cheers and applause and the game ended with Hans as the victor. “You made me look bad!” Roger laughed as he and Hans shook hands after the game, and he called for a rematch.

The following week, two tables were set up in front of the Jane-Finch building awaiting the table tennis tournament. Area boys and girls clubs had been invited; the BBQ was fired up; Freezies were frozen; the community pool was open; and the air was still – no wind – perfect for table tennis. Hans’ advertising had read:

 “Play Table Tennis. Learn Table Tennis.
Have Fun. BEAT ROGER!”

However, not to be outdone, Roger informed everyone present that Hans was a pro player, which was not exactly true, and therefore everyone tried to win against Hans. Someone came close to beating him so when it came time to play doubles, Hans made sure to pair with that person. They were unbeatable for the remainder of the day!

Approximately 100 kids, 35 adults, and a dozen teens spent the day together, playing table tennis, eating hotdogs, and just having fun – right down to the cleanup afterwards. At the end of the day, the tables went back into the building, the BBQ was put away, and people returned to their own lives – changed by the experience.

New friendships were formed and strengthened as the Jane Finch Faith Community reached out to the neighbourhood around them. Hans reports, “A table tennis club has now been formed and meets twice weekly. It has attracted some good talent and a volunteer or two. It has also provided a place where some instruction, light leadership training, and discipleship about God are happening!”

Jane Finch Faith Community, pastored by Hans Peters, is part of the MCEC community and is committed to showing faith to be relevant in their own lives and in the lives of their neighbourhood.