ARKANSAS—On November 24, the Philadelphia Church of God Central Arkansas congregation hosted a post-Thanksgiving flag football game for members and visitors. Seventeen players were sorted into teams consisting of men from the congregation, Herbert W. Armstrong College students and alumni.

Throughout the two halves, men designed plays, made leaping catches, and encouraged each other.

Visiting alumnus Zechariah Henderson said, “It was great to be out there with the local congregation,” and that it was “welcoming of them to get the visitors involved!”

As the game wore on, cheers from the sideline intensified. Team Blue attempted a last-minute comeback but was shut down by heavy pressure from Team Black’s defense.

Local member and referee Daniel Ladenburg said, “The flag football scrimmage was filled with fun, laughter, friendly competition, and playful banter. Some tough calls had to be made, but thankfully the toughest was how big of a plate of leftovers were necessary to make up for all the calories burned.”

In the end, Team Black prevailed 28-13 over Team Blue. Local Church Elder Darren Verbout observed that no injuries were sustained on either team, an answer to a pre-game prayer.