Happy Thanksgiving! Today Jesse F. reflects upon the various aspects of the game of Redemption that he enjoys.

Since first being introduced to Redemption in 2014, it has been a true blessing in my life. And on this day of thankfulness, I wanted to share some specifics of what I appreciate about it!

1) Playing Games – it may be the most obvious way to engage in Redemption, but this is actually the one I do the least, due to the season of life that I’m in. But I still really enjoy playing the game of Redemption – whether in person, or via Skype or Lackey. Type 2 and Booster Draft are my favorite categories! It’s especially fun going to tournaments, and I’ve made many friends over the years.

2) Deck Building – ah, so many choices! Especially as a Type 2 player where we get more space for creativity and are forced to include defense (which I love!), building decks is lots of fun. It’s an art, it’s a science, and it’s a challenge!

3) Collecting – including both trading and purchasing of cards, the quest to ever improve your collection in depth and width is an adventure all its own. If you’ve been around the boards the last few years, you know that I love trading! And both because of being a Type 2 player as well as the way I sort my cards (more on that next), my goal is to own every card in the game.

4) Organizing – I call my collection the “Redemption Bible” because I have all my cards sorted in binders by their Bible reference’s Book, Chapter, and Verse. Each Book is separated with Bible Book tabs on dividers. Given the thousands of cards in the game, many portions of the Bible are quite well fleshed out. Furthermore, I have my collection catalogued (using this great Land of Redemption resource) so I can keep track of what I have and don’t have. I’m very “green” (color personality, meaning an organizer) so I actually enjoy these time-consuming tasks!

5) Ministry – It’s no accident that my collection is organized Biblically – this is very beneficial for a few reasons. The ultimate reason I choose to play Redemption is because it points me and others to the Lord. Knowing and loving Him is our ultimate life purpose (Matthew 22:34-40), and for me, I get spiritually encouraged each time I look through my collection, as I am essentially reading an illustrated Bible as I do! I have also used my Redemption Bible for ministry to others by “reading” sections with students and my own kids. It’s really fun- they love it!

6) Community – As I mentioned earlier, I’ve made many friends through the game over the years. There is a “fellowship and family” aspect to the Redemption community which makes each big tournament feel like a reunion! It’s also great keeping the game conversation going daily on the Cactus Game Design Message Boards, and having Land of Redemption for regular exciting updates about the game!

7) Serving – Given what I’ve shared about how much of a blessing the game has been in my life, I want to give back and help it grow so many others can experience the same. I’ve been able to work with Gabe in hosting tournaments, helping with set releases, and now serving here at Land of Redemption, as well as help Derek T. with his Your Turn Games website which sells Redemption. I have some other ideas I’d like to implement to help grow the game as well!

Praise the Lord for His abundant goodness in many ways- including for inspiring Rob Anderson 24 years ago with the idea to make Cactus Game Design and the game of Redemption, also for the elders and vendors who keep the game moving forward, and for all the players who choose to invest their time and money in something based on Jesus and His Word!

To buy singles, sealed product, and other gaming supplies mentioned, please visit Three Lions Gaming!

By Jesse F

Jesse has been playing Redemption since 2013, and has come to love this game that is centered on Who he loves most- the triune God: God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit! Being privileged to learn the game from fellow church-members, including Gabe Isbell, he still has a ways to go in learning the game but is excited to be growing! Jesse currently helps support the players of his and Gabe's church in North Liberty (IA), where he has been a youth minister since 2014. Jesse intends to enjoy, contribute to, and use the game of Redemption both for Christian fellowship and as outreach to non-believers. His prayer is that God will be greatly loved through this great game!