My Greatest Sporting Event Ever!!!!!

I could never have dreamed up an opportunity like this in my life!!!! Only Our God could ever have orchestrated what I'm about to tell you......To Him be all praise and thanksgiving!

This all started in 1977 when I was on staff with AIA (Athletes In Action/CCC) playing semi-pro soccer in Los Angeles. Each week our staff would pray fervently for all the countries around the world, soccer teams from those countries and specific players and coaches. I really believe the events that have unfolded lately are the result of those (and others) prayers for Congo.

So fast forward to a couple of weeks ago when I reported that the Congo Women's National came to our School, TASOK, to do a clinic for girls teams from around Kinshasa. Because of that, the Congo Men's Team was encouraged to come here last week and practice twice in preparation for their African Cup qualifying game last Sunday against Ethiopia. I acted as the school liaison to the team and got to know one of the Assistant coaches who I have come to know is a brother in Christ. A great guy named Christian. Well, on the Saturday practice, as the team started to gather, they circled up and said a prayer together. It was sort of like a low mumbling then moments later someone said 'Amen' and they broke up to practice. So after the practice, as the team was getting onto their bus to go back to the Hotel, I asked another coach if I could pray for the team. He said please. So, with a translator in French, I proceeded to get on the bus and prayed for the team. I prayed that God would help them control the ball beautifully, to pass with accuracy, to give them power in their shots, to help their coaches have great wisdom, and on and on.....ultimately praying that these men would recognize that God above has given them great skill to compete and that we should all honor Him. As I finished they clapped and I could tell many truly loved God as they connected with me with a smile and some thumbs up.

When I got off the bus Christian asks me 'you wouldn't want to go to the game, would you?' Duh!!!!! Yes!!!!! So he told me that Joe and I would get picked up for the game Sunday. Sure enough, Joe and I got picked up, taken to the Hotel with the team and then escorted to the field by motorcade with Police escort and all! We were sent ONTO THE FIELD where we think we were the only white people in a crowd of 60-65,000. Oh Yeah, the Head coach is white too....make that 3 of us out of 65,000 people. (Check out Joe in the picture above taking video next to the Ethiopian team.......white among darker skinned folk everywhere!!!) It was a bit intimidating but an absolute thrill as we photographed the game (stills and video) from anywhere we wanted to go. It was amazing!

Now back to the 70's......I really think God was saying to me...."Steve, your prayers are never in vain.....then (70's) and now....." As I walked around pre-game, the team and coaches would see me and wink, pumped their fist, give me a high 5 or nod in recognition that they knew who I was and what I stand for. It was an amazing day topped off by the team beating Ethiopia 2-0. They play Argentina in a friendly match at the end of May and will be coming to TASOK for more practices they tell me....pray for more opportunity to be a light for these men (players and coaches!!)