Champions

     The finals for the soccer tournament were supposed to happen last Sunday.  Due to a death in one of the Correrah families, we had to postpone the game to Thursday.  Finally the big day arrived, and my team was able to take the field.  We were up against the Baralande players, who happen to be my neighbors, and also the team that tried to play illegal players in some of the previous games. So there was quite a bit of controversy surrounding this team, and we were a little nervous about their fans getting ugly and causing problems.

     Thankfully the game went off without a hitch.  Perhaps it was fortunate that it happened on a Thursday, for there weren’t as many spectators, and people seemed more subdued.  It also helped that Andres had roped off the entire field, creating a barrier between the fans and the pitch, and that he had invited some members of the local police force to attend and supervise.

     Local tournaments here always begin and end with lots of fanfare.  It is customary to hook up a big sound system, blast loud music, and listen to commentaries from an obnoxious emcee.  It’s also important to invite and introduce as many “dignitaries” from the neighboring communities.  Our tournament featured the chef de quartier, the youth soccer director (though there are no youth soccer leagues of any kind), and the son of the local imam.  After several speeches, the most dignified person then kicks off the ball (like the first pitch in baseball), and the game begins.  At the opening match Jennifer was the one chosen to give the kick off.  She was totally embarrassed and confused.  It was great! 

     Thankfully the community elder was present for the finals, so Jen didn’t have to do it again.  And since the tournament was being organized by the church, we also had a former Muslim share his testimony.  Though brief and rather general, it was a perfect message for the occasion.  The speaker quickly told of his search for the true God, having felt the need to have greater assurance for his salvation (something Islam cannot offer).  He then attested to the fact that He found that assurance in Jesus Christ, and he encouraged all the young people to search for God while there was still time. 

     Finally the match started.  Almost right away our team gained control of the ball, passing up the field with expert precision—what can I say?  They had a great coach!  Though unsuccessful, they had several close shots on goal:  Nico hit the crossbar twice on free kicks, Beckham hit the post once, and several shots were either saved by the keeper or went wide.  The opposing team seemed to struggle to contain us, placing several defenders on Beckham, our lead striker and top scorer of the tournament, which left them unable to generate much offense.  They did have several close counter attacks, but they all ended with missed shots, or players off-sides.  Any shots that were on target were easily saved by our keeper.  The first half ended 0-0.

     The second half looked pretty much the same.  F.C. Savanné dominated the ball but couldn’t seem to get it in the net.  F.C. Baralande kept shooting long, desperate shots, rushing back on defense to try to contain our forwards.  Finally, the tension broke when Nico placed a pass right through the middle, Beckham sprinted past a defender, squared himself for the shot, and landed it solidly in the left-hand corner.  The keeper was completely helpless.  GOOOOAAAAL!  Fans and players alike rushed onto the field, and the opposition hung their heads. 

     Though there were still 20 minutes to play, the game was over.  Our team continued to pressure their defense, and their team continued to play frantic offense.  The game ended 1-0, though it seemed we had won by a lot more. 

     Throughout the whole awards ceremonies, our players beamed with joy, ecstatic that all their hard work had finally paid off.  We were by far the most well trained team, and in the end the results showed it.  For me too it was a proud moment, being able to clearly see the improvement of our players and the difference I was able to make in their lives.  Though I wouldn’t let them, originally our players wanted to call our team F.C. (football club) Andrew.  My hope is that whenever they remember this moment, they will remember a loving coach who also taught them about Jesus.  In a society void of positive, male role models, I’m hopeful the impact will go deep, and I’m grateful God allowed me the honor of playing this role.  Please pray for our team, Nico’s friends, that God would reveal Himself to them and draw them into His grace and love.