Nelson Mandela was part of one of the biggest moments in sports history.
This Thursday, Nelson Mandela died at the age of 95. I’m sure a lot of you are way too young to even know who this guy was, so let me tell you a little bit about him.
For a long time, Mandela fought for equal rights for all races in South Africa. However, one of the biggest moments in sports history involves him showing up to support the South African team, the Springboks, at the 1995 Rugby World Cup. This was a big deal because many of the black citizens of South Africa viewed rugby as a “white” sport, and many of the white citizens of South Africa didn’t like the fact that Mandela had been elected the nation’s first black president. There was a lot of hating going on between both sides.
As Mandela walked out before a crowd of 65,000, all were silent. Mandela was wearing the Springboks’ jersey, which meant that he supported the team. The crowd quickly snapped out of it and began chanting, “Nelson! Nelson! Nelson!” repeatedly. The Springboks went on to win that game, 15-12.
Mandela had the honors of presenting the trophy to team captain, Francois Pienaar. When Mandela presented the trophy, he said, “Thank you very much for what you have done for our country.”
Pienaar replied, “It is nothing compared to what you have done for our country.”
When we allow God to work in and through us, He can use ANYTHING to bring about change; even sport. This week, pray that whatever you do, God can use you as His tool.
Happy Sabbath!
