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| Jorginho (Jorge de Amorim) |
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Brazil
Soccer (Football)
Defender
World Cup Champion 1994
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| In 1985 I was hit with enormous personal problems. I was a successful professional footballer. In contrast, my older brother, Jaime, struggled through life. He was an alcoholic; he did not have a lot of money or date many women; he did not drive a nice car, and he wasn´t famous. But then he became a Christian and he stopped drinking. He still did not have a nice car or much money, but he had peace in his life; he was content. |
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| I was famous; I drove a nice car and had a lot of money. But I didn´t have peace. So I decided to visit a Protestant church. During a sermon, the pastor spoke of Jesus and his act of salvation for the forgiveness of our sins. Afterwards he prayed for the physical and spiritual problems of the church. It touched me very deeply, and reminded me of the conversion I had seen in my brother. Right then, I made a decision for Jesus.
Immediately after I gave my heart to God, I got in touch with a group of other athletes who are committed to Christ. Some people find it hard to understand that top footballers are spiritually committed, but other people react positively. Some people like our behavior on the field, and comment on how we are promoting good fellowship and companionship within the team.
Even Pele commented on national TV that he believes in the national team because of the unity - a sense of togetherness that he hasn't seen in any other Brazilian national team. He credits this to the influence of the footballers committed to Christ. I always needed to win at soccer to feel content about myself. But like Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "the old has gone and the new has come".
I don't take my identity from soccer but from God. There are so many people who want to talk to me because I'm a famous soccer player, so I share with them about my faith to God.
I would like to be remembered as an athlete committed to Christ who used his sport to proclaim the gospel throughout the world.
from the Sports New Testament "Go For It!" Europäische Sportunion (ECSU), Kölner Str. 23a, D-57610 Altenkirchen
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| Are you lacking peace and contentment in your own life? It can only be found in Christ. To learn more click here. |
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Copyright (c) 2000-2004, TTNL Sports Network |
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