Our goal is straight forward– Find, disciple, send and support a few young South Sudanese who’d
pursue a career in sports and thereby glorify God as they conquer the world
with their skills.
Over 350 students from 13 schools, we are on course with this Yei Students’ Marathon.
These few pictures tell the story… as it happened on Saturday 30th June 2012.
Registration and accreditation in progress… Despite the heavy rain that delayed the race by 2hours, most of the racers arrived at 8am, with their hopes really high.
Pastor Stanley addressed the guests and the students at the event. With his focus on the big picture and the overall vision of the Ministry.
When we decided to name the Trophy, the Commissioner’s Cup, little did we know that this new Commissioner had been very actively involved in sports and youth development in the County of Yei for many years. He was overjoyed when he saw this trophy and heard our vision for this Marathon. He told us his story and later offered $600 reward to the School that wins the Cup.
I declared the rules, the route and revealed the rewards.
20 scholarships and 20 certificates for 20 winners (10 boys and 10 girls); cash prizes and medals for 1st to 3rd positions; beautiful plaques for 1st position (boys and girls); and a gorgeous trophy for the school that wins overall.
All set and ready to go…
It was a mad rush in the beginning, with the girls setting out first… and the boys followed after a few minutes. I was moved when I noticed all of them were running bare footed… but the muddy roads were a blessing in disguise.
The difference between the gifted and the ambitious became clear after 2kms.
She beat the rest to the first place… as she did last year. I have much to say about this girl!
As the rest came in, we received them with shouts of joy and admiration. There were surprises and some serious lessons too.
It was grueling… some fainted…and the heat didn’t help either. But God is faithful… none was hurt.
When this girl saw many runners ahead of her halfway into the race, she collapsed. She was distraught and wept bitterly, saying, “I wont go to school next year because I didn’t win…”
The day I saw Reida Keji training alone on a lonely path two weeks before this race, I knew this moment of glory would be hers. She took the first place last year and has repeated same this year. This girl has a future on the tracks. We are discipling her with joy.
Grace Betty is just 15yrs old, in her first year in secondary school and running a long distance race for the first time in her life. She came in third. I have my eyes on you girl!
Ten boys and ten girl won academic scholarships for 2013 school year. The winners worked hard for there rewards.
Angelo Vuga took the first prize among the boys. He was one of the winners last year too. Carried shoulder high by friends and admirers… this boy is a star.
The school with the highest number
of points among the first 30 racers (boys and girls) won the Commissioner’s Cup- All Hail Yei
Girls Secondary School. This all girls school featured only 36 runners… and beat the other 12 schools with over 60points. Four of their students were among the first ten. Their prayers and dedication paid off.
The Principal of of Yei Girls Secondary School receiving the overall Trophy.
The girls headed to town to celebrate and show off their trophy.
My moment came after the award ceremony. I gathered the winners and invited them to a celebration and appreciation party the next day Sunday. I needed to cast the vision for them. They agreed to come.
This Marathon gave us a wonderful platform for teaching lessons in discipline,
endurance, determination, faith and many more. We cast the vision of the Sports Club and got a 100% buy-in.
Uncle Yemi Ayodele of Missioncares Inc. USA donated the Trophy for the Best School for this Marathon. He attended the party on Sunday and admonished the winners and the assistants that served. We had a great time.
Lunch was served with drinks… we spent time connecting and taking personal and group photographs. There’s a family in the works within this group and I’m loving every bit of it. May Abba smile on this and be glorified.
Thanks for your prayers and support. We’ve set sail and together, we’ll get there.
Kingdom Exploits With Uche 