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Photo Credit: (AP Photo/Maurizio Spreafico)

Born Again - Va'aiga Tuigamala

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My passion was for sport and, like many youngsters, I was so caught up with it that I had little time for working out “the meaning of life.” In my teens, my sports career took off, especially with rugby. I lived for sport and the social life. My family and God were way back in third and fourth place. Then some of my friends joined a youth fellowship, which was set up to encourage youngsters to consider the claims of Jesus Christ.

I was pretty stubborn. I was born in Western Samoa and one of 14 children. Church on Sunday was an important part of our lives. But I noticed that many of these lads had a joy and peace, which was very real to them. I also had an economics teacher who was a Christ-follower. She explained to me that I needed to give my life to Christ and be forgiven. She said I needed to be born again. And in 1986, I did so.

Rugby became the platform from which I could share my faith. This is something, which has become, more and more, a privilege to do. It is quite amazing how people do not bat an eyelid if you are into the new age movement or Eastern religion, but if you say you are a born-again follower of Christ, they freak out! Preconceived ideas rob people of the truth and simplicity of following Jesus. My words of advice would be to pick up a Bible — get a modern translation — and read the words of God. Read about life, death and what happens afterwards.

In 1 Corinthians 7:31 it says, “this world in its present form is passing away.” I am under no illusions! My rugby career will soon be over. In due course my life will come to an end. When I die I want to know that I am right with God.

—Va’aiga Tuigamala, rugby player for New Zealand

Photo Credit: (AP Photo/Maurizio Spreafico)

Born Again - Va'aiga Tuigamala

Sep 16, 2019

My passion was for sport and, like many youngsters, I was so caught up with it that I had little time for working out “the meaning of life.” In my teens, my sports career took off, especially with rugby. I lived for sport and the social life. My family and God were way back in third and fourth place. Then some of my friends joined a youth fellowship, which was set up to encourage youngsters to consider the claims of Jesus Christ. I was pretty stubborn. I was born in Western Samoa and one of 14 children. Church on Sunday was an important part of our lives. But I noticed that many of these lads had a joy and peace, which was very real to them. I also had an economics teacher who was a Christ-follower. She explained to me that I needed to give my life to Christ and be forgiven. She said I needed to be born again. And in 1986, I did so. Rugby became the platform from which I could share my faith. This is something, which has become, more and more, a privilege to do. It is quite amazing how people do not bat an eyelid if you are into the new age movement or Eastern religion, but if you say you are a born-again follower of Christ, they freak out! Preconceived ideas rob people of the truth and simplicity of following Jesus. My words of advice would be to pick up a Bible — get a modern translation — and read the words of God. Read about life, death and what happens afterwards. In 1 Corinthians 7:31 it says, "this world in its present form is passing away.” I am under no illusions! My rugby career will soon be over. In due course my life will come to an end. When I die I want to know that I am right with God. —Va'aiga Tuigamala, rugby player for New Zealand