A normal church would go about its business on Sunday and that is praising the creator God. This exercise usually ends at around 12 noon. And that would be it. The day would have ended. But not Shincheonji Church in Durban. Loosely translated from the Korean language, “New Heaven New Earth,” the church really does usher a new era through its novel way of doing things. It is rapidly proving that God is an all round caring God, who not only caters for His people’s spirits and souls but their physical well-being as well. This is what was on display this past Sunday.At first glance you would be forgiven to think that it’s a Sunday netball league at Hoy Park Sports grounds in Durban, and not Christians who had just been to church. The fun, the laughter, the camaraderie were all on display during the netball Victory Cup game. The Victory Cup games are football and netball games played amongst different teams of the church, namely; the Men’s group, Women’s group, Youth Group and the Newcomers’ group.
Although the Sunday’s game was fun but it was not without incidents where tempers flared. However, what made this so different from the conventional games, is that each and every player involved took something from the game. Take for instance, Wandisa Bhengu, the player from the Youth Group who lost the game, although disappointed about the loss but she had some valuable lessons to share. These lessons were learned during the electrifying but at times heated netball game.
“By now everyone is familiar with the laws of the game. Even though there were many mistakes but we needed to listen to the umpire. We need to discern right from wrong. There were instances where we needed to listen to the umpire.”
As for her opponents, the Women’s Group, Bhengu had the kind words. “It was a really a tight match. Anyone could have taken it. The Women’s Group was more united and it gave them the advantage,” said Bhengu who was obviously disappointed by the loss.
The captain of the Youth Group netball team, Bongiwe Mafuleka, felt the game was great and that the positive she could take, was that everyone was fighting to win. She likened this lesson to one’s walk of faith, where one could apply the principle of never giving up and fighting until the end for one’s soul to be saved.
The coach and player of the winning side – the Women’s Group – Zipo Marelane, was full of praise for both sides. “I think we really improved, everybody improved.” She also emphasised the importance of unity and family even though playing as opponents in the field. Her captain, Melicia Schoeman, felt they needed more practice going forward even though they played well.
The game was for the most part, evenly matched with no side willing to give in. However, in the end there had to be a winner. The Women’s Group triumphed over the Youth Group by 24 – 17. Despite discontent with some of the decisions by the umpire and disillusionment of losing, the younger opponents accepted the defeat with much grace and magnanimity, vowing to do better next time.