I met Winston playing basketball, but unfortunately, it wasn’t the most ideal meeting. We were running down the court, side by side on a fast break and without seeing me, he cut in front of me. I looked down as my foot rolled off his shin and my ankle was the first thing to hit the ground. Not quite ideal. Basketball has been one of the biggest ministries God has allowed me and the World Racers to partake in, and as I laid on the court, I thought it was done. I wanted to punch the guy rolling and checking my ankle and asking me if it hurt. I think the answer to that question was obvious.
Winston helped me walk over to the bench and then subbed himself out as well. He sat with me and told me he knew a little about injuries and might could help out until the nurse got there. Again, this wasn’t the most ideal time for a new conversation, but I gritted my teeth and let him talk. After a few minutes of icing and resting my ankle, the pain was numbed and I was able to actually listen to what Winston was saying. The story he told me was truly one of God’s provision and pursuit.
He was one of the oldest guys in the seminary by a pretty good gap. He told me he was president of the dorm and was finishing his final year before taking off to pastor his own church in Manila. Most of the guys down here don’t ever get to leave this island, and it’s rare to have someone from the main island come out here for school. But as I heard his story, it all made sense. Winston is 28 and a few years ago he met the woman that is now his new wife. She was a pastor’s daughter and he was a “bad boy”. Her nurturing gift came out and within a few months of meeting each other, Winston decided he wanted to be a Christian and leave everything else behind. It’s easy to say that when a pretty girl is on the other side, but Winston’s story didn’t stop there.
Naturally, Winston was a leader and even the boys that ran with him saw him as a voice of influence. When he became a Christian, he didn’t let his “immature” status deter him from his natural calling. He was a leader, and although he was new to the Christian thing, he knew he couldn’t hide from his calling. So, within a few months of being saved, he enrolled in seminary and decided he would get the training he needed to step into this roll. Now, a few years later, he’s getting ready to graduate and move back to Manila to become a pastor.
Titles don’t make a man and positional status won’t follow us to heaven, but Winston did what he needed to do to grow into his gift. Even though he was a natural leader, he knew he couldn’t just step into being a pastor, but rather, he needed to seek training. He may not have all the knowledge he needs to be successful in every area, but he has taken the time to cultivate and nurture his natural giftings. Our God is in the business of redeeming anything and everything, and sometimes, He wants us to take our time. Winston is not only a natural leader, but he’s wise and has pursued patience these last few years.
I don’t know what is ahead of this man, but he’s headed in the right path. Now in his third month of marriage, he’s ready to join his wife and step into this next season of their lives. Transitions are always fun, and I pray God rewards his faithfulness to step back and learn…
