September 27, 2013
Coach Brett,
Man, I can’t even begin to tell you how much you and your boys have meant to me this month. I’ve been playing sports for a long time now and have never had a coach and team take me in with so much love and support. I had no idea how rugby was played, but that didn’t phase you. You genuinely just wanted to see a newcomer develop, grow and succeed. You allowed me into your club and gave me grace to learn the game. Your passion and patience has given me a love for the sport. Thank you for this gift! I would play for you ANY day. I don’t believe in coincidences; I believe that God is sitting in the driver’s seat and we are just along for the ride. Everything happens for a reason and meeting you has been a huge blessing to me. In just a short amount of time, you have taught me so much. When I become a coach one day, I pray that I’m as gracious, passionate and as tough as you. God is using you in big ways. The love of Christ is so evident in your life. My final prayer is that you continue to minister to young men like myself. It’s more than a game. You are teaching these men how to live their life, build on the character and grow into the role that God has laid out. It’s an honor to know you. May God continue to bless you, your family, and the boys at UUC Rugby.
God Bless,
Jeffrey Ballance
This was the letter I wrote to the Head Rugby Coach at the University of Ulster at Coleraine after my last practice. While my month in Ireland was filled with many awesome experiences, my time running, hitting, tackling and getting dirty with the rugby team was by far my favorite memory.
Those guys are tough as nails! I saw a group of fierce and fearless men run out onto the field and play with intensity and heart. Seriously! In the thick of it, I saw one teammate (who was probably the smallest guy on the field) catch the ball on a kick off, drop his shoulder and drive straight through men three times his size! After he was taken down, I got low and went in to defend the ball. The ball eventually moved away from the pile-on that was forming around us. After the dust settled, we picked each other up. With blood smeared across his face, he grinned and yelled out, “Great job lad! Way to have my back! Now let’s knock’em on their ass and keep driving!”
There’s a special bond that comes from hard nosed competition. In and through Christ, that same sense of brotherhood exists. As Godly men, we are NOT called to be passive in life. In 1 Corinthians 16:13, the Apostle Paul tells men to stand firm in the faith. Following Jesus can be tough! Men walking with The Lord need one another. Period. We call each other out of sin and into greatness. We hold each other accountable for our actions and we do this in order to grow and become more like Christ. There is strength from God to be found in this brotherhood. Iron sharpens iron. -Proverbs 27:17
