Ulster Rugby players share their faith in Movilla Abbey
A full church at Movilla Abbey on Sunday 15th Jan heard two Ulster Rugby players share their testimonies at the monthly alternative youth service, “SURGE!”.
Colin Maxwell, Youth Worker at Movilla Abbey introduced the service and welcomed Johann Muller and Ruan Pienaar (Ulster and South Africa RFCs). Sam Gribben and the band led the lively worship which truly glorified God.
Colin interviewed the players who spoke about rugby, their dreams, but most importantly shared their faith stories as an encouragement to all gathered. The Reverend Paul Gallucci, Methodist Minister, and the Reverend Kevin Graham, Church of Ireland Rector, challenged the two rugby players to a tug of war, the final score being 1–1. The clergy admitted that they may have been a little bit easy on their guests!!
After worship, many young folk, and not so young, met with the players over coffee and a chance to get some memorabilia signed. The offering for the event was given to Johann Muller to support the work of a Children’s Hospital in South Africa, of which he spoke passionately earlier in the evening.
All were encouraged, with one Dad saying, “It’s great having such good role models for my son.”
Pictured from left to right: Colin Maxwell, Youth Worker, Ruan Pienaar,Ulster RFC, Rev Kevin Graham, Movilla Abbey CoI, Johann Muller, Ulster RFC, Rev Paul Gallucci, Movilla Abbey Methodist, Gareth McBurney, Youth Intern