WORLD CUP FEVER
by Dwayne Buhler

He wears the captain’s armband for Brazil’s soccer team – which, as the world’s top-ranked team, stands a good chance of winning the World Cup at the 2010 FIFA tournament in South Africa this summer.

Lucimar da Silva Ferreira – also known as Lúcio – is an inspirational leader, both on and off the field. He is one of three Brazilians who helped Inter Milan win the UEFA Champions League Cup in May.

More significantly, as an outspoken member of Atletas de Cristo – a Brazilian movement of Christian athletes – he counts on God’s protection and guidance.

BC Christian News (BCCN) contacted Lúcio recently, to ask how he handles fame and fortune.

"For me, it is the balance of many things – especially fame and money. God’s wisdom is fundamental to be able to have the right balance in these things. I try to keep my feet on the ground the best I can. Fame is fleeting, and all the money in the world cannot buy true happiness in this life."

That happiness, he asserted, "only comes when you are part of the family of God."

Seen here wearing his ‘Jesus Loves You’ T-shirt, footballer Lucimar (Lúcio) da Silva Ferreira, playing for Brazil,
openly proclaims his faith in Jesus Christ.— photo courtesy www.l3lucio.com.br

Jesus, he said, "is my best friend, and a constant companion. He’s the one who is faithful and always at my side – whether it is in the pain of defeat, or in the delirious joy of victory. He’ll be with me, even when my name is totally forgotten."

The world of international sports can be a difficult place to take a stand for faith, but Lúcio is unashamed about his beliefs. In 2002, a group of Brazilian soccer players met before the championship match against Germany.

"I met with Kaká, Edimilson, and others for times of Bible study and prayer . . . We decided that we wanted to do something to glorify God. I put on a T-shirt that said ‘Jesus loves you.’ This was my way to tell the world that I was grateful to the Lord, and that he was my reason for playing."

Some have criticized these Brazilian players. Since the 2002 final, FIFA has banned the use of religious slogans on the personal equipment and clothing of players; but this has not stopped Lúcio and his Christian teammates.

"We must respect the decision of FIFA; but I believe that God will give us a way to testify of His love for the world . . . The important thing is to plant a seed, and let the Holy Spirit convince people of the way they should follow."

Many eyes will also be on one of Brazil’s other superstars as the tournament unfolds. Kaká is the nickname of Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite. He was FIFA World Player of the Year in 2007, and remains one of the world’s elite players.

Kaká has very concrete reasons to thank God. After a decade of building his skills at the São Paulo Football Club, Kaká was faced with his biggest challenge.

"When I was 18, in October 2000, I had a serious accident on a pool slide," he said. "I struck my head on the bottom of the pool and twisted my neck and fractured the sixth vertebrae in my neck.

"It wasn’t an easy time, with many thoughts going through my head. Was I going to be able to play soccer? Could I come back? I was only 18, but each day God strengthened me."

His faith remained strong – and indeed he recovered, and was able to play again. This reaffirmed his faith.

In 2002, Kaká was the youngest player to represent his country at the World Cup in Japan and Korea. He was also one of the players who knelt to pray in midfield after Brazil’s winning performance. Kaká removed his jersey to reveal a t-shirt with a message: ‘I Belong to Jesus.’

The young soccer star continues to openly declare his faith. Each time he scores a goal, he raises both hands and points to the sky as a gesture of thanks to God – remembering when he was told that he would never walk again.
 
Dwayne Buhler is the CEO of Missions Fest Vancouver.
Reprinted with kind permission of BC Christian News.