One Important Ingredient

New Zealand has a tiny population of 4 million. But do not let the numbers mislead you for this country down under is a sport might especially in rugby and sailing. Its rugby team – All Blacks – is a national icon and held in high esteem in the rugby world.  Auckland is known as the City of Sails and yachting is a major crowd drawer. While most of the best sailing teams that compete in America’s Cup are owned by private entities, Emirates Team New Zealand is partly funded by the government.

Sport is a significant part of the life of Kiwis and the athletes are passionate and dedicated in their chosen field. No wonder New Zealand has Olympic medallists and world champions in rowing, triathlon, athletics, basketball, golf, motor racing and others. But in the two most important sports – rugby and sailing – it is only the second best. Despite the availability of advance tools and equipment, well-financed training, modern facilities, strong mass support and high profile media coverage, the All Blacks and the Emirates Team New Zealand have failed when it counts the most.

In the 2007 Rugby World Cup, the All Blacks was favored to win, what with its string of victories in the tests and other competitions leading towards the main event. The team massacred most of its opponents until it succumbed to France, thereby failing to move forward to the finals. South Africa claimed the Cup. It has reviewed its games, coaching staff and players – and has since returned with a vengeance in 2008 with some of its finest games, but can it keep the momentum until the 2011 Rugby World Cup? Or will experience the same fate as defending champion Team New Zealand when it was humiliated right at its own backyard in Auckland during the 2003 America’s Cup by Alingi, 5-0?

On February 14, the finals of the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series 2009 held in Auckland will pit Alingi against the Louis Vuitton Challenger Cup holder New Zealand. During the preliminary contests, NZ lost to lesser known teams, that there is strange déjà vu feel as the best of five finals gets on its way.

What could be missing in the two most important sports teams of New Zealand? I dare say it is lack of prayer. It does not require the flashy movements of the haka; just a simple sign of the cross and a call for guidance and strength from the Almighty.

That makes pound-for-pound boxing champion Manny Pacquiao endearing to the Filipinos and possibly to God. Prior to every fight, just before the bell rings, he kneels down in his corner, makes the sign of the cross and prays. There is no argument that he has the hardest punches, the strongest body, the longest stamina and the finest fighting style– but he knows it is God who wills a win or a lose.

So it is with the All Blacks and Emirates Team New Zealand, they are the best in their game without doubt. Though the Kiwis sing “God defend New Zealand” as its national song, its people today have not been as religious and as faithful as their pioneering ancestors. Secularism has made people timid to show openly their belief in the Lord. It is true that physical strength has much to do with sports; spiritual strength is the power that spells the difference between the victor and the vanquished.
“[Prayer for Spiritual Strength] For this reason I bow my knees before the Father.” (Ephesians 3:14) For the one who prays is certain to be heard and shall be given. “Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.”  (James 5:18)

The members of the All Blacks and Emirates Team New Zealand may not read this article, but I shall personally pray fervently for their victory. God may hear my plea and should they win, they may believe.

by Mel Libre