Sports Star Says Faith Kept Him From Scandal
April 2010
“Through the highs and lows of both success and failure there was always this sense that I was never alone, there was always someone on my side regardless of the outcome.”
 As a number of sportsmen reel from very public falls from grace, an international test cricketer has spoken of how his faith steered him away from damaging temptations. Henry Olonga made the revelation ahead of his visit to Birmingham city centre as part of A Passion for Life, a series of all-age events at the Town Hall for people of every faith and none, where the former Zimbabwe captain spoke about his life, sporting achievements, faith and new musical career.
“My Christian faith has helped me avoid some of the temptations that many professional sportsmen and women are enticed into,” said Henry, now a Gospel singer and cricket commentator. “One night stands, alcohol abuse, drug abuse to name a few. I have never been inclined to walk any of those paths anyway but having a strong conscience based on my faith has certainly helped a lot. Through the highs and lows of both success and failure there was always this sense that I was never alone, there was always someone on my side regardless of the outcome.”
Fame
Henry sprang to worldwide fame at his protest with when he and team mate Andy Flower wore black armbands at the 2003 Cricket World Cup in Zimbabwe and issued a statement mourning the death of democracy in the country. As a result, Mugabe issued a warrant for treason being issued, forcing Henry into hiding and to retire from cricket.
 Although his actions brought the end to his lucrative career aged just 27, Henry has no regrets: “I have gained everything and lost nothing. When things in life get hard there is a peace that passes all understanding, which God promises in (The Bible) – and I have experienced that more times than I can tell. I have witnessed firsthand God’s provision when my life was in danger. My cricketing career was cut short because of my conscience but the Lord has provided for me every step of the way.”
Henry was in town for the weekend-long celebration that included craft and games for pre-schoolers, musical performances from the contemporary rock band , Bible talks from the charismatic speaker,*, a series of interactive talks looking at the sometimes confusing claims of the Christian faith such as satisfaction, suffering, and the resurrection. Saturday concluded with Henry sharing his inspirational journey since protesting against Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe. Sunday began with interactive all-age, family-friendly celebration followed by Easter Praise, a more traditional service featuring well-known hymns, an orchestra and Gospel choir.
Answers
So why did such a celebrated sportsman take part in a church-backed event in Birmingham? “A Passion for Life is a wonderful opportunity to explore the three questions I believe every person asks themselves at some point in their life – as I did when I was 16 - and find some answers: ‘Where they came from – how life began? Why they are here – what is my purpose in life? Where am I going when I die – is there life after death?’”
“We were thrilled to have someone of Henry’s stature at the event,” says Dan Steel, of the Passion for Life leadership team. “He has such an amazing story to tell and A Passion for Life is not about putting on churchy events but ones that will allow us to have some fun, engage with people, hear their thoughts and concerns and talk to them about the real differences God is making in our lives.”
A Passion for Life Birmingham is the local arm of a national initiative of the same name that began several years ago in London. Its overarching mission is to organize events to help people outside the Church community to engage with those inside it.
Further enquiries:
Rico Tice is an ordained Anglican Minister working at in London. His main role is to help the hundreds of enquirers about the Christian faith who come through the doors of the church each year. He has also spent the last few years developing ‘Christianity Explored’, a course that helps people understand the great news about Jesus. Rico’s hobbies are rugby, golf (he has a handicap of 9.6) and films!
Now settled in England, in 2006 Henry released his debut album, ‘Aurelia’ - an easy listening album with African influences and is available via . His follow-up is due out later this year.
For more details on A Passion for Life, visit or call Dan Steel on 0121 454 9444.
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