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 PrintableVersion Finding my feet: an autobiographyRugby World Cup witnessFINDING MY FEET: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY My interest in rugby was as short-lived as my crush on the sixth-form boys who were playing it. So I was hardly excited by the prospect of reading Jason Robinson's autobiography, in advance of an interview with the 'Billy Whiz' of England's Rugby team. However, we share the same home-town of Leeds, and I knew of his openness about his Christian faith, so I was relatively intrigued to find out more. It's an easy and enjoyable read. There's enough rugby (League and Union) insights to keep the fans happy, charting Jason's break into Rugby League, subsequent change of codes, and his current successful career with Sale and England. I found his diary of the Lions Australia tour particularly interesting. But there is much more to the book than rugby. He was brought up in a small terraced house in a deprived area of Leeds. He speaks honestly about witnessing 'the battlefield' of his drunken stepfather beating his mum and her children. He tells of how he struggled through school, only gaining some form of identity when he had hold of a rugby ball. The account of his childhood is particularly moving. Signed by Wigan Rugby League Club at the age of 17, he soon became a rising star. Drinking, partying, and fathering two children by different women summed up those early years as a professional, struggling to come to terms with his newfound fame. At Wigan he met rugby giant Inga T'wingamala and noticed how he was different from the others in the team. He talks of Inga reading his Bible aloud in the treatment room, and answering Robinson's questions about why he was so happy, so different from the other lads. In the chapter 'Born Again', Jason lays his cards on the table. His newfound faith means everything to him - and changes him completely. The transformation is obvious, as is the way being a Christian influences every area of his life. Certain parts could have been better phrased, and a clear explanation of the gospel is missing - however, this is the story of an ordinary lad with few prospects but a rich talent on the rugby pitch. His life was turned around by being introduced to Jesus by a friend. I'm planning to buy copies for various non-Christian friends who wouldn't usually read a Christian book, but may well read Jason Robinson's 'testimony'. I certainly recommend that others do the same during the World Cup. It is a great conversation starter - and let's pray it will lead to some conversions 'off the pitch'. Jason Robinson - on and off the pitch is a short evangelistic tract, just published, based on his testimony. For a free copy, email your name and address to: ebalch@uccf.org.uk Emma BalchAn exclusive interview with Jason Robinson will appear in the next issue of The Blurb magazine (www.theblurb.org). © Evangelicals Now - November 2003 |
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