It was a special day for the Vodafone Fiji Bati squad as they took some time off from their busy schedule to visit the home of Pastor Elia Berabi and the work the Seek to Save Ministry has been doing in giving a second chance of life to youths at Colo-i-Suva.
Pastor Berabi opened his home to young boys, who had previously been living on the streets without a stable home or the support of a family, providing them with a safe place to live while helping them discover a new sense of purpose.
Pastor Berabi has been sharing the Word of God with the boys and teaching them about faith, hope, discipline and the importance of believing in themselves.
For the boys, the visit from the Fiji Bati squad was more than just a meeting with some of the country’s rugby league stars, it was an opportunity to hear words of encouragement from people who have experienced the challenges and rewards of pursuing a dream in sport.
Former Fiji Bati and NRL star Jarryd Hayne spoke on behalf of the team, encouraging the boys to believe in themselves and make the most of the opportunities they have been given.
Hayne reminded the boys that each of them has a God-given talent and also encouraged them to pursue their dreams if they want to make it big in sport and rugby league.
His message was simple but powerful: dreams require commitment, discipline and hard work, but with faith and determination, the boys should never be afraid to pursue the gifts God has placed within them.
The visit also gave the Fiji Bati players an opportunity to see firsthand the work being done at the Colo-I-Suva farm.
As the Fiji Bati spent time with the boys, there was a sense that the visit was about more than sport it was about reminding a group of young people that their past does not have to determine their future.
Meanwhile, the Rugby League World Cup will kick off next Thursday with Australia facing New Zealand at 9.05pm.
The Bati's first match will be against Cook Islands at 5.05pm next Sunday at the McDonald Jones Stadium in New Castle, they will then take on Australia at 9.05pm on the 25th, before facing New Zealand at 4.30pm on the 31st of this month.
