Contributed By Guo Xiao Jiao
The three-time A Division netball champions from ACJC. PHOTO COURTESY OF GUO XIAO JIAO
2011 is indeed a breakthrough year for ACJC Netball Team as the team focused on one goal: to retain the A Division netball champion title.
Our belief is that “a team that prays together, wins together.” The long hours of training stretched us physically as we had to meet up to four times a week, for up to six hours each time. Often, the physical tiredness was unbearable, particularly when the players were injuried. However, the key factor that pulled us through the season with hard work was our faith in our Lord Jesus. The verse painted beside the running track at school was and is a source of motivation for us: “Let’s run with perseverance, for the race is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”
Our team of 15, without fail, would huddle in a circle in prayer before the start of every training or match. We would take turns to pray for one another, our coach and for good weather. Even the non-Christians in our team were in agreement and many got to know the love of our heavenly Father.
By God’s grace, the season started off with a bang. Opponent after opponent were dealt with swift and decisive defeats by ACJC, vindicating the hard work put in by the girls during long hours of training. Finally, the long-awaited finals arrived on May 27. We held on to the thought that what differentiates us from the rest was that God is with us, and we fought hard.
The ending whistle sounded with the score of 38-38: a draw, so extra time was given. Surprisingly, no one was in fear or anxiety. Our team gathered and prayed for peace as we reminded each other that “when God is with us, no one can be against us.” True enough, God never fails us. We ended off with the victory of 44-42. Immediately, we gathered around in joy and thanked God for His strength and love.
History was made with this win, as the ACJC team was the first at college level to secure a three-year consecutive reign in the A Division netball championship. Our Lord has been our light and guide, all glory we have achieved is a testament of His grace. To God be the glory, the best is yet to be.
