Next meeting is:
We are now on our summer break at The Filling Station. Our Services re-commence in September
Tues 14th Sept, 7.30pm
Andrew Pearkes from the Maranatha Ministry in Exeter
Food for thought
'I have come that men may have life'
John 10:10
News
Henry Olonga speaks at Box Filling Station
This article is taken from Henry's own web site www.henryolonga.net
EARLY YEARS
Henry was born in Zambia, Lusaka in 1976 to a Kenyan father (John) and a Zimbawean mother (Sabina). He spent the first few years of his life growing up in Zambia and Kenya before moving to Zimbabwe in 1981 just after independence was gained.
He attended Rhodes Estate Preparatory School as a junior and then moved on to a very good boarding school called Plumtree. It was during his time at Plumtree that his interests started to emerge and come to the forefront. He did well in athletics in particular but had a healthy participation in all sports. For some time Henry actually had aspirations to represent Kenya as an athlete at the Olympics. Not only was he interested in sport but he also cultivated a passion for all things to do with the creative arts. Public speaking,drama,music and art. He took part in the school musicals every year and gained lead roles from his second form year onward. Henry made his acting debut as a girl in Oklahoma - apparently not the prettiest girl to have been in a Plumtree High school production - never mind.Henry was also very active in the school choir.
CRICKET
Cricket for sometime had been in the background, just one of many interests he had. When his athletics coach left the school his cricket coach took him under his wing and presented him with a new dream he had not previously considered. Zimbabwe had just gained test status and was in need of a fast bowler. Henry possessed the speed and athleticism needed to be a very good fast bowler. Once this dream had been planted he decided this was a path he would like to pursue.
He made his international debut in 1995, becoming the youngest player and first black cricketer to play for Zimbabwe. His first over was an emotional roller coaster, not just for him but for the crowd as well!!! His first ball was 4 wides down legside however; he did manage to redeem himself by taking a wicket with his third ball in test cricket. He helped Zimbabwe to its first ever Test victory in that game.
Henry also had the misfortune in that same test to be called for throwing. This meant that his action required remedial action and work with Dennis Lillee,Joel Garner and Clive Rice assisted in getting his action legalised. Henry then proceeded to play for Zimbabwe over an eight season career with mixed success.
Henry achieved international recognition (along with team mate Andy Flower) in 2003 by wearing a black armband in a Cricket World Cup match to protest against the policies of Zimbabwe's government. Henry had to flee Zimbabwe from impending threats.
He is now living in England and has continued to play cricket.
FAITH
Henry became a Christian at a youth camp at the age of 16. Some friends who were Christians invited him along to a youth camp. He heard messages each night and on one of the final evenings a man got up and preached the message of the gospel. It was to this message that he responded and gave his life to God.
He went through the typical search that most people pursue in answer to the three biggest questions in life.
Where did it all begin, what is my purpose here and what happens when I die? After a brief flirtation with yoga, achievement driven goal setting, music and other pursuits to satisfy that desperate longing we all have for reconciliation with God - Henry turned his life over to the one true living God. He has been a practising Christian for the last 16 years . He enjoys travelling as an evangelist preaching the gospel and sharing the story of God's mercy in his life. Wherever he gets invited with cheerfulness and also a sense of seriousness he shares the truth about how God has faithfully preserved him and sustains him and also what God can do to all humble enough to call on His name. He tries to use his story and song to convey this testimony to point people in the direction of the good news of Jesus Christ.
Next Service
Tuesday
10 February
7.30pm
Stewart Keiller
'God's in charge!'
