People of Faith post 1

Many of the people who read this know I like looking to people for inspiration or am fascinated at what makes people tick. I believe you can find out a lot about people in who their role models are. I'm thinking of doing a few post on some people who have inspired me in their faith. Now I would like to add these aren't perfect people and with my luck will probably come out and renounce their faith but I thought I'd go ahead and post- many of these people you only will have heard about if you are in that particular field.
My first person is Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite. Ring any bells? Yes Brazilian and yes soccer player but when most soccer player score goals they show off by pointing to their name on their back- doing athletic flips or do many other things to bring adulation to themselves. Ricardo just puts his arms in the air face up and prays a prayer of thanksgiving. This public showing of his faith was even more evident when his team won the champions league (Europe's Top Club competition). moments after the whistle blew this photo was taken.



You may know him as Kaka, playmaker for AC Milan .

What you may not know is that in the year 2000 he broke his neck in a swimming pool accident. Doctors told him he wouldn't be able to walk properly again. A year later he had cemented his spot in the senior side. He quite openly uses his celebrity to promote the Gospel. Ironically the shirt above is in a language he doesn't even speak. In an interview with a soccer magazine he was answering questions sent in by readers about improving their skills. He was asked if there was anything he'd like to say to his fans. Instead of a feel good message like try your best he instead said " To those who already have Jesus: you have made the best choice and are in the best team. Go ahead. Do not give up. The fight is great, but we can only win being on Jesus’ side. To those who have not yet surrendered their lives to Jesus: What are you doing being outside of this team?! Come to learn the Word of God, come to know who God really is." Proud to be a Virgin when he married he is also a UN Ambassador against hunger (the youngest ever appointed) and yesterday won the Ballon D'or the award given to the world footballer of the Year. And guess who he thanked first :)
What can we learn from Kaka- well firstly nothing is an accident- God puts you in various situations- what are you there for- preach the Gospel openly.
Secondly Be mindful of how you conduct yourself whatever you do. people are watching.
as kaka says "But I am not supposed to be punching people up on the field or swearing. I don't want people to be saying of me," Look, that guy says one thing and does another". My concern before my fellow players and my adversaries is to be what I am and never say one thing and be something else. I seek to be a role model in the club. I seek to demonstrate what God has done for me and that He can do it in their lives as well. As much as possible I try saying something about Jesus, about life with God, to counsel and help others." (he also has refused many sponsorships for various Wine or beer companies as ' It wouldn't look good')
Finally God is faithful- At least that is what is stitched onto the tongues of his boots along with I belong to Jesus. Why? Every time he looks down he sees it and is reminded of what God has done for him. Your own ego vanishes in the realisation of the power and faithfulness of God.
So as Kaka says “Stop eating cookies, while God offers us a banquet.”