Faith On and Off the Field

As a sport chaplain, Lieutenant Semi Ratu combines his two great passions—faith and sport. Semi sat down with Kelly Cooper to explore how the intersection of faith and sport creates a winning synergy, both on and off the field.

‘Growing up in Fiji, my childhood was deeply influenced by sport,’ shares Semi. ‘It’s a passion I still enjoy today.’

After graduating as officers from Booth College of Mission (BCM) in 2020, Semi and his wife, Lieutenant Elizabeth Walker-Ratu, made the move to Ashburton to take up positions as corps officers of the Ashburton Corps.

‘Coming out of college we were encouraged to do commissioning studies. Sport has always been important to me, and I began to wonder, what if sport and faith can work together? I explored this question and talked with Captain Shaun Baker, territorial secretary for Chaplaincy Services, about the possibility of sport chaplaincy. He encouraged me to apply and recommended Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand (SCNZ). A few months into my studies, I realised that sport chaplaincy was really all the things that I had grown up with—my faith and my sport—within one role,’ says Semi.

Support and influence

Sport chaplains are volunteers who provide free pastoral care, support and mentoring to athletes, staff officials and their whānau (families) irrespective of religion, lifestyle and beliefs. SCNZ provides comprehensive online and in-person training with the option to gain NZQA-recognised qualifications.

On receiving his accreditation from SCNZ, Semi was invited to be team chaplain to the Mid Canterbury Fijian 7s rugby team. Inspired by this team’s success, another team, The Island Brothers 7s, was established. Semi also chaplains this team, which consists of Fijian, Samoan, Tongan and Māori players. Both teams compete in tournaments and events around the country.

‘As a chaplain I’m in a support role. Not only to the players, but also to the coaches and the manager,’ says Semi. He sits in on team meetings and typically opens their time together with a devotion. Semi recognises that for many Fijian players this the norm. ‘In Fiji, the first thing you do at the beginning of a rugby match is to publicly acknowledge God. For some of our players in The Island Brothers team it’s the first time they have heard a devotion. Now when we begin our meetings, they are like, “Hey, we need the devotion first!” The team members are now the ones driving how we start our time together,’ shares Semi.

Studying as a sport chaplain highlighted for Semi the importance of understanding cultural differences when working with players. ‘In Fijian culture it can be difficult to speak to a person who is an officer or a pastor. They become elevated by their position. Sometimes this is a barrier that stops Pasifika men from talking and opening up to one another. I’m working hard to change that mindset with my teams.’

Part of the team

‘I’m not just there for the games. I am part of the team. I let everyone know that I am there and available to talk. I like to walk up and down beside them while they are training and have a chat. Sometimes it’s these informal chats at training that help break the ice,’ observes Semi.

A key part of Semi’s role is sharing his faith and love for God with others. ‘When I realised there is a space for that, it was just awesome,’ he says. While many of the players attend different churches, before any 7s tournament the teams come to Ashburton Corps for a special dedication service. The teams have even asked to have their new jerseys dedicated to God before playing in them. ‘These boys feel really connected to our corps,’ says Semi, ‘and the congregation loves having them attend. They often offer to sing a hymn as a blessing.

It is fantastic for our corps members to get to experience different cultures and languages. People always ask me when the rugby boys are coming back.’

Faith community integration

Semi’s role as a sport chaplain has made this connection with the Ashburton Corps possible. Semi also enjoys having ‘the boys,’ as he calls them, attend Sunday morning worship as they are positive role models for younger sporting players in their community. Unknown to him, after winning their first tournament, the Fijian 7s team put aside 10 percent of their winnings for the Ashburton Corps. Semi felt very blessed by this gesture.

‘Many people don’t believe that faith and sports complement each other, but I am proof that they do, especially in team sport. I am trying to find other sport I can support. I am passionate about volleyball and am eager to establish chaplaincy within this sport. As a sport chaplain, I get to do what I love and share my faith. To be that lighthouse for others in different sport is a huge thing for me,’ says Semi.

If you are interested in learning more about sport chaplaincy, Semi invites SALT readers to contact him or to visit the SCNZ website. ‘We are always looking for more sport chaplains, especially in the South Island,’ says Semi. ‘It’s an awesome opportunity to minister and to journey with young men and women who are into sport. Just being there for them, being that listening ear, having fun and sharing the gospel. I highly, highly recommend it!’

Get in touch with Lieutenant Semi Ratu Semi.Ratu@salvationarmy.org.nz or go to the Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand website sportschaplaincy.co.nz