ATHLETE TESTIMONY
ATHLETE TESTIMONY
K.J. CHOI
JOE ROKOCOKO
Jesus Christ has given South Korean professional golfer K.J. Choi direction and guidance in his spiritual life
A decision to follow Christ made early in Joe Rokocoko’s career has meant a huge difference for New Zealand’s star rugby player
The support of a loving wife and a dedicated support team has lifted outstanding Korean golfer K.J. Choi to significant success. With eight golf tournament wins, along with multiple appearances in other major events worldwide, Choi has proven to be a solid pro golfer. But more importantly, to the softspoken golfer, is that he has had people help guide him in his personal faith in Jesus Christ and bring him to new levels of spiritual maturity he never thought possible. “It is the compass that keeps my bearing and enables me to practice to the maximum,” Choi says. “Without faith, I would never believe in practicing. I would always doubt my swing, my form, my game.” Humbleness helps him maintain focus and stay on the right path. “When I’m getting mad at golf or getting upset or nervous on the golf course, I just start singing hymns or thinking about Bible verses,” he says. “One of my favorites is Joshua 1:7, 'Only be strong and very courageous. Be careful to do according to all the law which Moses, my servant comIN OBEDIENCE TO THE manded you: Do not turn from it to BIBLE the right or to the Choi continuously seeks left, so that you may have success God's Word, which helps him wherever you go.'” stay focused while golfing.
It was the end of a season and one of the world’s best rugby players, Joe Rokocoko, knew he had to do something about his spiritual life. So, he asked for help from a church youth leader he knew. “I knew I wanted to get my life right with God,” says Rokocoko, who was 21-years-old at the time. “He told me he was leaving the next morning to go overseas at 4 a.m. I didn’t care, and I met him at an airport café and prayed with him to give my life to Christ. From that point on, God put me in many situations with other believers to help me grow in my relationship with (Christ). God proved to me how strong our prayers can be and how faithful (Christ) is if we’re patient. I always give thanks for all (Christ) has done for me.” Giving thanks has been a huge part of Rokocoko’s life since becoming a believer. “I still have struggles from time to time,” Rokocoko says. “But God is there to give me the strength and help me through them. I don’t have to worry any more!”
HEART VALUE
HEART VALUE
WE BUILD PARTNERSHIPS After coming to Christ, Rokocoko found that the Lord placed him in numerous situations to build relationships with other followers of the Lord and become closer to Christ.