7th December, 2012, by Adeline Lum CM-
A 19-year-old cheerful chap with brawns, it is hard to believe when Jansen described himself as “obese” during his youth. An avid and sedentary online gamer, he recalled having high blood pressure at the tender age of 12 years old. But at 15 years old, he dedicated more time to exercising, reaping now the benefits of a fit and healthy body.
His mother was the first Christian in the family, followed by his family members, i.e. brother, sister and grandfather. At 16 years old, he started serving in the Christian Fellowship (CF) club in secondary school which set the stage for him to join CF in KTAR (Kolej Tunku Abdul Rahman).
“CF to me is not just a social club, but a ministry outside of church to do something. It is a place to fellowship and experience God,” said Jansen when asked why he chose to join CF in the university.
In secondary school, he had little passion in studying and he thought about starting a business upon graduation. However, he later found out about sports science. Although he doubted in majoring in this subject, he wanted to go against the flow with the grace of God.
“God had been showing me a lot of things in this field. Last month, He brought me to other states to talk about diet and sports injury. This gives me small assurances of choosing sports science,” beamed Jansen who held Isaiah 41:13 close to his heart for support.
Isaiah 41:13
For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.
When asked if he was interested in clubbing or the night life, he felt that he had better activities to do and he enjoyed hanging around his buddies in CF.
Thanking Justin Ooi –President of CF– for being the first person who talked to him, he also appreciated Tricia Lim, Vice President of CF, for being the embodying joy for God. Not to mention, Daniel Lee, whom he treated as a big brother in mentoring and guiding him.
Inspired by Run NAT, Jansen is part of the organizing team for the 4.5 km run of RUNTAR on Dec 8th. In running, he believed in the power of teamwork.
“A solo runner can run faster. But if you’re in a team, you can go further,” said Jansen. “In sports, it takes personal discipline. In team sports especially, we see the true colours of a person.”
Indeed, sports build character!
Sports science is a new ministry that we need among Malaysian youths today who spend most of their time in sedentary lifestyle such as playing online games.
And to add a little humour, here are a few bible verses to show how God can stretch our sinews if we put our trust in him. Imagine the literal meaning!
Psalm 18:32-34
32 It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he enables me to stand on the heights.
34 He trains my hands for battle;
my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
Arms that can bend a bronze bar, and solid and muscular calves like a deer, imagine that!
Psalm 18:29
For by You I can run upon a troop; And by my God I can leap over a wall.
Leaping over a wall like Incredible Hulk jumping from a building to the next, how amazing! And lastly, something we all wished for, flying like an eagle.
Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
So, placing humour aside, let us get up and get moving!
Keep in tune with more testimonies from UTAR students who will be running in RUN TAR on December 8, which is tomorrow!
Dear Viewers in Christ, if you find this article edifying to you, please share with your friends by using the social media plugs (Share, Email to this article). The Lord will surely bless you as you bless others. May the Lord’s peace and love be with you. Amen.
References for pictures:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hM0uAUC1XbE/T8jE87rZ12I/AAAAAAAAAs0/l4lzE2K7owg/s1600/deroncourt10112.jpg
http://www.recruiter.com/i/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Leaping-over-Career-298×300.jpg
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