Australian Rules footballer, Israel Folau, recently visited Mountain View Adventist College (MVAC).  He attended the Chapel program and shared his personal story, which included coming to faith in Jesus. “When you’re only 18 and given the experience of playing with the big boys, your head gets full of big ideas. 

Thankfully I have a family who love me and through their support, I’ve learnt a lot about myself and how to make wise choices.  I also found a love for Jesus and now have led all my family to know Him as well,” he said.

Israel started his sporting career in the National Rugby League (NRL), where he was very successful, but was then enticed into playing Australian Rules football. Israel spoke to the MVAC students about following their dreams and how his football career led him to Jesus. He explained that when he first started in the NRL, he got involved in the wrong things and became confused and distracted. But, since giving his life to Jesus last year, he has stopped drinking and taking drugs.  Israel explained to the students that his past mistakes have made him realise how important it is to make good decisions.

The students were inspired by Israel’s story, with some expressing that they now thought it ‘cool’ to be famous and a Christian.