Jesus at the centre: Jets & Bombers share testimonies of faith at sold-out event

A sold-out crowd gathered at the Met in downtown Winnipeg for another memorable Pro Sports and Faith Night, where professional athletes and their spouses shared how faith has shaped their lives.

The event was held in support of Lorne Korol, the chaplain for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Jets, and Moose. Korol is a missionary with Athletes in Action, raising 100 per cent of his salary and expenses.

The evening featured three panels of athletes and spouses who opened up about their experiences with life, adversity, and faith.

Winnipeg Jets players Mason Appleton, Eric Comrie, and Cole Perfetti shared personal stories, while Winnipeg Blue Bombers players Nick and Noah Hallett, along with their roommate Sergio Castillo, discussed how faith guides them. Lorne’s wife, Heather Korol, hosted a panel with Bombers' wives Holly Jefferson and Tiana Eli.

Eric Comrie spoke about playing for "an audience of one," emphasizing his faith in God as his ultimate focus. He also highlighted his appreciation for the city's friendly atmosphere. Cole Perfetti shared about overcoming injuries and learning to trust God's plan for his life.

Both Comrie and Appleton also talked about being new fathers and the joys and struggles that come alongside that.

The Bombers’ panel explored the role of faith in their careers. Noah Hallett shared about his decision to be baptized last summer by Lorne. Hallet described how both Lorne and his teammates in chapel "put the Word of God in my heart." He described his baptism, which he invited his teammates and friends to, as an exciting opportunity to publically declare his faith. 

Sergio Castillo emphasized the importance of trusting himself because God trusts him, choosing to focus on what’s next rather than the negatives when things are going wrong.

The wives’ panel discussed the importance of their Bible study group, which is currently focused on the book of Esther and understanding God’s plan. Holly Jefferson, wife of Willy Jefferson, and Tiana Eli, wife of Tui Eli, also shared what it's like being the wife of a pro athlete.