RUGBY union great John Eales has praised the work of young people who are prepared to give up a year of their lives to spread the Gospel to other young people.
He was speaking at the annual National Evangelisation Team (NET Ministries) Archbishop’s Dinner on April 26.
The former Wallabies captain and rugby union World Cup winner joined Archbishop John Bathersby of Brisbane and about 200 guests at the Queensland Rugby Union Club at Ballymore.
Eales spoke about the importance of family, sport and faith as the foundations of his life.
He said “consistency, persistence and faith” were the three most important aspects of his success in both sport and life.
Eales linked these aspects to the daily life of NET teams who travel and serve in parishes and dioceses across the country each year.
He encouraged NET Ministries to continue the important work that they are doing bringing the Gospel message of hope to the young people of Australia, New Zealand and Africa.
Archbishop Bathersby, who is honorary president of NET Ministries, also spoke of his “sense of pride” at having NET based in Brisbane archdiocese.
He said he was delighted that there were still young people in the Catholic Church not afraid to proclaim their faith in Jesus Christ to their peers.
“When the story of faith in Australia is told at some time in the future, I have no doubt that NET will figure prominently,” he said.
Guests, which included rugby union fans, teachers, parents and business people, enjoyed a three-course meal, bid in an auction that included two limited edition footballs signed by Eales and the archbishop, and heard testimonies from current and former NET members.
For more information or to support or join a NET team visit www.netministries.com.au or phone (07) 3397 9666.
