He Walked Away From the All Blacks to Serve a Mission

At 19, he walked away from a chance to play for one of the most famous rugby teams in the world. People called him crazy. In 1961, Sydney Going was one of New Zealand's rising rugby stars. Sid was so talented that many believed he would soon be selected for the All Blacks, New Zealand's legendary national team. It was the opportunity athletes dream about their entire lives. But just as that dream was within reach, Sid made a decision no one expected.

He walked away from rugby to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some people called him crazy and others called him foolish because two years away could mean losing his chance forever. But Sid wasn't focused on what he was leaving behind. He believed serving Jesus Christ was more important than anything rugby could give him. So at 19, Sydney going put away his rugby boots, left New Zealand, and traveled to Canada to preach the gospel.

One evening, Sid and his companion were about to return to their apartment, but they decided to visit just one more family. A father invited them inside. The missionaries testified of Jesus Christ and left the family with a Book of Mormon. The father began reading and he read all night. Over the next week and a half, he also read the entire Book of Mormon, the Doctrine of Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price.

A few weeks later, the family was baptized. Sid later said, "The blessing of bringing others into the gospel far outweighs anything you will ever sacrifice. Eventually, Sid returned home." And he didn't just make the All Blacks. He became one of the greatest halfbacks in their history. Nicknamed Super Sid, he played 86 matches for the All Blacks over 11 seasons. He was so committed to keeping the Sabbath that training and game schedules were changed because he would not play on Sunday.

His contribution to rugby was even recognized by Queen Elizabeth II. But what if those honors had never come? Because when 19-year-old Sid Going walked away from rugby, he didn't know he would ever get it back. He simply knew what God was asking him to do and he trusted him enough to do it. That choice became the pattern of his life. Decades later, Sid and his wife Colleen served another mission together and later served as president and matron of the Hamilton, New Zealand Temple.

Sid's story isn't powerful because he gave up rugby and God gave it back. It's powerful because he was willing to give it up even if God didn't give it back. Oftenimes following Jesus Christ means trusting him when we can't see what comes next. So here's my invitation. Ask the Lord, "What would you have me do?" Then listen for his answer. And when it comes, trust Jesus Christ enough to follow