WILL THE ADVENTIST CHURCH RECOGNIZE ITS PARALYMPIC MEDALIST?

 

Esther in her moment of Victory at Paris Paralympic Games 

By Ekpor Temple

 

On November 1st, 2022, I published a story of Esther Nworgu’s triumph and the rise of a future Paralympian. Call it a prophetic statement, but I was deeply convinced that Esther would one day stand on the Paralympic podium.

Many stories have been written about her accomplishments, but mine took a specific direction—to show the world that stars and talents can emerge and be celebrated within the Adventist Church. After all, many top celebrities, including past and present Olympic and Paralympic medalists, belong to various denominations.

At the recently concluded Paralympic Games in Paris, the world held its breath as Esther Nworgu won Nigeria’s second medal of the event, claiming silver in the women’s up-to-41kg Para-Powerlifting event. It wasn't just the cheers of victory or the sight of the silver medal hanging from her neck that made the moment unforgettable; it was the journey of a woman whose faith, determination, and stanch trust in God had brought her to this pinnacle. Her podium finish reignited hope in the Paralympic team after Team Nigeria had experienced a disappointing outing at the Olympic Games just weeks before.

Though Esther lost the gold to China’s Zhe Cui, who set a new Paralympic record with a 119kg lift, her remarkable performance on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, saw her set two new Paralympic records in her final two attempts, lifting an impressive 112kg and 118kg.

Self-Belief heals

Born with a disability, Esther had been told countless times that she would never amount to anything. But from a young age, she had another voice guiding her—a voice she heard every Sabbath as she sat quietly in her local Seventh-day Adventist Church in Mile 1, Port Harcourt Central District.

I vividly remember telling her one day, "God made you for a purpose. Your life is a testimony of His grace, and He has a plan for you that no one can take away." Those words ignited a fire in Esther’s heart. She became an active member of the Adventist Possibility Ministry in the defunct Port Harcourt Conference, where she was nurtured, not as a person with limitations, but as someone with boundless potential. In 2016, she began training seriously as an athlete after being introduced to parasports at a meeting for women with impairments. She tried several sports but chose to specialize in powerlifting, fueled by her faith, while balancing her studies and church activities.

But Esther’s rise to fame wasn't without challenges. To make ends meet, she worked as a typist and a teacher in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where she resides. With her melodious voice, she was often invited to sing at inspirationals and concerts, where she was rewarded with modest tokens for her musical ministrations. There were moments when the world seemed indifferent to her dreams, and even moments when members of her church seemed unaware of her growing accomplishments. Yet, Esther pressed on, her heart fixed on one prayer: "Lord, let my victory reflect Your glory."

When Grace speaks volume

Today, her story is different. She is now a paralympian that historic day in Paris, France, I can imagine her sitting in her wheelchair on the global stage, raising her hands in prayer and gratitude. Her silver medal shimmered in the light, but it was the cross in her heart that shone the brightest.

As is customary for those who have brought honor to the country, the Paralympic team and officials, led by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, were received by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the State House in Abuja.

But Esther hopes that when she returns home, her church, the one that fostered her faith will share in her victory. Will they acknowledge the sacrifices, the sleepless nights, the countless prayers? Will they celebrate her not just as a Paralympic medalist but as a reflection of Adventist values: faith, perseverance, and service? Does the church recognize the impact of this moment and the significance of her achievement? Will they see her not just as a medalist but as a testament to what an Adventist can accomplish when walking in faith?

Friends, Esther’s journey has preached a message of God's power, not just to the world but to our hearts. She didn’t just win a Paralympic medal—she inspired her community in Umuaka, Ogwe District in Aba West Mission. Her church stood behind her as her greatest support.

As I chat with her, Esther remains too humble to realize that her victory wasn’t hers alone, it was a victory for all who believe in a God who transforms weakness into strength, She said. Through her, God has shown us that true strength comes from faith, and we honor her not just for the medal but for the witness of her life.

In my last publication, I challenged the Adventist world, and I repeat it here: Until proven otherwise, Esther Nworgu remains the first Adventist in the world to achieve this feat in sports. The big question remains: Will the Adventist Church recognize its Paralympic medalist? How best can the Adventist Church celebrate such an admirable achievement?