HEART OF A CHAMPION

While working with the International Apartheid Boycott and then with Nelson and the African National Congress once they were freed from prison in 1990, it always astonished me how they were not filled with hate or resentment and wanting revenge but were resolved to reconcile their differences with their oppressors and have a “truly South African nation.” That kind of love has but one source: Our Creator. – Phil Sutton

Jesus appeared to me and reminded me of the great Jim Ryun. My memory of Jim’s record setting run flashed through my mind. I am seven years old. https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=jim+ryun+running+unconscious+clip&view=detail&mid=60E29786DC72FCB720D360E29786DC72FCB720D3&ru=%2fsearch%3fPC%3dARPL%26PTAG%3d55330285%26q%3djim%2bryun%2brunning%2bunconscious%2bclip%26FPIG%3dC7A74CC13D2C4ED199A5B02FB960C88F%26first%3d6%26FORM%3dPERE%26ajaxnorecss%3d1%26sid%3d35913133A12662A422B7262DA08963BE%26format%3dsnrjson%26jsoncbid%3d0%26ajaxsydconv%3d1&mmscn=vwrc&FORM=WRVORC

Jesus then reminded me of a Sermon given by Rev. Bob Phelps I heard eight years later. Bob quoted from Philippines 3:14: “I press on toward the goals for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Bob talked about being “God’s track star.” Jesus reminded me that later that day I made the commitment to be just that – and I have been!

While growing up in Bozeman, I won four sports State championships – one in baseball, one in basketball and two in track. Like Jim Ryun, I twice set a new State Record for the mile. Jesus said he recognized that I cherished the track records and championships most because they are individual achievements I shared with no one else.

Jesus reminded me I have always had the “heart of a champion”. No matter what came I have always persevered to accomplish my goals. Jesus then told me what I wanted to hear. The Goal that is not mine, but the Creator’s – bringing the earth to a Peaceful conclusion – is within reach!

Jesus assured I have all the influence, spiritual and physical resources to get the job done! The Creator told me: I know you have known since you were nine years old that your life would not be a normal one. I placed that sensitivity in you for a reason. I have carefully guided your life, and you accepted all the hardships you have borne as training for a larger cause and, amazingly, you have understood it for the past 55 years and grown into the person I always wanted you to be. Your sense of obedience and devotion has been extraordinary.

Jesus recollected his own feelings about being rejected by the very people who should have been most supportive. He invoked the fact that both of us were 28^th generation descendants of King David and William the Conqueror but knew abject poverty and homelessness at the hands of our tormentors. Jesus stated that is all part of our Ministries and put us in position to fulfill those ministries. We don’t have to worry about our Spiritual Salvation, but we do have to be concerned about theirs!

PHIL SUTTON, DBA & PhD

SVC PRESIDENT/CEO

21 MARCH 2026