Former international cricketer Henry Olonga will be visiting St Andrew’s church, Kirk Ella, on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th May. Henry Olonga, who played Test cricket for Zimbabwe and domestic first-class cricket in Zimbabwe from 1995 to 2003, was the first black cricketer to play for Zimbabwe.
In 2003, Henry wore a black armband during a match in the Cricket World Cup to "mourn the death of democracy" in Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe. He will be speaking about his story, ‘Blood, Sweat and Treason’, on the Friday and Saturday nights at Kirk Ella.
Henry Olonga said, “I thoroughly enjoy visiting Yorkshire which I have done on many occasions now but even more than that I enjoy sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and the hope that He brings to a broken world.”
Archbishop Sentamu said, “In 2003, Henry wore a black armband to protest against the tyranny of Robert Mugabe and Zimbabwe’s government. In 2007, I cut up my clerical collar, and I won’t wear one again until Mugabe is gone. Henry’s stand had more repercussions than mine: he was forced to leave his country. But Zimbabwe’s loss is England’s gain! I urge you to visit St Andrew’s to hear Henry speak: he is a great ambassador for the Gospel, and his story is one of great courage.”
The Revd Jonathan Juckes, Vicar of St Andrew’s, Kirk Ella said, “We're delighted that Henry is visiting Kirk Ella. People have two chances to see him - he will be singing and being interviewed during our hog roast on Friday 8th May. On Saturday 9th May he will be singing and being interviewed again, and there will also be a Q&A session.”
For more information and tickets, call 01482 654713 or visit www.kirkellachurch.com.