Thai soccer coach kept boys alive: “He loved them more than himself”

Ekkapol Ake Chantawong (known as Coach Ake) is the twenty-five-year-old coach of the Wild Boars soccer team that has made global headlines in recent weeks. He and the entire team have now been rescued from the cave system in northern Thailand where they were trapped since June 23. He was the last one out.

What do we know about him? His cousin, Thamma Kantawong, told reporters, “He is a very good person, loves kids, takes care of kids, he is very diligent, and always volunteers himself to help others.”

Divers who found the team reported that Coach Ake was among the weakest in the group because he gave his food to the boys. He taught them meditation techniques and showed them how to drink water from the cave’s walls.

When they were found, he wrote a note to their parents: “I promise to take the very best care of the kids. I want to say thanks for all the support, and I want to apologize.” They wrote back to the coach asking him not to blame himself and credit him for keeping their sons alive until they could be rescued.

One of Coach Ake’s friends said of his relationship with the boys, “He loved them more than himself.” I’m sure we’ll learn more about the coach in coming days. For this morning, I’d like to focus on his story as a metaphor for our time.

Culture wars are escalating

The rhetorical wars over President Trump’s nomination of Brett Kavanaugh have started to escalate. There’s even a hashtag campaign: #STOPKAVANAUGH.

While liberal activists are offering apocalyptic warnings about the consequences if Judge Kavanaugh is confirmed, evangelical Christians are alarmed over the direction of our culture as well.

Consider a recent column by Rod Dreher, one of our most perceptive cultural commentators.

Dreher notes Summit Ministries’ announcement that it would move a summer program from Biola University near Los Angeles. Its concern: AB2943, a bill passed by the state Assembly and likely to become law. The bill prohibits…