Story contributor: Erica Kronenberger, The Friar Feed student-reporter
On Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2005 BL alum Justin Wren returned to BL to share his experience as an ultimate fighter and Christian missionary. For the past four years, he has built water wells for the Pygmies of the Congo to use for drinking and bathing. In addition, he has helped the Pygmies buy back land that was stolen from them and taught them how to earn money for their families. His book entitled Fight for the Forgotten is currently available in the Lynch Locker for 25 dollars, and all proceeds go to the Pygmies to help continue Justin’s efforts in the Congo.
“Since I was 13 years old I wanted to become an ultimate fighter,” said Wren. “But I felt God leading me in a different direction. To see the freedom happening in the Congo is an amazing thing that I will cherish forever.”
Although his voice has made a tremendous impact in the Congo, Justin was very quiet as a BL student.
“He was definitely very unassuming as a student,” said English Department Head Mr. Stuart Kantor. “But that changed when he got into the environment that he cherished, which was the sports arena. It’s amazing that he’s been able to take the skills that he has acquired from wrestling and transfer them into a philanthropic career.”
“I never expected this of him,” said Coach Paul May. “But that just shows the power of the Lord working in our lives.”
Since he has returned from the Congo, Justin plans to work on his wrestling career and donate the money he earns from championships to continue his efforts in the Congo.
“The work that he is doing is amazing,” said English teacher Mr. Bill Storey. “It is a great feeling to know that one of our own is doing something great for others in a place that is usually overlooked.”
Since his time in the Congo, Justin has made such a significant impact on the Pygmies of the Congo. More of his adventures from the Congo are in his book “Fight for the Forgotten.” Wren has plans to return to the Congo later this year to visit his "family" who gave him a special name “Efeosa,” meaning “the man who loves us.”
For additional photos, please visit the Bishop Lynch High School Flickr site: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bishoplynchhighschool/albums/72157661468680373