Date Posted: 2/27/2008

Every night before he goes to sleep, Roman Narmbaye says his prayers.

The 6-foot-10 center for the Florida Gulf Coast men’s basketball team prays for his brothers and sisters. They remain in his native Chad, which is in the midst of political unrest. During a recent coup attempt by rebels, many civilians were killed or injured as they fled the capital.

He prays for his mother Awa Mordomti, who told him to respect women. She died of malaria when he was 9.

He prays for his father Joseph, who told him at age 11 to start playing basketball and stop playing soccer. One year before he too died of malaria.

He prays for his second family, Andrea and Darryl Gladden and their daughters Daphone and Deadrea in New Jersey. Next Thursday, Darryl will donate his kidney to Deadrea. Andrea already donated hers to Daphone.

He prays for his coaches and teammates. “They’re good people, really good people,” he said.

When it’s suggested he pray for coach Dave Balza and forward Landon Adler to get along better, he laughs. “Yes, yes,” he says.

Despite the hardships he and his families have been through, Narmbaye said he feels blessed.

“When I was in Nigeria playing basketball, I went to church one Sunday,” he said. “We started service and you have to stand up and talk to God. I said, ‘I want you to guide me and open the door for me. Look at my situation. I’m happy but I want to be more happy in my life.’ ”

That night, Narmbaye said an angel visited him in his dreams and told him his life was going to be easier.

Two weeks later, he was invited to come to the United States and play for Life Center Academy in Burlington, N.J. through a missionary outreach program.

By Craig Handel
Fort Myers News Press

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