Going through withdrawal after watching a delayed broadcast of the closing ceremony.
Beijing looks inviting! I must be hooked.
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
...and the final "more" on Athens!
Well it's all over but the memories (and spectacular "vision" of courageous people pursuing their dreams)! This will be my final (planned) entry regarding the Christian presence at the Games of the 28th Olympiad. I thought it fitting to finish off with some comments from chaplains and athletes stories of their adventures after the "job" was done. How did some of them celebrate immediately prior to the Closing Ceremony?
I sounded like the highlight for some was a side trip to Corinth...(thanks for the report Stuart and the first hand assessment Jason)
"On Wednesday, I also had the privilege of taking part in a tour going down to Corinth and taking some of the athletes. We had a Greek guide who is also an evangelical rather than Greek Orthodox and who knows his bible very well. Having studied 1 & 2 Corinthians in quite some depth in the past, it was great to actually see something of where Paul lived and ministered for 18 months. Kostas, our guide, was a goldmine of information on the background to Paul's letters and Luke's account of his time there in Acts. I came away with pieces of information that I have not read about anywhere else. The athletes were blown away by the whole day - it was really a 5 hour bible study as we went from place to place on the archaeological diggings and opened up the bible to read relevant parts. It was a long and exhausting day but definitely well worth it.
One of the Australian Olympians commented…
"Let me tell you, the guide was a strong Christian with unbelievable historical knowledge. He made the experience so unbelievable it is hard to describe. Definitely feels better than losing a game at the Olympics anyway! I had one of those life experiences you seldom get. Something I will cherish for the rest of my life. I was also able to spend it with about 100 other sporting ministry people from all over the world as well as a New Zealand Olympian I have become very close with. We have bonded closely mainly because of our similarities in our love for Christ and basketball being a passion."
I sounded like the highlight for some was a side trip to Corinth...(thanks for the report Stuart and the first hand assessment Jason)
"On Wednesday, I also had the privilege of taking part in a tour going down to Corinth and taking some of the athletes. We had a Greek guide who is also an evangelical rather than Greek Orthodox and who knows his bible very well. Having studied 1 & 2 Corinthians in quite some depth in the past, it was great to actually see something of where Paul lived and ministered for 18 months. Kostas, our guide, was a goldmine of information on the background to Paul's letters and Luke's account of his time there in Acts. I came away with pieces of information that I have not read about anywhere else. The athletes were blown away by the whole day - it was really a 5 hour bible study as we went from place to place on the archaeological diggings and opened up the bible to read relevant parts. It was a long and exhausting day but definitely well worth it.
One of the Australian Olympians commented…
"Let me tell you, the guide was a strong Christian with unbelievable historical knowledge. He made the experience so unbelievable it is hard to describe. Definitely feels better than losing a game at the Olympics anyway! I had one of those life experiences you seldom get. Something I will cherish for the rest of my life. I was also able to spend it with about 100 other sporting ministry people from all over the world as well as a New Zealand Olympian I have become very close with. We have bonded closely mainly because of our similarities in our love for Christ and basketball being a passion."
In one for the personal comments I received on my blog, a good friend reminded me of the importance of praying for the athletes as they return to "normal life". A good reminder. Sometimes the lowest of "lows" follow the highest of "highs"...and sometimes the experience itself has been the lowest of "lows". My prayer is that the experience--postitive or negative might bring each Olympian a few steps closer to Him in their relationship with Jesus.
If so, it will be more than worthwhile...
If not, I am reminded of the words of Jesus (slightly paraphrased to match the occasion)...
"What value and benefit is there in winning a gold medal (or several) if a man or woman loses their soul?"
Monday, August 30, 2004
...and more on chaplaincy at Athens...
Back (deep) inside the Athlete's Village...a few words and thoughts from those official chaplains who ministered to the athletes through the RSC (Religious Services Centre)...
"But, with all this talk of watching events, do not think that chaplaincy ministry within the Village has been neglected. We have seen the value of having a truly international set of chaplains who have sports chaplaincy experience and contacts with the various national delegations and teams. Although the Religious Services Centre is where we're based, it is definitely not the centre of the ministry action. Most chaplains come into the RSC to check in and then are rarely seen again. Just as with our Aussie/Kiwi bible study group, there have been bible study groups, prayer meetings, services etc... - regular and one-off - held all over the village at different times and in different languages. While these are now beginning to wind up as athletes either go home or disappear on sightseeing trips, we are still finding Christians who have not realised that the RSC exists. A number of the athletes that we have ministered to come from countries where they have little Christian fellowship and / or are persecuted for their faith. Please pray for them. Often chaplaincy at major sporting events is one of very few opportunities that they get for fellowship and teaching. For example, one athlete from a mainly Muslim nation is the only Christian on his team. He is the only Christian he knows in his town and he has to go a long way to get to church. He related the story that when he became a Christian, his father took an axe and got ready to kill him unless he would renounce Christ. Thankfully, his father found he could not go through with his threat. "
As the Games wind down there are a few important things to remember and pray about...I was reminded of this is a short press release...
"Athens, August 27 - Pressure is mounting on Olympic athletes. Those who fail to win a medal often drop into an "inner void" according to an accredited counselor in the Olympic Village.
Because they believe that their four-year intensive preparation has been in vain, athletes seek understanding and consolation from Christian counselors. They are not part of the Olympic team or trainers and other officials.
(The counselor) was mostly in contact with (Eurpoean) swimmers. Their disappointing performance was criticized heavily in the press thus aggravating the situation for the athletes. Though open evangelism is out of bounds in the Olympic village, many sportsmen and women attended worship services. Approximately 100 athletes took part in the Sunday services for one non-English language group alone. During one of these services a European badminton player was baptised."
"But, with all this talk of watching events, do not think that chaplaincy ministry within the Village has been neglected. We have seen the value of having a truly international set of chaplains who have sports chaplaincy experience and contacts with the various national delegations and teams. Although the Religious Services Centre is where we're based, it is definitely not the centre of the ministry action. Most chaplains come into the RSC to check in and then are rarely seen again. Just as with our Aussie/Kiwi bible study group, there have been bible study groups, prayer meetings, services etc... - regular and one-off - held all over the village at different times and in different languages. While these are now beginning to wind up as athletes either go home or disappear on sightseeing trips, we are still finding Christians who have not realised that the RSC exists. A number of the athletes that we have ministered to come from countries where they have little Christian fellowship and / or are persecuted for their faith. Please pray for them. Often chaplaincy at major sporting events is one of very few opportunities that they get for fellowship and teaching. For example, one athlete from a mainly Muslim nation is the only Christian on his team. He is the only Christian he knows in his town and he has to go a long way to get to church. He related the story that when he became a Christian, his father took an axe and got ready to kill him unless he would renounce Christ. Thankfully, his father found he could not go through with his threat. "
As the Games wind down there are a few important things to remember and pray about...I was reminded of this is a short press release...
"Athens, August 27 - Pressure is mounting on Olympic athletes. Those who fail to win a medal often drop into an "inner void" according to an accredited counselor in the Olympic Village.
Because they believe that their four-year intensive preparation has been in vain, athletes seek understanding and consolation from Christian counselors. They are not part of the Olympic team or trainers and other officials.
(The counselor) was mostly in contact with (Eurpoean) swimmers. Their disappointing performance was criticized heavily in the press thus aggravating the situation for the athletes. Though open evangelism is out of bounds in the Olympic village, many sportsmen and women attended worship services. Approximately 100 athletes took part in the Sunday services for one non-English language group alone. During one of these services a European badminton player was baptised."
Yes...I do have more tomorrow even though the Closing Ceremony is now concluded.
Sunday, August 29, 2004
...more Fusion Festival stories...
I am so excited about what the Lord is doing in outreach beyond Athens...to other communities in Greece...that I wanted to revisit some of those places on this verbal journey.
"Fusion was invited by local Churches to work in 3 of the Olympic cities outside Athens. It was their first attempt at a Festival and took place when the soccer began 2 nights before the official opening ceremony. A team travelled to Iraklion, Crete where over 1000 people came to a Festival that was run by two Churches working together in the main square of the
city. The Festival was filmed by a Crete TV station and the local people greatly appreciated what Fusion was able to offer their community. One believer commented as he watched the Festival he believed that this was the most effective way he had ever seen to make contact with Greek people.
In Volos, large crowds turned out for a festival on the waterfront in front of a number of local taverns. One of the local pastors, working in conjunction with the local council and the local Orthodox Bishop commented that he couldn't believe how simple and effective Festivals were. It provided an ideal atmosphere where they could distribute New Testaments to
people who asked for them and they were able to give out more than they ever had before. A local Greek Orthodox priest, when asked by one of his Church members if they should take one, commented that he was going to take one and they should also do that and be reading their Bibles.
At Thessaloniki 500 people came to a Festival at Kalamaria where local Christians worked in co-operation with the Fusion team on the waterfront. When the locals were asked if they would like to see this happen more often, there was an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response. Many were disappointed that we were not coming back the next day and throughout the evening there were many significant conversations about faith.
Churches across Athens hosted 3 Opening Night Festivals. All had stages and promotion provided by the local councils and all were enthusiastically received by both the council and the local people. Festivals began at 6pm and drew large crowds till 8.45 pm when the Opening Ceremony began.
At Marousi, less than 2 kms from the Olympic Stadium, 1200 people attended a Festival in a perfect setting in an open area near the train station. Music and dance was provided by the Creative Arts team with artists from across the world. The council was delighted by the success of the evening and Fusion was given the opportunity to return again the following week to run 2 Festivals before the giant "Light the World Parade" where the Council
blocked off the street so the celebration could proceed unhindered. Restaurants were so delighted by what they saw that they provided free meals for some of the team.
At Ilion Park, the largest park in Athens, the local Church was uncertain about how many would come. They would have been delighted with 100 so when 800 people came to be part of the celebration they could hardly contain their joy! The local Church is still coming to terms with the impact that they can have in the community as they work together with the council. The Deputy Mayor has asked them to run another Festival as soon as they can!
At Rafina, the Church running this Festival couldn't believe both how may people turned up (over 1500) and how easy it was to find a way to connect with people. Many of the team were invited home for a meal; many discussions were had about faith and people wanted to connect further. From the stage the MC spoke about young people needing purpose and community and it received wholehearted support. There is a clear sense that the closeness of the local community was splintering and what we were offering was a way to reverse this trend.
Since Opening Night Festivals the team have been running Festivals across Athens. They helped begin a massive celebration in the heart of the city, Omonia Square, where they worked with local Churches on the "Tribute to the Unknown God". 5000 people came to this event, a first event on this scale run by the Churches in Athens. Amazingly, it had the full support of the Mayor of Athens and the Olympic authorities who used the event as the start
of the Olympic cultural program.
In the relaxed and welcoming setting of Festivals there have been many opportunities for the team to share their faith and talk to local people about how to join God's family in a new way. Many by simply turning up night after night at the Festivals are finding a home amongst the team. Some are returning with other family members. The team is growing! There are
conversations on buses, in trains and restaurants. Others just ask can they meet to talk further."
Most of my on-site sources have left Athens by now and are on their way home. However, I will still have a few stories to add tomorrow...and some wrap-up thoughts.
"Fusion was invited by local Churches to work in 3 of the Olympic cities outside Athens. It was their first attempt at a Festival and took place when the soccer began 2 nights before the official opening ceremony. A team travelled to Iraklion, Crete where over 1000 people came to a Festival that was run by two Churches working together in the main square of the
city. The Festival was filmed by a Crete TV station and the local people greatly appreciated what Fusion was able to offer their community. One believer commented as he watched the Festival he believed that this was the most effective way he had ever seen to make contact with Greek people.
In Volos, large crowds turned out for a festival on the waterfront in front of a number of local taverns. One of the local pastors, working in conjunction with the local council and the local Orthodox Bishop commented that he couldn't believe how simple and effective Festivals were. It provided an ideal atmosphere where they could distribute New Testaments to
people who asked for them and they were able to give out more than they ever had before. A local Greek Orthodox priest, when asked by one of his Church members if they should take one, commented that he was going to take one and they should also do that and be reading their Bibles.
At Thessaloniki 500 people came to a Festival at Kalamaria where local Christians worked in co-operation with the Fusion team on the waterfront. When the locals were asked if they would like to see this happen more often, there was an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response. Many were disappointed that we were not coming back the next day and throughout the evening there were many significant conversations about faith.
Churches across Athens hosted 3 Opening Night Festivals. All had stages and promotion provided by the local councils and all were enthusiastically received by both the council and the local people. Festivals began at 6pm and drew large crowds till 8.45 pm when the Opening Ceremony began.
At Marousi, less than 2 kms from the Olympic Stadium, 1200 people attended a Festival in a perfect setting in an open area near the train station. Music and dance was provided by the Creative Arts team with artists from across the world. The council was delighted by the success of the evening and Fusion was given the opportunity to return again the following week to run 2 Festivals before the giant "Light the World Parade" where the Council
blocked off the street so the celebration could proceed unhindered. Restaurants were so delighted by what they saw that they provided free meals for some of the team.
At Ilion Park, the largest park in Athens, the local Church was uncertain about how many would come. They would have been delighted with 100 so when 800 people came to be part of the celebration they could hardly contain their joy! The local Church is still coming to terms with the impact that they can have in the community as they work together with the council. The Deputy Mayor has asked them to run another Festival as soon as they can!
At Rafina, the Church running this Festival couldn't believe both how may people turned up (over 1500) and how easy it was to find a way to connect with people. Many of the team were invited home for a meal; many discussions were had about faith and people wanted to connect further. From the stage the MC spoke about young people needing purpose and community and it received wholehearted support. There is a clear sense that the closeness of the local community was splintering and what we were offering was a way to reverse this trend.
Since Opening Night Festivals the team have been running Festivals across Athens. They helped begin a massive celebration in the heart of the city, Omonia Square, where they worked with local Churches on the "Tribute to the Unknown God". 5000 people came to this event, a first event on this scale run by the Churches in Athens. Amazingly, it had the full support of the Mayor of Athens and the Olympic authorities who used the event as the start
of the Olympic cultural program.
In the relaxed and welcoming setting of Festivals there have been many opportunities for the team to share their faith and talk to local people about how to join God's family in a new way. Many by simply turning up night after night at the Festivals are finding a home amongst the team. Some are returning with other family members. The team is growing! There are
conversations on buses, in trains and restaurants. Others just ask can they meet to talk further."
Most of my on-site sources have left Athens by now and are on their way home. However, I will still have a few stories to add tomorrow...and some wrap-up thoughts.
Saturday, August 28, 2004
...more from "the country" cousins...
I have enjoyed more stories about what is going on in Greece (other than Athens) as a reult of the Olympics hype...and wanted to document a few of them here...(thanks again, Ramon!)…
“Orayo, Orayo” (beautiful, beautiful) was the word most often heard at one of the special Open Crowd Festival outreaches that are currently taking place in Greece during the Games.
During the Olympics over 100 people from Fusion International, a Christian Youth & Community organization, have been running Community Festivals throughout Greece. They have been working beside local Greek churches and have been welcomed enthusiastically wherever they have run Festivals.
Mayors have given Fusion permission to run these free Family events at the centre of their communities and local Christians have joined the Fusion team to ensure that the local Church have been at the centre of all that is taking place. Thousands have turned up to these Festivals and have been delighted by all they have experienced. Security guards and police, at first sceptical and suspicious, have ended up becoming part of the team as they joined in with the fun and celebration.
Local Christians have been excited seeing the response of the Greek community to Festivals and many are planning to continue running Festivals with the 3 sets of Festival equipment that Fusion will leave behind in Greece.
Here’s just one story (of many) about these community festivals…
A team of 17 from Fusion International took the long 7-hour journey from Athens to join with enthusiastic Christians in the North Western township of Ptolemaida (40,000 people). There they have created something of a joyous revolution. Balloon sculpting, face painting, circus skills and a living Greek statue all drew gasps of joy. The Greeks came in their thousands and time and time again the team were told we have never had anything like this in our town. The city square was circled with aging Greek inhabitants with broad grins on their faces as parents, children and teenagers engaged enthusiastically in the event. The most commonly heard word that night was "Beautiful, Beautiful"! The local members of the Free Church threw themselves into the Festival proudly balloon sculpting and face painting alongside their brothers and sisters from around the world. Language barriers disappeared as sprits united in mission. When Harris Kerr Fusion's local Greek worker asked the crowd would they like to see more of this, they responded, "It must be, we must have more!"
More "country cousin" stories tomorrow.
Friday, August 27, 2004
...You guessed it!!!...More...
After mentioning yesterday what is going on in Athens...but outside the Athletes' Village...I thought it might also be encouraging to record what is been going on in Greece...but beyond Athens.
Special Outreaches are occurring in Athens, across Greece and on many of the Greek islands. There are many famous inhabited islands that are part of Greece. Almost as soon as the 2004 Olympics were awarded leaders began to plan for teams to go to the islands. The years of prayer and planning has resulted in outreach last week, today and the rest of this week on over 35 islands. Nearly 300 workers are on traveling teams. In the last four days of the Olympics there are plans to distribute 50,000 culturally relevant literature packs on the over 35 islands. Friday there will be simultaneous outreaches on all the more than 35 islands. As you watch the global television broadcasts make mention in prayer for those today reaching out on the islands of Greece."
Back to the Village...(Thanks to Judy with AIA for this story)…
"To make a long story short...my friend Karen and I set out for the "residence hall" of the ("Country"-stan) delegation. We walked in one building, asked for them and were told, "oh yes, right there!!!! One of the athletes was ironing clothes. She is a track athlete who wasn't expected to get through her initial heats but finished quite high. That is a HUGE "win" for her and her country. She and her coach then took us to another building to find another athlete! THEN, we sat for 45 minutes chatting with the athletes, took pictures and spoke of many things including their hopes for their future. To say that I was overwhelmed and that God did MORE than I dreamed or imagined is an understatement! This morning I prayed that the Lord would order my steps and it "seemed" as if we went right to these precious women... YIPPEE!!"
Thursday, August 26, 2004
..."Please, sir...more?"...
Here are a few more recent stories from the Olympics...
"Yesterday at noon, a legendary runner form (an east African country) came to the Bible Study. We prayed for her that God will strengthen her for her marathon. She has previously won many prestigious marathons...and she is a sister in the Lord. There are many Christians in this wild world of sports. Many are strong in the Lord but many are living in compromise, and many have back slided, because there was nobody to encourage and help them.Pray that those who are strong will firmly stand out for Jesus. And pray that during these Olympics the Spirit will restore those who are weak and down.
Pray also for a field athlete from a west African country. Pray that she will feel the love of Christ and be strong to perform at the maximum of her potential, for the glory of God. She received a sport New Testament and a Jesus Film DVD with a lot of Joy. Pray that God will use these materials in a mighty way to transform her.
Yesterday I also met a European track and field team member. She came to pray at the Religious Services Center. Pray for her that the Lord will reveal his love to her too."
And here's a story I haven't been reporting on too often yet...
"You might have been wondering what do AIA staff do if they are not in the village and able to meet face to face with athletes we know. Let me give you a bit of a picture...Once after our AIA morning group meetings and devotion time, (we) struck out for the town to "find" athletes to distribute DVDs. When they are not in their competitions they are able to do some sightseeing and shopping themselves. We headed to one of these areas. Almost immediately, I saw an Asian guy taking a picture of four others so I offered to take the picture for them. They all immediately took out cameras and Karen and I were "in"! They wore athlete's badges so we asked them where they were from - this way we know which format of our DVD to give them. I told them we had gifts for each of the athletes and would accept one - each of them did! (These DVDs have faith stories of other Olympians being told in one of eight languages. Then a film about the life of Christ. All in their own language!) After leaving that group we walked a bit more and saw ANOTHER group of athletes taking a picture...again, one taking it of four others! :) SO, offered to take the picture and ask "where are you all from?" (One of the "country-stans"!) Yes, we had a DVD with Russian on it so they could watch it in a language they understand! They were wrestlers and one of them knew of two of our wrestling staff who have been in their country!!! :)SO, that is what others do to help distribute 3500 copies of this Olympic Version DVD and the good news of Jesus Christ! :)"
"Yesterday at noon, a legendary runner form (an east African country) came to the Bible Study. We prayed for her that God will strengthen her for her marathon. She has previously won many prestigious marathons...and she is a sister in the Lord. There are many Christians in this wild world of sports. Many are strong in the Lord but many are living in compromise, and many have back slided, because there was nobody to encourage and help them.Pray that those who are strong will firmly stand out for Jesus. And pray that during these Olympics the Spirit will restore those who are weak and down.
Pray also for a field athlete from a west African country. Pray that she will feel the love of Christ and be strong to perform at the maximum of her potential, for the glory of God. She received a sport New Testament and a Jesus Film DVD with a lot of Joy. Pray that God will use these materials in a mighty way to transform her.
Yesterday I also met a European track and field team member. She came to pray at the Religious Services Center. Pray for her that the Lord will reveal his love to her too."
And here's a story I haven't been reporting on too often yet...
"You might have been wondering what do AIA staff do if they are not in the village and able to meet face to face with athletes we know. Let me give you a bit of a picture...Once after our AIA morning group meetings and devotion time, (we) struck out for the town to "find" athletes to distribute DVDs. When they are not in their competitions they are able to do some sightseeing and shopping themselves. We headed to one of these areas. Almost immediately, I saw an Asian guy taking a picture of four others so I offered to take the picture for them. They all immediately took out cameras and Karen and I were "in"! They wore athlete's badges so we asked them where they were from - this way we know which format of our DVD to give them. I told them we had gifts for each of the athletes and would accept one - each of them did! (These DVDs have faith stories of other Olympians being told in one of eight languages. Then a film about the life of Christ. All in their own language!) After leaving that group we walked a bit more and saw ANOTHER group of athletes taking a picture...again, one taking it of four others! :) SO, offered to take the picture and ask "where are you all from?" (One of the "country-stans"!) Yes, we had a DVD with Russian on it so they could watch it in a language they understand! They were wrestlers and one of them knew of two of our wrestling staff who have been in their country!!! :)SO, that is what others do to help distribute 3500 copies of this Olympic Version DVD and the good news of Jesus Christ! :)"
Mo' tammarra!
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
...and just a few more today...
It's not that things aren't happening...rather, so much happening that I don't have time to get it onto the blog. I will try to do better tomorrow...
Meanwhile...from Athens...God's "hand" continues it's mighty work through his human ambassadors...
"After a quick bite in the cafeteria, I headed over to the (Carribean Island) delegation for a meeting with them. Joining me at this meeting was Gerard, the AIA Director for (one of the island countries). The Chef de Mission of (this island) and his assistant sat and brainstormed ideas of how to reach the athletes of their country with the Good News of Jesus. Afterwards, we gave an Olympic Edition Jesus Film DVD to the Chef who promised that he would make sure that every athlete, coach and official in the delegation received the DVD.
Next I went to the Olympic Village Religious Center for a small worship service and then a Bible Study with 3 Asian country athletes...two basketball players and one volleyball player. These guys love the Lord, are growing in their faith and being discipled back in their home country by one of our AIA staff members. They asked for prayer in 3 areas. One, they desire to be a faithful example of God's love to their teammates. Second, they're all a bit banged up...one required a shot for back pain, and Third, it's been difficult to be away from their families during this time and they asked God's protection on them while they're apart."
From another source...
"On Wednesday, I was able to go inside the Olympic Village and meet with the delegation head from (an African country). We have another appointment today with this person today to discuss how we could help their country's athletes grow. I was also able to have lunch with an Asian athlete studying at an American university and study Colossians 3:17,23 with him in his dorm room before his afternoon practice!!"
More tomorrow...Monday, August 23, 2004
...and yet more...
I love it! Who could ask for "more"?
...yet the stories keep rolling in...
Here are a few from our AIA director in a former Soviet country...
"One day as I was traveling to an event I struck up a conversation with the man next to me who turned out to be a former basketball coach for the national team in (a small western European country). He gladly received our sports DVD with the Jesus Film and was interested in possibly getting some for the team.
After attending a basketball game I noticed a very distinguishing looking man and initiated a conversation with him. I turned out to be one of the 8 or 10 Olympic commissioners from (a former Iron Curtain country). We talked for 30 minutes and he too was very open to receiving our DVD gift.
On another occasion I met a (European) kayaker and talked for 10 minutes and he took the dvd. Later I met the European recruiter for (professional basketball team) and talked with him for 30 minutes. He was a rough guy, but eagerly received the DVD at the end of our conversation."
News from one of our AIA staff women...
"One of the competeing women archers made it into the final 16 (out of 64). She has written on her arm, "audience of one", to remember she competes to please Christ, not others! She meets daily one of the AIA female chaplains in the village!"
And finally (today at least) from our AIA director in another (different than the above) former Soviet country...
"I'm on the internet right now sitting next to two (former USSR country) swimmers who finished their competition this morning. After some small talk I offered each of them a copy of the special Olympic version of the JESUS film on DVD (their's being one of 8 languages on the DVD), which they gladly accepted. I asked them if they wanted a gospel of Luke in Russian, but they happily replied that they had already gotten copies (freely distributed) from their team office."
More than halfway through the Olympics now and I'm praying for the workers and athletes that they will persevere. Sometimes the Good News is most readily heard in the context of strong disappointment and shattered dreams. There are more athletes at the Olympics commiserating than celebrating. I hope and pray that it will lead them into a relationship with the true champion of all mankind and help them to discover More Than Gold.
Sunday, August 22, 2004
...and can it be???...a few more...
As exciting as it is to be involved in the sowing of the "seed" with the Olympic/Jesus DVD...I am also starting to receive reports of some "harvesting" that is going on in Athens. A harvest far more precious than gold...the eternal lives of souls!
"Best of all, seveal Olympic athletes have prayed to receive Christ right here in Athens! Please pray for God to be real to the boxer and swimmer from (a Central American country) who asked Christ to come into their hearts.
Pray likewise for the 5 athletes from (a central African country) who now have placed their belief in Jesus. Ask God to work in the hearts of the 26 (South American country) Olympic team members who want to grow in their faith after meeting with our AIA staff couple from that country.
In addition, our AIA staff from Paraguay and Kenya (different than the above countries) are overwhelmed at the response and opportunities to minister to numerous athletes who want to receive Christ as their Savior and understand how principles in the Bible can give them a "Victory beyond Competition!"
Following on to the prayer request that I mentioned in my last posting about my mate's proposed visit to delegations within the Olympic Village...here is his followup notification of God's mighty hand at work...with three small South Pacific Island nations...
"My first scheduled meeting was with the Chef de Mission (the chief or head of the delegation) of (a larger island nation). Our AIA Staff person in that country had sent a letter of introduction and so my entry was expected. This may was extremely open to an expanded role for AIA in developing sports and character in his country. So positive was he, that immediately after our hour long meeting, he introduced me to the Chef de Mission of a second (smaller) island nation... this man also was excited to begin a relationship between AIA and HIS country. (Somewhere in the sequence of events) the first Chef de Mission returned with a third Chef de Mission of (yet another island nation) and I had another long meeting with him. It turns out this man is an associate Pastor of his church. He was so excited and said, "This is exactly the thing that my country needs... Christian athletes who desire to share their Christian faith with young people".
I can hardly wait for tomorrow!
"Best of all, seveal Olympic athletes have prayed to receive Christ right here in Athens! Please pray for God to be real to the boxer and swimmer from (a Central American country) who asked Christ to come into their hearts.
Pray likewise for the 5 athletes from (a central African country) who now have placed their belief in Jesus. Ask God to work in the hearts of the 26 (South American country) Olympic team members who want to grow in their faith after meeting with our AIA staff couple from that country.
In addition, our AIA staff from Paraguay and Kenya (different than the above countries) are overwhelmed at the response and opportunities to minister to numerous athletes who want to receive Christ as their Savior and understand how principles in the Bible can give them a "Victory beyond Competition!"
Following on to the prayer request that I mentioned in my last posting about my mate's proposed visit to delegations within the Olympic Village...here is his followup notification of God's mighty hand at work...with three small South Pacific Island nations...
"My first scheduled meeting was with the Chef de Mission (the chief or head of the delegation) of (a larger island nation). Our AIA Staff person in that country had sent a letter of introduction and so my entry was expected. This may was extremely open to an expanded role for AIA in developing sports and character in his country. So positive was he, that immediately after our hour long meeting, he introduced me to the Chef de Mission of a second (smaller) island nation... this man also was excited to begin a relationship between AIA and HIS country. (Somewhere in the sequence of events) the first Chef de Mission returned with a third Chef de Mission of (yet another island nation) and I had another long meeting with him. It turns out this man is an associate Pastor of his church. He was so excited and said, "This is exactly the thing that my country needs... Christian athletes who desire to share their Christian faith with young people".
I can hardly wait for tomorrow!
Saturday, August 21, 2004
...and even more...
The stories just keep rolling in...
From one of the Australian Men's Volleyball team members...
"Cheers...I will definitely track this guy down (a Christian on the US Volleyball team) . We play him in a few days too! Heaps of great Christians around the village which is very encouraging. Thanks for your prayers..."
From one of the AIA workers in Athens...
"One of our AIA staff from (a South American country) was not accredited when he went to his country's women's volleyball match. He does know some of the players on the team and was hoping to pass on some Jesus DVD's to them so they could give them to their teammates. Immediately after the match started, he stood up and walked to the area behind the bench where he sat down next to the team doctor, also a friend of his. When a security guard questioned him, he showed him his ID (not an official accreditation). The guard said, "OK", and he allowed him to remain there. After the game, Denilson, met up with his friends on the team and shared the Gospel with several others.
"One of our AIA staff in (an African country) was with (his countries') volleyball team immediately before their game against (an Asian country). When it was discovered that (his country's "manager") had not brought enough gifts for the (other country)--for the traditional pregame gift exchange. The AIA staff member offered some Olympic Edition Jesus Film DVD's. So that's what the (Asian opponents) received!"
Here is a prayer request from Dave (AIA-USA) for me to engage with...
"(I) wrote last night that the chances of getting into the Olympic Village were very slim. (Since then I have) THREE offers for day passes within the next couple of days. We are so thankful for the Lord's provision. I will be a guest of the "Country-stan" delegation and will be meeting with (a South Pacific Island) Chef de Mission in the morning at 10am and with (a Carribean Island) Chef de Mission at 2pm. These are important contacts to introduce AIA's ministry to these delegations and to open doors for staff in these countries. Please pray that the Lord would speak clearly through him in these meetings."
I'd better quite writing and start praying...or at least "continue praying"!
From one of the Australian Men's Volleyball team members...
"Cheers...I will definitely track this guy down (a Christian on the US Volleyball team) . We play him in a few days too! Heaps of great Christians around the village which is very encouraging. Thanks for your prayers..."
From one of the AIA workers in Athens...
"One of our AIA staff from (a South American country) was not accredited when he went to his country's women's volleyball match. He does know some of the players on the team and was hoping to pass on some Jesus DVD's to them so they could give them to their teammates. Immediately after the match started, he stood up and walked to the area behind the bench where he sat down next to the team doctor, also a friend of his. When a security guard questioned him, he showed him his ID (not an official accreditation). The guard said, "OK", and he allowed him to remain there. After the game, Denilson, met up with his friends on the team and shared the Gospel with several others.
"One of our AIA staff in (an African country) was with (his countries') volleyball team immediately before their game against (an Asian country). When it was discovered that (his country's "manager") had not brought enough gifts for the (other country)--for the traditional pregame gift exchange. The AIA staff member offered some Olympic Edition Jesus Film DVD's. So that's what the (Asian opponents) received!"
Here is a prayer request from Dave (AIA-USA) for me to engage with...
"(I) wrote last night that the chances of getting into the Olympic Village were very slim. (Since then I have) THREE offers for day passes within the next couple of days. We are so thankful for the Lord's provision. I will be a guest of the "Country-stan" delegation and will be meeting with (a South Pacific Island) Chef de Mission in the morning at 10am and with (a Carribean Island) Chef de Mission at 2pm. These are important contacts to introduce AIA's ministry to these delegations and to open doors for staff in these countries. Please pray that the Lord would speak clearly through him in these meetings."
I'd better quite writing and start praying...or at least "continue praying"!
Friday, August 20, 2004
...and a few more...
Nice to have someone on the inside to get the news that the "News" doesn't cover...
Here are some specific prayer points from Athens regarding distribution of the Olympics/Jesus DVD...
- For the Queen of a small European country who was supposed to receive a DVD from some Olympic Volunteers that attended a country reception last night.
- For Karen Zando, one of our official Olympic Chaplains who ministers inside the Olympic Village. She will be attending a Bible Study with the Swim
coaches from a island nation, and has had an opportunity to share the love of Christ with one athlete who admitted to being an alcoholic to her.
- For a strong Christian woman on a major Western countries Archery team. She has been told by her coach that part of her training regimen every day must include a discipleship appointment with her spiritual pastor every day. That "spiritual pastor" is one of our AIA chaplains in the Village.
I'm also praying for the Australian Christian competitors that I know of in team sports...volleyball and basketball. So far, the players have been doing very well personally but their teams have not been winning. My prayer is that they will learn precisely what God wants them to learn through this experience and that they will be there primarily for "mission...not medals".
Here are some specific prayer points from Athens regarding distribution of the Olympics/Jesus DVD...
- For the Queen of a small European country who was supposed to receive a DVD from some Olympic Volunteers that attended a country reception last night.
- For Karen Zando, one of our official Olympic Chaplains who ministers inside the Olympic Village. She will be attending a Bible Study with the Swim
coaches from a island nation, and has had an opportunity to share the love of Christ with one athlete who admitted to being an alcoholic to her.
- For a strong Christian woman on a major Western countries Archery team. She has been told by her coach that part of her training regimen every day must include a discipleship appointment with her spiritual pastor every day. That "spiritual pastor" is one of our AIA chaplains in the Village.
I'm also praying for the Australian Christian competitors that I know of in team sports...volleyball and basketball. So far, the players have been doing very well personally but their teams have not been winning. My prayer is that they will learn precisely what God wants them to learn through this experience and that they will be there primarily for "mission...not medals".
Thursday, August 19, 2004
A Few More Stories
My AIA mate in Athens continues to supply me with fresh prayer points...
"Yesterday, we went to a cycling event and were able to meet an
athlete who competed in the Olympics in Sydney but missed this year due
an injury. We gave him a Jesus DVD and pray that viewing it changes his
outlook on life.
Several GREAT "only God could do this" praises have occurred:
- A USA Women's Softball player was voted "Most Beautiful Girl in the
Olympic Village" by the other athletes, and when the Greek media crowded
around her to interview her, all she would talk about was how great God is!
She also mentioned her involvement with AIA.
- A (former Iron Curtain country) field athlete was excited about watching
the DVD back at his room in the Olympic Village.
- Rabe, our AIA staff from an African country was able to meet with the whole delegation from his country and present each one a Jesus DVD! He met
several governmental officers including the head of the military and one that
was a former head of rebel forces!
In a subsequent email my mate reported...
"I have sensed some spiritual opposition, so more prayers are desperately needed. The official Olympic chaplains have been told that they are not allowed to hand out any materials including the Jesus DVDs, and it has been harder to get the DVD's into the hands of the athletes."
Nevertheless...
"I did see two guys from another ministry in Brasil hand the regular Jesus DVDs to three athletes from another South American (communist) country, so that was a real boon!!"
I will be in prayer for each of these "recipients" as he has requested.
"Yesterday, we went to a cycling event and were able to meet an
athlete who competed in the Olympics in Sydney but missed this year due
an injury. We gave him a Jesus DVD and pray that viewing it changes his
outlook on life.
Several GREAT "only God could do this" praises have occurred:
- A USA Women's Softball player was voted "Most Beautiful Girl in the
Olympic Village" by the other athletes, and when the Greek media crowded
around her to interview her, all she would talk about was how great God is!
She also mentioned her involvement with AIA.
- A (former Iron Curtain country) field athlete was excited about watching
the DVD back at his room in the Olympic Village.
- Rabe, our AIA staff from an African country was able to meet with the whole delegation from his country and present each one a Jesus DVD! He met
several governmental officers including the head of the military and one that
was a former head of rebel forces!
In a subsequent email my mate reported...
"I have sensed some spiritual opposition, so more prayers are desperately needed. The official Olympic chaplains have been told that they are not allowed to hand out any materials including the Jesus DVDs, and it has been harder to get the DVD's into the hands of the athletes."
Nevertheless...
"I did see two guys from another ministry in Brasil hand the regular Jesus DVDs to three athletes from another South American (communist) country, so that was a real boon!!"
I will be in prayer for each of these "recipients" as he has requested.
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Let the "Stories" Begin
Athletes In Action (AIA) has produced a tremendous tool for the Athens Olympics. It's a take- off on the "More Than Gold" video used in the Sydney Olympics...but it uses new "life journey stories" from current athletes...and a much more convenient DVD format. The athletes' stories introduce the classic feature length film on the life of Jesus--their personal favorite as "World Champion".
From a practical side, a DVD is much easier to ship, carry, and distribute. For the recipient it is more "valued" simply because it is a more up-to-date format...and it is easier to pack into a bulging suitcase for the trip home.
What really excites me is that research has shown these DVDs will reach the most remote corners of the earth (within a matter of days) as the athletes return home and share the DVD with others. The "ripple effect" of a tool like this almost beyond imagination.
One of my mates with AIA at Athens (thanks Ray) has sent me some early stories of the use of the DVD and asked me to pray for these people. What a privilege to have this responsibility as my contribution to the effort this time around.
(I have chosen not to record actual names here...in an attempt to preserve some "privacy"...but these are stories of real people.)
- A player on the US Volleyball team who is a strong Christian who
could help us get the DVD's into the hands of many athletes.
- A female athlete from a former Iron Curtain country who was glad to
accept a Jesus DVD from us at a practice Gymnastics session.
- The sister of a crew member of a western European Olympic Sailing Team. She gratefully accepted 2 DVDs and promised to give one to her sister.
- An African boxer sent home due to an abnormal blood test. He was just
chewing a tribal remedy for headaches that apparently has hallucenigenic
properties. Pray that his family will not be persecuted because of his
shame and that God would use this in his life.
- A member of the USA rowing team who will receive the DVD as a result of AIA contact with his parents...who are in Athens to support their son.
I'm on the prowl for stories and will try to secure some more in the next couple of days.
From a practical side, a DVD is much easier to ship, carry, and distribute. For the recipient it is more "valued" simply because it is a more up-to-date format...and it is easier to pack into a bulging suitcase for the trip home.
What really excites me is that research has shown these DVDs will reach the most remote corners of the earth (within a matter of days) as the athletes return home and share the DVD with others. The "ripple effect" of a tool like this almost beyond imagination.
One of my mates with AIA at Athens (thanks Ray) has sent me some early stories of the use of the DVD and asked me to pray for these people. What a privilege to have this responsibility as my contribution to the effort this time around.
(I have chosen not to record actual names here...in an attempt to preserve some "privacy"...but these are stories of real people.)
- A player on the US Volleyball team who is a strong Christian who
could help us get the DVD's into the hands of many athletes.
- A female athlete from a former Iron Curtain country who was glad to
accept a Jesus DVD from us at a practice Gymnastics session.
- The sister of a crew member of a western European Olympic Sailing Team. She gratefully accepted 2 DVDs and promised to give one to her sister.
- An African boxer sent home due to an abnormal blood test. He was just
chewing a tribal remedy for headaches that apparently has hallucenigenic
properties. Pray that his family will not be persecuted because of his
shame and that God would use this in his life.
- A member of the USA rowing team who will receive the DVD as a result of AIA contact with his parents...who are in Athens to support their son.
I'm on the prowl for stories and will try to secure some more in the next couple of days.
Monday, August 16, 2004
Early Days in Athens Olympics
Watched my mate David Beard with the Australian Men's Volleyball Team in their game against Brazil late last night (Sydney time). I am so proud of Dave. He and his wife Julie walk close to the Lord and he sees his second Olympics as "mission" as much as "medals". He has asked me for prayer for opportunities for him to be open with others about his faith...and for a positive response to the Good News message from one of his best mates on the Aussie Team.
With all the Olympics hype...and the "glorification of humanism" touted about in the Opening Ceremony it might be wise to reflect on this words...
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"God can achieve his purpose either through the absence
of human power and resources, or the abandonment of
reliance on them. All through history God has chosen and
used nobodies, because their unusual dependence on him
made possible the unique display of his power and grace.
He chose and used somebodies only when they renounced
dependence on their natural abilities and resources".
- Oswald Chambers
------------------------------------------------------------------
I taped the Boomers first game against Greece which was telecast at 5:15 this AM but haven't had a chance to watch it yet. I am praying for Jason Smith and CJ Bruton with the Boomers... that they will play well, be preserved from injury, thoroughly enjoy themselves, and allow God to use them to accomplish His purposes while they are in Athens.
With all the Olympics hype...and the "glorification of humanism" touted about in the Opening Ceremony it might be wise to reflect on this words...
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"God can achieve his purpose either through the absence
of human power and resources, or the abandonment of
reliance on them. All through history God has chosen and
used nobodies, because their unusual dependence on him
made possible the unique display of his power and grace.
He chose and used somebodies only when they renounced
dependence on their natural abilities and resources".
- Oswald Chambers
------------------------------------------------------------------
I taped the Boomers first game against Greece which was telecast at 5:15 this AM but haven't had a chance to watch it yet. I am praying for Jason Smith and CJ Bruton with the Boomers... that they will play well, be preserved from injury, thoroughly enjoy themselves, and allow God to use them to accomplish His purposes while they are in Athens.
Sunday, August 15, 2004
Trails West-AIAIA
While musing on AIA activity at Athens I realized that for this project at least we in AIA could be known at AIAIA (Atheletes In Action In Athens).
Here is an interesting report from our Mexican AIA staff serving temporarily at least then with AIAIA...
"Last night, our AIA Mexico staff traveled 3 hours to meet with the Mexico women's soccer team. They were "told" that they could meet with the women after dinner but that never materialized.They waited, prayed and began to talk with one of the Greek police in the area. He asked what they were doing and where they were from. After being told they were Mexicans and needing to see the soccer team, the Greek policeman escorted the AIA staff to a meeting room in the hotel. The soccer team was JUST sitting there waiting, as if it was a planned meeting!Our AIA staff gave EVERY team member a DVD of Christian athletes stories in their language! A very divine appointment!They arrived back to our hostal at 6 am in the morning! Go GOD and AIA Mexico!!"
Please continue in prayer for effective outreach to individuals at the Olympics...that athlete and fan would fine much More Than Gold in this adventure.
Here is an interesting report from our Mexican AIA staff serving temporarily at least then with AIAIA...
"Last night, our AIA Mexico staff traveled 3 hours to meet with the Mexico women's soccer team. They were "told" that they could meet with the women after dinner but that never materialized.They waited, prayed and began to talk with one of the Greek police in the area. He asked what they were doing and where they were from. After being told they were Mexicans and needing to see the soccer team, the Greek policeman escorted the AIA staff to a meeting room in the hotel. The soccer team was JUST sitting there waiting, as if it was a planned meeting!Our AIA staff gave EVERY team member a DVD of Christian athletes stories in their language! A very divine appointment!They arrived back to our hostal at 6 am in the morning! Go GOD and AIA Mexico!!"
Please continue in prayer for effective outreach to individuals at the Olympics...that athlete and fan would fine much More Than Gold in this adventure.
Friday, August 13, 2004
Athens Trails and Trials
I have cc (below) some insight from inside the Olympic village off another blog (that I wanted to document here). Isn't it frustrating how often the best news the world will ever hear is so often silenced by little people with a self-inflated view of their own importance? (I should probably include myself in that category!)
"Please keep praying about our ongoing difficulties with the Greek managers of the Religious Services Centre. They are wanting to keep everything under control so much that it is beginning to hinder the chaplaincy. For example, they have said they do not want us to give out bibles to athletes who come asking for them because they have not been given official clearance by ATHOC. Also, one nation’s athlete fell ill while training and ended up in hospital. One of our chaplains received a direct request from that nation’s team management to go and visit him and take him a bible. They questioned first whether he should have been allowed to go and visit him and, secondly, whether he should have left the bible with him! The experience of religion that most Greeks (97%) have is of the Greek Orthodox Church. In this context the role of the priest is to conduct the services and any sort of pastoral contact is taken care of by the immediate family or social group. As a result, they have had very little contact with sports chaplaincy and have no concept of the pastoral care that ministers provide that we take for granted. Unfortunately, they want us to conform to their very narrow view of ministry and get very scared when we do anything else. Pray that we will be considerate of their position and caring towards them but still go about doing our job effectively.
More chaplains have arrived now and we have a bit of a United Nations feel on the chaplaincy team now rather than a Commonwealth feel. We have chaplains from Australia, UK, USA, Mexico, Argentina, Kenya, Germany, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway and a few other nations that I’ve probably forgotten. This makes life a lot easier because each of these people has their own contacts within the different nations, people groups and/or language groups. This makes it easier to get the word out about chaplaincy to many more people."
I have also checked carefully through the official Athens Olympics website and found no reference to Chaplaincy Services at the Games. Knowing personally the high value that some athletes place on their chaplains role...and that the IOC mandates chaplains at the Olympics...and that I personally know at least six of the 35 chaplains who are working voluntarily at the Olympics (at quite some personal time and expense)...I am quite disappointed that there is not even reference to their presence. I have written directly to their site to query the omission but I seriously doubt there will be any redress.
I reckon it is probably a far more effective use of my time and energy to continue praying that the chaplains would be able to do exactly what God wants them to do in Athens...in spite of any human recognition (or not) and that God would be glorified as a result. Come to think of it, I doubt whether any of them are doing their job in order to be "recognized" anyway. What a contrast to most of the athletes they are there to serve?
"Please keep praying about our ongoing difficulties with the Greek managers of the Religious Services Centre. They are wanting to keep everything under control so much that it is beginning to hinder the chaplaincy. For example, they have said they do not want us to give out bibles to athletes who come asking for them because they have not been given official clearance by ATHOC. Also, one nation’s athlete fell ill while training and ended up in hospital. One of our chaplains received a direct request from that nation’s team management to go and visit him and take him a bible. They questioned first whether he should have been allowed to go and visit him and, secondly, whether he should have left the bible with him! The experience of religion that most Greeks (97%) have is of the Greek Orthodox Church. In this context the role of the priest is to conduct the services and any sort of pastoral contact is taken care of by the immediate family or social group. As a result, they have had very little contact with sports chaplaincy and have no concept of the pastoral care that ministers provide that we take for granted. Unfortunately, they want us to conform to their very narrow view of ministry and get very scared when we do anything else. Pray that we will be considerate of their position and caring towards them but still go about doing our job effectively.
More chaplains have arrived now and we have a bit of a United Nations feel on the chaplaincy team now rather than a Commonwealth feel. We have chaplains from Australia, UK, USA, Mexico, Argentina, Kenya, Germany, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway and a few other nations that I’ve probably forgotten. This makes life a lot easier because each of these people has their own contacts within the different nations, people groups and/or language groups. This makes it easier to get the word out about chaplaincy to many more people."
I have also checked carefully through the official Athens Olympics website and found no reference to Chaplaincy Services at the Games. Knowing personally the high value that some athletes place on their chaplains role...and that the IOC mandates chaplains at the Olympics...and that I personally know at least six of the 35 chaplains who are working voluntarily at the Olympics (at quite some personal time and expense)...I am quite disappointed that there is not even reference to their presence. I have written directly to their site to query the omission but I seriously doubt there will be any redress.
I reckon it is probably a far more effective use of my time and energy to continue praying that the chaplains would be able to do exactly what God wants them to do in Athens...in spite of any human recognition (or not) and that God would be glorified as a result. Come to think of it, I doubt whether any of them are doing their job in order to be "recognized" anyway. What a contrast to most of the athletes they are there to serve?
Monday, August 02, 2004
The Trail West
Just spent the last couple of days on a brief building mission trip to the far west of New South Wales...the township of Leeton...7,000 population in the town with another 12,000 in the immediate surrounds.
Pleasing to see some "green" as the winter wheat starts to break through. Farmers are desperately in need of rain for a successful crop later on.
A team of 15-20 from my church were assisting Leeton Baptist with repairs and painting on their manse. They hope to rent the place for some income to be used in further community outreach. Great bunch of people there and I trust our team was a blessing to them. I thoroughly enjoyed the change of pace...and working with wood, gap-filler, and paint for a couple of days...Especially enjoyed working closely with Al Harrison under supervision of crew boss Brian.
Pleasing to see some "green" as the winter wheat starts to break through. Farmers are desperately in need of rain for a successful crop later on.
A team of 15-20 from my church were assisting Leeton Baptist with repairs and painting on their manse. They hope to rent the place for some income to be used in further community outreach. Great bunch of people there and I trust our team was a blessing to them. I thoroughly enjoyed the change of pace...and working with wood, gap-filler, and paint for a couple of days...Especially enjoyed working closely with Al Harrison under supervision of crew boss Brian.
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