Nothing escapes the world's media in the Olympics. Christian Olympians who have the imagination and where-with-all to utilise this gathering of people groups from around the world have also engaged the Olympics for the cause of Christ.
Lay Witnesses for Christ International led by Dr Sam Mings has specialised in Olympic athlete ministry since the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Throughout all these years Dr Mings has been greatly assisted by Olympian on the Century Carl Lewis who has been part of the LWFCI outreaches in each Olympiad from this ministry's inception. He is a highlight speaker at these Olympic "Evening of the Stars" events.
At every Olympics from the nations across the world, there are Christian athletes who have a common thread. The bond that binds them together is Jesus Christ and His Salvation. Christian Olympians are in positions of influence and direct their public recognition to help other Christian athletes in their walk with the Lord.
Australia's Richard Pengelley from Perth, a Waterpolo Olympian and captain developed a paper in the early 1990's on "10 Common Questions for Christian Athletes" which has been utilised widely in sport ministry.
PSI Media Team in London
The Press Service International London 2012 Olympics 'Media Team' is David Smethurst, Jonathan and Jenny Mayne and with the assistance of Peter Wooding will be sending articles and photographs for collating by Mark Tronson for publishing in Christian Today and Assist News Service for world distribution. The first two have already been published (23 July and 26 July). (www.pressserviceinternational.org)
New Zealand Sports Young Writer
Press Service International is soon to introduce a New Zealand young writers project with three 'Comment' article spaces each week for designated NZ young writers. There remain vacancies in the program for New Zealand young people aged 18-30, including a monthly "Sports round-up" of New Zealand sport. Contact Dr Mark Tronson for more information at timeout@bushorchestra.com
Christian Athletes
Christian Athletes are big news for the cause of Christ. And it is not only Olympic sports where Christians from around the world identify themselves with this Salvation message of Jesus Christ.
Recently Tatenda Taibu the Zimbabwean cricket wicketkeeper batsman has retired from international sport to give his life in service to the Lord Jesus. He's not the only Zimbabwean cricketer who has identified themselves as a follower of Jesus, Henry Olonga was another. (www.espncricinfo.com)