Moreover they have established a most remarkable integrity within the Olympic family over these past eight Olympiads.
Well-Being Australia chairman Mark Tronson explained that Dr Mings appointed Frank Shelton to this key leadership position for Bridging the Gap - and this is his story.
What I've observed as insight to my participation and what God has already done?
We are so blessed to be linked with Dr Mings outreach to the Olympics. We are honored and humbled to be named International Evangelism Chairman for the upcoming Games. It is truly a "God thing" to not only be blessed to serve with such a great group but it is all God as He is raising an army of Christians to be the Hands and Feet of Christ to a lost and dying world. He is preparing us now to help us reach out in love abroad.
How I was led to join with Dr. Mings and his LWFCI team?
A dear friend of Dr. Mings and myself, Dr David Allbritton contacted me about partnering with LWFCI. Their reputation proceeds them as champions for Christ and Dr Ming is beloved around the globe and especially in ministry circles. I am a "huge" sports fan and to combine both love of the lost being won to Christ, and evangelism is icing on the cake. It is absolutely humbling to be able to serve during these exciting Games as the whole world watches. Without question, everyone needs the Lord. It is one thing to bring home the gold. It is eternally different to bring people to God. One is temporal the Lord is eternal. We are grateful to God and LWFCI for the privilege to reach the world for God's glory.
I see my ministry making a difference at these Olympics?
Apart from God we can do nothing. With Christ I can do all things. The difference is Jesus in me and through us. He is the Difference Maker! God doesn't call the qualified but qualifies the Called. At age seven I trusted Christ as my Lord and Saviour. At age 10, I had such a burden for my friends without a personal relationship with Christ that I couldn't sleep. One week at Vacation Bible School in July 1982 God laid on my heart to invite friends to church. I had to make a point that I cared more what God in Heaven thought of me than what man on Earth thought. I knew it may not be popular but I knew Jesus was correct: "He that winneth souls is wise."
Plus, He made it clear: "What would it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" I was willing to become unpopular if it meant caring enough for their eternal well-being. Ironically, that one week in 1982, God used me to bring 22 kids to church (age 10). Plus, I actually gained my friends respect. More importantly, several of them came to faith in Christ.
The Bible notes: "If you are faithful in small - you will be faithful in larger matters." Today, the stakes are higher, the stage is wider but the need is the same. Each soul is important to God and regardless if ministering at a county church just outside of our Nation's Capital or in beautiful London, England at the world's largest sporting event I am still a Christian trying to share Christ.
My growing up years
Joseph William Shelton was on duty at Ford's Theatre the night President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated and carried him across the street the night he died. My father was a fourth generation Police officer. When young I dreamed of the police force, becoming a politician or being a preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I honoured God throughout my school years.
I was elected as President of Student Government in junior high, played basketball in high school and crowned "Prom King" in my senior year out of 1,200 students at a public school. I was told to be popular I had to do wrong but I promoted Christ and he honoured me. I worked 17 years on Capitol Hill and worked in two White Houses for two Presidents, speech writer to House Majority Leader of Congress, aide to Governor of Maryland, floor staff of US Senate and fund raiser for Republican National Committee.
Love God and for the lost and now as a full-time evangelist, I am just trying to get Jesus elected as the King of the world's heart. My wife is Ruth and we have two children and our home is in Waldorf MD (USA). www.FrankShelton.com
My Christian development
Graduated from a Baptist college - Gardner Webb University. Attended Billy Graham School of Evangelism in Monterey, CA. Presently, a full time evangelist speaking over 200 dates per year and also a FOX NEWS contributor on political/religion.
My preparation on UK ministry
Praying more than ever. Reading the Bible for wisdom like never before and on a weight loss program. If Olympians dedicate their best for this event I want to be in best shape physically, emotionally and spiritually to share the love of Christ.
My strategic thinking on evangelism
My dream is God's dream. A desire to see the world come to Christ. They need the Son of Heaven more than the stars of these exciting games. My prayer is that fans from around the world will come to faith in Christ and give God a chance.
Rio would be awesome but honestly Christ could return before the next four years. God blessed me more than I could ask or think with this opportunity. My desire is to give God all I got and love on people along the way. May we never stop dreaming. "To God be the glory – great things he hath done".
Bridging the Gap – London 2012 – Chaplains to the World's Olympians
Dr Sam Mings explained that Frank Shelton is part of the strongest LWFCI Olympic Ministry ever and with Robin Rees leading the team effort, the Churches are stepping forward to embrace Lay Witnesses for Christ International's eighth Summer Olympic Outreach.
Dr Sam Mings said: "Going to the Olympic host cities Churches is a core aspect of our ministry in order that every convert to Christ are linked into local fellowships (churches), and these people will speak as their testimony what God did in their midst in London 2012.
"We receive mail and e-mails, sometimes years later, how the Lord touched their lives through a LWFCI outreach. Over these past 33 years, we believe that no force can pluck "one" out of the hand of the Heavenly Father when someone has truly been born again."
For more information, visit www.lwfci.com