Lay Witnesses for Christ International (LWFCI) have been a strong presence in Olympic ministry since their work at the Los Angeles games in 1984, winning over the respect and faith of many of the world's greatest athletes and sports lovers.
Dr Sam Mings, the President and founder of LWFC is working towards the set up of outreach strategies in every Olympic host city. The organisation has developed many events including the popular Evening with the Olympic Stars.
"LWFCI in each Olympic city gets teamed with a major city church, so it becomes a local mission effort and this is a key to the Lord's awesome blessings," said Mings.
The Evening with the Olympic Stars has the support of Olympic icon, Carl Lewis. Lewis is not only a LWFCI board member, but the keynote speaker at each event. During a recent LWFCI awards night, Lewis declared that London, 2012 would be an "open door for those sharing in Christ."
It is an exciting time for Church and Denominational leaders in Olympic cities. The partnership between host cities and major churches is flourishing and the importance of Christianity in sport is becoming more widely recognised.
But taking on a task of this magnitude is not an easy fete. Not only does the outreach require a host city church, certain logistics need to be considered to organise the functions.
Dr Sam Mings and his team have been working tirelessly to make sure all things are accounted for, including the production of literature, clothing, office space, a hospitality centre, accommodation, personnel and last but by no means least …. leadership.
Dr Mings has endorsed and appointed two people to oversee the London 2012 Olympic outreach. The first is highly respected lawyer and philanthropist John Alexander Robertson who has been made International Chairman for London's outreach. The 58 year old from Dallas devoted much of his career to business development, raising millions of dollars for the non-profit private sector.
The second leadership position was given to Joy Elise Macci Ph.D who will take on the role of USA-Chairman. Joy has had a colourful life. She was an international tennis player and coach, helping train the likes of superstars Jennifer Capriati, Andy Rodick and the Williams sisters.
Joy Elise Macci has also been an author, speaker and Sports and Life Success Coach, travelling around the world helping elite athletes and individuals achieve success in all aspects of life. Joy says her life has been divinely blessed by the Lord. Her global life mission is to educate and empower individuals and companies to greatness, by connecting their 'Divine Purpose & Legacy' (DPL).
This new leadership team's main focus is to prayerfully enlist God's Leadership Teams around the world.
"The key to such leadership positions in any Olympic outreach for LWFCI is a servant's spirit of unity so as to maximise this awesome window of opportunity afforded us by any Summer Olympics to share the love of Jesus Christ from the Host City," said Dr Sam Mings.
This process is a critical step in the planning of Bridging the Gap 2012, London, England Olympics. The door is open for nominations to Lay Witnesses for Christ International.