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Anticipating the Beijing Olympics
April 20, 2006

As the torch of the Torino games fades into the record books, Christian workers are turning their eyes toward the 2008 summer games in Beijing. Already, ministry teams are in place and are working with churches in the States to prepare for thousands of volunteers who will sow gospel seeds through Olympic-related ministry events.

“It's encouraging and exciting to see the interest level among stateside churches,” said Richard Darby*, a worker on an East Asia team organizing ministry during the Olympics. “Our people understand that coming into China for the Olympics is more than the games, It’s about actually impacting the country and people of China. To me, that’s what it is all about.”

Anticipation is at a feverish high in Beijing where preparations for the 2008 games are progressing rapidly. Advertisements displaying the “Friendlies,” the five Beijing Olympic mascots, dot the city’s busses and billboards, and a city-wide tangle of construction cranes signals the progress of new sporting venues. The government has even mobilized a squad of “hygiene police,” who give fines to Beijing residents who are found spitting or littering on the street in an effort to improve the public image of China’s citizens.

And while China’s government is preparing for an Olympiad unlike any other, Christian ministry teams are preparing for a spiritual harvest unlike any other. A huge door of opportunity is open to Southern Baptists who desire to serve in one of seven Olympic venue cities now and over the next two years leading up to the Olympics. According to Darby, the games have motivated both small and large congregations alike to set their focus on China, many of whom have previously shied away from the magnitude of the China task.

“We are seeing an awakening of our people to go into that window of opportunity, into what has long been seen as such a closed-off place,” said Darby.

Opportunities for Involvement
Traditionally, Olympic games offer the host city a chance to debut on the world’s stage, and China is preparing to make a splash unlike any other. As the Games draw closer, Chinese organizations from all sectors are seeking out innovative ways to connect with the world. These relationships are a natural bridge to share Christ with a spiritually hungry nation.

Opportunities for involvement before, during and after the Olympic games are widespread. Possibilities include crisis intervention, counseling, first aid, sports camps and clinics, drama, musical performances, face painting, and humanitarian work.

During the games themselves, the local Chinese will likely be restricted to their homes to prevent overcrowding on the already-densely populated streets. But, the festive mood in local neighborhoods will fuel opportunities for neighborhood parties, children’s games and cultural exchanges. Southern Baptists will be able to partner with other Christian agencies to leave an eternal impact through their loving relationships with the Chinese.

Project leaders stress that volunteers are desperately needed long before the torch is lit in 2008. Prayerwalking teams are a necessary precursor to a successful ministry during the Olympic games. English speakers are also in high demand to help public sector workers who struggle to learn mandatory English requirements before the games arrive.

Those interested in leading volunteer teams during the summer of 2008 are strongly encouraged to participate in one of several “familiarization” trips during 2006 or 2007.

“People who bring groups to China without having been to China before will be limiting the ministry potential,” said Darby. Because the Southern Baptist Olympic team is expecting a large number of volunteers, they are training team leaders to facilitate their volunteer teams with minimal oversight when they hit the ground in 2008.

Participants in pre-2008 familiarization trips will not only be equipped to effectively lead their team in ministry during the Olympic events, but will have a chance to deepen their heart for the Chinese people as they travel to different cities and regions of China.

“I want them to look in the face of the people of China and understand their need for Jesus,” said Darby. “They can then lead their team with a broken heart so we can help the Chinese see their need for Jesus.”

Darby also encourages individuals and congregations in the States to commit to pray regularly for the Olympics and those involved.

Are you ready to join us in this exciting opportunity? Both individuals and churches are needed to volunteer anytime now through the games in 2008. Visit our Beijing 2008 page for more information, or contact volunteer2008@topicbox.com.

*name changed

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