Hello ICC Family!
After so many years living overseas, one of the things that I have enjoyed most about living in the United States once again is being able to watch American sports (in English) on television. There were ways that you could watch the big games while living on the other side of the world, but it either meant that you had to watch in another language or drive across town to a hotel or pub that hopefully would be showing it. Not to mention that in Asia it almost always necessitated getting up early in the morning. (I have watched the Super Bowl while eating at a Thai hotel breakfast buffet more than once…)
In the past couple of weeks I have been able to watch parts of Major League Baseball games, the U.S. Olympic track and field trials, golf, and two different soccer tournaments - the European championships and the Copa America. I really enjoyed last fall being able to see NFL games and college football. While football is probably the sport I enjoy watching the most, I’m not real picky, however. I will watch almost anything. And then if you add hot dogs and popcorn like we had at the RiverDogs game last week… well, even better!
One of my favorite sporting events to watch has always been the Olympics. 3 years ago, we returned to Thailand after a quick 2 months’ home assignment in the U.S. and the three of us had to quarantine in a hotel room in Bangkok for 2 weeks. We were taken directly from the airport in a sealed van after all of our bags were sprayed with disinfectant. Then we were escorted by a man in hazmat gear up the freight elevator of our hotel to our room, which we did not leave for 2 weeks outside of Covid testing every few days. The ONLY way we made it through those 2 weeks crammed together was that the Olympics overlapped our stay almost perfectly. We had it on almost the whole time. It was in Thai of course, but we still enjoyed it.
The Olympics will be held in Paris this year from July 26 to August 11. As an international church, I want to ask all of you to join me in praying for this incredible opportunity for the gospel of Christ to go out in word and deed. Many churches and organizations have been planning for years for this opportunity, and we can be a part of it through our intercession.
18 “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News
to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free,
19 and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come.”
Luke 4:18-19
So here are just a few requests I have gathered from different websites that we can lift up in the weeks ahead…
Pray for gospel impact. Pray that the message of Jesus is shared with visitors from every nation represented in Paris during the Olympics and that the fruit may multiply in individuals’ home nations. Also pray that the Word bears fruit in many hearts and minds.
Pray that this impact is not only to the athletes, but also the tourists, the volunteers, the officials, coaches, and security personnel. Pray that many would hear and even take home a copy of the gospel for the first time.
Pray for safety. Pray that no threats of terrorism would come to fruition and that no act of violence or destruction would take place. Also pray that every person would be safe during the games.
Pray that the local church in France is strengthened and emboldened and equipped as they work with missionaries. Pray for evangelistic work that will also take place among the French throughout the city of Paris and surrounding areas.
Pray for youth empowerment. Ask Jesus that during this time young people will boldly share the radical love of Jesus with others. Pray that youth would be on fire for the Lord and would have a growing passion for missions.
Pray for church unity and collaboration. Pray for greater unity among French and international churches, that they would work together in collaborative projects that serve the city of Paris and the nations with the love of Jesus.
It is exciting to think about how many people could potentially encounter a gospel witness while in Paris for a completely different reason. Of course, that is basically what we are called to do on a daily basis, isn’t it? Be a sign and a witness to people that we see each day - our co-workers, neighbors, family, and friends - of who God is and what He has done. Come tonight if you would like to be reminded of this, and have people encourage and challenge you in this. And then join with others in lifting up your own situations and requests.
Blessings to you all. And know that I’m praying for you!
Pastor Aaron
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