2020 Hindsight and What's Next?

So now that 2020 is officially in our rear view mirrors, what's next?

As of today, there are two vaccines that have shown great promise for preventing COVID-19.  However, their distribution will be a slow roll out and may take several months for most people to be vaccinated.

What about Tokyo 2020?

The International Olympic Committee and the Tokyo Olympic Committee decided to postpone the games for June of 2020 to June of 2021.

As of today, the Tokyo 2020(1) Games will be held July 23 - August 8, 2021.

Like most things since COVID-19 has come onto the scene, many of the details and plans relating to the Summer Games are yet to be finalized. 
What does all this mean for Beyond the Rings and my involvement in taking the Gospel to those gathered during the Olympics in Tokyo this Summer?  As of right now I am going to continue to remain faithful to the last thing God told me to do: GO!  Over the years, God has continued to both surprise me as well as provide in ways that affirm His call for me to be a part of evangelistic efforts during the Olympics.

So as of today, Thursday, January 7, 2021, I am praying for as well and planning to participate in sharing the love of Christ during the Olympic Games this Summer in Tokyo, Japan.

Will you pray with me as I faithfully prepare for what participating means?  

Over the next several weeks I will be posting more details as I learn more and I have to begin to make decisions.

I treasure your partnership in prayer and support as, together, we make much of the unique opportunity to share Christ with the world gathered during the Olympic Games.  

 

 

 

 

 

Photos: 

Above: Olympic Rings located outside Japan Olympic Building, Tokyo 

Top Center: Welcome sign at Tokyo airport

Both from preview trip Nov. 2019

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Olympic Ministry Memory: Which one is your favorite?

Image
One of the questions I am often asked is "which one is your favorite?" It's understandable when people hear that I've attended so many Olympics over the years. But it is not an easy question to answer. Each Olympic city is unique and regardless of the country or continent, all involved want to put their best foot forward for the world to see. Whether it is Beijing, China or Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, the local Olympic committee will work hard with local authorities to make sure daily real-life issues in the city such as homelessness, crime, etc., essentially "disappear". Even though I have been to ten Olympic cities on five different continents, I have seen the very best representation of that city and culture and so must acknowledge that it is a somewhat skewed perspective. With all that being said, my typical answer to this question is along the line of "all are unique in their own way, but if I had to give an answer I would say I have two favo
Read more

Why "Beyond the Rings"?

Image
The Olympics are athletes competing, countries bragging, and cultures mixing.  The atmosphere in an Olympic host city is unlike any I have ever experienced.  Each is unique and impacted greatly by the culture of the people of that culture and country.  People are open to meeting people from all over the world.  As in all of life, there is a significant spiritual element unseen yet very much present.  That is what is meant by "Beyond the Rings". There is more going on, much more important and lasting.  The one true God is at work in bringing lives together in this space and time for the purpose of sharing the greatest story ever told.  Men, women, boys, and girls are hearing of God's love for them, many, for the very first time.  Seeds of truth are being sown, prayers for clarity, understanding, surrender, and salvation are being lifted and lasting impacts for this life and for eternity are taking place. All of this is communicated in one image I saw after the London 201
Read more