China Prepares for the Olympic Games
On 8 August 2008, at 8:08pm, the world will focus its attention on China.
For China, the agreement to stage the Olympics in Beijing was well deserved, and marks the country’s acceptance into the family of the world. The date itself, the eighth of the eighth 2008, is very auspicious for China.
Since July 2001, when the announcement was, China has been busy preparing. They have hired in international help to coordinate different aspects of the planning process. Most famously, Steven Spielberg has helped with the spectacles of the opening and closing ceremonies.
No Olympics is without difficulty: China and the world of sport have been working hand in hand to try to eliminate the presence of drugs and human growth hormones so that this can be a genuinely clean games. In a country with only five legal religions, China has been attempting to host an inclusive chaplaincy for other religions such as Hinduism, Shintoism. There are even worries about pollution levels in Beijing causing events to be cancelled. China is nervous about losing face as the world’s journalists seek out controversial stories.
With so many people descending on Beijing, China has been tightening up on its visa applications to prevent foreign terrorists upsetting the harmonious atmosphere. They have also been training the taxi drivers with English lessons, to provide the best welcome possible.
It is certainly true that fervent foreigners are planning to use the Olympics for God’s purposes, as they did with great success in Athens and Sydney. Many of these people are very sensitive and do not want to upset the Chinese government, simply to serve the Church.
OMF’s Made for China promotion has a wider focus than these two weeks in August 2008. Our 100 people for China will be there for a year or more.
But we understand that a number of Christians would love to serve China during the Olympics, so we have increased the number of our summer teams , and are sending them throughout China.
Please pray for:
* China: that the government would rule wisely and justly.
* The Olympic Games: that they will run peacefully and without controversy.
* Those travelling to China: that they will be courteous and respectful.
* God’s purposes in China: that he will fulfil his will through his people there.
For more prayer information:
www.prayforchina.com with daily prayer points until the Olympics begin.