The Olympics & Teachable Moments

It is that time of year again when we are all drawn to our televisions and computers.  We are drawn to root for our country!  I love watching the Olympics.  One of my favorite things to watch is the Opening Ceremonies.  This year it happened to fall on my birthday- what a way to celebrate.  Thank you London!

It is always interesting to hear what people think of the presentation.  This year (especially due to the increase of social media use) people definitely had an opinion.  You either really liked it or really disliked it.  My favorite part is always the Parade of Nations.  I love watching the athletes and all their excitement.  As we drove home from my parents the Lord impressed upon my mind that so many of these athletes (both from our country and the many others) may have never heard of the incredible love Jesus has for them.  What a neat opportunity we have to pray for the athletes who are playing in the 2012 Olympics. 
Did you know that there are people who specifically go to the Olympics to share the name of Jesus.  They pray for opportunities to share.  Some of them do purchase tickets for Olympic events and use that time to share as well.  However, most of their witnessing is done around the venues where the Olympic events are held.  Some never even actually seeing an Olympic competition.  They walk miles during their "trip" and share often.  They have opportunities to plant many seeds.  I have a friend in London now.  You can check out this site to learn more about this ministry and read testimonies from their sharing.  Read more HERE!

I want to challenge each person watching the Olympics to take a moment and pray for the athletes they are watching.  I am especially praying for those who are in countries where it is not legal to proclaim the name of Jesus.  I want to challenge those of you who are parents to please use this as a teachable moment with your child.  This is a great opportunity to share with them that we live in a country where we can worship freely because not everyone does.  This is an opportunity to teach them to pray for others especially to know who Jesus is and His incredible love for us.  Conversations like this also lead them to think about others and their needs- not their own.  It is our human nature to be self-centered.  As parents and leaders of children it is our responsibility to shape them.  We need to model for them the characteristics we want to show up in them.  I believe this is one small example of how we can. 

Help them make memories with forms like this from Thirty Handmade Days...........

You can download it Here from Mique's site.  It is intended for personal use only.  I want to ask you to take one more step when using this form.  Turn it over and have your children list the names of specific athletes they are praying will have the opportunity to hear about Jesus and accept Him as their personal Lord and Savior.  This will help encourage to pray for them by name or even a specific country.  Encourage them to pray for the missionaries who serve in those countries.  I am praying specifically for two countries- mainly because I will be on mission trips to these places in the near future -

 Nicaragua (October 2012) 

 Malta (Spring 2013)

Thankful to live in a free country but also praying for our own athletes!

Much Love!
Mrs. Tara