I have enjoyed the 2016 summer Olympics so much, and almost feel like I attended them myself. I loved having so many channels and streaming options to watch the variety of events. I was “there” for the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. I saw bike crashes, precision dives, perfect synchronized swimming, amazing flips and handsprings and twists, stumbles, painful falls, rock-n-roll volleyball, the fastest man alive, perseverance, good sportsmanship most of the time, and thankfulness.

My favorite winner was the Brazilian Bronze Medal male gymnast. He was absolutely overwhelmed with joy! I celebrated with every athlete who did their best and sympathized with those whose performance fell a little short. I was delighted to hear many athletes give glory to God for His blessing upon them – whatever the outcome was.

These summer Olympics will always remind me of the “race” that the Lord has given me and the behind the scenes efforts that are a part of His purposes. The verse that summarizes the reason for my ministry is Acts 20:24: “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” While I watched the athletes do their best in front of the world, I was working on doing my best to make in-depth Bible study available to a wider audience.

I realized about half-way through the games that the gospel of Jesus’ love and forgiveness was being presented every time someone referred to the statue of CHRIST: THE REDEEMER. I hope and pray that these Olympics will have an eternal impact on those who attended and watched and participated in them.

As I say goodbye to the Olympics, and finish my behind the scenes work on my studies, I pray for the athletes and myself… that we will remember what Silver and Bronze Medal Diver David Boudia has expressed: knowing the Lord and who we are to Him is greater than gold.

May we continue the race!

I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:14 (New Living Translation)