One of the reasons we love the Olympics is viewing stories of triumph against overwhelming odds in sports as a metaphor for life. Sometimes that metaphor is all to real.
Lopez Lomong has been chosen to carry the US flag in the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. Lomong, born in Sudan, was abducted by Sudanese soldiers when he was 6. He escaped and ran to Kenya where he was lived in a refugee camp. At age 16 he was relocated to the United States.
I highly recommend listening to the NPR story about Lomong here. His story is both a celebration of human triumph, and a reminder of the continuing tragedy in Darfur/Sudan.
Note: China is an ally of the Sudanese government. Lomong’s selection as the US flag carrier is a great exmple of surbversive resistance against the Chinese government’s oppression of reporters who speak against Sudan.
Audio link: ‘Lost Boy’ To Carry U.S. Flag In Olympic Ceremony
With the start of the 2008 Summer Olympics today, I encourage you to make an intentional effort to pray daily for human rights in China.
China was awarded theses Olympic Games with the promise that it would greatly improve human rights in its country. But instead of getting better, things have actually gotten worse.
In the run-up to the Olympics, the Chinese authorities have locked up, put under house arrest and forcibly removed individuals they believe may threaten the image of “stability” and “harmony” they want to present to the world.
“By continuing to persecute and punish those who speak out for human rights, the Chinese authorities have lost sight of the promises they made when they were granted the Games seven years ago,” said Roseann Rife, Asia-Pacific Deputy Director at Amnesty International.
-Amnesty International Report
Would you join me each day of these Summer Olympics in praying for the protection of the human dignity of ever person?
The eyes of the world will soon be on the Olympics. But the eyes of God remain on His children and especially those who suffer for their faith.
Despite what you may hear in the news, Chinese Christians who refuse to register with the government controlled church are being persecuted. Many have undergone horrific suffering.
Recently a prominent representative of a group of house churches in China asked Christians throughout the free world to pray for China during the Olympics. The Voice of the Martyrs, in partnership with China Aid Associates, has accepted that call and has produced the Olympic Prayer Band. We would like to invite you to request one for free to wear during the Olympics. Similar prayer bands will also be distributed to house church Christians in China and they will be praying for you as well.
Click here to request your free Olympic Prayer Band.
