One World, One Dream
The theme for the 2008 Beijing Olympics is “One World, One Dream”. Christ’s theme, if we can call it that, is “One World, One Truth”. Since the announcement of Beijing’s successful bid to host the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, the media has drawn attention to China’s human rights records. The Olympic torch relay was marred by protests and the Games that are meant to signify world peace and unity have been presented as quite the opposite before they have even begun.
How the Games will play out is yet to be seen. But what we do know is that Christians from all over the world are descending, or have already descended, on Beijing and surrounding areas with a view to communicating Christ’s love and truth to the Chinese people and to international visitors.
Below is a selection of resources that might be of interest to those who are keen to know more, and to help us pray in an informed way for those taking the “walk across the world” – reaching out in and around Beijing during the Olympic Games. It is also a time when we should be making a concerted effort to remember and pray for Christians in China.
This is by no means a comprehensive list. Readers are encouraged to seek out other sites and other publications.
The Heavenly Man
The story of Brother Yun. A fantastic insight into a Chinese Christian’s faith in the face of extreme persecution. The Heavenly Man can be found at Koorong and WORD bookstores.
http://crossroad.to/Excerpts/books/faith_under_fire/heavenly-man.htm
China’s Millions
Firework celebrations lit up the Beijing sky on July 14, 2001. China had been named the host of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Crowds cried for joy at hearing the news. In the years since, China’s Olympic preparations have been estimated to be the most expensive ever.
http://www.chinasmillions.org/issues_frameset.html
Select from Menu: Modern Day – then 2008 Olympics
Christian Today (Australian Edition) 19/6/08
China will allow tens of thousands of Gospel booklets and Bibles to be printed especially for athletes at the Beijing Olympics in August, the Bible Society involved in the printing process recently announced.
http://au.christiantoday.com/article/china-approves-gospel-booklets-for-athletes-at-olympics/3940.htm
Australian Christian Lobby 26/4/08
In the midst of all of the Olympic buildup, a British-based charity, Harvest Fields Commissioning International and its movie arm, OLI Productions, have just completed production of the film “China: Reflections from Heaven,” filmed entirely in Beijing. In the process of filming the movie, OLI Productions interviewed a number of church, ministry and business leaders.
http://www.acl.org.au/act/browse.stw?article_id=21113
Catch the Fire Ministries 14/4/08
Christians throughout China fear tough restrictions on their freedom to worship in the coming year following the launch of a government crackdown ahead of the August 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing
http://catchthefire.com.au/blog/2008/04/14/chinese-authorities-crack-down-on-rights-ahead-of-beijing-olympics/
Christian Today (Australian Edition) 8/10/07
Mark Tronson who assisted in the development of International Olympic Committee’s ‘Religious Services’ protocols in February 2000 while a guest of the IOC in Lausuanne Switzerland, says there is much confusion among Christians in relation to expressions of faith in the ‘Olympic village’ for the upcoming Beijing Olympics next year.
http://au.christiantoday.com/article/beijing-olympics-of-faith/3330.htm
ABC Radio National 8/8/07
They're counting down in Beijing to an even friendlier Olympic games, and they've already started breaking records for the largest number of Christian missionaries expelled from China since 1954.
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/religionreport/stories/2007/1998728.htm
The Christian Post 18/5/07
They worked the crowds at Olympic Games in Athens, Sydney and Atlanta. And, even though China outlaws what they do, they will be on the ground next summer in Beijing as well.
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20070518/christian-groups-plan-for-olympic-harvest-in-beijing.htm
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