The 2024 Olympics in Paris, which run until August 11, have been marked by demonstrations of faith by some Christian athletes.
Last Sunday (28) a scene involving Brazilian judoka Larissa Pimenta captured global attention.
Upon winning the bronze medal, Pimenta was overcome with emotion and knelt down on the mat, weeping. Until her Italian opponent, Odette Giuffrida, approached her and encouraged her to glorify God.
In an interview, the Christian athlete explained that the Italian woman met Jesus through her and that in their last conversations they talked about faith and always giving glory to God.
“I didn’t understand what was happening and I didn’t have the strength to get up, and she told me: “Get up, because you have to give all the honour and all the glory to Him”, so I tried,” Pimenta recounted.
In the face of much controversy, the rules of the International Olympic Committee state that “any form of demonstration or political, religious or social propaganda is not permitted in any Olympic facility”, however, this did not prevent the faithful from declaring their faith, following what the Lord Jesus instructed in His Word.
After His resurrection and before returning to Heaven, Jesus left a mission to all who believe in Him. Saying:
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15 NKJV)
Therefore, since then, this is the greatest mission entrusted by God Himself to His disciples.
The disciple does not only believe, but also carries out all the Master’s orders. He imitates Him and does everything He would do if He were in his place.
The mission of making disciples is the most precious of all the tasks given by Jesus, because the follower is a saved soul, but the disciple is a multiplier of saved souls.
If you also would like to be involved in this mission of making disciples, join us every Saturday at 10am at your local Universal Church for the Battalion meeting.
After receiving a message of faith to bless your relationship with God and renew your strength, you will have the opportunity to spread the good news of the Gospel to the members of your local community.
If this will be your first time, don’t worry – you won’t be alone. You will evangelise alongside like-minded people, who will support you and help to boost your confidence.
We will see you there!
Event: Batallion
Date and Time: Saturdays at 10am
Location: At your local Universal Church