With Jesus to victory at the Olympic Games in France
Thailand's Chaiwat Rattana celebrates his victory during the Paralympic Games early September in Paris, France. Photo AFP, Dimitar Dilkoff
Christian Life
Jesus Christ is the best coach for success. Mission teams proclaimed this during the Olympic Games in France this summer. Our columnist from Paris describes the atmosphere during the past weeks.
Smiles, laughter, embraces, and cheers echoed across the country. From July 26 to August 11, everything was about the Paris Olympic Games this year. The Paralympic Games followed this from August 28 to September 8.
After weeks of heated political debates, including the dissolution of the National Assembly on June 9 under President Emmanuel Macron, France desperately needed a moment of respite. For many, these Games provided a proper "enchanted parenthesis" filled with joy and hope.
This excitement spread to the stadiums and fan zones and the streets, neighbourhoods, public squares, and homes. Supporters from all over the world joined this festive and friendly atmosphere. The enthusiasm was palpable, and everyone was thrilled to participate in one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
The results were impressive: 850 medals were won by 85 countries during 760 sessions covering 32 Olympic disciplines.
Alongside the 4,200 Paris 2024 employees, 45,000 volunteers were fully dedicated to making these Games successful. Additionally, ten world records and 32 Olympic records were broken.
With more than 9.5 million tickets sold, the Olympic Games set a new record. 62 per cent of the buyers were French, and the United Kingdom led the way among foreigners, followed by the United States and Germany.
The Cèdres Center in Massy, which I manage, hosted a delegation of about twenty Korean Christians for three weeks. Although there was a language barrier, we shared unforgettable moments, whether around football matches or athletic performances, as well as evenings of singing and testimonies.
However, their presence had a deeper purpose: they had come specifically to share the Good News of Jesus during the Olympics. Together, with members of our Baptist church in Massy, they proclaimed, in the streets, around the stadiums, and in the fan zones, that Jesus Christ is the best coach to guide our lives toward success despite the trials and sacrifices of daily life.
This team was not an exception. Thousands of Christians from around the globe (North America, South America, Australia, Great Britain, and many more) mobilised in the Paris region to witness the victory of life that God offers in Jesus Christ. This movement was coordinated by the Ensemble2024 platform, which encouraged and facilitated the participation of many Christian initiatives.
Despite some criticisms, particularly regarding controversial segments of the opening ceremony that shocked specific Christian communities, the overall enthusiasm was undeniable. The Conference of Bishops of France regretted scenes that mocked Christianity. The evangelical CNEF expressed its bewilderment on social media, asking, "If the goal is fraternity and inclusion, why target the faith of some?"
However, the commitment to inclusion was genuine and reached far beyond the immediate festivities. This momentum helped support marginalised groups and highlighted a broader social impact. Many churches and Christian missions seized this opportunity to serve and leave a lasting mark on the Kingdom of God.
Thus, the Paris 2024 Games acted as a true catalyst for the Christian community's engagement, generating enthusiasm that will extend far beyond the event. The cooperation fostered during these Games leaves a legacy of collaboration and inclusion that will resonate long after the final medals are awarded.
After this enchanted parenthesis, life resumes with its challenges and trials. May our Lord, the source of victory, inspire our Christian communities to build on the legacy of these Games for the advancement of the Gospel in France and in the nations represented by the athletes.
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