The tourism office of Vancouver, Canada is predicting that 350 000 people will visit the city in February and March 2010 for the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. YWAM Vancouver is hoping that 1000 of them will be YWAMers, participating in the largest winter Olympic outreach in YWAM history!
For people with a message, the Olympic games are a unique opportunity to connect with large groups of people from all over the world. YWAM Vancouver is a part of “More Than Gold” - a network of churches and organizations who are aiming to affect the purposes of God during the event that will take over their city this winter.
YWAM’s 2010 Project coordinator, Jacqui Bishop, is excited to continue making YWAM history through this outreach. She says, “From the stories I've heard, each Olympic outreach has had its very own signature. Our hope is that this outreach will be marked by bathing our city in prayer, as well as reaching out in kindness and love in the name of the Kingdom of God.” YWAM Vancouver director, Mike Davies, agrees : Vancouver is the largest city to ever host the winter games, more churches and ministries have come together that ever before in our city under the banner of More Than Gold. Vancouver is a city that has a global influence and…we believe that this is the time to see the beginnings of transformation in our city.”
Jacqui is also excited about the creative opportunities presented by this Olympic outreach. Justice issues are emerging as a relevant focus for a sports event that has, in the past, caused the displacement of the poorest members of its host cities. Jacqui says, “…the Vancouver Olympic Committee has committed to "leave a legacy" for the poorest of the poor in our city. We can be a part of this through practical service alongside existing outreach centers as well as helping to create community spaces in the poorest areas of the city.” Mike adds, “If, at the end of the outreach, we hear comments such as, ‘I did not realise the Church cared so much,’ then I will believe that our time was well spent.”
Project 2010 is organizing events for children whose schools will be closed during the games and working with local churches which are opening their doors to create community centres with free internet access, cafes and friendly faces. The creative arts will be well represented with free concerts and street performances.
Prayer is another important objective, according to Jacqui. “Our goal is to have Prayer Stations all over the city asking people one simple question "Can I pray for you?” she explains. “Our highest hope is building the kingdom of God in Vancouver - we want to see people healed, realizing the love of God, hearing His voice and spreading the Word! Everyone who is serves with us during this Olympics will be part of sowing seeds of the Kingdom of God in our city.
To find out more about the “2010 Project” Vancouver Olympic Outreach visit www.ywamvancouver.com
For people with a message, the Olympic games are a unique opportunity to connect with large groups of people from all over the world. YWAM Vancouver is a part of “More Than Gold” - a network of churches and organizations who are aiming to affect the purposes of God during the event that will take over their city this winter.
YWAM’s 2010 Project coordinator, Jacqui Bishop, is excited to continue making YWAM history through this outreach. She says, “From the stories I've heard, each Olympic outreach has had its very own signature. Our hope is that this outreach will be marked by bathing our city in prayer, as well as reaching out in kindness and love in the name of the Kingdom of God.” YWAM Vancouver director, Mike Davies, agrees : Vancouver is the largest city to ever host the winter games, more churches and ministries have come together that ever before in our city under the banner of More Than Gold. Vancouver is a city that has a global influence and…we believe that this is the time to see the beginnings of transformation in our city.”
Jacqui is also excited about the creative opportunities presented by this Olympic outreach. Justice issues are emerging as a relevant focus for a sports event that has, in the past, caused the displacement of the poorest members of its host cities. Jacqui says, “…the Vancouver Olympic Committee has committed to "leave a legacy" for the poorest of the poor in our city. We can be a part of this through practical service alongside existing outreach centers as well as helping to create community spaces in the poorest areas of the city.” Mike adds, “If, at the end of the outreach, we hear comments such as, ‘I did not realise the Church cared so much,’ then I will believe that our time was well spent.”
Project 2010 is organizing events for children whose schools will be closed during the games and working with local churches which are opening their doors to create community centres with free internet access, cafes and friendly faces. The creative arts will be well represented with free concerts and street performances.
Prayer is another important objective, according to Jacqui. “Our goal is to have Prayer Stations all over the city asking people one simple question "Can I pray for you?” she explains. “Our highest hope is building the kingdom of God in Vancouver - we want to see people healed, realizing the love of God, hearing His voice and spreading the Word! Everyone who is serves with us during this Olympics will be part of sowing seeds of the Kingdom of God in our city.
To find out more about the “2010 Project” Vancouver Olympic Outreach visit www.ywamvancouver.com
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