I will be the Director of the Olympian Pastoral Care Centre (not called Chaplains) operated by an organisation registered with the Chinese Government Olympic Committee.
They said about me - "a precise job description will follow soon - but know that we are led to believe you are more than capable of ministering to the needs of the Worlds Olympians". I was amazed.,
The job description involves overseeing the Pastoral Care Centre, ministering to the other "chaplains" on how to be led by the Lord and how to communicate with top athletes, as well as minister to the local Chinese pastors who will be on the team. I have been asked to host public relations projects like the one set of for August 20th with Carl Lewis from the USA, and also minister into the 20 large Chinese Churches who are registered with the Chinese Government Religious Affairs. What an opportunity - more than I ever expected.
I was told that this will all be confirmed when I submit $875 US up front for credentials, registration and uniforms, which I've sent off to them already.

The cost of Flights, Accommodation, Transport, Personal expenses & food for 27 days & eventualities (like helping others) comes to $ 8,500 US. Please stand with me on this great adventure.

One man who called to ask me what was happening regarding the Olympics said, "How could you cope with that financial load, with the support of all the orphans needing to be maintained at the same time?"
I replied, "The wonderful God who has negotiated through all the pitfalls and over all the obstacles over the last year with the Chinese Government, is not going to let me down at this stage."
I said to him," Imagine that I had run a marathon and stopped within ten meters of the finishing tape and then just swerved off the track, not finished the race. What sort of athlete would you consider me to be?"
I said, "I'm here to finish this race and win!"

I will fly out to Beijing on August 1st and leave on August 27th. I've not heard about the Paralympics yet.

It's all coming together. Bless you for your prayers and support."

Please pray for Dave, Margurita and family as they prepare for this part of Daves' journey in ministry and if you are able to help meet the costs of this and also the work of the rest of the ministry please contact Dave direct or use the secure online donation facility.

Dennis
a fellow worker for Christ

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Smethurst Ministries
PO Box 1907
Sunnybank Hills
Queensland 4109
Australia
telephone/fax number 07 3711 3730
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Updated 20 May, 2008