|
It was wonderful to be assigned to the South African
team on my first day in the Games Village, because
I spoke Afrikaans and Zulu. Some of the boxers needed
counseling with the traumas they were experiencing.
Here are some photos of the South African boxers, weightlifters
and hockey players I ministered to and prayed with.
I had some very busy times with lots of counseling.
I spent more time with the South African team – the
boxer Bongani Mahlangu was a great sparring partner with
the gospel message. Meeting Gavin Hastings, the great
Scotland Rugby Captain was a treat. I had a wonderful
time sharing fellowship with CJ Bruton, the famous Australian
basketball player, and enjoying sharing the gospel with
Brad, his team mate.
 Them I met up with Andrew (who I counseled at the Athens
Olympics) on my left with the Kenyan athletic team, and
Florence (400 mtrs) and Rose (marathon) of Kenya. Big
Carl Myerscough (UK discus & shot putt) 6’ 10’’.
I had the joy of counseling two Malawian boxers – Osgood
and Fundo, who wanted to spar – not a chance. It
was precious to see them wanting Jesus in their lives.
I had a great time sharing with Craig Stevens, the Australian
swimmer, reminding him what I shared with him at the
Athens Olympics, that when one sows unselfish “seeds’ like
he did in letting Ian Thorpe take his place in the 400
mtrs freestyle in Athens, a great “harvest” of
blessings and favour would come back to him. That’s
just what has been happening in his life. I reminded
him that he should really acknowledge God for this.
Please pray with us for the needy and sick orphans we
support in the cold of Eastern Europe at this time. We
support some 4,200 orphans in this region. Many are HIV
positive and have very weak immune systems.
Every blessing,
Dave Smethurst
|
