Olympic Hero

There have been many heroic efforts so far in the 2008 Olympics (Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt, Bryan Clay), but my favorite has to be David Neville. His dive across the finish line to earn a bronze medal in the men's 400-meter dash is destined to be shown on television for years as an example of determination and used in illustrations by speakers across the country.

I love this quote from Neville right after the race:

"I did it because it was the only thing I could think to do in the second. Sometimes we have to sacrifice our body and our mind and our spirit for what we really want."

Neville is a Merrillville, Indiana, native who competed for the University of Indiana. He is currently living and training in southern California, where he is also working in youth ministry. And did I mention he is an accomplished musician? Neville is a guy we need to hear more about.

Trip To Peru Will Change These Athletes Forever

For those of us in college athletics, we often get so consumed with our jobs -- the next opponent, the must-get recruit, the individual workouts, etc. -- that most of us lose perspective on life itself. We all take our jobs too seriously, working ungodly hours and neglecting family, friends, hobbies...life itself.

And the culture we create with our athletes often leads to an attitude of entitlement for many of them. They begin to think they are of extreme importance because of their athletic skills.

That's why what IUPUI basketball coach Ron Hunter strikes such a chord with me. Hunter took his staff and a few players with him to Peru to deliver shoes to impoverished children. What they came home with was a perspective that will change them forever. ESPN's Dana O'Neil chronicles their journey in a story that will move you.

Higher Goals at the Beijing Olympics

Every athlete at the Olympics has a goal of winning a Gold Medal. But, as this article from Charisma Magazine points out, several athletes have an even greater goal -- sharing Jesus with fellow competitors.

As we enjoy watching the competition during the Olympics, let's remember to pray for the athletes. Pray that the Christian athletes will have a boldness to share Christ. Pray for the unbelievers that their hearts would be receptive to the Gospel message.

And let's also pray for the leaders and people of China.

Spiritual Warfare

Jerry Boykin, who wrote the book Never Surrender, talks about spiritual warfare in this article from CBN News. Boykin commanded Delta Force during the battle of Mogadishu depicted in the movie Blackhawk Down.

Boykin has taken a great deal of heat for warning Christians about the spiritual battles taking place around the world today. It makes me wonder how prepared I am to defend my faith. Have I really armed myself with the knowledge I need?

One thing is for sure -- I need to spend a lot more time on my knees before God praying for fellow Christ followers and the needs of this world.