“When Jesus Christ is free to live His life through us, He will touch the lives of those around us.” ---Jerry Wiles from his book, No Greater Joy (Whitaker House, 2010)
Be careful when you say to God, “Lord, use me.” For surely, this is one prayer that he will answer, and in ways you’d least expect. My “use me” prayer has resulted in an open door to minister and evangelize this year at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England. People from all nations will converge on this city, thinking they’re coming for the games, and will hear the gospel---some for the first time.
My journey to London started in Nashville, Tennessee in February at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention (NRB) where I met Bill Alexson. It was one of those divine appointments that only God could arrange. I did not know when I sat down at his table that Bill was my connection to the organization that God would use to send me to the Olympics. Alexson, a former pro- basketball player and NBA chaplain, is the founder of Baltimore based Sportspower International (www.sportspower.org), a sports ministry that uses athletics to attract today’s youth with positive role models and motivational messages from well known Christian pro-athletes like Julius Erving, Dwight Howard and Olympian Carl Lewis. Alexson travels the world organizing exhibition games, sports clinics and youth rallies featuring former and current pro-basketball players. The Bible teaches that God “orders our steps and directs our paths.” Out of all the other tables where I could have sat down, I firmly believe that the Holy Spirit directed me to Bill’s table so that He [God] could use Bill to point me in the direction of the organization that is enabling me to go to London to evangelize this summer.
What a blessing for me to have been selected by Lay Witnesses for Christ International to be a member of the outreach teams that they will send to London from July 25 to August 14. Each day of the Olympic Games, we will hold evangelistic events all over the city. Some events will include Olympic athletes; some will include the many terrific ministers, musicians, entertainers, pastors, prior Olympic champions, world-class athletes and more. Events will occur in various locations, most happening at host churches who have partnered with LWFCI. I look forward to the many opportunities (divine appointments) that God will provide for us to share the life saving message of Christ. Being able to go on the mission field is truly an answer to my prayer.
Lay Witnesses for Christ International, founded some 35 years ago by Dr. Sam Mings, has been a huge presence at the past seven summer Olympiads from Los Angeles to Beijing. Like many Christian mission organizations, Lay Witnesses for Christ International requires team members to raise their own support to pay for the expenses of the mission trip. I need the help of willing donors like you in order to participate in this remarkable opportunity. Please consider making a one-time charitable donation of any amount toward the $4,000 (US) I need for the trip to London. To donate, please go to Lay Witnesses for Christ International's website, to donate using a credit card. Please indicate that your donation is for "Carolyn Johnson in London." You may also send a check donation directly to Carolyn Johnson c/o Siloam Baptist Church, 1329 Willow Street, Norristown, Pa 19406. If you need assistance, contact Lay Witnesses for Christ International Missions Director Luis Gomez at 817-284-9874 or via email luis.gomez1@sbcglobal.net .
As a supporter, you'll receive God's special blessing, and my daily London blog with pictures to keep you abreast of what God is doing in that city. Finally, if you’ve ever considered taking a mission trip, this is your opportunity. There are many reputable organizations like Lay Witnesses for Christ International that could use you.
