For Your Consideration

The Cry for Freedom

By Garry Lovette, Senior Editor

As of this writing I am watching the Olympic games from Beijing, China. It has been very enjoyable to watch all the athletes competing and how they are able to perform above and beyond what is expected of them.

I have been especially proud of our athletes from the United States. Each time they compete, it brings a sense of pride and gratitude to be from such a wonderful country. It makes me so thankful to be a part of this great nation and all the blessings that we enjoy every day.

One of the scenes that have stuck in my mind the most came from the very first day and the very first medals to be awarded. I believe the medals were for fencing or some similar sport. As expected, the United States did very well in this competition bringing home the gold, silver and bronze medals in this category.

What got my attention about these particular medals ceremony was the playing of our national anthem. As the song began to play, the young lady who had taken the gold medal began to sing along with the band, and suddenly a big tear rolled down her cheek as she sang the line, “O’er the land of the free, and the home of the brave”.

The land of the free…what a wonderful line that is! As she sang that line, I couldn’t help think about the 1.3 billion Chinese that everyday don’t know what it is like to live in a wonderful, free society like most of the western world enjoys…especially our country.

The good part to this story is that soon it will change for them…For we believe that very soon the gospel will be preached all over China, not only in Tienemman Square, but even in the Olympic stadium that they call “The Bird Nest”. (I heard a wonderful man of God on international TV tonight saying exactly the same thing!)

The reason we can say this with such boldness and such certainty is because we believe the Word of God, and the Word of God says, “This gospel will be preached to the ends of the earth” (paraphrasing). Since China represents over 1/5 of the Earth’s population, then you know that God will soon send revival to China.

I honestly believe that the Olympics are being used by God to open the door for the gospel to go all over China. (Just this week the Chinese government changed their minds and began allowing Bibles to be given out at every venue.) This is a huge miracle, and we can expect many more like this to come, because the gospel cannot and will not be stopped!

Very soon, how exciting it will be to see Chinese athletes stand on their podiums, accepting their medals, and possessing not only the freedoms that you and I enjoy as American citizens, but enjoying the ultimate freedom that only Jesus Christ can give. That day is at hand!