Serving the Nations As One Church
n 18 August 2018 , the nations will come together in
Palembang and Jakarta for a special occasion : the Asian Games . With over 10,000 athletes from 45 countries , it is the second largest international sports celebration after the Olympics .
During a prayer time for the Asian Games two years ago , a group of YWAMers caught a glimpse of the Father ’ s heart . We heard Him say , “ When the nations gather , I want to bring revival . When they turn to me , I will give them life .”
“ Just like Pentecost !” We were filled with excitement . Almost two thousand years ago , when nations and tribes gathered to celebrate the Jewish feast of Pentecost ( Acts 2 ), God showed up in the power of His Holy Spirit and thousands were saved .
Sports is a powerful universal language . It transcends cultural , political and religious differences , and unites players , teams , coaches , volunteers , and spectators . Now , seen in the light of Pentecost , the Asian Games is a unique opportunity for yet another powerful move of God !
As we continued to pray , the Lord led us to focus on the second part of the Great Commandment : Love our neighbours as ourselves ( Matt 22:39 ). From a national perspective , Indonesia is our neighbour . We felt the Lord “ gift ” us , YWAM Singapore , the city of Palembang ( one of the two hosting cities for the Games ), to focus our ‘ neighbourly love ’ on . How do we love a city with a population of 1.56 million , hosting 3,000 athletes and officials from 45 nations ?
Amazingly , the local government has given each major religion a platform within the Games Village to conduct their religious activities . In other words , the local church will be allowed to have open worship and prayer meetings for the duration of the Games from 18 August to 2 September .
One of the ways we show love and support for our Indonesian brothers and sisters would be to join them in prayer and worship , and build relationships with sportsmen , officials and spectators from the nations represented , as well as the locals in the city .
Churches and missions agencies come together and bring different expressions of ministry . Imagine all of us worshipping together in unity and going out to meet individuals and families on the streets , befriending young and old through special encounters at the Games , over meals , in the malls , while riding the public transport , ready to share about the God we know and impart His Word .
An international sports event such as the Asian Games is an incredible occasion to celebrate the beauty and richness of cultures . We trust God to open doors to bring creative arts and performances to the Games . We believe that presentations of songs and dances , of diverse languages and cultures express God ’ s heart for unity .
Let us “ Go as one !” and reveal the Father ’ s love and truth . God is ready to move at the Asian Games ! Come and be part of what He will do !
Pray for the city of Palembang as she hosts the Asian Games .
About Palembang :
• Capital city of Southern Sumatra ( 9th largest city of Indonesia )
• Population of 1.56 million
• Oldest city in Indonesia , capital city of the Malay Kingdom of Srivijaya in the 7th century
• Pray for the local election to be held on 27 June in Palembang and other cities in Indonesia
About Asian Games : When : 18 August – 2 September 2018 Where : Jakarta and Palembang
Who : 10,000 from 45 countries ( 7,000 in Jakarta , 3,000 in Palembang )
What : 40 sports and 430 events
How You Can Be Involved : Contact us at go . ag . now @ gmail . com , if you ’ d like to :
• Find out more about the Asian Games outreach
• Join us on outreach for any length of time during the Asian Games
• Invite us to share about the Asian Games outreach with your church , youth or cell group
• Recommend ideas or suggestions for creative outreach
If you are interested , we want to hear from you , before 30 April 2018 .
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