|PIC1|"It was a tremendous experience for this reason alone," Angela Harris explained, as "I did not really know what to expect having been an Olympian and living and ministering within politically and religious free societies."
Angela Harris told Mark Tronson who led the international prayer network for the Beijing Mission, "The Holy Spirit had gone before us and prepared our way."
Angela Harris spoke of how the team director Dr Sam Mings concentrated their hearts and minds on the awesome power of the Holy Spirit and recognising the prayer support from around the world designated singularly toward their three week ministry in Beijing.
This sentiment was likewise shared by the Reverend Dr David Smethurst who was the team leader along with being the Beijing Mission's strategic planning director and chief of staff.
"I remember one very special team meeting that lasted nearly three hours where the Holy Spirit moved mightily on all of us as we shared our thoughts and experiences of the outreach and counseling to the athletes.
"There were prophetic words for those who needed encouragement and guidance for the future where some team members were not sure this would all lead in their lives.
"It was a very emotional time and tears flowed as we remembered how God had used us in amazing ways in spite of our inadequacy. We thanked the Lord for His special grace upon us and affirmed each team member for their part in God's great plan at the Beijing Olympics," David Smethurst explained.
The Beijing Mission team members met Olympians not only in the Olympic Common, but when shopping and the many sight seeing ventures.
"These Holy Spirit led encounters astonished us as to how willing individuals were to explore things outside of physical prowess and sporting achievements. The Holy Spirit had prepared so many hearts and we were in the very place and time providentially," David Smethurst noted.
David Smethurst went further and noted that strangely, there was a relaxed atmosphere where receiving the message of Christ in China had a remarkable sense of divine humour.
"Our team members David Sousbee, Rodney Russell, Nick Florence, Peter Zhao, Robert Castleman, Norwin Martina, Angela Harris, Julia Petter, Lala Williams, Bunny Boykin, Nett Knox and Andre Bryant fitted into this spiritually pre-prepared mold and we regularly commented upon it," David Smethurst stated.
The "Evening with the Stars" led by Carl Lewis the Olympian of the Century likewise had this sense of providential Holy Spirit authority on the meeting David Smethurst further noted, moreover we all agreed that 'Jesus' stole the show. Everything undertaken was to honor of the Greatest Star of all, Jesus Christ.
"I have to give such high praise to Sam and Sharon Mings for putting this event together. They are filled with passion and a love for everyone and God. They are bright shining lights and outstanding witnesses for Jesus. I'm sure they've shared Jesus with just about every person – athlete or foreign guest - at their hotel," David Smethurst mused.
Three Australians participated in the Beijing Mission. Angela Harris, Nett Knox a Sydney Track & Field chaplain, and David Smethurst who is based in Brisbane, and who has an international ministry in leading and coordinating overseas missions, supporting orphanages in Latvia, Ukraine, Serbia, Belarus and Lebanon, and does regular ministry in Africa, Europe and the Americas. His web site www.smethurstministries.org