With now less than 12 months to go before the opening ceremony the churches in Harlow have been considering how best we can respond to this exciting and spectacular event. Our athletes are preparing themselves to be in their best possible condition as they attempt to become qualifiers for our British team. 15,000 athletes and 20,000 press descend on our nation to provide a wonderful sporting event commencing in July 2012. Working closely with More Than Gold, the Christian organisation resourcing churches to respond to the needs of the Games, we intend to focus on one very practical initiative, that of providing hospitality to families of visiting athletes from other countries.
Many families visiting this country are not going to be able to afford hotel costs for their stay. In practice this is going to mean a family home offering at no cost, bed and breakfast for a couple for up to 2 weeks. In addition family members will need to be dropped off at a nearby train or bus station enabling them to travel to the appropriate Games venue. There are many other ways in which our Christian community can be involved, including mission work, counselling, drama, music, artwork and helping to staff the refreshment centres situated in the Stratford area.
We believe that our united response of offering such accommodation provides a fantastic opportunity to befriend visitors to our country and in a simple way offer to them God’s love in a setting that is safe and welcoming.
We have set ourselves a target of at least 50 homes across our town, many have already come forward to be involved. We hope and pray that many others will follow.
If you want to be involved or want to know more than please contact:
Ian Woollams. Contact details: ian.woollams@btinternet.com or 07972832549
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