Do the Olympics inspire you as much as they do me?
While I haven’t watched every night of the Sochi 2014 Olympics, I have certainly been moved in watching several of the events. I’m particularly inspired by the opening and in a few days closing ceremonies where the world comes together and we get a glimpse of how we can live together in peace and harmony.
It’s a foretaste of what I envision at the end of time when every nation, tongue and tribe will come before the Prince of Peace. It also makes my heart jump as I think about the upcoming summer games in 2020 just six years from now. Why? 
Because the summer games will be held in one of my favorite cities in the world: Tokyo!
I find it fascinating that A3/Japan has been praying and planning for the year 2020 long before the Olympic committee chose Tokyo as the site for the summer games. Several years ago, the Lord gave us a specific vision, a vision to see:
- 100 New Church Multiplication Networks
- 1,000 Multiplying Churches
- 1,000,000 New Followers of the Prince of Peace
- 1,000 New Japanese missionaries serving in the largest cities of Asia
For many years, people thought this was an impossible vision… But, with God, the impossible is always possible!
Imagine the Prince of Peace being so powerfully present during the Tokyo 2020 games! Who would’ve thought after all these years of seeing so little fruit in Japan that God would bring the world’s attention to the country through the triple disaster of 2011. While a horrific tragedy, the Prince of Peace has been powerfully present and lives are being transformed in many ways. Now, as we move toward the end of the Sochi games, we can look ahead with great anticipation toward Tokyo 2020 and the things that God will do that we can’t even fathom!
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. - Eph 3:20-21
Joe Handley
