My eyes have been glued to the Olympics the last week or so. The opening ceremony, Michael Phelps and Dara Torres—all have captured my imagination. The opening was a fresh reminder of what heaven will look like (Revelation 5:9): people from every tongue and tribe worshipping God in unity. What a glorious day that will be! The Olympics sort of foreshadow that for me.
Before Revelation 5:9 though, we have some work to do. Michael and Dara typify the work ethic it takes to win the prize. The tireless energy they've put into winning their medals—for Michael a record 8 golds and leading the pack in all time gold medals. For Dara, at age 41, still competing to win the prize and coming away with 3 silver medals. Wow!
For you and for me, we have a race to run too (1 Corinthians 9:24 & Philippians 3:14). 
Paul encourages us to 'press on' to 'win the prize'. The race that you and I have is to finish the work the Lord has set before us to do (Matthew 24:14).
As I ponder these things, I find myself so proud of our A3 mission team (both missionaries and global partners). The other day, a senior mission leader told me that every major Christian leader in the city he works in went through our training. This is one of the most strategic cities in Asia! From there, indigenous missionaries are being sent throughout the world.
To know that we are equipping many of the top Christian pastors across Asia as they "press on toward the prize" of finishing the work God has given to us is such a delight.
Let's press on to win the prize!
Joe Handley
