The 2024 Summer Olympics has just been completed in Paris. During the two weeks of competition, there were 32 sports and 329 events across 48 disciplines. Around 10,500 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees competed. Among those athletes, several shared their Christian witness with the media.

Hezley Rivera, Women’s Gymnastics, was asked how she made the 2024 team. Her first response was to give God credit for her success. Later she posted Philippians 4:13 on her Instagram account under pictures of her with the Olympian team. In a recent interview, she said, “I’m just enjoying the journey and the process, and I’m so blessed, and I thank God every day.” Hezley won a team Olympic gold medal on July 30th in Paris.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who competes in the Women’s 400 Hurdles, shared her personal testimony in her memoir, Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith. Her perspective changed from gaging her worth by a perfect run, to being balanced spiritually in her personal life as well as her sport. In January, Sydney told “Women’s Running” this-- “My life wasn’t about me. It was about showing the world God’s power, wisdom, kindness, love, and forgiveness.”

McLaughlin-Levrone won her second consecutive Olympic gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles on Aug. 8th, posting another world record time at 50.37. As the only woman to win the event in two consecutive Olympic Games, she said, “Just grateful for all that has been taking place. God has been good to me."

In reading I Timothy 1, Paul begins his letter to Timothy, his son in the faith, by urging him to stay in Ephesus, even though the work might be difficult. The Ephesians needed to hear God’s truth, and Timothy had been called by God to deliver that truth to them. Then, in a way to encourage Timothy to stay strong, Paul shared HIS PERSONAL TESTIMONY.

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” I Timothy 1:12-17

What a plain, powerful testimony Paul shared with Timothy. Paul’s past persecution of Christians didn’t make him ineligible to serve God. Mercy and grace were given to him on the road to Damascus. He claims to be the worst of sinners, but Jesus saw the potential in Paul to be a mighty missionary for him. And in verse 17, his one sentence prayer expresses his highest allegiance and worship to Almighty God.

These heartfelt words were meant to encourage Timothy, who might have felt unworthy to deal with the challenges at Ephesus.

Paul had a moving testimony, the Olympians above have shared their testimonies. What is your testimony?

Amy Blanchard, the Christian Education Director for the Pine Grove Bible Church, Brooklyn Park, MN developed a plan for willing adults in the church to share their testimonies with the high school and young adult Sunday School classes. The testimony sharing time takes place every few years over a period of several months—that way each young person growing up in the church eventually hears the Pine Grove members’ stories of their personal calls to follow Jesus.

Her goals, (in her own words) are as follows;

“To allow kids to meet/get to know others in our church and hear their stories and see how they can relate to them (and for you to see how you can relate to our kids)

To open the door for the kids to hear that there are many times and ways one can come to the Lord

So our kids can hear how others influence us and see that we, in turn, influence others

To allow us to share our testimonies – we all have a story. Sharing our personal story helps us to, ‘…have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.’ “

What a tremendous way to hear conversion experiences, and to show by example that everyone has a story that needs to be told --not only to our brothers and sisters in Christ, but with those we interact with each day.

Paul shared his personal testimony with Timothy to strengthen and embolden him. But it also encourages us to think about our “call to Christ” and how our lives can impact those around us.

I Peter 3:15 says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. Do this with gentleness and respect.”

What is your personal testimony? Pray for opportunities to share it, and you will be blessed in ways you never could have imagined.