Christians aim for radical hospitality during 2010 Olympic Games    by Alison Potstra (with notes from Listen Up TV) In February, more than 30,000 people from across the world are expected to infiltrate Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Although hosting the Olympics can be both a blessing and a curse for a city with added busyness and increased traffic, several Christian organizations from Canada are choosing to be a blessing to locals and those attending the games. More Than Gold – an organization that has been working closely in direct communication with the Vancouver Olympics Committee – is serving as the umbrella of Christian organizations committed to faith-based outreach before, during, and after the Olympic Games. With 15 denominations represented and joining forces with 40 partners that include the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada, The Salvation Army, and Youth for Christ among many others, the vision of More Than Gold is to connect and coordinate the community in working together on outreach initiatives and ultimately, to extend a warm welcome to those visiting Vancouver for the games. Since the games are predominantly an outdoor event with people attending one or two venues, the organizers of the movement hope to capitalize on the fact that many come for the larger experience of excitement and patriotism. "I hope (the Olympics) is a catalyst for a movement of radical hospitality which is the inclusive welcome of Jesus to all that always involved the stranger," said Karen Reed, executive director of More Than Gold. The entire More Than Gold movement is themed around radical hospitality and several organizations will be collaborating and devoting their time to volunteering initiatives. Through serving coffee, creative and performance art stages, and engaging people in spiritual conversations, Reed hopes More Than Gold begins a "legacy that would continue of generous and lavish hospitality that would mark the church," and a "growing commitment to collaborate together in the diversity of the body of Christ […] and link arms in a serious way to serve the common good." One organization under the More Than Gold umbrella is the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team in Canada which is attending the Olympic Games for the first time. Though the team usually works alongside Samaritan’s Purse providing spiritual and emotional support to victims of natural and manmade disasters such as floods, hurricanes, shootings and country violence, they will be mobilizing 64 chaplains from the Vancouver area to the Maritimes to be deployed as they are needed throughout the city. "What can be a great event can also be stressful," said Melanie Neufeld, manager for the Rapid Response Team in Canada who resides in Vancouver. This is why the team of individuals who have had in-depth training will be available in the case of a crisis or bomb to provide support. If such situations arise, they will help to defuse them so that first-responders can focus on the job at hand. Neufeld also acknowledged that the increased traffic in Vancouver during the games may be frustrating for locals, so they’ll be available to encourage and converse with people who may be stuck in line-ups or dealing with stressful personal situations, to "be joy in the midst of chaos," she stated. Having the Olympics in Canada, said Neufeld, provides one with the opportunity to share hope, love and the presence of God in a non-crisis setting. "Canada does not have as many crises as the States, (so) we make the best of good situations as well as bad," she explained. "It is an opportunity to serve and be a blessing." For more information on More Than Gold and their partner organizations, please visit www.morethangold.ca