An initiative to share the powerful story of Scottish Olympic runner, Eric Liddell, is ready to encourage a latest generation of athletes and believers over the course of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
With the passing of the milestone of 100,000 copies distributed throughout the UK and all over the world, it continues to construct momentum on its solution to reaching its goal of handing out one million copies.
Immortalised within the classic movie Chariots of Fire, whose stirring soundtrack has develop into a staple of sporting events, Liddell was known for his unwavering faith in God and his refusal to compromise his beliefs for anyone—even at the danger of missing out on Olympic glory.
Refusing to take part in any sporting activity on the Sabbath, including training, Liddell was confronted with a stark selection when he heard that the heats for the 100m event could be held on a Sunday. Despite the very real risk of missing out on a gold medal in an event he was a powerful favourite for, and the pressure dropped at bear on him by the sporting establishment, he refused to participate. Instead, he entered the 400m event, winning gold and setting a latest world record in the method.
Evangelist J John was inspired by Liddell’s story to create a booklet called Running the Race of Your Life, with the aim of making curiosity and conversation in the course of the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2024.
As a part of preparations for a summer season of sport-themed ministry to prisoners, 47,000 copies have already been distributed to UK prison chaplains and other prison-focused groups. Other groups have used it as a present for folks at Olympic-themed kid’s holiday clubs, foodbanks, door drops throughout the community, and in schools and churches across the country.
“We are delighted that this booklet has already had such a big reach. It is such a straightforward resource to have the opportunity to offer to someone to stir curiosity and conversation,” J John said.
“We are still praying that we’d ‘God-willing’ distribute a million copies by the top of the 12 months, and we’re planning how we will further develop this initiative to achieve much more individuals with the Good News of Jesus.”
Abigail Irozuru, an Olympic long jumper, said, “This little pamphlet is a superb reminder of the ability of sport as a vehicle to fulfil the gifts and purposes of the Lord in our lives.
“Everybody has their very own ministry and it’s amazing that Liddell’s lives on in a legacy that has spanned a century … It particularly resonates with me as an Olympic long jumper; his story has all the time inspired me.
“Hopefully, within the hands of young people, this will probably be an amazing opportunity for them to reflect on what comes first of their lives – rightfully elevating God’s plans, purposes and guarantees of their lives, regardless of how difficult that could be.”
Full details of this initiative and free samples of the booklet can be found at raceofyourlife.co.uk
