To Caesar what's from Caesar, to God what's from God

One of my collegues put it this way, "Working as an official sports mentor/chaplain in the Olympic Village is somewhat like working in a closed countries. There are a lot of official boundaries put on what you can and cannot do. Every day they are reminding you not to..." 

Not taking pictures of athletes or any delegates, not take pictures of their residences. Not speak about operations, names or details of our work here. We must wait to be asked for a bible or other material. We are not permitted to offer it to them! The list goes on but there are ways around most of the policies and procedures. We just need to be creative.

Interaction with most of the faiths chaplains is going great. I really like Tom, our shift Catholic priest who's invited me to open the word on his services when there are many Spanish speaking participants who don't speak English. He's a gentle, soft spirit, hard worker man.

We have been working in the village for over 10 days already. Even before most delegations where here we have good attendance to bible studies, Olympians who come to the prayer room just for quite time, informal times of worship and reading and sharing, one on one times, and even a good size Sunday Services. 

Most of the delegates are in now, and many of them have started to compete. Looking forward to the next 17 days and what the Lord has prepared. 

I am off to the village shortly. Please pray for

• Pray that we are respectful of the boundaries and rules on our role. Pray we feel freedom in the Lord to know He was before, during and after where we are, and we enjoy freedom in Him and we have a broad scope perspective and hope in how He acts in and through us all the time.
• Divine appointments and creativity in me. Some days we work for 12-14 hours.
• God’s Spirit to lead me in what I do and what I say at any given moment.
• Pray for Cesar. He's starting his competition on the 31st, and Cristobal, Ingrid and I are meeting with him every day when his work out is finished.
• Pray for participants at Eternal Triumph 2012 project. About 40, of the 140 are already here, and preparing the way for everybody to start on the 3rd.
• Pray for Lidia and Samuel. They have one more full blast day in Tallinn. They will return to Malaga where Josue and Lucia wait for them.

Thank you so much,

Ruben

London 2012 pictures gallery

Enjoy some picture & video highlights of my time in London. You can see, share, comment, download at Flickr too.

Serving Olympians in the Athlete's Village

I write to you from St Katherine's Royal Foundation, where I'll be hosted until August 13 in London, with the other 18 international sport chaplains who will serve the Olympic family in the Village. 

I do count as a privilege and appreciate all your prayers and words of encouragements. So does Lidia as she guards the bunch back home.

Yesterday we had a full day of training and orientation and today we will pick up credentials that will allow us entrance to the Olympic Village as well as our volunteer uniforms. Official work shifts starts today for my team (2-10pm). 

I attach an article about a friend and co-worker who will also serve as a chaplain. It will give you a glimpse into the type of ministry we will have:

Chaplains Pour Into Lives of Olympians

Please pray:

• That I get all the final details done so not to be stressed as I leave town tomorrow.
• For safety and uneventful travel.
• For health and safety as I am in London.
• That I will be filled with the Spirit and in tune to His leading the next month.
• That God would provide divine encounters for me to serve, encourage and minister to athletes, coaches and officials in their faith.
• That I will quickly make good connections with those Christian athletes I already know.
• That I will get good rest during my down times.

I will be sending updates out over the next few weeks. As you watch the Games, please be reminded to pray for the ministry that is happening behind the scene.

On your kness 4Olympics!

Dear beloved prayer warriors,

Would you like to pray for specific athletes during the Olympics? Go to the following link and sign up to do so:

http://olympics.athletesinaction.org/prayer-strategy/

http://prayeurope.com/prayer-projects/london-olympics/

Praise & continued prayers for Euro 2012 (Poland & Ukreine)

http://prayeurope.com/interact/articles/wrapping-up-euro-2012/

Feel free to pass this on to others!

Fifteen years with Frigiliana & Samuel's ears

Last saturday we opened the 15th edition of Campus Villa de Frigiliana (www.campusfrigiliana.com), our basketball camp in Malaga. Fran Vazquez, drafted and still desired by Orlando Magic and blocks recordman from ACB play offs & Euroleague history! and ACB champion with FC Barcelona this season will be with us as guess start this time.

Coaching staff, campers, program rolling smooth, and taking expectations above as often. We are very thankful to all of them and to many of you for your support.

Lidia was with me here yesterday and today, but headed back to Malaga tonight. Samuel will have to go through surgery again after one year of tonsils removal & ears draining pipes, in the summer again, so not fun for his love for the water (he lives in & under water :-).

Let's pray & hope with you that recovery takes short & he can enjoy the warm mediterranean, grandpas' pool & even make it back with Lidia, Josué & Lucia for the last days of camp.









I will have only 2 days between closing day next sunday here and my depart to London, to serve as chaplain at the Olympics Village. Keep praying for a fruitful time in London & safety for the family until my return August 13.

Yours until the nets are full,

Rubén