Have you been enjoying the Olympic games in Rio? Along with the competition, I love watching all the story lines develop. Especially the back stories of some of the athletes. The story that has moved me and maybe you too, is the story surrounding the Team Refugee Athletes. Ten athletes, who have fled their home countries due to war and unrest, later selected by the IOC to compete under the Olympic flag.
One story that struck me most was the story of Syrian swimmer Yusra Mardini who fled Syria in an overcrowded boat crossing the Mediterranean Sea. When the motor died and the boat began to flood, Mardini leaped into the sea and swam three grueling miles, pulling the boat, along with 20 refugees, to safety. She ultimately made it to Germany where the swimming community welcomed her and she has been training. Speaking of the warm welcome she has received and the association with the IOC, Maridini talked of how meaningful it is to have a partner that accepts her, includes her and provides her with opportunities. Sound like someone else you may know? Praise God! Oh, and go USA!
Romans 15:7 “Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.”
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