Serving as a chaplain at the Paralympics

When I was first asked to be part of the team, about a year before the Games, I burst out laughing! I couldn’t see what I could contribute. I don’t mind watching big events on TV, and I do sometimes jog or go to the gym, but sport isn’t a passion for me. What encouragement could I give to internationally renowned athletes? And surely there were experienced chaplains much more suited to the role than me. But I was assured that my profile was what was wanted, and with encouragement, I brought this before God. He showed me that my objections were really rooted in fear. So I applied, was accepted, and started the training process.

I arrived in Paris at the end of August and headed to the Olympic village. Far from the cameras and the crowds, the international delegations were quietly settling into their accommodation and discovering the services available to them. A small army of volunteers were there to help. The athletes’ disabilities were visible and accepted; everyone was able to get around easily because all the appropriate adaptations had been made. May all of France become increasingly like this!

At the prefab multi-faith centre, my colleagues welcomed me in the area reserved for Christians. The space was divided into several zones: an area called “The Journey” where people were invited to move around and stop at various points to spend time alone with God; a relaxation area designed to encourage conversations; and, for times of reading the Word and prayer, a central space with chairs in a circle, in front of various Christian symbols (Bible, cross, etc.). There were also separate small rooms for personal conversations, and numerous Bibles and pieces of Christian literature available for visitors.

Here are four highlights from my fortnight at the Paralympics:

1.      A very positive relationship between the chaplains of all faiths: seeing Jewish and Muslim chaplains joking together was very moving. The good atmosphere was also noted by officials and residents who were touched by this beautiful testimony.

2.      The centre was not very visible, and we wondered if people would find us, but the Lord led! We were even surprised by the high number of visits on certain days. The Christian chaplaincy was keen to welcome each visitor as a special guest of the Lord. Some people had questions, some wanted prayer, some needed silence, and others wanted information on local churches. We invited visitors to indicate their home country on a map with a marker pen; by the end of the Games, the map was covered with dots – a sign that the hope of the gospel is alive and spreading!

3.      All the athletes wanted to perform to the best of their ability, of course, but some Christian athletes also came with the desire to give glory to God for their performance and to share their faith. Several came to pray with us and encouraged us in our mission – what a blessing!

4.      Personally, the Lord also challenged me to change my outlook on people with a disability (physical or psychological). They don’t want compassion, so much as to be allowed to live, to embrace challenges, and to be considered equally alongside the able-bodied. The impressive performances of these champions demonstrate that excellence is not “reserved” for the able-bodied. Perhaps there is a challenge for Church here, to change its view of disability and be more of a witness to this marginalised population.

I will therefore end this testimony with this prayer for us: Lord, open our hearts, help us to welcome others as they are, as You have welcomed us.