Minute Message   : Everyone Wins

Publication Date : 8/8/96



	Tomorrow will bring to an end another Olympic event.

Athletes from around the world will participate in the closing

ceremony, and the torch will be extinguished symbolizing the

official end of the athletic competition for another four years.



	Some athletes will return home to a heroes welcome. There

will be celebrations, speeches and more recognition for a job

well done.



	Others will go home disappointed, disillusioned, heart

broken. Their dreams were not fulfilled, there will be no

speeches or recognition for a job well done. You do not celebrate

losing.



	All these individuals had one thing in common - they trained

hard, they sacrificed and they dreamed. They all sw themselves

standing on the podium receiving their gold medal, they all saw

themselves returning home to a celebration.



	An ancient writer took the Olympic games to illustrate the

Christian life. He called it a race. He said "Run in such a way

as to get the prize." He went on to say that those who compete

[in sports competition] run for a crown that eventually

deteriorates. But the Christian runs to receive a crown that

lasts forever. With God, everyone is a winner. There will be no

unfulfilled dreams.



	Will I see you tomorrow?



Norman Russell

2761 Broadway

North Bend, Oregon  USA  97459