France (MNN) — France is in the global spotlight today as host of the 33rd Summer Olympic Games. While praises for Paris abound, one look at French history tells a darker story.

“One of the key turning points in French history happened in the 18th century when we saw the birth of Enlightenment ideologies, which basically aimed at eliminating religion from the public sphere,” Cecile* with Trans World Radio Europe says.

“That’s why we used to say France is the birthplace of secularism because what happened [during] the 18th century has had a huge impact beyond the French border.”

The Catholic Church played a significant and contentious role during the French Revolution, reflecting broader conflicts between revolutionary ideals and traditional institutions. The Reign of Terror saw increased persecution of those who opposed the government’s policies, including anti-revolutionary clergy.

By 1793, France’s revolutionary government had instituted a de-Christianization campaign, removing religious symbols, closing churches, and persecuting both Catholic and Protestant believers. Bibles were banned, and the “Goddess of Reason” was brought to the Notre Dame cathedral as a replacement for God.

Today, France is reaping a harvest sown by the seeds of secularism centuries ago. France has the fourth-highest percentage of atheists in the world, and Gospel resistance is the status quo. Only one percent of the French population knows Christ.

A quote from the French presidency’s official website reads: “Secularism is one of our most precious values, the keystone of a harmonious society, and the cement of a united France.”

Believers are teaming up to make Christ known in the birthplace of secularism. TWR and PHARE FM, a network of 20 Christian radio stations across France, are sharing the Gospel through Christian athlete interviews during the Olympics.

“We’ve heard stories of athletes who won several medals; these athletes are all sharing [how] yes, this is an amazing achievement. It’s a day they will never forget. But it’s nothing compared to the day they gave their life to Jesus,” Cecile says.

Pray these testimonies will open people to the Gospel in France and beyond.

“Let’s pray for a higher mission effort in France so that we can increase this one percent evangelical Christian [population.]”

Header image depicts the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. (Wikimedia Commons)

Japan (MNN) — The coronavirus dealt another discouraging blow this week. Officials are postponing the Summer Olympic Games to 2021. More details here. The Olympics have been cancelled three times but never postponed.

“Japan as a society is disappointed that we’re having to delay. Likewise, all of us that are doing ministry related to the Olympics have a sense of disappointment. However, we also want the world to be safe,” Joe Handley of Asian Access tells MNN.

“We realize what’s at stake so we’re trying to reach out in a different way to be the hands and feet of Christ in the midst of a crisis.”

Find our full coronavirus coverage here, and use this new Prayercast video to guide your prayers for the crisis.

Opportunity disguised as disappointment

The Tokyo Olympics were scheduled to begin on July 24 and conclude August 9, with athletes competing in 33 sports. Although officials haven’t settled on a date yet, the postponed Olympics will still take place in Tokyo under the 2020 banner.

(Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

Asian Access began planning for ministry specific to the Tokyo Olympics six years ago. It was to be a highly-anticipated and distinctly-unique Gospel opportunity, Handley described earlier this year.

As it counted down the weeks to July 24, Asian Access and its in-country partners “have been actively preparing for the Games, and doing huge festivals… [trying to] build momentum towards those Games coming,” Handley says.

Now, “everything has been put on hold and as you can imagine… there’s some disappointment with that.”

Forecasters say rescheduling the Olympics could push Japan’s finances further into the red, possibly triggering a recession. Ministries like Asian Access share this fiscal concern. “We’d like to re-implement those plans that we have, but we have no idea the economic fallout and how it will impact ministries like ours,” Handley explains.

Yet, when one door of opportunity closes, God opens a new one.

“It’s a perfect time to be the hands and feet of Christ because this is a world that is in just great anxiety right now,” Handley says. Learn how ministry cohorts throughout Asia are responding to the coronavirus crisis.

“We’re trying to do some new online activity, moving into the digital space, and we’re going to need funding for that. I’m sure that most ministries are facing many of these same predicaments.”

Next steps

Now that you know, how will you respond? First, seek the Lord’s guidance. Then, follow where He leads.

“Anything we can do to gather together in community, whether that’s via an online format or calling people, [is] encouraging. We need to realize that we are in this together,” Handley says.

“Christ has given us hope. There’s been many disasters over the years, and every time His promises ring true.”

Header image courtesy of Marco Verch via Flickr.