As The Games Unfold Run The Race Daily Bible Reading Site Gathers Momentum...
Its day six of the Olympic Games and so far the GB Equestrian Team - including Zara Phillips - have scored silver for us! The London Mayor Boris Johnson has got stuck on a zip wire carrying two union jacks and the Chinese women's badminton team have been accused of 'throwing' their game.. Its been an eventful, utterly entertaining and incredible national event so far! We at Springboard are looking forward eagerly to the rest of the games unfolding.. But how has Alastair Kirk's Run The Race daily bible readings site been doing? Find out how his site can keep you encouraged during the rest of the Olympics!
(PICTURES: RUN THE RACE IMAGE, BORIS JOHNSON ON THE ZIP WIRE, OLYMPICS OPENING NIGHT FIREWORKS, ERIC LIDDELL WINNING GOLD IN PARIS)
Alastair's Q&A...
The Runtherace daily readings site is now up and running - what was the reading for Friday - opening ceremony day?
The first daily reading on Friday was titled 'Surrounded by C
louds' and was focused on the phrase 'Therefore, we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses" from Hebrews 12:1. We investigate who these witnesses are and how they ran the race of faith by laying down their lives. We also discover how the word 'clouds' was used in the ancient Greek Games and what significance it has in this verse.
louds' and was focused on the phrase 'Therefore, we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses" from Hebrews 12:1. We investigate who these witnesses are and how they ran the race of faith by laying down their lives. We also discover how the word 'clouds' was used in the ancient Greek Games and what significance it has in this verse.The reading then challenges us to join the heroes of faith past and present who were tested, but held onto the promises of God and are now testifiers of God's goodness and faithfulness. The world is in desperate need of men and women who are ready to join the race and lead by example - people who desire to obey the Word of God and are willing to lay down their lives to do His will.
Did you watch the opening ceremony - what was your favourite bit?
Yes, I watched the opening ceremony. My favourite parts were the early scenes including the industrial revolution that culminated with the raising of the Olympic rings. I also didn't know Mr Bean could play piano - I thought that was brilliant. 
Also, whilst Abide with Me has become somewhat of a sporting anthem, I couldn't help but think about the millions of people listening around the world and hope that its words would be used to testify of our Lord.
Also, whilst Abide with Me has become somewhat of a sporting anthem, I couldn't help but think about the millions of people listening around the world and hope that its words would be used to testify of our Lord. Are you keeping track of visitor numbers? So far are you pleased with the number of visitors to the site/ the up-take?
Although I would like as many people as possible to visit the website, my main intention is that those who do visit will be blessed by the readings. I have been so encouraged that the visits have increased greatly since the first day of the Games.There have also been more people sign-up to receive the readings by email each day, which is a wonderful encouragement.
What can visitors to your site expect over the next few weeks? As the Olympics unfold?
Visitors to Run the Race Daily will be able to read a new reading for each day of the Olympics. Each reading is on a sporting theme and also includes a daily prayer and what's on that day of the Games. Visitors can also request to receive the daily readings by email or order the Run the Race book, which is a compilation of all the readings.
Are there any key themes you will be touching upon via the site?
The first section of daily readings are centred around Hebrews 12:1-2 and motivate the reader to 'run with endurance' and 'look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith'.
Further readings focus on the other references to sport in the New Testament, encouraging the Christian in their own race of faith. They frequently explore words used by the NT writers in relation to athletics and reveal some interesting links to the Games of their time. Other daily readings look at individual characters, such as muscle man Samson, the shot-thrower David and the amazing life of Eric Liddell. 
There will also be themes that include 'getting into shape', 'teamwork' and 'going for gold'. The final reading challenges the reader to look ahead at the race, and take action in responding to God's call to "go" reminding that if we can trust God with the call to "go", we can trust Him with the guiding.
There will also be themes that include 'getting into shape', 'teamwork' and 'going for gold'. The final reading challenges the reader to look ahead at the race, and take action in responding to God's call to "go" reminding that if we can trust God with the call to "go", we can trust Him with the guiding.What do you hope people will get from visiting the site?
I pray that people will be encouraged in their race of faith this summer and be led to look unto Jesus, who has already completed the race and wants us to obtain everything He has planned for us. For me personally, Jesus enduring the Cross has brought me so much hope, and I trust that all those who determine to follow Him will experience this too.
Furthermore, there has been a lot of mention that the Games will leave a legacy in this country. I think the same applies to our race of faith. Our race has the potential to leave a legacy that will count for eternity. Our communities, families, workplaces, schools, governments and in fact very nations have the potential to be shaken and turned upside down because of those who are faithfully prepared to run for Jesus Christ, regardless of the cost. The most successful race we can run is one that leads others to finish victorious. I pray that Christians in this country will pick up the baton and run a race that brings Him glory.
Anything you would like to appeal for or add?
Please visit www.runtheracedaily.com for more information and get ready to join the race this summer. I hope people will be blessed by the readings and will continue to enjoy the Games.
What do you think the Olympic Legacy will be for the UK?
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August 2012