London 2012

 

LONDON 2012 SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES WITH GEM

GEM has a significant opportunity to reach Europe and change the world for Christ during the Summer Olympic Games in 2012. We are collaborating with two initiatives, the "More Than Gold" organization and the "Run The Race" Project (hosted by Gold Hill Baptist Church and St. James Anglican Church) to mobilize teams to reach the nations that will come to London for this global festival. 

More than 3,000 mission and outreach team members are needed to work with local churches throughout the UK during the summer Olympic Games next summer.

“There’s never a time like the Olympic games that highlights [the] amazing affect where you can actually reach the world from one location,” said Bryan Doyle, our UK strategy leader and Director of GEM’s 2012 Olympic Initiative.

Below you will find information on both "Run The Race" and  "More Than Gold". 

 

Note: ALL PARTICIPATION IN THE OLYMPIC OUTREACH HAS BEEN CLOSED OFF. WE'VE REACHED OUR MAXIMUM CAPACITY FOR TEAMS AND INDIVIDUALS. 

 

RUN THE RACE

WHAT TEAMS WILL BE DOING

Gold Hill Baptist Church and St. James Anglican Church are putting on a two week festival, called Run The Race, for the community in Chalfont St. Peter in Buckinghamshire, England (30 min west of Central London.) The Olympics create a unique opportunity for the local churches to serve the community well. The festival will be held in a park across the street from Gold Hill. The hope is that no family will watch the games by themselves but rather partake in community activities. There will be various activities for everyone from babies to adults. On both Sundays during the Olympics, a large worship celebration service will be held in the park.

You can participate in service opportunities such as:

  • Children/youth
  • VBS
  • Music
  • Hospitality
  • Catering
  • Maintenance
  • Prayer
  • Evangelism
  • Sports
  • Creative arts
  • Discipleship training

TEAM SIZE: 75 people per week (Church-based, college-based or combined teams of 5-20 (students/adults/older children with parent, etc.)

 

2012 MISSION DATES (10 days/block):

  • 26 Jul- 5 Aug (CLOSED; We've reached our maximum number of volunteers for this week.)
  • 5 Aug- 13 Aug

COST:  $850-$1150  The figures reflect an estimated cost per person for 10 nights. The low and high price estimates are based on different lodging options. Please note that prices are subject to change due to changing lodging arrangements, exchange rates, etc. The prices do NOT include airfare (See info on flight options below.) All costs are based on an exchange rate of £1 to $1.7.

*Cost includes: 

  • Registration: $150 to apply and secure a spot. This is due by Feb 1, 2012 
  • Lodging: Options are Jordan's Youth Hostel, WEC Center, or sleeping on floor or on cots at the churches
  • Most meals
  • A special training and logistic process throughout the year leading up to the games. We'll give you a personal mediator as you prepare for an extraordinary mission event.
  • Leadership, Ministry, and Partnership Costs associated with Greater Europe Mission

*Cost does NOT include:

  • Airfare
  • Travel Insurance: Each team leader is responsible for purchasing travel insurance for each member. GEM recommends using Overseas Travelers Protection Plan (www.otpplan.com). For a trip under 15 days, the price is$21/person.
  • Free Day in London: GEM estimates an additional $100/person for transportation to London, food, and souvenirs
  • Extra Cost: $30/day. It is recommended to bring extra money throughout the week to go out to coffee or the pubs with people, maybe even buy a round. This is socially appropriate and great for building intentional relationships.

 

FLIGHT INFORMATION:

Details will soon be released on various flight packages from major cities in the U.S. and Canada- please advise if you would like assistance in this area. We hope to secure some reasonable deals. Email Bryan Doyle,bryan.doyle@gemission.org . 

 WANT TO APPLY AS A RUN THE RACE TEAM LEADER? Click here.

*For Team member applications, click here. 

 

 

MORE THAN GOLD

WHAT TEAMS WILL BE DOING

The big picture is that mission teams will help international visitors and UK communities experience the reality of God's love. The role each team plays depends on their skill sets and experience. 

  • Church Partnership Mission
  • Vacation Bible Schools
  • Sports Clinics
  • Community Festivals (big screen showings of the Games)
  • Performing music, dance, or drama
  • Local church outreach
  • Working at a Hospitality Center
  • Prayer-walking & evangelism
  • Other: Teams will be partnered with local churches who will utilize the team’s specific skills. 
  • If you have an idea of what you’d like to do, don’t hesitate to mention it!

TEAM SIZE: Church-based, college-based or combined teams of 5-20 (students/adults/older children with parent, etc.)

 

2012 MISSION DATES: (10 days/block) 

  • Block 1: 24 July-3 Aug
  • Block 2: 3 Aug- 13 Aug

WHAT TEAM MEMBERS RECEIVE:

  • A branded backpack and t-shirt
  • A lanyard with identification card
  • Training materials
  • Induction and orientation
  • Administration and support during their mission trip

 

COST: The following figures reflect an estimated cost based on a team size of 10 people for 10 nights. Please note that prices are subject to change due to changing lodging arrangements, exchange rates, etc. The prices do NOT include airfare (See info on flight options below.) All costs are based on an exchange rate of £1 to $1.7.

 

The estimated totals* per person for 10 nights are (please see "Cost does NOT include" section below for additional/personal costs):

  • Bronze: $900
  • Silver: $1300
  • Gold: $1600

*Cost includes: 

  • Registration: $200 to apply and secure a spot. This fee will be charged with your first lodging payment. (To see Payment Details- click on "Want to Move Forward?" at the bottom of this page.)
  • Lodging: 10 nights at an accommodation of your choosing. (Click here for accommodation descriptions.)
  • Breakfast and Lunch: The lodging includes breakfast and a packed lunch. 
  • A special training and logistic process throughout the year leading up to the games. We'll give you a personal mediator as you prepare for an extraordinary mission event.
  • Leadership, Ministry, and Partnership Costs associated with Greater Europe Mission

*Cost does NOT include:

  • Airfare
  • Travel Insurance: Each team leader is responsible for purchasing travel insurance for each member. GEM recommends using Overseas Travelers Protection Plan (www.otpplan.com). For a trip under 15 days, the price is $21/person.
  • Dinner & Local Transportation: GEM estimates an additional $400/person for all dinners and tube passes/train tickets. 
PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
 

 

FLIGHT INFORMATION:

Details will soon be released on various flight packages from major cities in the U.S. and Canada- please advise if you would like assistance in this area. We hope to secure some reasonable deals. Email Bryan Doyle, bryan.doyle@gemission.org . 

 

Please keep returning to this site for updated project information.

 

Want to move forward with More Than Gold? Click here.