This overview of Missions Teams was published in the May issue of BC Christian News:

Mission Teams Working Groups - By Peter Biggs

EVERY FOUR YEARS, the world becomes a smaller place – as hundreds of thousands gather for the Olympic and Paralympic games. More Than Gold (MTG) is expecting as many as 3,000 volunteers from around the world to come and volunteer here in the Metro Vancouver in 2010.

They will serve in a variety of ways:  Some will simply ride the bus and Skytrain, walk the city and strike up conversations, offering MTG trading pins and literature – and share their faith, as opportunities arise. MTG’s Mission Teams Opportunity is led by a Working Group, which is responsible for enlisting, approving of, training, housing, and assigning jobs to the volunteers. Janet Campbell heads up this MTG area. “We are looking for local churches and organizations to request volunteers, to help with their planned outreach activities,” she said. Indeed, Campbell is brimming with ideas for her area of outreach. She also represents her denomination (the Canadian National Baptist Convention) within the MTG network and sees meaningful service opportunities in activities that are designed to “build bridges into the community.” Specifically, Campbell mentions concerts, noting that MTG has a vibrant Creative and Performing Arts Working Group which can provide musicians.

She also lists “big screen viewing parties for Olympic events; children’s sports days or clinics; simple acts of kindness or community service; refreshment give-aways; prayer and counselling; use of church facilities, such as washrooms, parking lots and internet facilities; language translation services; and litter pick-up.” Local churches and organizations may also choose to form a mission team themselves. MTG requires that they fill out an application to be More Than Gold volunteers, and be prepared to serve in a variety of capacities for at least five consecutive days. Teams will offer healthy breakfasts, with either kitchen access and groceries provided, or a prepared and served meal. “The Mission Teams Working Group will liaise with the facilities accommodating volunteers, and there will be a signed agreements in place. Volunteers will bring their own bedding,” Campbell said. “Whatever your skill or passion, there are many ways you can be the ‘hands and feet’ of [the Christian community] during the 2010 Games,” she emphasized, adding: “It has been a tradition for the churches in the Olympic host country to mobilize thousands of volunteers, providing hospitality for families of athletes, offering chaplaincy services and the distributing of water to spectators, among many other activities.” You can get involved, by contacting Campbell at: morethangoldteams@gmail.com.