War Cry - September 15, 2012 Page 7

Thousands from around the
world were impacted by The Sal-
vation Army during the women's
Olympic marathon last month,
with runners passing the Army's
international headquarters in
London six times during the race.

Salvationists distributed free

cups of water to spectators, race
officials, police and Olympic vol-
unteers. Face painting attracted
many people, with the Great
Britain flag being most requested.

Sport�themed copies of the

United Kingdom's War Cry and
Kids Alive! publications were
handed out as well. Salvation
Army team members shared the
message of Jesus with many,
provided information about The
Salvation Army and addressed
emotional and physical needs.

Lt. Colonel Laurie Robertson,
International Communications
Secretary

Olympic Champion Gabby Douglas tweeted a Bible verse the day after her
historic Olympic gold performance that made her the first African-American and
person of color to win the women's gymnastics all-around. "Beloved, never
avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written `Vengeance is
mine, I will repay, says the Lord'" (Rom. 12:19).

After winning the Women's All-Around competition, Gabby stated, "I give all

the glory to God. It's kind of a win-win situation. The glory goes up to Him and
the blessings fall down on me." This is her second gold medal of the London
Summer Olympic games, following Team USA's win in the team event. Gabby
earned her spot on the U.S. Women's Gymnastics team after she defied expecta-
tions at the American Cup in March. She initially only competed in the cup as an
alternate.

Gabby comes from a devout Christian family. Her full name is Gabrielle

Christina Victoria Douglas, which means "God's abled-bodied one." And God's
abled-body she is! She was the underdog going into the women's gymnastics in-
dividual all-around event, and was not even expected to qualify.

Gabby's athletic process was evident at an early age. While the family viewed

the 2008 Olympics, Gabriella was so impressed with how USA coach Liang Chow
worked with his gymnasts that she insisted her mother contact him about training.

Even though Coach Chow lived in Iowa, far away from the family home in

Virginia, Gabby's mother, Natalie, did finally contact him, so she could keep
Gabriella's Olympic hopes alive. The result was that the Parton family took
Gabriella into their Iowa home so she could relocate in pursuit of her dream.

Gabby's mother was still involved in every aspect of Gabriella's life. She met

with her daily through Skype. When Gabriella's mother, brother and sister visited
her in Iowa, the 16 year�old was so homesick that she wanted to return to Virginia
to be with her family. But Natalie insisted that her daughter continue to pursue
her dream. Looking back, Gabriella is thankful for her mom's steadfast guidance
and support.

Gabriella's dad Timothy, a staff sergeant in the Air National Guard who did

three tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, had also kept in touch through Skype.
Gabriella made her father's safety a part of her daily prayers. She admits that the
emotional and financial stresses of military deployment proved challenging for
her and her family.

Amid the intense pressure and spotlight, Gabriella has leaned on Scripture

and her Christian faith to keep things in perspective. She also tweeted, "`Remem-
ber to always give Him the glory for He is great!' `Let all that I am praise the
LORD; may I never forget the good things He does for me.' `I love my family, dogs
and most importantly God.'"

Olympic
Ministry

GOOD WORKS

Gold

Glory

A VIDEO by the UK Territory's Video Produc-
tion Unit can be found at sar.my/ihqwmmar

The War Cry | September 15, 2012

From articles by Jennifer Riley & Daniel Blake Christian, www.christianpost.com. Used by permission.

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