Editorials

On the wall above a bed in our spare bedroom we have a framed, cross-stitch picture of a Holly Hobby-style boy and girl praying together. The words “prayer changes things” are worked in long stitch across the top.

Since becoming a Christian more than a decade ago, I’ve seen first hand the power of prayer working in our own lives and the changes it has brought about.

Read more: She says: Prayer changes things

I always view the arrival of the Olympic Games with a degree of cynicism. Two weeks of over-hyped media hyperbole, a week of swimming on just about every channel (surely the most boring sport yet devised) and endless medal ceremonies.

Read more: He says – And the gold medal for couch-sitting goes to ...

Our family, like most Kiwis, enjoyed the spectacle of the 30th Summer Olympics unfolding on our television screen.

Watching any sport played at that level is certainly gripping – even the oft mocked synchronised swimming.

While it may be difficult to compare the merits of one sport with another, we each have our favourites. Mine happen to be the equestrian three day eventing and the artistic gymnastics.

Read more: She says – The Olympic cross

Editing this magazine means we receive emails from all over the world, from people and places I’ve never heard of. Usually they want something. Usually that something is money.

Many are from perfectly legitimate Christian charitable organisations and, sadly, often end up in the bin. There are too many for us to support them all. Others are written in fractured English and are seeking money to buy a new lung or some other organ for a seriously ill, dirt-poor relative.

Read more: Sponsoring Heaven