More than 3,500 athletes from 93 countries are gathered in Milan, Italy, competing for Olympic gold in sports like skiing, figure skating, and ice hockey. So far, these Winter Olympic Games have seen their share of drama, surprises, and triumph.
Organizers anticipate by the end of the Winter Games, more than 2 million spectators will have converged in northern Italy, which includes people from nations currently closed to traditional missionary presence.
Southern Baptists are making the most of this unique moment, with hundreds of volunteers joining forces alongside International Mission Board missionaries to boldly proclaim Christ.
Situated in the lush Po Valley of northern Italy, Milan lies just south of the Alps. It is Italy’s second largest population center after Rome and is recognized globally as a capital of luxury, finance and fashion.
“In Italy, you strive to live the good life,” said IMB missionary Charlie Worthy, who is helping to coordinate outreach efforts during the Winter Games. “If you’ve got a good friend, a good house and a good income, then what more do you need?”
IMB missionary Charlie Worthy poses for a photo with members of the Polish luge team. IMB Photo
Steeped in centuries of history, Milan is also home to iconic landmarks like the Duomo di Milano and Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” They are striking reminders of the prominence of the Roman Catholic church in Italy, but Worthy noted today many Catholics are “nominal practicing”.
During the Olympics, IMB teams, local partners and volunteers from the U.S. are working to reach as many people as possible with the hope of the gospel. Outreach efforts are focused on Milan and other Olympic venues throughout northern Italy.
Carrying on the “Who Am I?” campaign from the 2024 Paris Olympics, teams are seeking to engage locals and spectators with questions about identity, meaning and purpose, ultimately leading them to discover the answer in Jesus.
They’re distributing Bibles and The Gospel of John booklets, participating in the beloved Olympic pastime of pin-trading, and hosting hospitality points around the city.
IMB missionaries and volunteer teams participate in the beloved Olympic pastime of pin-trading with specially designed pins for sharing the gospel. IMB Photo
Worthy is excited for the large-scale opportunity to impact global lostness. He asks Southern Baptists to join in praying for teams and volunteers to share the gospel with boldness. He hopes the outreach continues to spur long-term gospel ministry in Italy.
“I think what most people don’t realize is that Italy is the third oldest Southern Baptist mission field,” Worthy continued. “We’ve had missionaries longer here than just about anywhere else in the entire world.”
Outreach during the Olympics provides a special chance for Southern Baptists to work alongside the local church to make Jesus known among Italians. Not only that, but it also provides an urgent opportunity to share Christ with nations without gospel access as they gather in northern Italy for the Games.
Want to be part of the Olympics outreach? Sign up to receive daily prayer prompts during the Games and consider giving financially.
Be sure to stay tuned for real-time updates from Italy on IMB social media channels!
The 2026 Winter Olympics began Friday, February 6 and the closing ceremony will be held Sunday, February 22.
Related:
Plugged In: Five Christian athletes to cheer on during the Winter Olympics