Ministry of Olivia Lundman

I am working with Athletes in Action (AIA) at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC. With AIA, we want people to know Jesus and experience his power to change the world through sport. At UBC, I have the privilege of helping athletes learn who Jesus is and what integrating their faith in their sport and daily life looks like. Instead of finding self-worth and identity in their sports, I help athletes learn that they are beloved children of God and that who they are is so much more important than what they do. During my time in university, God lit a fire in my heart for helping others come to know Christ. Through my time serving as the student president for the Athletes in Action group at UBC, I discovered the true joy that comes from witnessing the transformational work of God in others. In my last year at university, God opened my eyes to see the great need for Christ on campus, especially among athletes, and He helped me to see the ways I can contribute to this. As I grew in my personal relationship with God, the calling to share this Good News that I have grew as well. Athletes in Action has a vision of seeing people know Jesus and experience his power to change the world through sport, which truly aligns with the posture of my heart. As an Olympic athlete, I’ve experienced first-hand the value of integrating faith, life, and sport, and experiencing victory beyond competition. I felt a calling to continue to work in this ministry post-grad, so I spent a year interning with AIA at UBC while doing a year of theological studies through The Way College. That year was extremely transformative for me. It not only affirmed my decision to go into ministry, but also better equipped me for the work I was doing. Through God’s grace and giftings, I have been able to use my own past sufferings to help and support others who may be experiencing similar situations. God has revealed opportunities for me to speak to fellow students about my own faith, share the Gospel, and bring them into fellowship. Transitioning from my internship to full-time staff was a no-brainer. There are so many student-athletes on campus in desperate need of Jesus, whether they realize it yet or not. I strongly believe that God has big plans for the UBC campus that are only just beginning, and I think He is still wanting to use me as a vessel and road sign for spreading His love and pointing others to Him.