Freedom Comes With a Cost
This weekend we celebrate the declaration of our independence. The Freedom we enjoy comes with a cost and a responsibility. Have we taken the time and remembered those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom? Have we stopped and thought about what our responsibility is in maintaining the freedom we enjoy? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Freedom Isn’t Free is the title of this poem written by Cadet Major Kelly Strong USAF, JROTC to recall the memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the giving of their lives. Their willingness to give secures to this day our freedom. Freedom to do what we enjoy; racing.
I watched the flag pass by one day
It fluttered in the breeze
A young soldier saluted it, and then
He stood at ease
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He’d stand out in any crowd
I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers’ tears?
How many Pilots’ planes shot down?
How many foxholes were soldiers’ graves?
No – Freedom isn’t free
I heard the sound of taps one night,
When everything was still
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill
I wondered just how many times
That Taps had meant “Amen”
When a flag had draped a coffin
Of a brother or a friend
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives
I thought about a graveyard at the
Bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No – Freedom isn’t free!
I was thinking the other day what would this country look like if we weren’t free? Would there even be racing; as we know it? On any given weekend I can choose where I go to watch a race. You can choose where to race. If you don’t like going to a certain track you can choose another. We have the freedom of choice. We have the independence to do as we choose. That is not something to take lightly.
Stop and think of all the choices we can make in our life and then think of some of the other nations in the world who don’t have the same option. The difference is freedom. The founders of our country decided to organize on the foundation of God and freedom of choice. We have fought for over 200 years to maintain that, not only for us but also for other nations and peoples of the world.
God also gives us the freedom to choose. He makes available for us a life of abundance and freedom. We can choose if we are going to accept that life. Jesus said…
John 10:10, The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Paul adds in Galatians…
Galatians 5:1, It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Jesus came and gave His life as a sacrifice so that we could know the abundant and free life that God has offered us. Not unlike those who have fought for our country’s freedom so that we can enjoy an abundant and free life. For us to experience freedom it cost someone something.
Think of a race team. Some are funded well and some are run on a shoestring. It doesn’t matter; to be able to race someone pays. Someone’s hard work earns the money we receive to pay the cost of preparing your car and team to race. We experience the freedom to race because someone else paid the price. The situation is the same whether it is our hard work or someone else’s hard work, to race someone pays. Racing isn’t free either.
Our responsibility is to maintain the freedom we have been given. We need to prevent it from being eroded and taken away. Whatever it takes, we must be ready to step up and pay the price.
For us to have freedom as a country many men and women paid with their very own lives. They made the ultimate sacrifice for the good of others. They gave their lives. Our responsibility is to be ready to do the same. Jesus did the same, He gave His life so that we might have life.
John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
Those lives given for us secured our freedom. Jesus Christ gave His life to save us from death and destruction. Let me ask a question, do you enjoy your freedom as an American? If you do take the time to say thank you to those who have made it possible.
Let me ask another, do you want to experience an abundant and free life that only comes from knowing Jesus Christ as your Savior? He gave His life to give you that opportunity, accept it and free yourself from the burden of sin.
Our declaration of independence cost someone, something. Be thankful there are those who are willing to pay the price for our freedom, remember them. Remember the offer of freedom Jesus offers, accept it.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
BRINGING YOUR “A” GAME- With the new owner in the house it was a good time to show everyone what you could do. The Whelen Modified Tour has long had the reputation of being the best race of the weekend and the pressure was on to live up to past editions, they didn’t disappoint. The margin of victory was the closest on record .001. Check out Howie’s picture of the finish, the cars are superimposed on each other. I am sure TC is a little disappointed with second but Chuck Hossfeld was able to claim that inch he needed to win.
This race lived up to the hype, clearly one for the memory banks to be played back over and over. I know they have the tape and heard that three front line commentators with modified roots where willing to do the voice over and produce it for television, let’s hope NHMS and NASCAR see the value in showing it.
The rumors started with Kyle Busch, moved to Tony Hirschman, heard Jerry Marquis but in the end Jeff Fuller climbed in the JR Motorsports 7NY one week after being honored at Thompson. I talked with him and he shared that it would take a little time to get back in the groove. He didn’t waste the opportunity and drove home to a top ten finish. He did it from the rear of the field. He still has it.
Jimmy Spencer, two-time champion was honored for his championships but due to the threat of rain the pre-race was pushed along and the photo ops would wait until Sunday. Mr. Excitement, as he was tagged by Ben Dodge, finds his way into many of those campfire story telling times. Jimmy won the 1986 & 87 Tour Titles.
The Camping World Series East had their opportunity to shine on Friday afternoon. In the past this race has been hot and cold. They had a chance to step off on the right foot with the new ownership and make a good first impression. They did! What a great race, three-wide out of turn four with five to go. A spin that brought out a yellow would send it to extra distance and on the final restart Eddie McDonald got the jump on Trevor Bayne to win. They were followed across the line by Matt Kobyluck, who finally finished one at NHMS. He said it was a relief to get through one and it felt like a win. Austin Dillon and Ricky Carmichael filled out the top five.
What was supposed to be a washout weekend had its moments but let the record show all but 17 laps were run in all four divisions racing at NHMS. I think all the racing would have gotten in without JR getting rear ended entering pit road late in the race. A great job by all the folks at NHMS.
With the new management things were a little different, there were a few more signs, new paint on the tunnel and several new faces. But the hospitality we received was second to none. Thank you to everyone.
We’ll take the 4th of July off and then get back to work with the Camping World Series headed to Thompson and the Whelen Modifieds headed to Spencer in New York state. We’ll see you somewhere along the road, have a safe and happy Fourth.
Be a witness for our Lord with the ministry decals and apparel. See them at the Online Apparel Store at www.RWJM.org. Call us with your prayer and counseling needs and list all your prayer needs, no matter what part of our racing family you are in, with the Racing Family Prayer Request Page www.rwjm.org/page/prayers.php also send your prayer request by mail. Until next time, remember that God loves you, we love you and
Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing. GOD BLESS.
Mail reaches us at Racing with Jesus Ministries, PO Box 586, Tolland, CT 06084. Check our weekly printed pages in “Area Auto Racing News”, the East Coast’s largest weekly racing paper” See our on-line Apparel Store for subscription information. Check our home page www.rwjm.org for past articles. We invite you to input your thoughts as you sign our Guest Book. Please remember, we can only do what we do because of your prayerful financial support.
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
May God always Bless you, everyday in everyway. Rev. Don
CHECKERED CHEERS
***WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES***
July 3
THE REV. BILL & DAWN WAUGH- Pastor of the Greesburg, PA Church of the Brethren/ RWJM PA/Ohio Coordinator and Challenger Raceway RWJM Track Chaplain and very supportive wife share their 25th anniversary.
GEORGE & SANDRA MARTIN- This Wernersville, PA writer and wife have their 39th anniversary.
July 4
GARY & DEBBIE DIONNE- This RWJM West Coast Coordinator/former Dion Bros. Racing crewman and wife from NH, now in Acton, CA and a Hollywood stunt driver, share their 16th anniversary.
July 5
PAUL & FRANCES HINTON- The proprietor of New England Heirlooms; supplier of many beautiful auto racing trophies and plaques and much more in Norwich, CT and wife share their 6th.
RON & ARLEEN MILLER- These Susquehanna and Silver Spring fans from Camp Hill, PA have their 21st anniversary.
July 6
JERRY & JEANNE MARTEL- These Lee/Star Speedways Late Model team onwers turn their 39th lap together.
PHIL AND JOANNE KURZE- Phil dropped me a line asking me to say thank you to his lovely wife JoAnne for sticking with him through all the long hours and crazy travel schedule for 34 years. Phil is the face behind the Whelen sponsorship for the Modifies and the All-American Racing Series. Our prayer is that you two would have many more wonderful years together.
July 8
JOHN & LAURIE UDES- This asphalt Modified driver from white Plains, NJ and wife celebrate their anniversary.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
July 2
RICHARD PETTY- Randleman, NC owner of Petty Enterprises, all-time winningest Cup driver, a founding-father of ministry in auto racing.
JOHNNY LEACH- Lumbertown, NJ dirt Modified driver.
TOM FLINN- Former Star Speedway (NH) Chief Tech Inspector.
GARY NEGRI- Danbury, CT Cup/Mod fan.
SCOTT ROBERTSON- Goodyear tire tech frequently with the CWES and a pretty good bagpipe player.
July 3
JAMIE TOMAINO- Popular Howell, NJ NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour driver Team #99 and Racing with Jesus Ministries supporter.
JIMMY HORTON- Whitehouse Station, NJ top dirt Modified driver.
CHARLIE DONK- NY D.I.R.T. Modified driver.
DON TIRPAK- Mt. Arlington, NJ Street Stock and Micro Stock driver.
RON JACKS- NASCAR West Series driver of Las Vegas, NV.
LINDA GEER- Waterford Speedbowl former Office Manager.
RICH PAWLICH- Rocky Hill, CT Modified fan.
July 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY
UNTIED STATES OF AMERICA- Our Great Nation Blessed by God turns lap 232.
BOB BARRON- Ontario, NY driver of the Spencer Speedway No. 28 asphalt Modified.
JOHN LOBO, JR.- CT based ProStock driver.
July 5
GIL TEGG, JR.- D.I.R.T. Modified driver.
MARK BURNS- NH SuperModified team owner.
ROB HODGKINS- Retired RWJM “Lieutenant,” now a CT State Correctional Officer from Canterbury.
CHERYL MORGAN- Daughter of Betty Evans.
July 6
PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH- The President of the Untied States of America.
EDDIE MacDONALD- From Newbury, MA, this Camping World East Series driving son of LEE USA Speedway owner Red Macdonald.
BOB POTTER- Still winning, Occum, CT multi-time Waterford Speedbowl, Thompson Speedway and Stafford Speedway Modified champion and Waterford’s all-time winner.
GARY SMITH- Malahat, British Columbia NASCAR West driver.
RICK JOHNSON- Encinitas, CA LM driver.
MELISSA ROWE- The lovely wife of driver Ben.
SANDY URBINA- Wife of Riverhead Raceway driver Tony.
MEGHAN DILLNER- A daughter of racing TV Reporter Bobby and wife Meredith is 14.
TYLER EDMONDS- The son of WMT crewman Tommy Edmonds and wife Sue is 8.
CARITA TWINEM- Brookfield, Wisconsin fan.
July 7
RICK FORD- BRS Modified driver at Wall township Speedway.
TOM TWINEM- Brookfield, WI fan; Carita’s husband.
July 8
TOM ROSATI- Agawam, MA former CWES/ProStock driver and husband of Kristy Bennett Rosati, CWES driver Brad’s sister.
SPIKE MATTATALL- Beech Ridge Speedway driver.
JENNIFER & PAULA ZUIDEMA- The wife and mom of Brookfield, MA ProStock driver Jeff.
NICOLE STEFANIK- Daughter of NASCAR WMT/CWES multi-time champion Mike and wife Julie, head of Koszela Speed.
LORI CANNEY- Wife of Meriden, CT AARN photographer Frank.
BEV MAVLOUGANES- Mom of Springfield, MA photographer Dave and ProStock driving Jim.
KEVIN MORGAN- Son of Maryland fan Forrest.
JACOB MILLER- Son of Camp Hill, PA fans Ron and Arleen is 10.
JAKE MILLER- A son of Ron and Arleen in Camp Hill, PA is 11.
*** IN THE SHOP ***
GARY DIONNE’S DAD- Our West Coast Coordinator’s dad is dealing with some medical issues. Keep him in your prayers as he endures the situation.
SHARE YOUR SPECIAL OCCASIONS WITH YOUR RACING FAMILY. SEND THEM TO RACING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES AT PO BOX 586, Tolland, CT, 06084.
Sources: Rev. Dan Rivers/RWJM