Committed to the Team
We work together on many different fronts in life; at work, at home, at the track and at play. Working together is a necessity in life. There is not one of us who can go it alone. Whose team are we on? Who do we labor for? Whom do we serve? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Have you ever looked at what you wear to the track? What do your clothes say to others? I have seen many things on shirts in the pits that I can’t write here or repeat in public. I am not sure what some people are thinking when they wear such things in public. It shows me they have lost respect for themselves. I am sure it is done for attention but at what cost? I think we would be better served if we wore clothes that showed a little self respect.
Who needs a Facebook page? Jeff Foxworthy says you can find out many things about someone from their T-shirts. Where they went on vacation, their favorite beer, their favorite sports team and their favorite NASCAR driver. What we wear communicates many things to people, but does it communicate the right things?
When we work on a race team we wear the colors of the team. We represent that owner and those sponsors. Have we ever thought about what we say and do reflects on those people. Do we do a good job for them? Are they proud to have us on their team? Take a look at your uniform and think about each company represented there, act in a way that would honor them.
Being on a team comes with the responsibility to the other team members. We have to think of the team before we think of ourselves. When we don’t it causes problems. When we act selfishly the team suffers and we suffer. That type of behavior is destructive and leads to destruction. We need to make a commitment to work together, forgive one another and be dedicated for the good of the team.
Jesus put together a team of sorts when he started his ministry here on Earth. They didn’t know where it would lead, but they were willing to follow. Jesus accepted them and taught them the things they would need to know. Mark’s Gospel records the first members joining the team.
MARK 1:14-20, After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”
As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
Think about the team members Jesus chose. Would they be the ones we would choose? I think if we were given the choice we might have gone to the temple to choose the members of God’s team. We would have tried to pick someone who knew about God and His word. Not so with Jesus, he looked for those who were willing more than those who were qualified. Think about forming a race team and picking guys who knew nothing about racing. How could this work?
Jesus knew what he was doing. He knew they would fail sometimes. He knew they would not understand some of His instructions. He knew they would desert Him when He needed them most. But He chose them anyway. What could they possibly have that qualified them for Jesus’ team?
Ask yourself who you want working beside you, someone who knows everything or someone who is willing to give everything they have for the team? I think the later, someone who is willing makes a difference on a team. They will do whatever they are asked without question. They will make every effort to do the right thing. These are the type of people we want to work beside.
Jesus knew the heart of the men he called. He knew their shortcomings. He also knew that the passion in their hearts would carry them through all their shortcomings. He would pick them again. What can we learn? Things aren’t always as they appear on the outside.
Think about the people around you. Are they the ones that you would go into battle with? The best team members are those who you would trust your life with. They may not be the most qualified or talented, but they are the most willing. Jesus picked His team members based on their hearts. We should do the same.
Remember that it is what is in your heart that matters. Jesus indicated that to us when he spoke to us about sin. The same holds true when it comes to serving God, our hearts have to be in it. Put your heart into serving God. It doesn’t matter what your qualifications are, if your heart is in it then you will honor God. Ask yourself if you are committed to the team, Christ’s team. Are you willing? Desire in your heart to serve God above all things. God Bless, Rev. Don.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
SOBO ROAD TRIP- This weekend we went back to one of our favorite places down south, South Boston Speedway. Our thanks go out to Kathy Rice and the entire crew for making us feel at home. Also, a big thanks to MRO Chaplain Jim Foster and his wife for opening their home to a couple of traveling preachers and a shutter bug. Their hospitality helps make the trip that much more bearable. Have you ever noticed how a good shower and a few hours of rest in a bed help you shake off the road weary blues?
South Boston is one of those old cup tracks that has a history for some close racing. This race would run true to that heritage. Fewer cautions than last year allowed for more green flag action. This may have been because of the low car count, 23. That helped improve the racing on this tight 4/10 mile circuit.
Records were meant to be broken and one fell this weekend. Just when you thought Joey Lagano was young along comes Brett Moffitt from the mid-west and wins his first Camping World East Race two months younger than Sliced Bread. I am surely getting old! Brett’s dad had the quote of the day as he jumped higher than I have ever seen a white man jump, “Praise the Lord!”
It was good to join Andy Santerre Motorsports in victory lane again. Andy has a knack for getting the car right when it matters. Brett conserved the car early as he followed Ryan Truex, in the first third of the race. After a few restarts Brett was able to make the pass stick and took over the top spot. His next stop, Victory Lane!
Ryan Truex, driving for Michael Waltrip racing, won the pole. In only his second visit to the track, the first being a start in a late model race, he proved to be a quick learner. The relationship with Michael Waltrip may be the forerunner of things to come for the Truex family, there may be some changes down the road. Martin Sr. was on hand to encourage Ryan and he was pleased with a pole and third place finish.
An old friend joined us at South Boston. Sean Caisse, fresh off his new development contract with RCR ran a car prepared by Dave Davis Racing. His practice time was cut short with engine issues. They were able to swap motors and get a little practice in. He managed to qualify third but came home seventh. Look for the deal with RCR to provide both Nationwide and Sprint Cup opportunities for Sean. It has been a struggle to get to this point, but Sean has worked hard to earn this chance. I teased him as he helped with the motor change, about how far he has come, he has learned a lot. Show them what you have Sean.
Who says a race promoter won’t get their hands dirty? When Eddie McDonald broke his rear end in the first practice his dad, Red, Proprietor of Lee Speedway in New Hampshire put on some coveralls and jumped right in. Nothing demonstrates the willingness to sacrifice more than a family getting dirty together so that one can race. Eddie came back from a sub par qualifying effort to finish in the top ten.
We are always amazed at the things God has for us when we head to the track and SoBo was no different. The encouragement we received was tremendous. We find a renewed strength in our spirit as God continues to be faithful to His promise. Look for some exciting announcements in the coming weeks as we share what God is doing. Also be in prayer for us as we continue to walk in faith.
PRAYER LIST- A couple of things to put on your prayer list, remember Laurie, Matt and Melissa Sampson. This past week Bunk’s mom went home to the Lord and they will need our prayers as they deal with their loss. Keep the Sellers family in your prayers as Mary had some recent emergency health issues. She is recovering and things look good, but continue to pray for her healing. Also, keep the LaJoie family in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to deal with some medical challenges.
Speaking of the LaJoie’s look for young Corey to venture into the Camping World Series. Randy said he has a car and may head north to Thompson to get their feet wet before heading to New Hampshire and Dover. Another young gun, it will be interesting to see if the championship heritage can be passed down.
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***
June 6
SCOTT & LISA JAMES- This couple from Canterbury, CT who helped lead this ministry in the past and currently serve as ministry advisors have their 16th anniversary
LLOYD & LINDA MOORE- This Unity, ME driver and wife have their 36th anniversary.
June 7
REV. DON AND LYNDA RIVERS- The RWJM President and WMT Pastor and wife celebrate their 29th anniversary.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
June 3
SCOTT NICKEL- The Thompson Speedway based photographer and brother of photographer Dale.
June 4
BETTY ANN EVANS- The wife of Racing with Jesus Ministries founder Rev. Pat Evans.
BOBBY HILLIN, JR.- Midland, TX NNS driver.
MICHAEL DOKKEN- St. Petersburg, FL LM/CWTS driver.
JENETTE SMULLEY- Daughter of Big Diamond owners Fritz and Krista Roehrig.
June 5
BUTCH MILLER- Coopersville, MI NASCAR CTS driver.
MIKE & TED CHRISTOPHER- Plainville, CT twin drivers, both talented in open and closed wheel competition.
EUGENE SENA- Middletown, CT Mike Christopher and NASCAR WMT crewman.
GARY NELSON- NASCAR Managing Director of Competition.
TONY SYLVESTER, JR.- The son of semi-retired Lebanon, CT Mod/NASCAR CWES driver Tony and wife Diane is 19.
LISA NICKEL- The daughter of Thompson Speedway photographer Scott and wife Joan is 18.
June 6
RANDY PORTER- Greenville, SC NNS and Greenville Pickens Speedway LMSC driver.
JIM HAILEY, JR.- Winston-Salem, NC Tri-County and Caraway Speedways LMSC driver; son of Richard Childress Show Car Team Manager Jim, Sr.
BILL “TIGER” PERRY- Seekonk Speedway Sportsman driver.
WENDELL & CAROL KILCOLLINS- This husband and wife from Stafford Springs both celebrate. Wendell is a retired Modified driver, now Crew Chief for Willie Hardee’s WAAS Modified team.
KATY COLSON- Daughter of Leominster, MA ProStock driver Fran and wife Doreen.
VICTORIA ACKERLY- The daughter of Orange County Fairgrounds Speedway Modified driver Ray is 13.
June 7
DENNIS DEMERS- Shelburne, VT NASCAR CWES driver.
RAY HORNER- New Jersey asphalt Modified driver.
TIM DAMIANI- Pennsy Modified driver.
ANTHONY DAMIANI- A son of Tim’s is 15.
JIM BOARDMAN- Maynard, MA LM/NASCAR CWES driver.
MIKE SWAIM- Archdale, NC LMSC driver.
CHUCK MONTVILLE- Crewman on the Ralph Solhem Danny Sammons driven NASCAR WMT team.
LESLIE LaJOIE- Wife of two time NNS champion driver Randy.
MARTIN SCHIFF- Wayland, MA proprietor of Sponsor Development of Reston, Ent., husband of Wayland Travel’s Jane.
JOEL MARTIN- Son of Concord, NC NSC photographers Gary and Judy.
BRIDGETT JIVANELLI- Daughter of Riverhead Raceway driver Dan.
KELSEY BABB- Daughter of Beech Ridge Speedway LM driver Bobby and wife Carla is 18.
ZACHARY D’ALESSANDRO- Agawam, MA son of Ingrid and former Modified driver Ron is 13.
June 8
JOE BUCHEK- Binghamton, NY retired Modified driver; We-Go Racing Fan Club activist.
SHARON MOORE- Horseshoe, NC wife of Gary.
KRISTEN LABONTE- Daughter of Nextel Cupp driver Terry and wife Kim.
JON MAYLOTT- Enfield, CT Lebanon Valley Speedway RWJM Counselor, hockey coach and CT District Commissioner for Youth Hockey.
June 9
BILLY BIGLEY, JR.- Naples, FL All Pro Series driver.
RON D’ALESSANDRO- Agawam, MA former Mod No. 124 owner/driver at the now closed Riverside Park Speedway.
TY BERGER- A past Advertising Director for “National Speed Sport News” from 1969 to 1978 and always involved in racing from Kutztown, PA.
SHARE YOUR SPECIAL OCCASIONS WITH YOUR RACING FAMILY. SEND THEM TO RACING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES AT PO BOX 586, Tolland, CT, 06084.
Sources: Rev. Don Rivers/RWJM