Dad, I’m Coming Home
Memorial Day, the start of the summer season; like the swallows returning to Capistrano the snow birds return to the lake. We celebrate the unofficial beginning of summer with wall to wall racing. How did you begin your summer season? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
As we begin the summer racing season I thought we might take a look at one of the other things summer is noted for, rest and relaxation. I know some of us think racing is our form of recreation but the track really isn’t the place to relax and unwind. I think we all need a time and place to just get away.
When we need to get away we head to Maine, the way life should be, and go sailing. Where do you go? If a plan doesn’t come to mind then maybe it is time to find one, get away and relax.
God understands our need for relaxation, he commanded it. He even set an example for us in the creation of the World. Scripture tells us that God created the World in six days and on the seventh he rested. If God saw the need for rest then it is a requirement not an option.
God even invites us to join Him and promises to give us rest;
Matthew 11:28-30; “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
We need to incorporate rest into our summer schedule. Don’t put it off until the off-season; there won’t be time then either. Make time now to get away from it all.
As we close out our series on the words of Christ from the cross I wanted to note a few parallels, seven statements, seven days in creation. Also note on the seventh day it was time to stop and rest. Christ finished his work and then went home to be with God. His last statement from the cross can be summed up like this, Dad, I’m coming home.
Luke 23:44-46, It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
Jesus finished what he came to Earth to do and now was the time to return home. He was placed in a grave for three days and on the third day rose from the dead, ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He had provided a means for the people of the world to save themselves.
This past week I did the funeral service for my wife’s cousin Kathy, she was 47 and left a husband and two boys. It had been a 16 year struggle for her and now it was time for some rest. I read the familiar passage of Psalm 23. In that passage we find words of comfort about how God desires a relationship with us and the benefits of a relationship with God. Meditate on the words and take the time we need to stop and smell the roses.
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, n I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
In the next few weeks I want to share some things about our relationships and how we build them. For now I want you to take some time away from things and relax, let God give you rest and restore your soul.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
WAITING WITH ANTICIPATION- It took a while but the shootout that ensued in the closing laps of the 20th ANNUAL TSI HARLEY-DAVIDSON 125 at Stafford proved to be classic. I talked with Grandpa Blewett after the race and he was amazed at the two moves his grandson put on Bobby Santos. Bobby was also amazed and said so in his Victory Lane comments. Bobby and Jimmy were the show Friday night and kicked off the Memorial Day Weekend with the type of racing we have come to expect from Modifieds.
Let the record show that they raced hard and clean during the several attempts at a green, white checker and it proved to be the most exciting racing you will ever see. It was even more exciting than edge of your seat, you had to stand up to take this one all in.
RIVERHEAD’S STEWARD IN NEED OF PRAYER- Mike Cappiello, Riverhead Raceway’s Co-Chief Steward is recovery from injuries sustained after being hit by a modified on May 23. Mike has two broken legs, a separated shoulder, a broken rib, broken spine and other related injuries. Mike has had at least two surgeries and more are planned. He is being treated at University Hospital in Stony Brook. Please pray for his recovery.
LITTLE 500 REPORT FROM ANDERSON- The World’s Fastest Quarter Mile proved again to be the racetrack to be at in Indiana for Memorial Day weekend. The Little 500 is as much about history, and reminiscing with friends as it is about starting 33 sprint cars on the asphalt. This year marked the 62nd annual running of this storied race. It’s been a long week, and the track crews in particular are ready for some needed rest. Small World: I ran into an AARN reader from NC who recognized the uniform and thanked RWJM for the weekly column – a must read for many across the country.
I also met and talked with a local youth minister and explained that we are always seeking more representatives of Christ at the races. Recall I asked for prayer for baby Jacey, who was facing some serious tests at Riley Children’s Hospital. Those tests came out fine and they are just waiting some biopsy results. Continue to pray for this little
girl.
Got to meet Bobby Vickers and share some stories about early Iowa Speedway. He is the driving force behind raceweld.com and works with the USAR Hooters Pro-Cup Tour and is a USAR official. The Pro-Cup Tour opened Iowa and he recalls that first day with no ATM’s, No concessions – they have come a long way. Also got to talk with Butch Wilkerson – a longtime Little 500 racer from the 70’s. Butch has the distinction of having actually completing 500 laps in 1972 first, but due to a scoring error was awarded second. He co-led our invocation last year, and also shared some kind words about the Hall of Fame inductees this year. Butch has turned over 3,000 laps in the little 500, from 1967 to 1979.
RWJM Chaplain and founder of Families Forever Ministries, Dennis Coppock found his team had more work than expected this week. In addition to sponsoring Friday’s Families Forever Race Night, he was asked to staff the clothing concessions for the week. He got to see some of the race, and led the invocation at the 500, but put in a lot of time behind to table too. But that is certainly a good way to meet most everyone who comes through the gate, too.
The race was the cleanest and fastest I have seen, with nearly 80 laps laid down before the first caution period. One of the top finishers commented that there were a lot of good cars here this year – that led to tight, clean racing. Eric Gordon, with 19 starts, and 8 wins at the 500 added a ninth to his stats. He held off Shane Cottle and Tony Hunt and was nearly a lap up on the field at the checkers. Congratulation to all who saw the checkered flag wave – that is a victory in this grueling race.
HEADED SOUTH FOR A DOUBLE HEADER- This week finds Scott and I headed to Martinsville for a much anticipated double header. The Whelen Modified Tour will be joined by the K&N Pro Series East for a two day show at the famed southern Virginia half-mile.
We have some work to do before we go though. Thompson kicks off their first Tour-Type Modified Open Show on Thursday night. I have talked with a few drivers about it and there is some anticipations leading up to this 40 Lap shootout. No time trials, the field will be set by heat races and consi’s. It will be interesting to see what type of support they receive.
Be a witness for our Lord with the ministry decals and apparel. See them at the Show Your Faith Apparel Store at www.rwjm.com. Send us your prayer and counseling needs no matter what part of our racing family you are in, or give us a call. 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” Check our home page www.rwjm.com for past articles. Drop us a note and share your input and thoughts. 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 advisers have their 17th anniversary
LLOYD & LINDA MOORE- This Unity, ME driver and wife have their 37th anniversary.
June 7
REV. DON AND LYNDA RIVERS- The RWJM President and WMT Pastor and wife celebrate their 30th anniversary.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
June 2
KYLE PETTY- Randleman, NC Petty Enterprises NSC driver.
SATCH WORLEY- Rocky Mount, VA driver.
SAMMY BEAVERS- Glen Gardner, NJ retired famous dirt Modified driver.
STEVE KINSER- Bloomington, IN World of Outlaws superstar.
LISA LILLQUIST- The daughter of former Thompson Speedway Late Model driver Jerry and wife Debbie, now living in Myrles Inlet, SC.
JOHN UDES- Wall Township speedway/RoC Modified driver from Morris Plains, NJ.
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 KNPSE driver Tony and wife Diane.
LISA NICKEL- The daughter of Thompson Speedway photographer Scott and wife Joan is 19.
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 14.
June 7
DENNIS DEMERS- Shelburne, VT NASCAR KNPSE driver.
RAY HORNER- New Jersey asphalt Modified driver.
TIM DAMIANI- Pennsy Modified driver.
ANTHONY DAMIANI- A son of Tim’s is 16.
JIM BOARDMAN- Maynard, MA LM/NASCAR KNPSE driver.
MIKE SWAIM- Archdale, NC LMSC driver.
CHUCK MONTVILLE- Crewman on the Ralph Solhem’s 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 19.
ZACHARY D’ALESSANDRO- Agawam, MA son of Ingrid and former Modified driver Ron is 14.
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.
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