The Hope We Have
As we begin the season of advent that leads up to the celebration of the birth of Christ I wonder what is on your Christmas List. What do you hope for? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
So what does a race team hope for? What do they need to take the next step? It is different for each one. Some know exactly what they need and others are still searching for the answer.
What do you hope for? Peter, one of the Apostles, knew what it was to have hope in Christ. You see Peter knew what it was to be hopeless, he denied knowing Christ. He experienced both extremes, being a close companion of Jesus and being totally separated from him.
Peter understood the difference that having Christ in your life makes. He knew that without Christ life was not worth living. Without Christ the blessing of God would not be on your life. Without Christ we have no hope.
Peter took the time to encourage us to tell people of the hope we have in Christ. He knew that it was important for everyone to know that life is different when we have hope in Christ. For those of us who have accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior Peter gave us some instructions on how we should share that hope.
1Peter 3:8-10; Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
If we have a hope in Christ we will live like it, we will be humble, show compassion and sympathy. We will value what God values and be focused on the things of God. Let me ask you, how has your life changed because you have hope in Christ?
Each of our lives has a story, we have a history. When we come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ our lives direction changes, we do an about face and head down the road that leads to God.
We have three aspects of our lives that tell the story of hope. We have the person we were, when we lived by our own rules, when we directed our own path, when we determined what was best for us.
The next step along the journey is our encounter with Christ, someone, some place, some how we are introduced to Jesus. We come to understand to hope, forgiveness and the life he offers. Our heart is led to accept the gift of His grace and we become a child of God.
Live begins anew, we are born-again. The life that God has for you begins and now you let God direct your path and determine what is best for you. We grow to understand that this is a life worth living; this is a life full of hope.
The preparation for the coming Savior begins with hope, hope that comes with a fresh start. The world only has hope when we take Christ to them. We need to share that hope with others. We can set them free in Christ. We can give them hope for the forgiveness of their sins.
We can do this only if we respond to the hope we have received. In this season of hope the hearts of men are tuned to receive the gift of life that comes from knowing Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Take this opportunity to proclaim the good news of great joy! Take this time and be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
1Peter 3:15; But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
TURKEY DERBY XXXVII IN THE BOOKS – Well another successful event was held at Wall Stadium. By the look of the crowd I would say this event has the fan support necessary to encourage any promoter out there. Let’s hope that this event continues to make its way on to the schedule.
I was great to have one more chance to be with the racing family. The informal setting of this event lends you time to get to know folks that you may not have had the time to meet during the season. It also gives you the opportunity to hear some of the more colorful stories that we each have. I cannot tell you the whole story but ask the next truck driver you see if he has both his socks on. If you need to know the rest of the story you’ll have to find Grandpa Blewett.
You also see some ironic things at the race track. I watched as an incident on the track exploded. One driver jumped out of his car to chase down the other. It continued as John Jr. walked up to him, put his arm around his shoulder and encouraged him to settle down, take it easy and calm down. I wondered to myself how many times John Jr. was on the receiving end of that discussion during his racing days. He seemed the perfect one to understand the frustration that driver felt.
I did see Michael Pares at the track. He is getting along with a walker. He has a long road ahead but is determined to make it. Please pray as he has a surgery ahead to remove the plates.
I wish to extend my deepest thanks to the Blewett family for all the hospitality they extended to me. For their first time running this event they did a good job. I am not sure what the future holds for this event or this track but the fan base is there and the car count is there for this event to continue.
OFF TO INDY – Headed out to IMIS for the week. It will be good to make connections with many in the industry. If you are out there stop by and say hello, I’ll be making my home at the Design 500/ Lady Eagle booth.
PRAYER CONCERNS – Please keep the Riggs family in your prayers after the sudden passing of Jeff Riggs, 48, co-owner of the Riggs Racing Whelen Southern Modified Tour entry. Jeff leaves his wife, Pamela Riggs, his daughter, Jessica Riggs, and two grandchildren, Caroline Knouse and Robert Knouse.
Also keep the Greenier family in your thoughts and prayers, Dave is our Web Servant and Ben, his son, is one of our chaplains at Stafford Motor Speedway. This past week Dave and Terri’s son, 12 year old Shyheim, went home to be with the Lord.
Shyheim R. Greenier “Shy”, 12, of Vernon, went “walking and leaping and praising God”! He loved greatly and showed Jesus to all who had the privilege of knowing him, Sunday, November 28, 2010 at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center with his loving family by his side. He was born April 13, 1998 in Hartford. He will be missed by his family; His Parents David and Terri (Reynolds) Greenier, his 7 siblings; his sister Martha and her husband Aaron Roszczewski, Julia, Benjamin, Sarah, Hannah, Erica and Max Greenier all of Vernon. He also leaves 2 nieces and 1 nephew and many, many loved ones. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, December 2, 2010 at 11:00 am at The Church of the Nazarene, 218 Main St, Manchester, CT 06040. In Lieu of Flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the Unashamed Ministries/Tuition, c/o Tom Petrofsky, RR #6, Kensington PEI, C0B 1M0. Burke-Fortin Funeral Home, 76 Prospect St, Rockville has been entrusted with arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.pietrasfuneralhome.com
Although we know that Shy is now totally healed from the challenges of his earthly body and is walking with Jesus, those he left behind will have a tremendous hole in their lives. Pray that God would give them the courage and strength to continue to serve Him.
You can find out more about Dave and Terri’s ministry at www.lambsway.com
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***
December 1
KEN & TIFFANY BARRY- The Manager of SPAFCO Chassis and wife share their 9th anniversary.
December 4
CHRIS & LISA ERM- This New Jersey Racing family have their 10th aniversary.
December 7
ANDY & SUE SANTERRE- From Cherryfield, ME, now in Mooresville, NC, the 1998 KNPSE Rookie of the Year and 4 time KNPSE champion and lovely wife share their 13th anniversary. RICHIE & MELISSA RESNER- Riverhead Raceway LM Team owner and wife share their anniversary. RAY & SANDI PAVKOV- Ray, one of our traveling chaplains and his wife Sandi celebrate their special day.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
December 1
BENTLEY WARREN- Kennebunkport, ME SuperModified/ Silver Crown great.
RUSS WOOD- NH based ISMA SuperModified driver.
MARCO GRECO- Sao Paulo, Brazil IRL driver.
DAVE SALZARULO- CT based ProStock/Mod driver.
HARRY WYANT- Brookfield, CT Waterford Speedbowl championship Modified team owner. ARMADEE NADEAU- Dana/Perfect Circle Executive and CTS Team Manager.
KRISTIN ELLIOTT- A daughter of Uncasville, CT fan Jerry and wife Jusinta.
December 2
RUSS FRANTZ- PA asphalt Modified driver.
FRANK BETTENCOURT- MA based Mini Modified driver.
ANDREW BELMONT- Son of New Egypt Promoter Andy and wife Jennifer.
December 3
GREG DICKERSON- Long Island modified fan known for his roasted corn on the cob, aka “Cheif”.
BOBBY ALLISON- Hueytown,AL former NASCAR Cup great.
WALKER EVANS- Riverside, CA CTS Team owner, retired driver.
KEITH KRODEL- This long-time friend of Rev. Pat and former Jan Leaty NASCAR WMT crewman now lives in Pensacola, FL.
December 4
RAUL BOESEL- Curtiba, Brazil born, Key Biscayne, FL IRL driver.
JOE SUKUP- Retired Midget team owner from Shodack Landing, NY
AGNES KICHURY- Mother-In-Law of Mod tour photographer Michael Pares.
DASHIEL BOSTON CHRISTLEY- Son of NASCAR Communications Director Development Series, Jason and his wife.
December 5
JAMIE TOMAINO, JR- Modified driver and crewman from Howell, NJ.
BOB BERRY, SR.- River Vale, NJ,Former modified and TQ midget owner and driver, past president of the ATQMRA and current TQ owner for Bob, Jr.
December 6
JOHN BROUWER, JR.- New London, CT Thompson, CT Speedway WAAS Modified driver.
PERCY HALE- Batavia, NY Crew Chief.
KATHERINE ANNE HALEY- Daughter of McFalls, ME LM/NASCAR KNPSE driver Bruce and wife Sandy.
PATTI MUDGE- Wife of Easton, MA former Pro 4 Modified owner Steve.
AARON PETFIELD- Son of Thornwood, NY RWJM KNPSE Pastor and Vice-president Dan and wife Deb.
AMANDA UDES- The daughter of Morris Plains, NJ asphalt Mod driver John and wife Laurie.
December 7
BRETT BENDER- Son of Colden, NY NASCAR KNPSE/LM driver Tim, now in NC.
CHAD WARNER- Member of the Beers Motorsports team.
Sources: Rev. Don Rivers/RWJM