How Far We Have Come
Last week I talked about looking back over the season and seeing how God has blessed. As I looked forward to this weekend, I found myself following that advice. God has made it possible for Lynda and me to take a little break from things. I have a little time to spend time away from the racing world. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
One of the challenges in racing is that most of what we do is done when the weather is the best. This summer has had no shortage of glorious days. With those days come plenty of opportunities to head out to the track somewhere. It is difficult on many counts to stay home and rest. However, we need to set priorities. My family has been understanding and allowed me to reach out to others.
It is no secret that the family unit is high in the pecking order of God’s priorities. If we take a look at their order they should go something like this, God, marriage, family, others. Many times we get our priorities wrong.
Notice there are a few things missing from the list. “Things” do not belong on the list of God’s priorities. Things are not important for us to pursue, relationships are. Listen to what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount;
Matthew 6:31-33, (NLT); “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
The trinity of selfishness, me, myself and I, doesn’t belong on the list as we are called to serve, not to be served;
Matthew 20:28 (NLT); “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
I make this point to say that we do not always get things in the right order. Too many times our priorities get out of order. I am not saying we are not doing good things, but maybe we are not doing the best thing.
There is no such thing as a part-time Pastor; we are on call 24-7. I am amazed at how many cold dinners I have eaten because of a phone call or a person that needed to talk with me. I am not complaining but I hope in some way you might understand the demands on a Pastor’s time. Sometimes we need to remember our priorities and put things in the proper perspective.
We can read in God’s word that he provides for us when we need to take a break.
Matthew 11:28 (NLT); Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Psalm 23:2-3 (NLT); He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
It is necessary to take a break once in a while, to get away from things and renew your strength. To rest and let the rat race run without you. I am thankful that we RWJM has grown in such a way that I am able to take that rest.
Racing with Jesus Ministries has been blessed this season with the addition of many new faces to help carry the torch. God has called Ben Greenier, Dave Greenier, Ray Pavkov, Scott Martin, Ricky Maddox and others to serve Him here. They along with our group of existing and dedicated chaplains have been able to go more places and serve more people. We are also confident that God has others waiting in the wings to answer that call.
We now have several tracks and a touring series that would allow us to place a Chaplain there if we had them. God has opened doors that were previously closed. God has provided personnel to meet the growing need of faith in the racing community and as we grow we continue to see more opportunities. God has truly blessed us.
A funny thing happened a few weeks ago that should not go unnoticed, we sent out a team of chaplains to a touring event. It may not seem like a milestone event but it is. We have trained up workers who go in the name of Jesus and minister. I headed out on vacation with three events on the calendar. God provided the workers to cover the events.
Racing with Jesus begins a new chapter, one that allows us a greater reach. We continue to see the hand of God growing this ministry. We watch as His plan unfolds before our eyes. God has put His hand of blessing on us.
With this new growth comes new responsibilities and needs. Racing with Jesus Ministries exists through God’s grace and those He leads to support us. Please pray about how you might partner with us and expand our ability to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the racing world.
To support us please visit our website, www.rwjm.com and use the “Partner with us” tab.
I am excited about what God has in store for us. I am also excited about those of you He will call to partner with us. As His Word says,
“Nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
THE SECOND ANNUAL SHANE HAMMOND DRIVING SCHOOL – Friday, September 10th – 10AM to 2PM, Saturday, September 11th – 9AM to 1PM, Waterford Speedbowl, Waterford, CT – www.speedbowl.com
Try driving a midget for the first time, learning from some of NEMA’s best or just come out and support the Shane Hammond Believe Foundation. Proceeds will benefit The Foundation.
SCOTT REPORTED IN FROM THE ROAD – As racing season begins to wind down the action is beginning to pick up. First off this week was Thompson on Thursday night for the third tour type modified shootout of the year. I was happy to see a few more cars this time around with a few guys who haven’t been up for the first two events. It was an exciting race between Ryan Preece and Ronnie Silk but at the end of the night Ryan Preece took down the money and the win.
Saturday night brought Thunder in the sound for the Modified racing series at Waterford Speedbowl. This was the third and final time that the MRS would be at the Speedbowl and after Thompson the point standings are tight at the top.
This week brought 27 Modifieds to the famed one third mile and once again the fans were not disappointed. The question with the MRS is who will win? With 11 different winners in 14 races you never know what to expect. On this night a Rookie would lead the field as Geoff Gernhard took the pole by winning his first heat would take the green flag with Jon McKennedy by his side. Before the first lap was over the back of the pack bunched up and the winner of the years first race Doug Coby was knocked out of the race. Gernhard led the first 32 laps before Mckennedy took over on a restart and never looked back.
Jon Mckennedy took down his first win at Waterford in a car that was just finished the night before. Chris Pasteryak had a great run and finished second. After the race he said “It was better then sitting in the emergency room” as he broke his wrist earlier in the year at Lee Speedway. Steve Masse had another solid run and finished third with Geoff Gernhard getting his best MRS finish to date with a fourth place car.
This Friday night everyone needs to get out to the Stafford Motor Speedway for the first MRS race in the history of the speedway. There are already 40 cars pre-registered for this event and it is priced right at $20 for 100 green flag laps of ground pounding action. Come out and support this series and you will be greatly rewarded.
HAVING A GREAT TIME IN MAINE – Maine is a great place to get away, you can get away from everything, including the Internet! After some gymnastics I was able to get this to you, enjoy. If I missed anything, I’ll catch up next week.
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/store. 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***
September 10
LARRY AND CARLENE SHIVERS- This Mom and Pop team for #23 Modified celebrate 50 years on the road.
September 11
BOB & PEGGY KARBONIC- This CT Mod driver and wife have their 16th anniversary.
September 12
DAN & SHARON MESERVEY- The parents of NASCAR WMT/CWES drivers Dan, Jr. and Doug from Chatham, MA have their 43rd anniversary.
September 13
LARRY & CINDY NICEWICZ- This retired racing writer/ go-karter and wife from Vernon, CT share their 50th anniversary.
September 14
ED & GAYLE FERREE- Saxonburg, PA multi-time PA Motor Speedway Big-Block Late Model dirt champion and owner of Frankland Racing Supply and Clincher Gears and wife have their 34th anniversary.
VILL AND ARLENE HARD- The Ford racing fans from Clifton, NJ have their 53rd anniversary as a loving couple and partners in racing.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
September 8
MARTY RADEWICK- Almost Retired Riverside Park Speedway Modified driver.
September 9
JEFF HAMMOND- Former NSC/NNS Crew Chief now TV commentator.
AUDREY STEVENS MOCKOVAK- This Calremont, NH Speedway Modified driver
is also the lovely wife of Mark Mockovak.
FRED VORDEMEIER, SR.- The father of NASCAR WMT driver, Fred, JR; “The
Big Apple Kid” from West Hempstead, NY.
LARRY NICEWICZ- Vernon, CT retired racing writer.
CHAD MILLER- Son of NY photographer Chuck.
BILL CHANNELL- Proprietor of Epping, NH’s Channell 1 Video who has now gone digital.
ARLEEN SUKUP- Wife of Schodack Landing, NY former Midget owner Joe.
BILL WOODWARD- Big Ed Flemke Jr. fan and former NFM driver.
September 10
ROBERT JEFFREYS- NC Modified driver.
RALPH SOLHEM- Owner of the NASCAR WMT No. 0.
BILL CHRISTOPHER- In Plainville, CT, the father of well-known racing twins Mike and Ted.
PHIL SMITH- Veteran racing writer from Westerly, RI.
CARRIE KILCOLLINS- Sturbridge, MA fan of CT Mod driver Willie Hardeeand her dad Wendell is Hardee’s Crew Chief.
AL HANSEN- Green Lane, PA former Modified team owner at Grandview and Bridgeport Speedways.
September 11
TERRORISTS STRIKE USA- It was not the first time, but on September 11, 2001, our country changed forever after 3,000 people were killed by terrorists.
GEORGE KENT- The veteran Tioga Speedway and NASCAR WMT driver from Horseheads, NY
LARRY CARON- Williston, VT LM driver.
DEBBIE VECCHIO- Wife of Syracuse, NY NASCAR KNPSE chassis specialist, Tony.
STEPHEN “GOODYEAR” BELLEROSE- NASCAR WMT crewman and Dave Lind Goodyear Tire technician.
CHERIE BEERS- Wife of Northampton, PA aspahlt NASCAR WMT driver, Eric.
September 12
RICKY RUDD- Retired NSC driver.
CINDY NICEWICZ- Wife of retired Vernon, CT writer Larry.
September 13
JIM GUTHRIE- Gadsden, AL born, Albuquerque, NM IRL driver.
ED HERROLD- A former Riverhead Raceway NASCAR Starter, now living in Texas.
September 14
DOMINIC DOBSON- Mercer Island, WA CTS driver.
MARK PORCARO- Clinton, NJ occasional NASCAR KNPSE driver.
BILLY CLARK- Farmington, ME LM driver.
WES ROSNER- Famed Agawam, MA ProStock/NASCAR CWES builder.
DELORSE BOULET- The special woman in the life of Jewett City Service
proprietor Henry St. John.
GARY MARTIN- Concord, NC Sprint Cup photographer.
Sources: Rev. Don Rivers/RWJM