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5/16/12

DRESSED TO SERVE

Sandwiched in between Mother’s Day and Memorial Day is the day we remember those who currently serve us in the Armed Forces. The third Saturday in May is Armed Forces Day. I mention this because it was a day that Rev. Pat didn’t forget. Long before it became popular he remembered to pray for those who serve us in the armed forces. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Every day in every corner of the world men and women have set their lives aside to protect the freedoms that we enjoy. They have put their families on hold. They have missed birthdays, weddings, births and deaths. Why, to serve us. They go to defend our right to freedom; to defend our right to go to the track of our choice and enjoy racing; to defend our right to say whatever we want; to defend our right to protest; to defend our right to vote and have a say in how this country is run.

America is still the greatest nation on the earth because of these men and women. People from around the world still want to come here because of the freedoms we enjoy. We need to appreciate what we have been given and recognize those who sacrifice in service to maintain it. Don’t be guilty of complacency; let them know you are thankful for their sacrifice.

I ask that on Saturday you say thank you, if you see a uniformed serviceman or woman don’t be shy about walking up to them and extending a hand in friendship. Thank them for the sacrifice they are making on our behalf.

Speaking of uniforms, have we looked in a mirror lately? Have we looked at the clothes we wear, the cars we drive and the billboards we display for the world to see. What message do we send to those who are watching what we do?

It is no secret who we represent when we go to the track. In fact it is advantageous to our sponsors for everyone to know who supports our racing teams. We wear their name on our sleeve, for the world to see.

Have you ever thought about what that communicates to others? Our sponsors say a lot about who we are. Sometimes I wonder if we are willing to compromise what we believe in order to secure a sponsor. Our sponsors represent the people we choose to serve.

I am thankful to those of you who support this ministry and give us the freedom to do what God leads us to do. They’re our sponsors and they allow us to share the message of Good News.

We communicate so many things by what we wear and how we act. People see who we are by how we respond to situations around us. Are we viewed as fair and rational or do people see us as hot heads? It makes a difference when people are searching for help; some of us are attractive and others are avoided.

We can get so caught up in our life that we forget that others are searching and need help. I received something the other day and it made me think about how many times I have been so caught up in my own life that I forgot to notice those around me.

A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and backed up the Jag to the spot where the brick had been thrown. Now angry he jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, "What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost me a lot of money to fix. Why did you do it?"

The young boy was apologetic. "Please, mister...please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do," He pleaded. "I threw the brick because no one else would stop..." With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. "It's my brother, "he said. "He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up."

Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, "Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me." Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay.

"Thank you and may God bless you," the grateful child told the stranger.

Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home. It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message:

"Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!" God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we think we don't have time to listen and He has to throw a brick at us.

Have you seen all the bricks flying around lately? Many times we are unaware of our surroundings. We get caught up in our own world and we overlook what might be happening in someone else's life.

How are we dressed today? Are we dressed to serve? I would hope that we are dressed to serve God no matter what the task might be. I would hope that our actions match God's word and honor His name. Think about what others see in us. Think about what they should see. Don't make the mistake of getting so caught up in our own world that God needs to throw a brick at us to get our attention.

THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD

CHANGING PLANS - The week started out with plans to be at Lincoln, Stafford and Monadnock but plans changed. I apologize to those who missed me; I needed to attend to the passing of church member’s father at Emmanuel Baptist. Please keep the Taku family in your thoughts and prayers. I also want to thank all out dedicated volunteers who covered for me in my absence.

I did make it to Lincoln Speedway for the WOO show Wednesday night only to have to wait until Thursday night to see the show. If you follow me on facebook you know I spent me time wisely on Thursday. Jeff Myers from MRO was on hand to help out and will assist us in the central PA area when it comes to the WOO tours. It was good to meet with Jeff and welcome him on board.

As this was the kickoff of the 2012 WOO vs The Posse excitement was in the air, having to wait another day only added to it. Then when a young gun from PA won at Lincoln, the game was on. The King, Steve Kinser, had to right the WOO ship at Williams Grove on Saturday night after the Posse took the first two events. After a quick trip to NY the WOO return to finish the swing at Hagerstown on May 20, be sure to check out the action.

NEMA CELEBRATES 60 YEARS - NEMA marked 60 years with an event at Waterford Speedbowl Saturday night and Tara Stoehr and Rev. Ray sent in this report.

Last Saturday night NEMA celebrated their 60th year anniversary! God gave me the word, "foundation" which means; The basic groundwork of anything; the moral foundation of both society and religion. Then he led me to this passage; 'Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock'

Of course building on the rock means Jesus Christ. When we put our faith and trust in him we have hope and eternal life. He cannot be shaken!  God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow no matter what happens.

All things have a foundation; our families have a foundation built on values and moral standards. Yesterday we celebrated first, God and then those that helped build the foundation of NEMA. Several of the founder’s families still race with NEMA!

We also remembered the legendary Marvin Rifchan, to whom the race was dedicated.

Greg Stoehr won his midget heat and dominated in the feature to take the win!  Brandon Igo won the NEMA lites feature!

ROOKIE SHOWS UP AT MAD DOG - Rev. Dan and Bobby Somers covered the Whelen Modified action up in NH. The reports coming out of the track was that a new rookie showed up. Actually that rookie was former Tour Champion Jerry Marquis, making his debut with the #0 of Ralph Solhem. When Jerry attended the rookie meeting the guys in the crew decided to have some fun and added a yellow rookie stripe to his rear bumper. Jerry, being the good natured guy he is, didn’t mind a bit.

It is good to have Jerry back out at the track, maybe we’ll see this rookie around at another track or two this year.

Ryan Preece continued his hot streak, sat on the pole for the third time in three races and for the first time turned that into a victory. With top fives, Coby and Silk kept pace and only four points separate Silk, Coby and Preece for the top three positions in the standings. This has the makings of a barn burner, stay tuned.

This week Rev. Dan is headed to Iowa with the K&N Series and their combo race with the west. I am headed to Maine to do some winter cleanup with the hope of getting back for the VMRS at Thompson on Sunday. Hope to see you at the track.

Until next time, 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. 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 support.

May God always Bless you, everyday in everyway. Rev. Don

CHECKERED CHEERS

***WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES***

    May 17
DAVE & KATHE DUPUIS- The mom and dad of Renee, accomplished lady Modified driver have their anniversary.
    May 18
HOWARD & MARY HODGE- This Manchester, CT racing photographer couple share their 49th.
JIM, JR AMD GINGER HAILEY- The NC LMSC driving son of Richard Childress Show Car Team Manager Jim, have their 18th anniversary.
TONY & ELIZABETH DIAS- This Riverside, RI ProStock driver and wife celebrate 27 years together.
    May 19
EDDIE & ANN DENSIESKI- This Riverhead NASCAR Modified driver and wife share their special day.
JERRY AND DEBBIE LILLQUIST- This former Thompson Late Model driver and wife, now living in Myrles Inlet, SC, have their 39th anniversary.
    May 21
TODD & LINDA HENSHAW- This Thompson MiniStock driver turned crewchief and wife share their 23rd anniversary.
    May 22
REV. DAN & DEBBIE PETFIELD- The RWJM Vice President/KNPSE Pastor and wife share their 30th.
BILL & JANICE SWEET- Parents of Waterford SK Mod driver Brent Sweet celebrate 30 years of joyous marriage.

***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***

    May 16
DOUG FRENCH- Farmingdale, NJ occasional NASCAR Mod Series driver, proprietor of DFA, close friend of WMT driver Jamie Tomaino.
PETE PAVONE- Bridgeport, CT DWRS Modified driver.
GEORGE ANDRETTA- Neptune, NJ Wall Township Speedway ProStock driver/ Modified team owner,
STEVIE REEVES- Speedway, IN NNS driver.
TOM TAYLOR- Lodi, CA NASCAR West driver.
GARY DANKO- AARN Brian's brother and racing radio host.
JARROD LEHMAN- Son of AARN columnist Doc and wife Carol.
    May 17
JOHN McMULLIN- Daytona based Film Producer.
JIM POWERS- Seekonk Speedway co-announcer.
JANIE DANKO- Owner of the Waterford Speedbowl John Faulkner LM.
    May 18
ROGER OXEE- Riverhead Raceway competitor.
GARY LaMOUNTAIN- Riverhead Raceway LM driver.
    May 19
MATT HUTTER- Chardon, OH NASCAR KNPSE/NNS driver.
JODY RIDLEY- Chatsworth, GA NASCAR All Pro Series driver.
DALE CAMPFIELD- Apalachin, NY former owner of Shangri-La (Tioga) Speedway.
SYLVIA CRUNDEN- Wife of CT ProStocker Brian.
    May 20
BOB MENSCHNER- Wall Stadium's RWJM Chaplain from Waretown, NJ. Keep up the good work.
MIKE STEFANIK- Coventry, RI Whelen Modified Tour and K&N Pro Series East multi-time champion and current WMT driver.
TONY STEWART- Rushville, IN born, now in Columbus, IN car owner and driver in NSC.
ERIC NORRIS- Redondo Beach, CA NASCAR West/NNS driver.
FRED SCHIELE- Riverhead Raceway regular.
ASHLEY FULLER- A daughter of Karen and NASCAR WMT champ Jerry Marquis of Enfield, CT.
    May 21
RODNEY FRANKLIN- Cross Junction, VA dirt LM driver.
DANNY ONGAIS- Hawaii born, now Santa Ana, CA IRL driver.
DAN MASON- Holland and Spencer Speedways NASCAR LM driver.
DAVE NESEMANN- Crewman on George Andretta Wall Stadium ProStock team.
    May 22
BOBBIE SCHNEIDER- wife of The Old Master, Frankie Schneider, has her big day.
ERNEST WINSLOW- Scotland Neck, NC LMSC driver.
RAY DANIELS- Colorado Springs, CO NASCAR LM driver.
STEVE PORTENGA- Ukiah, CA NASCAR West driver.
CLAYTON MURPHY- Plymouth, MA Regional Manager for Ferrero Candies, including Tic-Tac and a good friend to all in the K&N Pro Series and Modified Tour.
BILL POTTEIGER III- This Christian fan and Vintage Car enthusiast from Enola, PA has his birthday.

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