We have been given the tremendous gift of freedom and sometimes we lose
sight of the foundation that this country was established on. Rev. Dan
presented this message at NHIS and I wanted him to share it with
everyone. Do not lose sight of the fact that this nation was built on
the foundation of Christ, not religion but Christ. Thanks Dan.
We all love the freedom that we have in this country to race.
In many of our pre-race invocations, Don and I pray for the servicemen
and women who are fighting overseas to protect the freedoms that we
have. Since this is the week of July 4th, I am going to be a little
different and give a short history lesson about how our country was
founded. A lot of this information I received came from a sermon I
recently read written by James Bryant. Greetings in the name of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ.
Psalm 33:12 states "Blessed is the nation whose God is
the Lord: and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
How many of us remember the story about the Pilgrims racing
to America on the Mayflower in 1620? After they arrived, the settlers
wrote what is called the Mayflower Compact. Here are a few quotes from
it. "In the name of God, amen. Having undertaken for the glory of God
and for the advancement of the Christian faith, do solemnly and mutually
in the presence of God, covenant and combine ourselves together." and
they also wrote "We came here for the Glory of God, and for the
advancement of the gospel of Jesus Christ." They depended on God and the
gospel - that is why they came. Our day of independence should reflect
our dependence on Jesus.
Over 230 years ago, 56 men signed the Declaration of
Independence. That first Continental Congress was in the midst of
debating and discussing how and what to write as the Declaration of
Independence. During the middle of this discussion, Ben Franklin spoke
up and said "Gentlemen, if it is true that not one single petal from any
flower falls to the ground without escaping God's attention, will the
distress of this nation go unheeded? Let us therefore determine to seek
his face." After he said this, all 56 men got on to their knees and
began to pray and seek God's wisdom for this country. Imagine that
happening today? Our congress and courts getting on their knees asking
for God's wisdom when they make decisions regarding the issues and
problems that we face as a nation. A few great men made a difference. A
few great men and women can make a difference today.
Here are some more quotes from our founding fathers I thought
were interesting.
John Quincy Adams - "From the time of the Declaration of Independence,
the American People were bound by the laws of the gospel of Jesus
Christ, which they all acknowledge as the root of their conduct. We all
came together to obey the word of God."
George Washington - "Do not let anyone claim tribute of American
patriotism if they even attempt to remove religion from politics."
Patrick Henry - "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or to often that
this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not
on religion but on the gospel of Jesus Christ."
Thomas Jefferson - "The 1st amendment has created a wall of separation
between church and state, but that wall is a one directional wall, it
keeps the government from running the church, but it makes sure that
Christian principles will always stay in government."
As you can see, our forefathers founded this country on Godly
principles. Our nation will continue to prosper and remain strong as
long as we have a few good men who realize the need for God in our
country. Rome tried to build on power, Greece tried to build on culture
- both failed. God is the only way to remain strong. There is a great
picture of George Washington at Valley Forge . His men were starving,
freezing and fighting against great odds. George is out in the snow on
his knees, praying. He is letting God know that he needs his help. This
is the spirit that built America and this same spirit will keep America
. Many drivers come to us and ask for prayer before they strap
themselves into the car. They realize that they can't do this alone and
need God's help to complete the race.
Liberty doesn't come cheap though. It comes with a price. The
men who signed the Declaration of Independence ran into some hardships.
Here are a few examples. Five were captured and tortured by the British
before they died, twelve had their homes ransacked and burned to the
ground, two lost sons in the war, one had two sons captured and nine
fought and died from wounds received or from the hardships from the war.
Carter Braxton, a wealthy planter and trader had his ships taken away by
the British Navy. He sold his home to pay his debts and died very poor.
Thomas McKean was forced to constantly move his family due to British
harassment. He served in congress without pay and died in poverty.
Thomas Nelson's home was seized by the British and used as a command
post in the battle of Yorktown . He urged George Washington to open fire
on it - destroying it and he eventually died bankrupt.
President Bush is constantly paying a price for taking a
stand. He fought to keep "under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance. He was
criticized for his choices for the appointment of judges, and for his
stand on the war. We may not always agree with him, but I am thankful
for having a president who believes and serves God. He is one man that
is making a difference.
We may be asking ourselves, What can I do? How can I make a
difference? Here are a few suggestions - accept Christ as your savior,
if you already have, make the same decisions and choices that God would
make - we know what they are because they are contained in his word.
Pray every day for our nation and it's leaders. Live your life in a
manner that reflects your trust in God. How should we celebrate
Independence Day? By going to the races - yes, but also by being
dependent on our Lord! God bless you, have a great week!
THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD
With the reschedule of the July race at NHIS came the
juggling of many vacation schedules. I talked with many at the track who
had to rearrange things to get the time needed to be at the track for
the event. For me the road this week led to many places, New Hampshire ,
back to Connecticut , back to New Hampshire , then to Maine . I want to
thank Dan, Deb and Amanda for helping make it possible for me to be as
many places as I needed to be this past weekend. Dan and I want to
encourage each one of you not to forsake spending time with your family.
When we do it creates all kinds of difficulties.
I made the trip to NHIS a day late so that I could cover the
local action at Thompson Thursday night because Rev. Rick was on
vacation with his family. The rain clouds won out and as I pulled into
the gate I could hear Russ Dowd’s golden voice postponing the nights
scheduled activity. I headed home.
Friday morning it was off to NHIS and the Busch East event at
NHIS. Joey Lagano had the pole and was the favorite to win, which he did
for the second time this season. The Modified tour had no scheduled
action on Friday but a few teams needed to do some work and were allowed
under the official’s supervision. Other teams just came and hung around
the track. Who says you can’t spend your day off at the track?
We do need to lift a couple families up in our thoughts and
prayers. Thursday saw Greg Narducci receive serious injuries due to an
accident. He was transported to the trauma care facility and is
receiving treatment for those injuries. He has a long road back but
should make a full recovery. Also Justin Ronzoni who had surgery earlier
in the week needed to have additional surgery performed. He too is
recovering but has a long road back. Keep both of these men and their
families in your thoughts and prayers.
About 6:00 Friday night I headed back to Stafford for the
local guys, turned out the tour drivers went 1,2,3 in the Mod feature.
Zach Sylvester won for the first time in seven years followed closely by
Woody Pitkat and TC. After the fireworks and a few caution flags I
headed home.
Saturday morning came soon enough, too soon for me but it
didn’t matter. Off to NHIS again for the Whelen Modified Tour race. As I
exited the car in the infield I was greeted by the sound of Heaven, 600
horsepower stretching its vocal chords. I love the sound of a modified
in the morning! The weather was perfect the crowd was fantastic and the
race was close; closer because of the TV time window more than anything.
The Mod tour ran up against the same time constraint that the BES did
last year, the TV schedule had the Busch race scheduled to start at
three. That limited the WMT race to 85 laps with the last few a no holes
barred run for victory lane. Side by side Flemke, Lia and TC battled,
Lia, who led most of the way, would come out on top; that makes four out
of six for the Mystic Missile. I stopped by to talk with Bob G. before
the race and he wasn’t very talkative, he gets that way on raceday.
After the race was a different story. For a team that came close to
staying home this year they certainly have the inside track for the
championship.
After the race I headed to Maine , met the family in Yarmouth
and headed to Deer Isle. Dan covered the duties on Sunday and headed to
the Adirondacks . Next week we head to Twin States Speedway for the next
flash race. With the adjusted format NASCAR has listened and made
changes people asked for. Let’s give it a fair test and see if it will
work. I am sure if something is learned at Twin State the format can be
adjusted for Riverhead. I am glad there is an effort to build a broader
fan base for the Whelen Modified Tour and take us to new places. I think
once the fans see the level of competition and the quality of the
drivers and equipment they will want to see more. See you all back in
New Hampshire .
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***
July 4
GARY & DEBBIE DIONNE - This RWJM Ass't West Coast
Coordinator/former Dion Bros. Racing crewman and wife from NH, now in
Acton, CA and a Hollywood stunt driver, share their 15th anniversary.
July 5
PAUL & FRANCES HINTON - The proprietor of New England Heirlooms;
supplier of many beautiful auto racing trophies and plaques and much
more in Norwich, CT and wife share their 5th.
RON & ARLEEN MILLER - These Susquehanna and Silver Spring fans
from Camp Hill, PA have their 20th anniversary.
July 6
JERRY & JEANNE MARTEL - These Lee/Star Speedways Late Model team
onwers turn their 38th lap together.
PHIL AND JOANN KURZE - Phil dropped me a line asking me to say
thank you to his lovely wife JoAnn for sticking with him through all the
long hours and crazy travel schedule over the years. Without true love
and understanding it would not be possible to celebrate 33 years of
togetherness! Phil is the face behind the Whelen sponsorship for the
Modifies and the All-American Racing Series. Our prayer is that you two
would have many more wonderful years together.
July 8
JOHN & LAURIE UDES - This asphalt Modified driver from white
Plains, NJ and wife celebrate their anniversary.
July 9
GARY & KARIANN HARTSON - The proprietor of Clinton, CT G&H
Trailer/ Waterford LM driver and wife have their 11th anniversary.
LEW & JOANN PARKS - This Glen Aubrey, NY Indy 500 tire specialist
and wife make it 46 years together.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
July 4 'INDEPENDENCE DAY'
UNTIED STATES OF AMERICA - Our Great Nation Blessed by God turns
lap 231.
BOB BARRON - Ontario, NY driver of the Spencer Speedway No. 28
asphalt Modified.
JOHN LOBO, JR. - CT based ProStock driver.
July 5
GIL TEGG, JR. - D.I.R.T. Modified driver.
MARK BURNS - NH SuperModified team owner.
ROB HODGKINS - Retired RWJM "Lieutenant," now a CT State
Correctional Officer from Canterbury.
CHERYL MORGAN - Daughter of Betty Evans.
July 6
PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH - The President of the Untied States of
America.
EDDIE MacDONALD - From Newbury, MA, this Busch East Series
driving son of LEE USA Speedway owner Red Macdonald.
BOB POTTER - Still winning, Occum, CT multi-time Waterford
Speedbowl, Thompson Speedway and Stafford Speedway Modified champion and
Waterford's all-time winner.
GARY SMITH - Malahat, British Columbia NASCAR West driver.
RICK JOHNSON - Encinitas, CA LM driver.
MELISSA ROWE - The lovely wife of driver Ben.
SANDY URBINA - Wife of Riverhead Raceway driver Tony.
MEGHAN DILLNER - A daughter of racing TV Reporter Bobby and wife
Meredith is 13.
TYLER EDMONDS - The son of WMT crewman Tommy Edmonds and wife Sue
is 7.
CARITA TWINEM - Brookfield, Wisconsin fan.
July 7
RICK FORD - BRS Modified driver at Wall township Speedway.
TOM TWINEM - Brookfield, WI fan; Carita's husband.
July 8
TOM ROSATI - Agawam, MA former BES/ProStock driver and husband of
Kristy Bennett Rosati, BES driver Brad's sister.
SPIKE MATTATALL - Beech Ridge Speedway driver.
JENNIFER & PAULA ZUIDEMA - The wife and mom of Brookfield, MA
ProStock driver Jeff.
NICOLE STEFANIK - Daughter of NASCAR WMT/BES multi-time champion
Mike and wife Julie, head of Koszela Speed.
LORI CANNEY - Wife of Meriden, CT AARN photographer Frank.
BEV MAVLOUGANES - Mom of Springfield, MA photographer Dave and
ProStock driving Jim.
KEVIN MORGAN - Son of Maryland fan Forrest.
JACOB MILLER - Son of Camp Hill, PA fans Ron and Arleen is 9.
JAKE MILLER - A son of Ron and Arleen in Camp Hill, PA is 10.
July 9
CARLTON ROBIE - Candia, NH dad of BES/Al Pro driver Jarod Robie.
July 10
STEVE LOMBARDO - CT Modified driver.
CHUCK WELCH - Vacaville, CA NASCAR West driver.
TED PARKER - President of Praker Trucking in Avon, MA. Legends
driver.
GEORGE MARTIN, JR - Wernersville, PA writer.
BRIAN SACKS - Son of NNC driver Greg.
SAL MAGLIO - Scranton, PA fan.
INGRID D'ALESSANDRO - From Agawam, MA, the wife of former asphalt
Modified driver Ron who is currently crewing a NWAAS Modified.
*** IN THE SHOP ***
GREG NARDUCCI - Greg was seriously injured Thursday night at
NHIS. He is recovering but it will take some time. Keep him and his
family in your thoughts and prayers.
JUSTIN RONZONI - Justin is recovering from back to back brain
surgeries. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
*** NEW BEGINNINGS ***
FRANK DARBUSH - Received word that Frank, 59, had a heart attack
while practicing the family car at Mountain Speedway. No one else was
injured in the accident. The Darbush family is in need of our thoughts
and prayers as they deal with their grief. Cards can be sent to The
Darbush Family, Sleepy Hollow Rd., Drums, PA, 18222. A fund has been set
up to receive donations and they can be sent to Mountain Speedway, Mill
Mountain Road, St Johns, PA 18701
DAVID “ANDY” ANDERSON - 80, A lifelong Concord, MA resident and
former driver of the 1939 Ford No.6 passed away recently. He did his
racing in the 40’s and 50’s at many tracks that reside now in the
memories of the fans and competitors. Places like Hudson, Westboro,
Norwood, Peabody and one that is still around Thompson. For his 80th
birthday in May he was reintroduced to that 39 Ford. When the motor was
turned over it brought a tear to his eye. Rest in peace our friend.
SHARE YOUR SPECIAL OCCASIONS WITH YOUR RACING FAMILY.
SEND THEM TO
RACING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES AT
PO BOX 586, Tolland, CT, 06084
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