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  The Chrome Horn - Racing With Jesus Ministries

   05/06/2011

SPECIAL MOMENTS
by Rev. Don Rivers

   As many of you know Modified photographer Michael Pares and his wife Carol have been through a rough time. In life the things we endure bring us closer to God and prepare us for the next step God has for us in our lives. Now, as Paul Harvey would say, the rest of the story. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

   Michael called a few weeks ago to share with us a special event that had occurred in his and Carol’s life; a baby girl that they had given up for adoption 35 years ago contacted them and wanted to meet them. They were blown away to say the least. The neat part of the story is how she was able to track them down. Read as she shares with me her story.

Dear Reverend Don,

I am the biological daughter of Michael and Carol Pares. I wanted to personally thank you for your role in assisting me with finding my parents. After finding some papers regarding my adoption, I became curious about my biological family. I decided to Google Carol and Michael. I told myself if I could not find anything, it was not meant to be.

I came across a wedding anniversary listing that gave me the information that they had in fact married and there was another mention of Michael’s accident that listed an address for them. The moment I saw that information I knew I had to reach out to them. Without your site I never would have found them and been able to mail that letter. That was January 30th of this year.

Since then I have been writing and talking to both Carol and Michael and we are developing a relationship that was unexpected. For the first time in my life I feel complete due to the simple fact that I now know where I come from. They have welcomed me home with open arms. I will be meeting the family in June and am beyond excited. None of this would have been possible without your website. This entire experience has renewed my faith in God and the master plan he has for us all. There are no accidents.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Sincerely,

Rachel Zimmerman

   Things in life don’t always turn out the way we plan. We have to make decisions that at the time are right. I think it is amazing how God keeps His hand on us and when the timing is right helps us find our way.

   I know the discouragement that Michael and Carol felt as they dealt with Michael’s recovery. I know the challenges they faced. I also know that through that time they renewed their commitment to one another. With that in place it was time for their family to be reunited.

   Do not doubt that God has his hand in the events of our lives. Do not think for one moment that everything that happens is just chance or fate. God has a plan and to be a part of that plan we need to seek Him with all our heart. Two Scripture passages come to mind, one from Jeremiah;

Jeremiah 29:11-13,(niv); For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,
"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

   And another from Isaiah;

Isaiah 55:8-9,(niv);

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.

"As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

   God is in control of the lives we live, He has plans for us, plans we cannot understand, ways that are above our ways, but He is willing to share them with us, to show us what He has for us. The key to having God’s plan revealed to us is in the condition of our heart. When we seek God with all our heart we will find him and He will reveal His plan to us.

   Sometimes that means going through trials and tribulations. Sometimes that means being challenged to the point that the only way out is to call out to God. Sometimes that means enduring a thorn in our side to remind us of God’s ability to overcome our shortcomings..

Romans 8:28,(niv); And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose.


THOUGHTS FROM THE ROAD

   WHERE TO BEGIN - As relaxing as Easter weekend was this week was the opposite, late Wednesday night we hit the road and didn’t come up for air until the Greatest Race in the History of Spring was in the books. Along the way we dodged tornados, lack of sleep and crazy Maryland drivers. I have never seen anyone so excited to go to work than those folks heading into Washington DC, they must be giving away money or something. There was more bobbing and weaving than an Ali/Frazier fight. I think we found a cure for boring races, just watch the traffic cam on the Baltimore/Washington Parkway!

   We made it to Richmond in one piece and although the skies threatened and tornados spun around us we were able to get the race in. One of the benefits of the rain delay was a commercial free live airing on Speed Channel for the K&N guys. My wife watched back home and was thrilled because she had met many of the drivers in person and knew their names. Let me encourage you to get out there and see some of these races, get to know the drivers, they put on some pretty exciting racing.

   With the conclusion of the Richmond race it was back to Stafford for the Sizzler. I was excited because the forecast was for a perfect spring weekend. In between Richmond and Stafford, I did make a trip to Waterford to help The First Turn Driving School. If you want the thrill of a lifetime contact Bobby Seymour and sign up for his next school, running those Ford Focus Midgets will give you a thrill.

   On Saturday night, between the events at Stafford, the Valenti Modified Racing Series had their second race of the season up at Monadnock; here is Rev. Scott’s report;

I have to start off the report this week by saying wow. While most of the Modified world was focusing on Stafford and the Spring Sizzler I had the privilege of also making the trip north to Monadnock for the Valenti Modified Racing Series Spring Dash 100. I was also blessed to have Rev. Ray join me for this event because when we are together we always have a fun time. I first have to thank God for everything he accomplished at the track. It’s always good when people come up and say they appreciate what you’re doing and how much they enjoy reading the column every week. On this Saturday night many doors were opened and some great friendships were made. On three occasions people approached me to pray for them for healing which is not your typical race day events. The Lord gave us many opportunities to share our faith, encourage people in the Lord and also share with people what we do. I don't know if it was the disasters that took place in the south or the accident that happened down the street from the race track that took 3 lives but on this day things were different. God did mighty things and it’s always awesome when he allows us to be his instruments.

Of course when everything is going so good you also hope for a good safe race and anyone who attended can say it was one of the best modified races ever run. Louie Mechalides, Jon McKennedy and Les Hinckley put on a show for the ages. Three wide, side by side racing where no one ended up in the fence. If you couldn't get on your feet for this one then you don't love modified racing. Hinckley passed Lou with 2 to go for his first win of 2011. It was an exciting night in the pits, in the stands and on the track. I also want to thank Bob for inviting us up into the hospitality tower and taking such good care of us, it was greatly appreciated. Hope everyone has a very blessed week and see you at the track.

   Back at Stafford the Sizzler didn’t disappoint, although the 200 lap distance delays the racing until the last quarter of the race. I guess the traditionalist in me would like to see the 80 lap event return. When they started to mix it up it was anyone’s guess who would bring it home. Bobby Santos and the Mystic Missile team held off the advances of Rowen Pennink to claim the victory he lost here last year, it also went a long way to heal the wounds from Thompson. Ronnie Silk was there again in third, charging hard at the end but a late race adjustment just tightened the car up too much for him to get there.

   One of the blessings of Stafford was the development of new faces at RWJM. We had Ben Greenier back with us, he stepped in late last year to fill a void at Stafford and Bobby and Vinetta Somers who will be working up at Lee Speedway this year as track Chaplains. Along with Dan and I at Richmond and Stafford, Rev’s Ray and Scott at Monadnock and Ben, Bobby and Vinetta joining the crew we are able to reach out to so many more in the racing community. Thank you for you prayers and financial support, God is working!

   This week we will take a deep breath and slow down a bit. Weekly racing gets going at Stafford on Friday night, Waterford is hoping to make it two in a row on Saturday if the weather cooporates, and in a few weeks Thompson will complete the local racing scene. Our next appearance will be at the Iron Sharpens Iron men’s conference in Worcester on May 14, we also will be participating in the charity golf tournament that Stafford Motor Speedway in holding to support Pancreatic Cancer Research, check it out here, http://www.staffordspeedway.com/Pages/News/GOLF-FLYER-8.pdf and then it is off to Iowa!

   Keep us in your prayers and 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.

   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***

May 4
PHIL & CONNIE RONDEAU- This Baltic, CT Cup/Mod/LM driver and wife have shared 19 years together.
GARY & TINA DANKO- This Connecticut tracks announcer, radio show host and wife share their 10th.

May 7
DAVE & KIM DORNBLASER- Both are 270cc Micro-Sprint drivers at Borger's Speeday and Kutztown Fairgrounds celebrate lap 6 together.

May 8
CHARLES & KAREN TURBUSH- From Long Island, this Rusty Wallace and Hut Stricklin fans have their 17th anniversary.
DR. CHRIS & CHERIE WIBBLESMAN- The eldest son of RWJM advisor Dick and wife Judy and wife celebrate their 16th.

May 9
ELI & CLAUDETTE GOLD- The popular race announcer and wife share their 33rd anniversary.
RUSS & LISA WOOD- The NH based ISMA SuperModified driver and wife share their 22nd anniversary.

***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***

May 4
JACK POSTER- This Pottstown, PA resident helped Jerry Christman with his 358 at Grandview back in the 80’s.
JOHN FORCE- Yorba Linda, CA NHRA Funny Car driver.
BILL PARK- Riverhead Raceway NASCAR Modified driver.
TONY URBINA- Riverhead LM driver.
FRANK MANCINI- Father of Janice Brice, wife of Bill III.
WHITNEY BENDER- Daughter of Colden, NY NASCAR KNPSE driver Tim and wife Kathy.
TROY OADE ESTELLE- The son of Eddie and Lori Estell. Eddie is a crewman on the #119 Street Stock driven by Rob Ormsbee at East Windsor, NJ Speedway. Eddie is also a HUGE Bill Elliott fan and a faithful Wall Township Speedway fan.

May 5
MIKE WEEDEN- No. Haverhill, MA retired NASCAR KNPSE/LM driver.
JEFF YANNETTA- Bridgewater, NJ Flemington Go-Kart driver.
SARA ELIZABETH SANTERRE- The daughter of KNPSES championship driver/Car Owner Andy and Sue Santerre.

May 6
TODD SZEGEDY- NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour driver and former Champion.
MIKE COPE- Pinellas Park, FL Slim Jim NNS driver.
TAMMY JO KIRK- Dalton, GA NASCAR All-Pro Series/ CWTS driver.
RENE DUGAS- Taftville, CT photographer.
STACEY KOHLER- Wife of Fleetwood, PA Micro Sprint driver Jason.

May 7
BENJI ROWE- Turner, ME NASCAR P/S driver.
DARLA SETZER- The wife of NASCAR CWTS/NNS driver Dennis.
DIANE BENNETT- Wife of Stamford, CT NASCAR KNPSE/CWTS driver Brad.
BILLY ROE- Indianapolis, IN born, now Gilbert, AZ IRL driver.
STEPHEN GRIMES- Burlington, NC LMSC driver.
JERRY LILLQUIST- From Canterbury, CT, this former Late Model driver is now residing on the beach just south of Myrtle Beach, SC.
JOHN ROSATI- Retired Modified/ProStock driver from Agawam, MA.
PAT BEEBE- Wife of Star Speedway NASCAR flagman Jim.
CRAIG HIETALLA- Brother of Enfield, CT NASCAR Modified driver Brad.
HENRIETTA KOSZELLA- Wife of Koszella Speed's Sonny and mom of Julie Stefanik, wife of NASCAR WMT/NASCAR KNPSE champ Mike.
MISSY LEDFORD- The daughter of LM driver Dave and AARN salesman at Lakeville Speedway, PA.

May 8
BOBBY LABONTE- Corpus Christi, TX NNC driver.
NATHAN BUTTKE- Randleman, NC NNS/LMSC driver.
BRAD CADDICK- North Kingston, RI NASCAR WMT crewman.
BARBARA KUHLMAN- The Ass't Scorer at Bridgeport Speedway and wife of AARN columnist Ken.
LOUIS OBERTO- Another son of Mahoning Valley Speedway area famous news writer and announcer.
RAY MILLER- Retired Modified driver.

May 9
ED BRUNNHOELZL, JR.- NJ asphalt Modified driver.
TIM FEDEWA- Holt, MI Former NNS/CWTS driver.
GARY LLOYD- Efland, NC LMSC driver.
MIKE PORTER- Princeton, WV veteran LMSC driver.
MELISSA STUART- The daughter of Preston, CT proprietor of JDM Chassis/ LM driver Jay and wife Angelina.

May 10
REV. DAN PETFIELD- From Thornwood, NY, KNPSE Pastor for Racing with Jesus Ministries and Vice President.
JOHN WALL, JR.- Brother of NASCAR KNPSE driver Bryan.
RON THIEL, JR.- Long Island NASCAR KNPSE driver turned Nextel Cup team fabricator.
LINDA HIETALA- Wife of Enfield, CT Reliable Welding Modified driver Brad.
TRAVIS PERRY- Son of Seekonk Speedway Sportsman driver Bill and Stacy.


SHARE YOUR SPECIAL OCCASIONS WITH YOUR RACING FAMILY.
SEND THEM TO:

RACING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES
PO Box 586
Tolland, CT, 06084


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SourceRev Don Rivers / Racing With Jesus Ministries
Posted: May 6, 2011

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