Recently the Whelen Modified Tour headed north of the border. The rules have
changed since 9/11/2001 and entry to and from Canada requires the right
documentation, a passport to be exact. But that doesn’t guarantee you entry;
there is still someone at the gate with the responsibility to clear you
before you can enter. If the names on your paperwork don’t match their
master list, you are not getting in. Are our papers in order? Greetings in
the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
It wasn’t always that way; I remember when a valid driver’s license
was sufficient. That changed to a two valid forms of ID, a license and a
birth certificate. Then it became a passport. It is difficult to know what
is required and we wonder, are our papers in order?
My wife and I had an interesting exchange at the border once. We
were riding our bikes onto Campobello Island and approached the border for
entry. Our documentation was sufficient for the Canadian officials to enter
Canada , but they cautioned us and verified that we had sufficient
documentation to enter back into the US .
I never thought that would be in question, we are American
citizens, lived here our whole life. But the official explained that the
Americans were strict and we needed the right documentation to reenter the
US . The Canadians determined we had sufficient documentation to get back
into the US and let us enter Canada . They were right and we were allowed
back.
It is always intimidating when your approval lies in the hands of a
government official. We could have everything in order but they still hold
the key, the final word as to whether we are approved. If you have ever
worked with immigration or applied for a visa, you know the tension, the
anxiety, it creates. There always seems to be a price that has to be paid.
It is much like a race team running a new track or under a
different sanctioning body; they set the rules and enforce the rules. You
either take it or leave it. There always seems to be dues to be paid. Many
times you have to earn their trust. It doesn’t seem fair, but as we all know
if you want to play the game you have to pay the piper.
I remember a race where a part timer came in and dominated the
event, had the fastest car, ran the best race and took home the checkered
flag, but he didn’t win. Oh he got the trophy and the check but it cost him
more to put his car back together after tech. In fact he missed the next
race because he didn’t have the money to get things reassembled in time.
I have seen a racer refuse tech inspection when his motor was
challenged, not because he had anything to hide, but because someone loaned
him the motor and he didn’t have the money to pay to have it rebuilt after
it was torn down. He accepted disqualification instead of having to pay the
several thousand it would cost to rebuild the motor.
When the rules and those that determine your compliance with the
rules are out of our control it can be a difficult time. Many a racing story
exists because of rules interpretation. Many a driver has gotten the raw end
of the deal because of an official’s decision. Right or wrong, it is the
folks who set the rules that get to determine who is in compliance and who
is not.
In a similar manner there is a requirement for entry into Heaven.
It isn’t as subjective as man’s rules but our paperwork must be in order. We
need to have our name written in the Lamb’s book of life. If our name is not
there the gatekeeper isn’t letting you in. No matter what you say or do you
cannot change that at the gate. Our entry into Heaven is conditional, it
matters not what we have done or claim, it matters only that we accept the
sacrifice that Christ made for us. Christ himself cautions us;
Matthew 7:21-23
(niv); "Not everyone who says to me,
`Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the
will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your
name,
and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will
tell them plainly,
`I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
He explains
Revelation 23:27
(niv); Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is
shameful or deceitful,
but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
So then,
how do we get our papers in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven ? How can
we be assured that we have the necessary documentation to be let in? One
thing is for certain, the requirement will never change, the passport to
Heaven will always be the same, believing in Jesus Christ.
John 1:12 (niv);
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name,
he gave the right to become children of God”
John 3:15-18 (ncv); “… everyone who believes
can have eternal life in Him.
God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son so that
whoever believes in Him may not be lost,
but have eternal life. God did not send His Son into the world to judge the
world guilty, but to save the world through Him.
People who believe in God's Son are not judged guilty. Those who do not
believe have already been judged guilty,
because they have not believed in God's one and only Son.”
Don’t wait until you are at the
border to make sure your paperwork is in order, or hope they let you in
because you’re with good people. You may just have to find a place to stay
and wait for your team to come back. In the same way don’t wait until you
stand before God to get your name written in the book of life, it is too
late, your reservation has been made and your entry into Heaven has been
denied.
There is no one you can call, no additional things that can be
done, no friends who can speak for you, no, your eternal fate is sealed.
Don’t let it come to that, put your papers in order; get your name written
in the Lamb’s book of life.
Romans 10:8-13
(niv); But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and
in your heart,
" that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with
your mouth, "Jesus is Lord,"
and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be
saved.
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with
your mouth that you confess and are saved.
As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to
shame."
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of
all and richly blesses all who call on him,
for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
THOUGHTS FROM THE
ROAD
It has been a somber weekend as we
remember the innocent lives lost ten years ago. As we remember the Islamic
Terrorists that sought to destroy us and send us cowering in fear. They
didn’t win and they won’t win, we will never forget. As the names were read
on Sunday morning I thought of the families that were touched by that
fateful day, the lives torn apart, the heroes who went in, the lives that
were spared.
So much of what we do at the track seems insignificant compared to
that day, but it is significant, it is our way of life. Life is meant to be
lived. Those lives would have been lost in vain if we allowed the events of
9/11 to stop us from living. The men and women that fight to give us the
right to live; protect and insure that. Be thankful. Be thankful for our
resolve as a nation to remember those who have given so much so that we can
enjoy racing. Remember to say thank you.
STAFFORD VICTORY LONG TIME COMING - Chris Pasteryak
contributed to the family history Friday night at Stafford with his victory
in the Valenti Modified Racing Series.
“My family has been coming here since 1976. This is the first time
we ever had a modified in victory lane here. A cool night, a great night,”
said Pasteryak.
On a night when the families of 9/11 were remembered it seemed
fitting that this racing family would add another milestone. They weren’t
done yet though, father Charlie, substituting for Gary Putnam, practiced and
put the #77 Southern Modified in the ninth staring spot at Thompson.
The SKMOD race was an instant classic with Ryan Preece and Keith
Rocco battling side by side for the victory. Let it be said that this wasn’t
a wreckfest that some associate with the SK’s, this was some of the best
racing I have seen all season. Preece won out and is in position to secure
his first title at Stafford . I am excited to see what next week holds.
THOMPSON BECOMES CENTER OF MODIFIED RACING - With the
excitement of the 300 in the air it felt like old times at Thompson,
although the concession stand in the infield would have quieted the noise in
my stomach. No this wasn’t the classic 300 and yes there were some cars from
south of the border, but all in all it was a good couple of days with an
awesome 50 lap Shootout. I am sure it didn’t turn out the way some hoped,
but I think we may have something here.
For what the 125’s lacked the Shootout provided. Doug Coby said it
best, he gave everything he had, every lap and if the car fell off, so be
it, he was peddling as hard as he could for as long as he could. It would
serve him well as he came out the big winner on this day.
I think with a little tweaking this event could be one that is
looked forward to on the race calendar. Let’s say we shorten to point events
to 80 laps and try to have the fields be a truer representation of the tours
the represent. Maybe add an Invaders division. You could have three 80 lap
events, North, South and Invaders. Then have the shootout for the big bucks!
Just a thought.
ONE MORE TIME - Dan headed back to Greenville for the makeup
race the K&N guys ran after getting rained out last week. That makes four
trips to Greenville this year, I think I am going to have to move Dan a
little further south! Dan tagged along with car-owner Rob Grimm and clan in
the family RV. We want to send our thanks out to Rob for helping us out.
Sergio Pena came home with the victory.
MICHAEL AND CAROL PARES - As some of you heard the Pares
family didn’t fair well during the recent flooding from hurricane Irene. Not
only did they get flooded but there was a fire and their house is a total
loss. They were hoping to get in and survey the damage on Friday, but they
have to wait until inspections and investigations are complete. I was good
to see Michael at Thompson this weekend although I am sure he had other
things on his mind.
I know the racing community has a big heart and these folks need
some encouragement. If you are led to help you can send donations to;
Michael & Carol Pares
c/o A. Kichury
25 James St .
Wayne , NJ 07470
Thank you for your help.
ROADWORK THIS WEEK - The WMT heads to Lime Rock Park this
week for the only road course on their schedule. Meanwhile Thompson and
Stafford hold their last weekly programs and crown their champions. Looks
like it will be back and forth across the state for me this week. For a
small state it sure does take a long time to travel from one side to the
other, maybe it is time we build a highway!, just saying.
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. 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***
This one slipped by
September 12
RICK & KAREN SWEETEN- Rick is an AARN photographer from New Jersey and can’t
believe Karen has put up with him for all these years. Join with them as
they celebrate 30 years together.
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 35th anniversary.
VILL AND ARLENE HARD- The Ford racing fans from Clifton, NJ have their 54th
anniversary as a loving couple and partners in racing.
September 17
DICK & JUDY WIBBELSMAN- Gainesville, FL RWJM Advisor and Counselor wife
share their 44th anniversary.
BOB & CAROL PRATT- The brother of Richie Pratt and wife share their 34th
anniversary.
September 19
EARL & PAM KRAUSE- The Area Auto Racing News Assitant to the Editor and
columnist/ ARDC PR Director/Announcer and budding TV racing personality
along with his best friend wife have their 41st anniversary..
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
September 14
DOMINIC DOBSON- Mercer Island, WA CWTS driver.
MARK PORCARO- Clinton, NJ occasional NASCAR KNPSE driver.
BILLY CLARK- Farmington, ME LM driver.
WES ROSNER- Famed Agawam, MA ProStock/NASCAR KNPSE builder.
DELORSE BOULET- The special woman in the life of Jewett City Service
proprietor Henry St. John.
GARY MARTIN- Concord, NC Sprint Cup photographer.
September 15
BILL WILSON- Fuquay Varina, NC Dash Series driver.
VENETTA NARDUCCI- Wife of Greg, WMT fan.
RONNIE MILLER III- Son of Camp Hill, PA Susky fans Ron and Arleen.
September 16
BOB BRUNNELL- Peru, NY NASCAR KNPSE semi-retired driver/ team owner.
TOMMY CLOCE- Canton, NY NASCAR WMT/NASCAR KNPSE driver, son of well-known
team owner, Ed.
TIM ZOCK- Youngsville, PA NASCAR KNPSE driver.
BILL DUGGAN- Belmont, NH LM driver.
DARREN BRASSFIELD- Los Galos, CA IMSA GT driver.
JOE BRADY- Stoughton, MA legendary #00 Modified team owner.
TARA MENSCHNER- Daughter of Wall Chaplain Bob Menschner.
September 17
PAT SPENCER- Wife of driver/TV personality, Jimmy.
DENNIS SAVAGE- Lisbon, CT Producer/Host of TV's "God's Masterpiece."
DEREK FELTENBERGER- The son of Grandview/ Big Diamond flagger/ photographer
MIke and wife Mena.
September 18
BORIS SAID III- Carlsbad, CA NASCAR CWTS/NNS/NSC driver.
LOU CICCONI, JR.- The famous Aston, PA ARDC and more Midget driver.
FRANK JASHEMBOWSKI- Orange County Fairgrounds Speedway dirt Modified driver.
LARRY VASSAR- Southington, CT ProStock team owner.
HAROLD BURDICK- Danielson, CT go-kart driver/owner and Stafford Motor
Speedway announcing team member.
STEVE RUBIN- Owner of the New Thompson Speedway excellent food concessions
from Needham, MA.
HENRY ST. JOHN- Proprietor of Jewett City Service in CT.
SHARON OKULA- Wife of Wayne, Charger Driver #67 at Riverhead Raceway
September 19
BILL GUERTIN- President and co-owner with Frank Ferrara of former Whip City
Speedway in Westfield, MA.
SCOTT LOVELADY- Hartsdale, AL NASCAR All Pro Series driver.
JOE HOUDE- Millbury, MA LM driver.
GEOFF BRANSCOMBE- A son of NASCAR KNPSE team owner/driver Babe and wife Deb.
JIM BRODERICK IV- "Bubba," Sprint car driver; son of Jim and Debbie.
September 20
BRYAN WALL- Derry, NH Road course KNPSE driver.
SCOTT NEWELL- East Windsor Speedway Modified driver.
LANCE NORICK- Oklahoma City, OK NASCAR CWTS driver.
SCOTT WEAVER- Shelby, NC Dash Series driver.
KYLE GRISSOM- A son of NASCAR driver Steve and wife Susan from Gadsen, AL.
SHARE YOUR SPECIAL OCCASIONS WITH YOUR RACING FAMILY.
SEND THEM TO:
RACING WITH JESUS MINISTRIES
PO Box 586
Tolland, CT, 06084
TheChromeHorn RWJM Archives
Racing With Jesus Ministries Website
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