FOUNDED ON CHRIST
by Rev. Don Rivers

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. In 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? What would the reaction be if our president, congress and courts got on their knees and asked 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 too 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 and women 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.

   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 its 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

    KICKING OFF THE HOLIDAY - I had plenty of racing action to keep me busy last week, in fact I couldn’t get to all the places I would have liked to. With the weekly show at Thompson and a double header, Friday and Saturday at Stafford there wasn’t time to get down to Waterford.

   Stafford ran the makeup race of their 100 lap SKMod that was washed out a few weeks ago. With a field of 31 cars the stage was set. The race was good, but the attrition stole the show, nine engines expired during the event. In the end Keith Rocco outlasted the field for the win overcoming a few late race challenges from Frank Ruocco and Eric Berndt; who followed him home in second and third.

   Saturday night saw ISMA, NEMA and the Pro-Four’s move in to the Stafford Paddock area. With the second night of warm but beautiful weather, excitement was in the air. It was great to be back with the NEMA family in a supporting role of Tara and Deb. They are doing a great job ministering to the competitors and their families of NEMA.

   I enjoyed listening to Tara as she spoke at the driver’s meeting about finishing well. It doesn’t matter where we start, it matters where we finish. How do we plan to finish the race? She referred to one of my favorite passages of Scripture,

Hebrews12:1; Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith,
let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.
And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

   God has sent some special people to serve those in the racing community. Can I ask you a favor, let those that serve you in the name of Christ know how much you appreciate their effort. Thanks.

   While I was at Stafford Bobby and Vinetta Somers were with the Valenti Modified Racing Series as they visited Lee USA Speedway. Bobby shared his view of things.

   WITH A BANG - Friday night under the lights at Lee USA Speedway kicked off the upcoming Holiday week. Let’s just say it was five days before the holiday and there were plenty of fireworks to be seen!

   There were a couple of features held over from last week’s program when weather put a stop to things! The headliner this week had the Valenti Modified Racing Series in town.

   Tonight’s crowd was possibly the largest to date with many in town to catch the VMRS. I ran into Jim DuPont during the night, one of regular photographers with the touring Mods, he and his lovely bride Denise who will be celebrating 14 years of marriage on the 4th of July, congratulations.

   One other division on hand, the Classic lights, had 15 cars and a last name that possibly sounds familiar in the racing community, Helliwell, took the feature win.

   The Valenti Modified Racing Series took center stage with the 24 cars that registered claiming a spot in the feature race. How many finished without some type of damage was a whole different story. Some drivers raced as an open wheel car, others may have thought they had full body cars given the contact and driving style. Many drivers walked away frustrated and angry at the end of the evening.

   The green flag flew and everything looked good with some passing here or there to gain a spot or two as the cars settled in for 100 green flag laps. It was Chris Pasteryak holding down the lead for the first 17 laps. On lap 50 Rowan Pennink got his turn to take the lead and on lap 58 the first yellow came out for that visitor from the north, Jacque Debris, in turn one.

   We returned to action and everything was going well but a spin on lap 82 set the stage. Another spin and the game was on. With the field tightened up Hinckley went around in turn 4. Then a storm hit the oval with a six car mess in turn four. The red flag came out at Lee USA for the 5th time this season and it took at least a half hour to untangle cars on top of each other and in the wall. With tempers as high as the temperature this could have exploded. But everyone kept their composure and let the officials handle the situation. It wasn’t easy and not everyone liked the result but they handled it like professionals, good job.

   Once everyone was put back into the lineup and the cars were given the go to fire up, the racing resumed. Les Hinkley has had a tough year so far but you could see the smile on his face as he rounded turn 4 to take the checkered flag. This was a much needed win for the team. Owens, Mechalides, Pasteryak and Zachem followed Hinckley home and this one was in the books.

   Thanks Bobby, this week I have some R&R on the schedule, headed to Maine to celebrate the Fourth. Enjoy the holiday with your family and friends and I will see you back at the track soon.

   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 http://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. Remember that God loves you, we love you and

Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing. GOD BLESS.
 

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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 West Coast Coordinator/former Dion Bros. Racing crewman and wife from NH, now in Acton, CA and a Hollywood stunt driver, share their 20th anniversary.
JIM & DENISE DUPONT- This photographer and reporter that travel the highways and byways of the Modified Tours celebrate 14 years together.

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 10th.
RON & ARLEEN MILLER- These Susquehanna and Silver Spring fans from Camp Hill, PA have their 25th anniversary.

July 6
JERRY & JEANNE MARTEL- These Lee/Star Speedways Late Model team onwers turn their 43rd lap together.
PHIL AND JOANNE KURZE- Phil wants to say thank you to his lovely wife JoAnne for sticking with him through all the long hours and crazy travel schedule for 38 years. 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
PAUL & JACIE DRISSEL- Celebrate year number one! This former #29 MRS crew member and his bride still enjoy going to the track together and taking in the action.
GARY & KARIANN HARTSON- The proprietor of Clinton, CT G&H Trailer/ Waterford LM driver and wife have their 16th anniversary.
LEW & JOANN PARKS- This Glen Aubrey, NY Indy 500 tire specialist and wife make it 51 years together.

***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***

July 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY
UNTIED STATES OF AMERICA- Our Great Nation Blessed by God turns lap 235.
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- Former President of the Untied States of America.
EDDIE MacDONALD- From Rawley, MA, this KNPSE driving son of LEE USA Speedway owner Red and Judy 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.
TYLER EDMONDS- The son of WMT crewman Tommy Edmonds and wife Sue.
CARITA TWINEM- Brookfield, Wisconsin fan.

July 7
WOODY "SKIP" PITKAT- WMT driver and SK/Late model regular at Stafford and Thompson.
RICK FORD- BRS Modified driver at Wall township Speedway.
TOM TWINEM- Brookfield, WI fan; Carita's husband.

July 8
CHRIS INGO JR- driver in the Sport Truck Division at Seekonk Speedway celebrates another lap.
TOM ROSATI- Agawam, MA former KNPSE/ProStock driver and husband of Kristy Bennett Rosati, KNPSE 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/KNPSE 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.
JAKE MILLER- A son of Ron and Arleen in Camp Hill, PA.

July 9
CARLTON ROBIE- Candia, NH dad of KNPSE/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 NSC driver Greg.
SAL MAGLIO- Scranton, PA fan.
INGRID D'ALESSANDRO- Race fan from Agawam, MA

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SEND THEM TO:

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

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Racing With Jesus Ministries Website
 

Source: Rev Don Rivers / Racing With Jesus Ministries
Posted: July 6, 2012