Last week I asked you to think about someone you haven’t seen in a while,
someone who may need help. Did you think of someone? More importantly, did
you take the time to look? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ.
Last week I left you looking for someone. In today’s world, with
all the technology we have, you might think it would be pretty hard to lose
contact, but we do. Even with people that we have spent significant time
with. I recently reunited with an old friend, we used to work together for
several years, did many things together, and our families grew up together,
but somehow we lost touch.
I spent this past Sunday making up for lost time; I spent it
fishing with an old friend. In the quite out on Quabbin Reservoir we had
time to rekindle our friendship. He made a comment to me that stuck with me
and made me think. He said, “It is really good to have you back in my life.”
Think about all the people we have met through racing. Think about
those who have come and gone. Think about the times spent together. Where
are they now? Are they doing alright? Do they need someone to come along
side them and give them a helping hand?
That is what life is about, helping each other through. I believe
the key to that is finding the love and forgiveness that God offers us
through Christ. For those that have found it, there is no other way to live.
For those who need it, we need to help them find that peace.
My friend has not found Christ yet. He is pretty much the same as
fellow I knew several years ago. He is struggling to make sense of it all,
dealing with the challenges we all face. He pretty much thinks he is on his
own to figure out how to get through life. I know different.
Back in 1999 he came to my ordination. He wasn’t much for church or
God, most of us engineering types aren’t, but because I asked him, he came.
He pretty much figured whatever he faced he could figure out. He made a
comment that day that I remembered when God asked me to give him a call.
“Maybe there is something to this after all.”
I was traveling down the highway one night a few weeks ago and his
name crossed my heart. I picked up my cell phone, put on my Bluetooth and
gave him a call. His voice on the other end told me that my call was much
needed.
Let me encourage you to pick up the phone and call, get in the car
and drive, do whatever you have to do. When someone’s name crosses your
heart or mind, fine them, seek them out, reach out to them and meet them
where they are. Help them find their way home. God has a reason for putting
their name on your heart.
It wasn’t because I lost his number, didn’t know where he lived or
anything that we might use as an excuse to not search. I had it all right in
my phone. It was because I forgot what God’s priority is. God has a plan for
each of us, we just need to stay in touch with Him and not lose our way.
2Peter 3:8-9,
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like
a thousand years,
and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his
promise, as some understand slowness.
He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come
to repentance.
I believe I can help my friend
find the forgiveness, love and peace that God offers. I know just in the few
times we have talked since reuniting that he needs it. We all do, it is
difficult to go it alone. Pray for me as I walk alongside my friend and help
him find the way home.
Luke 15:31-32; “My
son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is
yours.
But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead
and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”
THOUGHTS
FROM THE ROAD
AWESOME! - With all
the debate and opinions expressed leading up to the Whelen Modified Race at
NHMS all eyes were on the track as “The Show” again proved why we come here.
The winning margin was les that the diameter of the Chrome Horn, .003, a
nine time champion beat the reigning champion to the line and became the
winningest driver at the Magic Mile. Mike Stefanik was elated in victory
lane as this was a race for the ages.
Stefanik could roll through the corners better than Silk, but that
crate motor had the horsepower at the end of the straightaway. The lead
changed back and forth, lap after lap. With three to go Stefanik made the
winning move and held off Silk at the line. If the Start/Finish line was a
few feet further down the front stretch the story would be different.
As I walked back through the Motorcoach camping area the opinion
expressed was universal, “Man, what a race!”
The day wasn’t over for me however. The track had asked me to
officiate a wedding after the Nationwide race in Victory Lane. Ruth and
Darrell from Moncton, NB would be tying the knot. I was happy to do it and
sat down with them on Friday to talk things over. Brad Keselowski was also
there to offer his best wishes. Actually he was there for winning the
Nationwide race, but I digress.
The other person present is the man I would like to thank. He has
been around tracks and racing for many years, he has many things to do on a
race weekend, but he agreed to be there to witness this event and again went
above and beyond. Thank you to Dick Berggren for being willing to help out.
Dick is one of the good guys and he showed it again that his heart is in the
right place. When no one was available to take photos, Dick picked up the
Bride’s camera and shot photos also. Dick, you made their day special and I
am sure they will never forget you kindness and graciousness. You made them
very happy. Thank You.
With NHMS in the rear view mirror it was off to Canaan. Funny thing
happened when I arrived, I was too late. The pit sign in shack was closed
and the gentleman at the gate was not impressed enough with the pace car to
let me in. That was alright though; Bobby and Vinetta with an assist from
Rev. Scott had things covered. I parked the car in the grass, reclined the
seat and let the melodious hum of the Modifieds lull me to sleep.
RICKY’S RACE FOR KIDS - This week leading up to Ricky’s Race
for Kids at Canaan Speedway, Vinetta and I, along with 100 chaperones 400
students, were at Gordon College Wenham, Ma for Crosswalk. Crosswalkis a
Christian Camp that seeks to strengthen our Christian values in our walk
with Jesus. Vinetta served as the Camp nurse and she sure had her hands full
with many injuries and some heat issues later in the week. It was a blessing
to look around during evening Worship seeing all these young kids singing
worshiping.
We got in late Friday night to White River Junction Vermont and
made our way over to the track on Saturday, it was possibly the hottest to
date for the VMRS. The temperatures certainly didn’t hold back the crowd
early in the day as they showed up early to support this event. There was
pit party and the fans certainly enjoyed the autographs, sitting in many
cars or getting a handshake from their favorite driver.
Once the track was cleared it was race time. John Spence Sr made
that announcement, introduced Valenti Modified Racing Series Drivers and the
crowd roared with excitement, the heat didn’t slow them down one bit!
We had a new driver making his debut in the VMRS, #41 Eric Dailey
from Armstrong, Iowa a IMCA driver . 21 cars were on hand for the Ricky’s
Race for Kids. With only two cautions for spins, one early ane late this was
the most relaxed race this season. The big move of the night went to the #0
of Holdridge moving 10 positions in the race. But it was Hinkley who shook
off some recent misfortune and returned to Victory Lane for the second time
this season. He was followed home by #5 Pasteryak, #2 Mckennedy,
#25 Pennink, #21Gernhard and #28 Jarvis. It was some great green
flag racing to close out a great week. Next up for me is Seekonk with Rev.
Don on Wednesday, hope to see you there.
THE LEGEND WILL LIVE ON - It is with great sadness that I
report the passing of Wild Bill Slater, always to be remembered for his
association with V8. Wild Bill, at the age of 83, passed away last week.
I am grateful to have seen him compete before he ran his last race
in 1969. I am also grateful for the times we spent at the back pit gate at
Stafford. I can share with you it wasn’t love at first sight. It took a
while before I was greeted with that smile, but I grew on him.
In the end it was always a smile and a story. I counted it a
pleasure to sit alongside and listen as he reminisced about the days gone
by. Like a true racer he always had an opinion and was not shy about
expressing it. Maybe in some way having someone to share it with made it
better. I hope I added some degree of comfort to his time here.
At this stage arrangements have not been completed. Join with me as
we remember the iconic white shirt with the rolled up sleeves and that broad
smile that made everyone wonder what he was up to. RIP my friend.
TWO NEW VENUES ON THE SCHEDULE - This week finds me taking
in the action at two tracks I have never been to. Tuesday I will be at
Lernerville and Friday at Williams Grove. In between I’ll be at Seekonk and
Thompson, with a chance appearance at Riverhead before I go to pick my wife
up at JFK on Saturday night as she returns from being on mission in Haiti.
Track me down and say hi.
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.
 Mail reaches us at Racing with Jesus Ministries, PO Box 586,
Tolland, CT 06084.
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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 21
JERRY & LINDA SOLOMITO- It is 26 laps together for this Long Island driver
and wife.
July 22
BRAD & LYNN LEIGHTON- This Center Harbor, NH K&NPSE Champion driver and wife
share their 21st anniversary.
PHIL & BETTY SMITH- This veteran writer and wife of Westerly, RI celebrate
their special day.
July 23
RED & STELLA MEAD- This Hyde Park, VT White Mountain Motorsports Park (NH)
driver and wife share their 27th anniversary.
DAVE & SHIRLEY ALEXANDER- This retired Maine Modified driver and wife have
turned their track 45 times.
***HAPPY BIRTHDAYS***
July 18
STEPHEN LEATY- Jan's next son.
RON CORNELL- Westport, MA AARN columnist and candle maker.
MAGGIE WOODS- The daughter of Tammy and Woody living in Mooresville, NC.
July 20
PETE HAMILTON- Retired Massachusetts driver for Richard Petty won the
Daytona 500 in the 70's.
DAVE WHEELER- Lisbon, CT former LM driver.
DAVE SHIPPEE- Former writing partner of New London, CT's John Brouwer, Sr.
now retired in NH.
MIKE MONNETT- Owego, NY writer.
HAROLD K. DAUNCEY- Son of NJ asphalt Mod driver Harold and wife Barbara.
July 21
BOBBY WILKINS- Milford, DE Dirt Modified driver.
TIM McCAULEY- Huntington Beach, CA NASCAR West driver.
July 22
RON YOUNG- Conyers, GA NASCAR All Pro Series driver.
CHRISTOPHER SAVLUK- Son of Lisbon, CT Crew Chief Roger.
RICH YANNETTA- Bridgewater, NJ Flemington go-kart driver.
JULIANNE ELIZABETH COX- The youngest of Bob and Tracy.
July 23
BUCKSHOT JONES- Monticello, GA former NNS driver.
DEBBIE KRODEL- Keith's wife, both Sprint and NASCAR WMT fans, in Pensacola,
FL.
SYLVIA DANIELS- North East,Pa. Speed Shop owner.
July 24
JEFF HERBERT- Wall Stadium Modified driver.
STAN WATTLES- Glen Cove, LI born, now Sewall's Point, FL IRL driver.
LEONARD WAGNER- This Schwenksville, PA Grandview Speedway fan, along with
wife Earlene, is also a Dale Jarrett fan.
JUDY ROBINSON- Wife of Bill, daughter of Doris Bradley, fan of Wall Stadium,
New Egypt and NASCAR fan of Ricky Rudd. Sister of Sally and Tammy.
***IN THE SHOP***
AGNUS KICHURY- Mother of Carol Pares, with of
photographer Michael, needs our prayers as she faces a heart condition and
treatment.
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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