Memorial Day, celebrating the unofficial beginning of
spring. Did we take time and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice
for our freedom? Did we stop and reflect that our very own life has been
given to us because someone gave their life for us. Greetings in the name of
our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Freedom Isn’t Free is the title of a poem written to recall the
memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the giving of their
lives. Their willingness to give secures to this day our freedom; freedom to
do what we enjoy, racing.
I was thinking the other day what would this country look like of
we weren’t free? Would there even be racing, as we know it? On any given
weekend I can choose where I go to watch a race. You can choose where to
race. If you don’t like going to a certain track you can choose another. We
have the freedom of choice. That is not something to take lightly.
Stop and think of all the choices we can make in our life and then
think of some of the other nations in the world who don’t have the same
option. The difference is freedom. The founders of our country decided to
build it on the foundation of God and free will. We have fought for over 200
years to maintain that, not only for us but also for other nations and
peoples of the world.
God also gives us the freedom to choose. He makes available for us
a life of abundance and freedom. We can choose if we are going to accept
that life. Jesus said…
John 10:10; The thief comes
only to steal and kill and destroy;
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Paul adds in Galations…
Galatians 5:1; It is for
freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then,
and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Jesus came and gave His life as a sacrifice so that we
could know the abundant and free life that God has offered us. Not unlike
those who have fought and gave their lives for our county’s freedom so that
we can enjoy an abundant and free life. For us to experience freedom it cost
someone something.
Think of a race team. Some are funded well and some are run on a
shoestring. It doesn’t matter; to be able to race someone pays. Someone’s
hard work earns the money we receive to pay the cost of preparing the car
and team to race. We experience the freedom to race because someone else
paid the price. The situation is the same whether it is our hard work or
someone else’s hard work, to race someone pays. Freedom isn’t free either.
For us to have freedom as a country many men and women paid with
their very own lives. They made the ultimate sacrifice for the good of
others. They gave their lives. Likewise Jesus gave His life so that we might
have life.
John 3:16-17; "For God so
loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to
save the world through him.”
Those lives that were given for us secured our freedom.
Jesus Christ gave His life for us to save us from death and destruction. Let
me ask a question, do you enjoy your freedom as an American? If you do take
the time to say thank you to those who have made it possible.
Let me ask another, do you want to experience an abundant and free
life that only comes from knowing Jesus Christ as your Savior? He gave His
life to give you that opportunity, accept it and free yourself from the
burden of sin.
Freedom isn’t free. It cost someone, something. Be thankful there
are those who are willing to pay the price for our freedom. Thank them.
THOUGHTS
FROM THE ROAD
BOWMAN GRAY STILL PACKS THEM IN -
Rev’s Ray and Dan sent in this report from the Stadium.
Saturday night, the roar of engines and the smell of rubber could
mean only one thing; something was about to happen at Bowman Gray Stadium.
This time it was the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East turn to challenge the famed
stadium in Winston-Salem , NC , which did not disappoint a wall to wall
sellout crowd and continued to live up to it’s name, “the Madhouse”.
When the blistering challenge ended, congratulations went to Ben
Kennedy of Daytona Beach , FL for winning his second race of this young
season. Dylan Kwasniewski of LasVegas , NV and Brandon Gdovic, Yorktown , VA
followed Ben to the finish line.
The “hard luck” award had to go to Brett Moffitt, who after leading
the most laps, encountered mechanical issues in the final laps and finished
out of the lead lap.
The “courageous award” surely would have gone to Kenzie Rouston.
Upon arriving at the track, Kenzie learned that her extended family and many
close friends had just lost their homes to a devastating tornado, which
touched down in El Reno , OK . We were able to offer words of comfort and
prayed with Kenzie to help her focus on the challenging race at hand. After
sliding through the grassy infield a couple times, she was able to work her
way up through the crowded field in each turn to a top five finish. May
God’s continued peace and hope surround Kenzie and her family as they dig
out and rebuild their lives.
We are always grateful to the Lord when He allows RWJM to help
encourage the drivers and teams through some of the rough times in their
lives. God is a good God, who only wants the best for every one of us. We
simply need to reach out to His loving open arms. Rev. Dan Petfield and Ray
Pavkov.
IOWA HERE WE COME - Thanks to the generosity of a ministry
supporter who offered to cover the expenses for the trip to Iowa we are
trying to put plans in place to be there. It has always been a constant
challenge to find the necessary resources to keep this ministry at the
track. It is a blessing to have faithful supporters that give generously to
provide us that opportunity. If God is leading you to come on board as a
ministry supporter that would be an answer to prayer and help tremendously,
please consider it. Also, please continue to lift us up in prayer as we
reach out to the racing community.
STAFFORD WILL GIVE IT ANOTHER SHOT - SMS will take another
shot at getting in the race postponed from Memorial Day Weekend this Friday
night for the Whelen Modified Tour. If you were out of town on vacation then
make a point to get out there and support the tour. This is the first of
three events this month within driving distance for most of us, Stafford,
Waterford and Riverhead.
SBM 125 CONTINUES TO GROW - Again this year we will be
supporting the SBM 125 Open Modified Show at Star Spedway on June 15. This
race brings together some of the best Modifieds from around the Northeast to
compete for bragging rights, no points just win! We are looking forward to
this ever growing event that Kevin Rice created. Hope to see you there.
LEE USA SAYS GOODBYE - Tonight was a very special evening at
Lee USA Speedway to remember and honor two very special people. I have to
admit it was difficult driving to Lee USA Speedway Friday night, not because
of traffic or the high temperatures here in New England. We have been very
blessed to have met and know both Jay Merryfield (push truck driver) who
succumbed to cancer and Race Director Bob Watson whose final evening was
Friday night, he’s retiring, heading to Florida .
When a race track calls themselves a Family Track, Lee USA Speedway
is family in every sense. We shared many hours chatting with Jay for the
past 3 years from Spiritual things to just everyday things going on to an
occasional tear. He was a friend anyone would want to have and it was
certainly echoed among everyone who worked at Lee USA. All the drivers
tonight lined the front straightaway as Jay’s son Kevin drove the push truck
and pushed #61 Mike Spurling small block super to the start finish line.
No matter how much pain Jay may have been going through he was
there every Friday night to provide a push to the Small Block Supers. He
loved what he did and his calling to be a part of the racing community was a
true testament Jay’s faith, he loved Christ.
Tonight’s dedication put together for Jay was another testament of
how great Christ has worked in some ones life and blessed them in every way,
Bob Watson. This was Bob Watson final evening as Race Director as he heads
south to be with his family and word has it you may see him a lot at New
Smyrna. His granddaughter will be racing there in an open wheel competition.
I don’t know if there is a plaque large enough to put all his
accomplishments at Lee USA Speedway, he is certainly going to be missed. We
stayed around after all the racing was done and sat in the stands chatting
with Bob listening to some of his great memories. Lee USA is family!
We have back to back racing coming up this weekend with Lee USA
Friday night and Valenti Modified Racing Series at Seekonk Saturday. Don’t
forget to check out the new VMRS website with some incredible updates, news
and stats.
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.
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
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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