When I asked if we should formally "re-invite" everyone else in the shop, he told me they know the day, time, and location in the shop where we have the study. They call it "Jesus Pizza"!!! So they refer to us guys in the conference room has having pizza with Jesus!! That is sooo awesome! Take a stand for Christ!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Jesus Pizza
When I asked if we should formally "re-invite" everyone else in the shop, he told me they know the day, time, and location in the shop where we have the study. They call it "Jesus Pizza"!!! So they refer to us guys in the conference room has having pizza with Jesus!! That is sooo awesome! Take a stand for Christ!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Miami Homestead Update!!!
Most Indy Lights drivers were receptive to prayer before yesterday's race. Some of the Indy Car teams I prayed with today expressed their sincere appreciation that we pray with them before their races. Some still walked away. The food this weekend was donated to the Miami Community Outreach - stay tuned for year end totals!
I saw the IRL photographer for the first time since I took him to the airport in Richmond, Va. when his mother was taken to a hospital in Indiana. He immediately stood up and gave me a huge hug. He was able to spend a few hours with his mother before she passed. He was extremely grateful for the coordination efforts and prayerful support he received from the IRL Ministry that weekend. We sometimes don't always see how God works in all situations. Today, I saw firsthand how God worked in this man's life that day.
Thanks for all your prayers and support! Keep checking the blog for year end pics and food totals! God bless you all!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Homestead This Weekend!
Pray that when people see us that they will see Christ in us! Thanks for your prayers and support!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Update from Chicago!
I had a number of guys share with me this weekend how they are seeing God moving and working in their lives. Trust and faith were the common themes in our discussions. One example was the crew member who lost his son last year to suicide. He shared a story of a man that came forward last week in their church service that would have never done that had it not been for his son's situation..... God heals... Another shared that God has provided him employment during the off season. He told me that God does provide; just like the Bible says about the birds of the air.... God cares..... And another that told me his mother went through a successful cancer surgery. "They got it all", he told me with enthusiasm. "Praise God", I replied, "Praise God!" God answers.....
As my wife accompanied me on the grid for team prayers prior to the races this weekend, she made an interesting observation. She said that the team members were "getting used" to Bob and me approaching their cars for prayer. If they see me coming, some even take the initiative to gather the team members! I heard comments like, "we need all the prayer we can get" and "time for church". There are still the individuals that walk away, but many others are accepting. Give God the credit and glory.........
How about you..... do you trust God? Do you have faith? Do you believe he cares? Are you "getting used" to having God present in your life? Or do you still just walk away?
Thanks for your prayers and support!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Practice, Quals, & Crashes
I connected with a few hospitality people that are dealing with family issues. Pray for these hurting people.
Our Chapels are at 8 & 9 tomorrow. Pray that Christ will be proclaimed and glorified!
Load in day at Infineon & Team Jesus!
Also, special thanks to "Team Jesus"! (http://team-jesus-motorsports.com/) They are a Top Fuel drag race team that is also heavily involved in motorsports ministry at this track. They have a love for Christ that is motivating! They provided the camper for Bob to stay in at the track this weekend, a golf cart for our use at the track, and they will be distributing the food excess from this weekends race to local homeless shelters.
Stay tuned......... Blessings!!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
A Broken Reading Light on the way to California!
One was reading a woman's devotional. I inquired about what she was reading..... We talked a few minutes and she began to share with me that today, when they landed in her home town of Phoenix, she was going to a home/hospital with her dog..... It is a special visitation ministry that uses animals..... She (and her dog) has had to go through alot of training to get to this point. Today was her first visit and she was excited, but nervous about it. God provided the opportunity for me to pray with her in the back galley of that 737 today. I prayed that God would bless her ministry and everything would go smoothly. Her name is Wendy. Pray for her ministry if God leads you to...
Also pray for the IRL Ministry. We have sold the motorcoach due to lack of funding. It will be used in Chicago for the last time. It sold quickly, so we are thankful to our God who provides in all circumstances for that. It will change the way we do things at the track, so pray we will adapt well....
More updates tomorrow! God Bless!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
"It Takes a Special God"
The hotel manager asked me if my team "won" today (she is not a big race fan). I quipped I told her I worked as a Chaplain for the league and explained a little bit of what we do. She replied, " wow, it must take a special person to do that"! I responded, "no, it just takes a special God".
God is special. God is good. Believe.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Mid-Ohio quote "Repent - You are a Sinner"
He held his wrist up at me. On one side it was tattooed "REPENT" then he turned it over and is was tattooed "YOU ARE A SINNER". I said, "wow"! You do know a little about repentance. I told him that once you've repented, you God forgives and forgets the sin. He got busy at that moment......
I told him if he wants to talk further about God's grace, give me a shout.... He said he would look me up.......
Pray. Examine. Repent. Accept. Praise.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Weepers, Chapels, and Races
The Chapel services are today at 1:30 & 3:30. Pray that God will move in a mighty and powerful way! Both the Indy Lights race and the Indy Car race will be run today. Pray for the safety of the crews, officials, and drivers!
Thanks for your support & may God continue to bless you!
Friday, July 31, 2009
In Kentucky - Pray for Chris!
Also pray for Chris at Vision Racing. Chris went down in the shop last week with heart failure. They were able to revive him and took him to CCU at St. Vincents. When I saw him last Saturday, he was on ventilators and feeding tubes and not breathing on his own. Yesterday, when I stopped by, he was talking to me and joking around! Praise God! I had a neat time of conversation and prayer with his family. We all held hands around his bed yesterday and gave God the thanks and glory!
Give God the thanks and glory today!
Monday, July 20, 2009
My next race will be Kentucky!!!!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
The Concept of Divine Control
"Fill your mind with the thought that God is there. And once your mind is truly filled with that thought, when you experience difficulties it will be as easy as breathing for you to remember, "My heavenly Father knows all about this!" This will be no effort at all, but will be a natural thing for you when difficulties and uncertainties arise. Before you formed this concept of divine control so powerfully in your mind, you used to go from person to person seeking help, but now you go to God about it. Jesus is laying down the rules of conduct for those people who have His Spirit, and it works on the following principle: God is my Father, He loves me, and I will never think of anything that He will forget, so why should I worry? Jesus said there are times when God cannot lift the darkness from you, but you should trust Him."
Are you giving control to God? Are you trusting Him in times of trials? Does your faith grow or fade when you are faced with difficulties? Let God control your life. He loves you more than you know. Yield, trust, have faith.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Quick Trip to Canada...... Trust. Follow. Obey.
So....... where are your priorities? You are in a different country trying to do work for the Lord and your wife gets admitted to the hospital. I couldn't have pictured myself staying at the track while she was lying in that bed, but there was something nagging at me. There was a weird battle inside between the cost of returning, walking away from my commitments that weekend, and tossing all the plans that had been laid out for the weekend. No doubt, I did the right thing. I did what God wanted me to do. But what about those other pulls; maybe even temptations.
Every situation is a trial. Every trial is a refining moment from God. I have felt the refining fire a lot from God recently. I have learned from every situation. I have cried. I have felt injustice. I have felt that I have failed God at times and let Him down. Yet I never lost hope and His faith never wavered.
Are you learning what God is teaching you? Have you remained faithful, even in times of trials? God will never leave us. These "moments" are preordained by God Himself.
Trust. Follow. Obey.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Happy 4th!!
Deatra and I are heading to Michigan for our yearly 4th retreat, so I will not be at the race in Watkins Glen this weekend. Please pray for the Chapels and race. There is also going to be a Q&A with Al Unser Jr. and Helio on Friday. This is going to be done in the garage area with the intent to give them a venue to publicly share their faith! Please pray that will be well received!
My next race will be Toronto the weekend of 7/11-12. Thanks for all your support!
Praise God for your freedom this weekend! God is so good........
Friday, June 26, 2009
Dan, Reid, Carrington, and God
We had a good day of practice and qualifying with only one minor incident. My son Reid had a great time with his first pit access since he is now 18...... He even had the opportunity to be in the flag stand for Silver Crown qualifying.... He was a great help today!
I met with Carrington from Good Samaritan Ministries here in Richmond (www.goodsamaritanministry.com). They are taking the food this race for their shelter. Pray that God will use this food to show the love, grace, and mercy of Jesus Christ to these men and women.
Our Chapel services are at 1:15 and 4:15 tomorrow. Pray for the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit during these worship times.
Thanks for your prayers!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
In Richmond!!!
Pray that we will be effective witnesses as we interact with the IRL community this weekend!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Headin' to Richmond!
Thanks for your continued support!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Come to Jesus
Jesus said in Matthew 11:28. He said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Doretha’s faith in Jesus Christ was consistent and non-negotiable. She did not like sin. She served Christ without wanting any human reward or recognition. As is says in Matthew 11:28, Doretha obeyed Jesus’ command. All her life, she came to Jesus………….. Recently, she was weary and burdened.
Oswald Chambers wrote:
“Come to Me….” Where sin and sorrow stops, and the song of the saint starts. Do I really want to get there? I can right now. The questions that truly matter in life are remarkably few, and they are all answered by these words – “Come to Me.” Our Lord’s words are not, “do this, or don’t do that,” but – “Come to Me.” If we simply come to Jesus, my real life will actually cease from sin, and find the song of the Lord beginning in my life.
Have you ever come to Jesus? Look at the stubbornness of your heart. You would rather do anything than this one simple childlike thing – “Come to Me.” If you really want to experience ceasing from sin, you must come to Jesus.
Jesus Christ makes Himself the test to determine your genuineness. Look how He used the word come. At the most unexpected moments in your life there is this whisper of the Lord – “Come to Me,” and you are immediately drawn to Him. Personal contact with Jesus changes everything. Be “foolish” enough to come and commit yourself to what He says. The attitude necessary for you to come to Him is one where your will has made the determination to let go of everything and deliberately commit it all to Him.
After a day of loosing his wife, making funeral arrangements, and visiting cemeteries, Henry (her husband) and I embraced at the end of the day and he looked me in the eye and said, “Praise the Lord”. I replied, “yes Henry, praise the Lord”………. What an example of a selfless attitude.
While this selfless attitude was admirable, how could he say that after loosing his wife of 62 years? What was he thinking? Where was the sorrow? Where was the sadness? Friends, the grief was there, but it was replaced by the overwhelming joy of knowing that she is home in heaven with Jesus and their son Timmy, and that someday, he will join them in there.
I will miss her dearly. She loved me as a mother. She respected me as the husband of her daughter. Her generosity overwhelmed me. Her heart to serve the Lord encouraged me. Her selfless pride convicted me.
Do you have that overwhelming joy that Henry has? Can you say “Praise the Lord?” Doretha went to Jesus. Is it time for you to come to Jesus?
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Milwaukee!!!!!
Talked with a lot of the team guys today as well.. Stanton Barrett crashed in practice, and they could not repair the car. So they are on they way home. I talked to a few of the guys to tell them I was sorry for what they are going through..... I pray that may help in some way.
Two chapels tomorrow - 9:00 & 10:30.... I am singing the special music tomorrow - they couldn't find anybody else ; ). So pray that the services are Holy Spirit led and that God would move mightily.
We are driving back directly after the race, so please pray for safety there as well... Thank you all for your support!!!!!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Do you have Faith? - Indy 500 Chapel Message & Pics!
Indy Lights Race on Carb Day
BAPTISM!! - The Angels were Rejoicing on Saturday, 5/23!!!
Pray for Dan as he lives out his Christian faith by the power of the Holy Spirit! Praise God. Give Him ALL the glory!
It's the little ways that God moves...
Friends, it can be as simple as an invitation to Chapel that will allow God to work and move in some one's life. Do not hesitate. Reach out. Allow God to work through you!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Thank God Indy is not our Final Destination
Thanks to Dennis, Lee and Gary for giving me the opportunity to work on the team. It was lots of hard work, but it is lots of fun running an Indy car at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway! Also, thanks to Dr. Riina from OrthoIndy, for putting my back together and Andrea from Body One Physical Therapy for training me. The back held up great!
The Indy 500 is a great event, but it does not even come close to the race we will win through faith in Jesus Christ when we reach our final destination with Him in glory!! Jesus said, " you will have trouble in this world, but take heart, I have overcome the world."
Trust Him - nothing else.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
We need you back on our side......
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
First Practice, Chapel, & Bible Study ...
We had the first Chapels of the year at Indy last Sunday. It was well attended in both services. I pray that God will continue to speak to those people's hearts.....
We had the Vision Racing bible study today at 7:00 in the morning! We held it in their hospitality tent at the track. We also had a couple of the Hemelgarn Racing guys attend! We had great conversation and I felt like God was honored by our study. Pray that we all learn from what we heard and we act on it!
Thanks for your continued prayers and support!
Monday, May 4, 2009
May is here - with Hemelgarn Racing!
So, obviously, God did not need me there this month! (I will still be doing the Bible study with them at the track throughout the month) I prayed and made a few phone calls….. Hemelgarn called me back and said that people there had been “praying” that I would work for them! Wow.. I had a meeting with their team manager on Saturday and they hired me that day. I start on Tuesday!
So…. God is always more that faithful….. Pray that I will be an effective witness to those guys!
Root for Buddy Lazier #91 on 5/24!!!!!! Thanks for your support and prayers!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
We are not in Kansas anymore!
I hooked up with the hospitality worker that said he was "too far gone". He did not want to talk about it. I assured him that I (or we) am available whenever he is ready. He said, "I knew that even before we talked". Praise God! That is the type of presence ministry that needs to be evident!
Thanks to all for your support and prayers! I return home tomorrow!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Update from Kansas!
Made some great connections with many of the team guys the last couple of days. We have talked about everything from how the team is doing to funerals to planning baptisms in May! Pray that these conversations are God led and God honoring.
We have 2 chapels and 2 races tomorrow. Pray these go well and that God is in control of all! In my devotions this morning I read in 2 Timothy 4:2 , that we are to Preach the Word. In season and out of season; correct rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction. Pray that I do that. I encourage you to do the same. Everyday!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Long Beach Sunday, Sunday Sunday!!!!!!
The local Long Beach Salvation Army brought 6 guys and 2 trucks to take the food today! I helped them load the trucks and we ended shoulder to shoulder in prayer! We asked God to bless their efforts and that this food would be used to further the Kingdom of Christ!
The day ended with dinner with Dan and Linda Baker. They are wonderful Christian people that are former board members of the IRL Minstry. They offered me great encouragement this evening during our discussions and prayed for me and the IRL Minsitry (as they always do). Thanks Dan and Linda! Thanks to all who prayed. leave Friday for Kansas. Keep Praying!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Long Beach Update!
The local Salvation Army will be taking the food form this weekend! I connected with many of the Indy Car and Indy Lights guys today! We are trying to arrange 2 baptisms in May for a ocuple of guys from the Vision study! Pray those arrangements go well.
It is not our job to push the God's timing. Today was an example of that. I did talk with the hospitality worker I mentioned in previous blogs. He was not ready to discuss God's grace. Keep praying....
I did meet a Christian lady on the plane coming out here that has been through some recent trials in here life that she shared with me. I offered words of encouragement that God gave me. Would you join me in praying for her? Pray she will find God's direction in her life.
Keep praying!!!!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
St. Pete Food Donation & Long Beach!!!
Pray for the trip to Long Beach. Pray that the "seeds that were planted" with the "crew care packs" that were distributed at St. Pete will be watered!! Pray for opportunites to share Christ thi weekend!!!
God Bless!
Monday, April 6, 2009
St. Pete Pics!!!!!!!!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
St. Pete God Report!
Neat prayer time on the grid for both the Indy Lights and Indy Car race! (pics to come... stay tuned!) Many of the Indy Lights drivers prayed and were excited that prayer was offered! Had some very God orchestrated prayer time with individuals as I was working my way through the grid to pray with the teams! These requested prayer times with individuals are absolutely precious.... God is amazing... The teams were very receptive to prayer on the grid. Some teams were actually excited when I approached the car! Praise God!
It was also very nice to have my wife along with me on this trip! She is a blessing from God!
Next race is Long Beach in two weeks..... Keep praying that God will work thru the crew care packs as people open them and read God's word. Pray also that we will be attentive to those who are searching.. As always, thanks for praying. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Prayer, Chapel, Bags, Injuries, & Hope
I met with the Feeding America http://feedingamerica.org (formally Second Harvest) people from Tampa. They are picking up the food this weekend and we are trying to establish a national partnership with them for all the tracks! Had a great time of prayer with these brothers that God would use every bit of this food to show his love to the less fortunate.
Chapel today for the Indy Lights series was held at the Tech semi in the garage area. We had a great turnout for the 9:00 AM service! We had great prayer time on the grid prior to today's race. There are many new teams and drivers this year. Most all wanted to pray. I was rejected by two drivers. We are still there, still present, still praying.
One of the IRL crew members was injured today in the garage area. After his brief stay at the infield care center, I transported him back to his garage. I had a neat time of prayer with him for his injuries.
Lastly, I was hanging up flyers for our Sunday Chapel services in the hospitality area today. One of the guys I met last year said to me, " there is no hope for me, I am too far gone". I replied that nobody is too far gone. That Christ will forgive the worst of sins. He said when he stands before God, that God will say "not this one". I told him that that is exactly why Jesus died on that cross for your sins. I said that if you trust Jesus, then He will say to God, "no, this one is OK, he is covered by my blood......... He did not say a word.... I gave him a couple of devotionals I had for him to read. I also told him, at the proper time, I wanted to talk further about his concerns. He agreed. Please pray. Please.
Tomorrow there are two races, a chapel and a catholic mass. There will be countless opportunities to exhibit Christ's love. Pray I do that.
This why I am here. To share Christ. Nothing else. Pray.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Over 500 crew care packs handed out today at St. Pete!
Some opened them up right away and looked at all the contents. Some asked who paid for them. Some were just thankful that we were giving them a gift.
Now its time to pray! Pray that the seeds get watered. That the soil will be fertile. That they will open the bags and read. That God will open their eyes..... Pray... Thanks to all.... more from the track tomorrow!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Front Wing Presented to ICCC
Friday, March 27, 2009
Is This a Hobby?
That comment hit me hard...... Friends, is Christianity "just a hobby" for you? We are serving the Almighty God of the universe. We are giving praise to Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world. Our God knows and understands our every thought. We have been commanded by Christ Himself to go unto the world to spread the Good News.
It's more than a "hobby" to me....... how bout you?
Sunday, March 15, 2009
WOW!!! - 100 boxes packed
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
God working at the Vision Study!
We need to be there. We need to encourage. We need to go. We need to follow where Jesus is leading. Without hesitation....... Go.... spread the Good News!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
IRL Ministry Crew Care Pack - Packing Party March 15th!
We are having the packing party at Indian Creek Christian Church on Sunday, March 15th at 12:30 in the Family Life Center. Pizza will be provided! We are going to pack all 600 backpacks with the Bibles, etc. and pray over them before we box them up for the trip to St. Pete on April 5th for the first IRL race!
Please pray that these Crew Care Packs with be received well. I hope to see you all there!
Monday, February 23, 2009
God Provides!
This week was also the "last" offering during our Sunday School class. In addition to another $500 donation, the offering was $550!!!! Based on that number, WE HAVE ALL COSTS COVERED FOR THIS PROJECT!!!!
Thanks to the classes at Indian Creek Christian Church, thanks to Kingdom Racing, thanks to EMI, but most of all, thanks be to God! God provides. Let God work. Blessings!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Vision Study, Crew Care Packs, & Makin' Plans
I have been busy making travel arrangements for the year. All my hotels are booked! I am still working with Greenwood Travel (www.greenwoodtravel.com) on all my flights! Thanks Ian!
The study at Vision went well today. We discussed how and why Jesus choose his disciples. These guys were ordinary people entrusted with the mission to spread the news of Christ. We are very similar to the disciples. As Christ followers, we are to do what Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Go!!!!!!!!!!!! God Bless!!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Chinese Church in Greenwood
Monday, February 2, 2009
Crew Care Pack Update!!!!!!
$1500 – 600 BIBLES – PAID IN FULL!
$554 – 1000 TRI Fold Inserts – ½ PAID IN FULL!
$954 – 600 back packs – well…. not so paid… : (
$0 – 500 devotionals – PAID IN FULL - DONATED - Our Daily Bread
$0- 600 tool box decals – PAID IN FULL - DONATED - Business Art & DeSigns
...waiting to see if we can pay for the backpacks before we order any fillers like water, jerky, etc.
Thanks to ALL who have donated from Mark Miller and Steve Totten's class at "The Creek"! (www.thecreek.org)
Sunday, February 1, 2009
IRL Ministry Donations
If God is urging you to give in this area, please follow that leading. You may contact me or Bob Hills at bhills@indyracing.com or go to the IRL Ministry website at www.irlministry.com.
Thanks for your continued support!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Bibles Ordered & Vision Study!!
The Vision Racing Winners Circle study is going well. Some of the topics related to Joe Gibb's book Racing to Win that have been discussed are, trials, spiritual trasnformation, God's plans for your life, prayer, and the desires of your heart. Pray that God will continue to lead the subject matter every Wednesday at 11:30!!!!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Crew Care Pack Project!!
We are moving forward with a project for next year!!! We are raising funds for a “care package” for each of the crew members for next year…. I am getting’ excited about this…. The pack would include:
New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs Bibles with the IRL Ministry logo imprinted on the front cover, drawstring backpacks with the IRL Ministry logo on it, 60 day devotionals, tool box decals, IRL Ministry 3 fold flyers, beef jerky packs, trail mix, gum, mints, a bottle of water, etc. to fill out the packs.
If you would like to be a part of this project, please let me know! We still need money to order the Bibles and bags and are looking for the rest of the supplies to pack the bags!
A bible in each IRL crew member's hand. How cool is that!!!!!!!!! God Bless!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Vision Study Update
Also pray for the other studies at the IRL offices, Panther Racing, and one "in the works" at Andretti Green Racing.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
I will be running the Vision Racing Winner's Circle this Wednesday. We are going through the Joe Gibbs book "Racing to Win". Pray that God will be present and actually leading the study (not me).
Please pray for those who have lost their jobs in our racing community. These are difficult times for the teams and team members. Also pray for George Del Canto and his family from Kingdom Racing (http://www.kingdomracing.net/). His wife recently went home to be with the Lord. Pray that they will see God's control and direction in this difficult time.