The INDYCAR Ministry and my Involvement

The Indy Car Ministry provides chapel services at each track where the Indy Car, Indy Lights, Pro Mazda Championship, and USF2000 series race. Chapel services include Christian music, Holy Communion, prayer, and a biblical message. We provide prayer and counseling support to drivers and team members. Bible studies are also provided at some of the race shops.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

What you did was....

amazing.... That is what a fan said to me last weekend in Iowa after I had finished offering prayer to each driver in the Star Mazda series. He said, "You went to every one of them, every car." I thanked him for saying something and I said, "You must be a Christian?" He replied, "No, I am not". Much to my surprise I asked if he believed in God. He was not sure where he stood on the topic, but he said again what you did there was amazing.
I was reminded by my pastor that this encounter parallels what John wrote in John 16:8-9 says, "When he (the Holy Spirit) comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me."
Even when people see our actions; our response to the call of God on our heart, God can use that to convict those who are not yet in Christ.
Act...

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Who's your boss?









This is what we discussed at the morning's chapel. Paul wrote in Colossians, that we are to do everything as if the Lord was our boss. Paul wrote to Timothy to tell him that Christian slaves were to respect their masters especially if they were believers. So what is our attitude? How is our work ethic? Who are you working for? Could it be that the way present ourselves has a profound way that non-believers see God? Absolutely... Live as if Jesus himself was signing your daily timesheet...

Friday, June 22, 2012

There's more than corn in Iowa!



Racing! Neat track. Very nice people. Safe day today! Chapel tomorrow at 9:00!

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Iowa this weekend!


I will be at Iowa Speedway this weekend with the Star Mazda series. Chapel is Saturday at 9:00 am at the Star Mazda transporter. If you are at the track, stop by for the service!

Pray for a safe weekend and that Christ will be honored and glorified!

Friday, June 1, 2012

Can you pray while you drive?


Can you pray while you drive? I was asked this question as I was driving to Methodist Hospital with a family member of a driver who was injured in a scary crash at Lucas Oil Raceway last Saturday night. During that anxious moment, we did not know the condition of the driver. So as I drove, I prayed. Out loud.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to do just that; "pray continually". This does not have to be a verbal prayer, but an attitude of prayer; a constant dialogue with our heavenly Father. Lifting our thoughts and requests to Him and laying them at the feet of Jesus.

We thank God that this driver was released later that evening with no injuries. God wants to hear from you. Have you prayed today? Are you praying now. Do you pray continually?

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Monday, May 28, 2012

You don't know me, but....

I had an older gentleman with a cane approached me after one of our chapel services on Indy 500 race day. He said, You don't know me, but you picked me up on your golf cart at the Indycar Nashville, TN race a number of years ago. Since then, I have prayed for and financially supported your ministry. I just wanted to say thank you".

He was correct, I did not remember him. Hopefully, I was simply being obedient to God's prompting. So when was the last time you drove by, walked by, or acted like you did not see someone that needed help or a word of encouragement. This reminds me of the good Samaritan story in Luke 10:33 where Jesus said in a parable, " But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him." Jesus then said in verse 37, “Go and do likewise.”

You never know when God will use you. Will you be obedient to the call? Go and do likewise....

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Night before the 500!



Both the USF2000 and Star Mazda series are racing tonight at Lucas Oil Raceway. Special thanks to the Rocklane Christian Church praise and worship team who lead worship today in our chapel service! It was an awesome time of sharing and worship! "What shall we do" was the title of today's message. When Peter spoke just after the Holy Spirit dwelt among the people, they were moved to the point of action... What shall we do?, they asked. Repent and be baptized.....  Thousands surrendered their life to Christ that day. What shall we do? What will you do?

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Thank you for your service....



Someone told me that today. I had just listened to the story of his cousin who had died today. I was there to listen. I did not have any prophetic words to offer. No real advice. Just listened.

How often do we do that. In the middle of our day, stop, listen, and share the compassion of Christ. How often should we do that. How often did Christ do that. Listen. Care. Love.


Friday, May 18, 2012

Soap is Hope!






















INDYCAR Ministry was excited to present over 20 pounds of soap and shampoo products to Lee Ladd, Director of Extended Hand Ministries yesterday. Lee ministers to inmates in prisons in the Indianapolis area. Lee explains that some of the inmates are indigent and have no means to purchase additional soap at the commissary. As a result, the soap that is issued by the prison is used quickly and they have nothing to shower with. This soap is shared in Jesus name to inmates and Jesus provides eternal hope to all! Pray for Lee as he shares this message of hope to those who are incarcerated.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

What are you doing?


You did not do anything to achieve your salvation, but you must do something to exhibit it. - Ozwald Chambers

Friday, May 11, 2012

Indy Lights J.V. Horto - Chapel Guest this Sunday!

Indy Lights driver, J.V. Horto will be the guest of the INDYCAR Ministry at this Sunday's (5/13) chapel service. J.V. will talk about his faith in Christ and how that has played a pivotal role in his racing career.

The chapel is on the first floor of the media building at IMS, just north of the Pagoda. It will be held at 8:30 AM. We hope to see you there!

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Lonestar "JR" Johnny Rutherford Award



The trophy for the Lonestar "JR" Johnny Rutherford award was unveiled today at a press conference today at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The trophy will be handed out to a person who represents character, integrity, and leadership at the annual Indy 500 Breakfast held on 5/26. More details are available at www.Indy500breakfast.com!

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Words do Matter

We all face obstacles in our lives. Most of us are able to walk and communicate without giving it a second thought. Kevin and Marla Pace are an exception to that rule. I met this lovely couple this morning and had a time of fellowship and prayer with them. Despite huge challenges in their lives, they have the resolve to move forward for the glory of Christ. Their attitude reminds me of what Paul said in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

Take a moment to check out the story of Kevin and Marla Pace on their website below. Be sure to watch the special that was done by an Indianapolis TV station. If you feel led, support their ministry by purchasing some of their work.

http://www.wordsdomatter.com/Home.html

They have graciously donated one of their framed prints for the INDYCAR Ministry silent auction to be held later this year at our golf tournament.

Thanks Kevin and Marla. You are truly an inspiration led by God Himself!

Monday, April 2, 2012

Fix Your Eyes on Jesus!

This is an excerpt from the sermon message yesterday at Barber Motorsports Park....

When Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, he was set out resolute for the cross. His triumphant entry into the city was followed by his last supper with the apostles. He went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane and was captured there. He was taken to the house of the high priest Caiaphas for his mock trial. Pontius Pilate then handed him over to be flogged. He carried his own cross to the hill on Golgotha where he was crucified for us.


Jesus set his eyes on the cross. Jesus was faithful to the finish. He was faithful to the finish for us. Will you be faithful to the finish in your life? The only way to insure that you are is to look to the author and perfecter of our faith. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Do it today.

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Sweet Home Alabama!

Chapel is this Sunday at 8:00 AM (9:00 EST) at the Star Mazda transporter at Barber Motorsports Park. Both Star Mazda races will be held on Sunday! Pray for good and safe racing and that Christ is proclaimed in this place!

Sunday, March 25, 2012

St. Pete Pics!!!!


































Are you clergy?

I was asked by a fan in St. Pete as I walked through the paddock area if I was clergy and if I could take a prayer request for someone. I said sure! He proceeded to tell me about a woman that has in-operable cancer and will die soon. I wrote down her name and asked him how he knew her. He said, "She is my wife".

I asked if I could pray with him. He agreed. As I prayed for her healing either here on earth or when she reaches heaven, he began to cry. As I ended my prayer, he gave a bear hug with tears flowing. I whispered in his ear, "It will be OK. And if you have faith in Christ, you will see her again". As we parted ways, he was still crying at his impending earthly loss.

We are all "clergy". It does not have to say "ministry" on your shirt to share the love and hope of Christ. Go ye therefore...

Friday, March 23, 2012

Will you pray for my driver?



I was asked that question on pit road by a crew chief during qualifications today! His car was actually on the track for quals and he came over to me and asked if I would pray right there, right now, with him for the driver on the track. I was impressed with his request....

Why? Typically during a qualification run, everyone is focused on their team, the car, the traffic, the speed, and the position. This guy wanted to focus on God.

How many times do we stop in the middle of an important event and just pray? I prayed with that crew chief on pit lane while his car was on the track. When God prompts; act. Pray with out ceasing...

Thursday, March 22, 2012

In St. Pete!

With the USF2000 and Star Mazda series! 35-40 USF2000 entries and 22 Star Mazda entries! Pray for a safe weekend and that hearts would be changed for Christ!