Some of you are aware that I am blessed to be called Chaplain in the circles of the race family I have never been so humbled as by being able to serve in this sport.

 There was a time when my plan was to have a big Church with as much prestige as I could structure without it looking like I had anything to do with it,those plans will never be and I can tell you the pressure to preform to worldy success will not satisfy.

 I will probably never have a great building and all the creature comforts I once thought so critical for success,it may seem strange but now that I am a real missionary to the race track family I sleep better laugh more and look forward to each day ,money or the lack of it has little affect on me,what really matters is souls ,you see they have no dollar value.

 The past few weeks have given me a cause to follow Christ at any cost and most of that has come from the theology of the race track.

  My dear friend Dana the faithful push truck driver at Mercer Raceway Park lost his father he has struggled all his life and when he lost Dad there was no life insurance and if you dont already know funeral cost is very high,so put two and two together ,no viewing ,no service,no burial,(BUT GOD), my good friend Kevin Green and I would do a memorial service for Dana .

 I had mentioned the same at a pastors prayer time I attend every Wed.I said we needed a place but I had none this was answered with yes you do there are 13 churches represented here and you can use any one you want,some how that seemed like the church as it should be ,true brothers and sisters in Christ.

  I selected Living Word Church in hermitage only because of the location Pastor Carol Missik attended the service as did Kevin Green ,the next day Vicki Emig called and told me she wanted to do something for him at the track Sat. night ,this would be a little difficult at first thought( BUT GOD) many of the teams would be new and therefore may not respond well.

  At the drivers meeting I made a plea when I was getting ready to do the prayer and ask if they would share to help ,by giving one dollar and just put it in a box at the pit table,when the meeting was over I stood there and looked on with my eyes filled with tears as I watched the compassion of the racing family released.

  The money is great but the heart and care it was given is the heart of God in real life.that didnt finish the Mini Stock drivers went through the stands with their helmets and collected more ,but wait theres more the Mini Stock guys had organized a memorial race for Leyland Haylett and the winning driver was from New York and gave his winnings to Dana also.

  I am so proud to serve as Chaplain at Mercer and Lernerville and any where else God may call me not because I am great but because God is great ,and so is the entire racing family.

  The world economy may be bad but Gods economy is solvent and all of you have made Danas delimia much easier with your gifts that came to about 1000.00 dollars.

. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do and the kind words like the one from the NewYork driver that told me it was the first time at Mercer but it was the need not the location,and the fans in the stands and MercerRaceway Park .

   In Christs service

   Bill

 I have a zest for life and never want it to diminsh as I grow older so when I read my latest Shade Tree motor cycle catalog I saw this great shirt,I will quote it verbatim hope you receive it in the manner I send it it is how God has designed me ,and I like his design.

“ My life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving in a pretty and well preserved body,but rather I will skid in broadside ,thoroughly used up, totally worn out,and loudly proclaming.

       WOW,,, What a Ride !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

  Racers dont have a death mind set but rather a life mind set we live life to the max most of us with calculated risk and thrive on it ,if christians would live their lives like racers can you imagine the results for the kingdom of God.

  John 10:10 from the message bible says it this way ,  Jesus speaking ,  I came so they (you and I)

can have real and eternal life,more and better life than they ever dreamed of.

 Will you take a chance on the ride of your life with Jesus you wont be dissapointed ,you might get a few scars along the way but then so did he.

  I will be glad to share my scars with you as bad as some were none were fatal because he loves me ,and you.

 Chaplain Bill

I promised a more complete report after our trip to see Judys brother Tom ,here it is as best as I can tell you.

We arrived at Presby after finding our way through the maze of detours and then finding a place to park, we got to the iccu waiting room and were told he was doing much better.

 After having some lunch we were allowed in to see him he is very alert and very clear in his thoughts ,I would like to think that the reason is he was wearing a helmet and had no serious head injuries,he will learn to function with an artificial leg much easier than a brain injury.

Tom said he is looking forward to getting in to rehab so he is able to function as normal as possible,his attitude is very positive which is a major victory in the healing process.

He said to keep praying because he knows that is the key to recovery,I assured him we would keep up with his request,will you help Judy and I thank you in advance.

I only wish some of us with our small problems could look at someone like Tom and see his determination ,I would like to think I would react the same way he is ,but will pray I am never faced with such trials.

This last week I have been reminded by some short articles by Chuck Swindoll about the life of Job they have been very insturmental in forming a new thought pattern for my life.

May I suggest you google this in to find access to this valuable teaching.   Insight For Living by Chuck Swindoll.

We will all be tested it is not if  but how we will react and what we will do to find victory that is important.

Trust in the Lord

Bill

  When I return today I will post a more complete report ,in the interim pray for us that is the answer to our strength and success

I thank all of you for your concern and support in all we attempt to accomplish with out you we would not be able to do it.

  Serving the racing family

  Bill&Judy

  Now realizing none of you have dealt with issues I feel I must give you some hard earned advice about such times and situations.

  The summer of 08 has been wonderful I was running as fast as I could and coasting when it was needed always ready to encourage others ,praise the Lord .

  Now the season is almost over and I can look around and see and experience the things others need to be encouraged about and feel the pain.

  Case in point last Saturday I was blessed to be a part of my brothers daughters wedding ,I would miss the Little Guys at Mercer ,but it was all covered little did I know that after Sundays service for Danas Dad I would be faced with my own trial.

   At about the time we were leaving the service Judys brother was involved in a serious motorcycle accident near his home in Greenville Pa ,as a result he had his right leg amputated above the knee as well as other injuries was flown to Presby in Pittsburgh he is still critical.

  How quickly life changes it is at times like these that our real faith will show or seem to not be there at all ,it is a very clever trick of the enemy to distract us but we are warned in Luke 4;18&19   about this.

  I/we have a choice to make we can be steered away from the call of God on our life or face it with the support of Jesus and the Holy Spirit ,through the Father.

   This is always easy to tell some one else but much more difficult to do. ask me I know and am in the midst of a great trial of my faith you see Tom is very special to Judy and I .

   Please dont ask God where he is when you are faced with things like this seek him you will find him right beside you he promised to never leave you and his word is true,now the same question for you, is your promise to him true and if it has become a little strained remember he was waiting for the Prodigal and his leaving was not important but his return was.

 There is a big ring ,big meal, and better than all that the loving hug from Jesus,

  I have been fed given a ring and loved by the Father ,now its your turn ,and please pray for Tom and Judy.

  Living by Faith

   Bill

I would like to say thank you to a couple of very special people ,one is my welding buddy Jim,Jed,Fred that is all the names he goes by or answers to ,we have been friends for some time and when I am not able to be at mercer he is faithful to cover for me.

 While talking to my other friend Kevin Green sunday night at the memorial service he told me how busy the welder was on saturday ,his word were he didnt think he ever stopped ,and I can belive that from the number of cars and the wrecks.

Fred is the kind of friend everyone needs and should be thankful for every day ,the next time you see him please say thanks he probably doesnt hear it enough.

  Kevin Green is the other friend I have never ask him for anything he would not do if it was in his power ,praying at the drivers meeting so important and Kevin not only can do it but wants to do it.

   Sunday afternoon Kevin showed up at the memorial service and I ask if he would share the service and he did .

   The list of friends I have at the tracks no matter which track is so large it staggering to comprehend and as the time goes on more and more seem to appear,I only hope I can become to them what they have become to me .

   This Wedensday Judy and I will be going to Erie for a meeting about next years KIDS Charity event at Lake Erie Speedway ,more new friends to serve ,yes for us to serve not to be served by, Jesus came to serve and we need to follow his call it is always better to give than get!!!!!!.

   I am trying to find my grade school english teacher to help me with my sentence structure and all the other things she tried to teach me ,but I was to busy with internal combustion engines and hot rods ,now you all have to put up with my poor english ,sorry I would love to have a proof reader ,but until then pretend i am talking to you and put in your own periods and all the other neat stuff  got you perfect grades.

   I hope you all will have a great week and remember God loves you just the way you are but has a few improvements he would like to make, and for your information I am a work in progress also.

   Held up by his love

    Bill

    ps.read todays bible verse on the site

  This week is shaping up for more excitement Mercers Little Guys Nationals for two days Saturday I will be absent because my brothers daughter is getting married I am happy to go for the last few years my brother and I have been at the races every Saturday and so it will be natural for us except no race cars.

  Sunday I will be doing a memorial service for Danas Dad then on Wednesday we will be in Erie for a dinner and meeting with the board of Racing For KIDS if you are bored and having a hard time filling your days try serving God he will give you so many things to do you wont have time to be bored.

  I have been blessed with the chance to serve in an area I love with people I respect and at the same time do Gods bidding ,after 20 yrs of trying to juggle everthing so I could make every one happy I had to crash and burn so I could take a closer look at my life and the call God had for me .

  Was my crash difficult yes it was and will always be a reminder to follow Gods prompting if you want real joy,if you are trying to figure out what you are supposed to be doing stop and pray and read the word of God that is the only place you can be sure to get the best direction for your life.

  If there is ever a time you need to talk I would be blessed to share my life with all its ups and downs the good the bad but mostly the role Jesus plays in this imperfect person and how he loves me and you right where you are.

Trusting God loving others

Bill

  Dana is a very faithful helper at the track and your presence will mean a lot to him ,if you need more info please get in touch with me at home 724 964 0713 or by email and pass this on ,I will be at the Little Guys on friday night .

  Serving the racing family

  Chaplain Bill

   My last post was 9/13/08 I like to post every five days it is in my opinion critical however Ike had other ideas and we were without power until Saturday 9/20/08 this proved to be a very unique time but it was in no way as bad as those in Texas I am so thankful we were spared and at the same time so sorry for those that have lost everything .

  On the 17th we were a part of a childrens charity at lake erie speedway what an honor to help the kids that need it so much if you want more info on this event to racing for kids  charities erie or go to lake erie speedway web site and click on that link.

  I arrived about 2:00 pm and was wide open until about 11:oo pm had the opportunity to pray for all the drivers and the people that attended as well as the staff the ministry was received in such a way it made me thank God he has allowed me to do this type of mission work and only 100 miles from home .

  Why is it we so many times assume mission work is only in the far away places and maybe some day if we can raise enough money get the time off and not have to sacrifice to much we will do it, it has become so real to me all you have to do is quit fretting over why you cant do it and start your mission work right where you are.

  I would like to reccomend a great book that may help you realize your dreams of being a missionary without big money it is by Bill Hybels the title is Just Walk Across the Room if you allow it it will transform your life and at the same time prepare you to share the Gospel in a very easy manner do you have enough cash to buy a couple gallons of race fuel that is all you need to buy the book, and if you cant call me and we can arrange some session on dvd if you arent a reader .

  The final amount of cash raised was about 55,000.00 dollars not bad for a bunch of non dscript racing people but better yet the chance to make new friends and contacts close to home about a two hour drive,I know some kid that is in need will not care if the missionary has ever been out of the country as long as they are in touch with needs right here .

  That was a time I will always remember and look forward to next year ,thank you racing family you think well on your feet that is why you are all winners in my book.

I will be doing more catching up on the Sharon Apple Fest Nats next but for now I have a conference call with MOTOR RACING OUTREACH

Peace and Blessing

Chaplain Bill

 The race season here in the northeast begins to wind down in September but the need for ministry is still needed Jesus is not a seasonal savior he is always there and always needed,so what do I do let me try to tell you what I do.

 For the last 2 months we have been working with a group of men and women from Erie Pa that have put together a charity race for kids it will take place at Lake Erie Speedway Sept 17th the details are found on Lake Eries web site under KIDS CHARITIES I hope you will take a look I am so honored to be a part of this and raise money for Make A Wish as well as other needs ,this is all possible because racers give of their time and talent.

If you want to be blessed become a blessing first you will be amazed at the return on you gift and it is an all inclusive giving attitude dont miss this chance and remember the government wont have to bail you out because this is a God investment.

 The other ways of serving vary from going to a race shop to pray for the owner driver by his invitation ,also helping plan a memorial for a father of one of the guys from the track,then make some calls to the champions from the tracks I am with.

 Planing church for a two day show that will end the season for another track ,checking on those that are sick or hurting ,I guess the question I began with has two meanings one is will I have anything to do or better yet what do I do next race chaplains should do much more than attend races they should try to support everyone involved in the racing industry ,and by the way there are racing club meetings and banquets and on and on and on.

 I guess I could blow my horn for a long time but then I would not have time to do all I am called to do as a race track chaplain would I ?

 Philippians 4:20

 Bill & Judy