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Region 5 Ministry News |
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West Central
Region/Region 5 2009 The Times Ahead The road that lay ahead seems to be filled with unknown challenges. Our days of cruising down the highway of life with little or no cares in the world seem to have been sidelined; at least temporarily. The economy is shaky and many people are starting, or have been, feeling the effects of the downturn. So how are we to look at the future in these uncertain times? For many people, when crisis hits or is about to hit, it is a time to turn to God for help. They cry out from the pain that eats at their insides. This can be a time of great growth in a relationship with God if the time is taken to slow down and listen to Him. Not just a time to cry out, but a time of listening and reflecting. God does not work like the vending machine at the track. With a machine, you pull out some change and put it into the machine, look over the tasty selections of snacks or drinks and then push the button. Voila! Instant gratification. Real life with God is not that way. He expects us to be in a daily relationship with Him. Our prayers should not feel like a vending machine. “Today I would like some extra cash.” or “Hey God, could you take care of ……” When we seek Him daily, we begin to understand that He has a plan for our lives and is not there just in times of crisis. God is like the parent that you feel safe sitting on their lap and pouring out what is hurting in your heart. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. …The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. John 14:27 & Deuteronomy 33:27 NIV Thanks to Those Who Plow Fields for Us! Some time ago a church leader in Central Africa told me his own story along this line. He said, “I needed income for my family and went to the chief and asked for some fields to plow. The chief gave me six acres, and I began plowing. While I was plowing, a villager came to me and said, ‘Reverend, what are you doing? Why are you working in this field? You are a man of God. You should be preaching the Gospel.’” He told the villager, “I am working to supplement my income because the church offerings are not adequate, and I need school fees for the children. So the chief gave me this land.” “Pastor, you go and do God’s work, and I will plow this field for you”, the villager replied. So he did; and when harvest time came, he returned and helped the pastor with the harvest. We thank each and every one of you who provide funding to this ministry so that we may have the opportunity to share the Gospel with those in the motorsports community! A report from 2008 Last year was another great year for the ministry of Racers / Rodders For Christ in the West Central Region. We now have over 35 staff members serving in 8 states. This staff covers events from circle track, drag racing, 4 - wheel drive gatherings, car shows, and even covering large events, such as the Craftsman Truck Series and IRL races. Our staff covered more than 175 events last year. They held 49 chapel services with over 900 people attending these services. In addition to the work at motorsports events, our staff conducted 5 weddings, one funeral and several visits to local hospitals. We continue to be blessed by the Lord in the area of finance. While giving to the national organization dropped in 2008, our region managed to meet the budget for the year and even finished with a small surplus to begin 2009! March / April Schedule February - March April * Denotes races held at Bandimere Speedway in Denver
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