John Medlen has been intrigued by how to improve all things mechanical his entire life. Early on he owned his own machine shop and turned an automotive repair business into a custom parts fabrication facility whose work caught the attention of professional NHRA racers.

 John served as the crew chief for both Don Prudhomme and Chuck Etchells before joining John Force Racing at the end of 1995 as the crew chief on a second Castro I-backed Funny Car. That Castro I Syntec Ford Mustang Funny Car won the 2003 POWERade championship with driver Tony Pedregon, and John is now in the second season with his son, Eric Medlen, at the helm.

 Team RFC President Larry Smiley recently (July 2005)  sat down with John Medlen to discuss the importance of his Christian faith.

 Larry Smiley: Tell me about your Christian faith. How has that progressed through your life?

 John Medlen: The seeds were established early, as a kid, attending Zion Reform Church. It was a nice church which taught me a basis for going to church and it has stayed with me most of my life.

 While attending high school in Central California, one of my friends Chuck, (his father was a pastor, and he was known as the preacher's kid) had good values and was a great guy. I attended a Pentecostal Church with him and while in church, that same old adage "If I had known then what I know now ... " hit me.

 All of a sudden, I started to sweat, the preacher was singing songs, and then I saw myself from about four feet away speaking in tongues and the Holy Spirit came upon me. I can see what happened to Paul, the Apostle, because I wasn't seeking this. It just happened. I was just minding my own business, but since then I have never been the same.

 Smiley: How old were you at this, John?

 Medlen: In my early twenties. As the mind of man goes on, and as the enemy continues to go to work, I wandered off for several years. I moved to Arkansas and met Martha. She is the catalyst for on-going growth to staying rooted in Christ and staying strong in the faith, but also gaining understanding in Christ. She is the rock of that foundation. Every day is continued growth in faith and understanding. If you don't have a family rooted environment, it is hard to have growth as much as when you do.

 Smiley:  How do you feel knowing that your son, Eric, attends the RFC chapel services?

 Medlen:  Seeing him seek after God, that is the greatest feeling to hope for and pass on to your children. Martha's parents lived that type of life, as strong believers. As we become more deeply rooted in our faith and get stronger, we become the example to those around us. Eric grows more every day. Once you accept Christ you are never the same. Through input, interaction, witness, conversations, and experiences we grow and become more solidly rooted in the things unseen, gaining more trust and faith.

 The mind of man is no different today than in the ancient times of the Bible. All the stories in the Bible can be applied to us today. After a certain point it solidifies your faith. Satan tries to get us diverted more into the world. The Holy Spirit, when we listen, confirms to us we are on the right way by tapping us on the shoulder. The Christian faith and growth has been phenomenal.

 Smiley: Do you believe we are living in the end times?

 Medlen: Over all, it really doesn't matter. People in the Bible thought they were living in end times. No one knows the day or time the Lord will return.  Paul the apostle says don't be caught napping, be rooted, because as a thief in the night no one knows the hour of his return but the Father. I can't imagine that prophesy not being fulfilled.

 I try witnessing to my friends and to get them to get it: the things unseen, rather than seen. Once born again, the Holy Spirit brings the truth crystal clear. It is foreign when you don/t know the Lord.

 Smiley:  How is it being a Christian, your witness, and working for John Force Enterprises?

 Medlen:  Educational, challenging, and a mission. I often asked the Lord, "Why am I here?" There are so many things in my earthly mind that I think I would like to be doing. I asked the Lord, "There must be a reason." He answers, "Because I need you here in all walks of life." Christ would be ministering to those around us and we need to be following his example. The Lord tells us where to go and what to do and we need to be sensitive to that.

 Smiley: Here we are in St. Louis, one year after the death of Darrell Russell. Does that have an effect you? From last year, have you seen any change in the racers or crew members concerning their own mortality?

 Medlen: We all question the frailty of life. When Darrell last communicated with his crew, he had no idea when he put down his visor and staged the car that he would be led home. As we all could be at anytime. Race cars could hurt you and it is our choice; you can't reassign the risk to someone else. We don't know what time the parting of the body and soul will take place. When I see decals in memory of someone, it reminds me how God created our spirits and we must make a choice where the spirit lives forever. No strings attached. Hopefully the world is listening; we must engage it with a choice of where the spirit will remain.  

Smiley: What is your view on Team RFC and your perspective of the ministry at the races?

 Medlen: It is one of the greatest ministries I have seen, and I say that not just because I am involved. Imagine if Christianity wasn't alive in the world today. It (Team RFC) is not only a group that collectively represents Christ but it is reaching out to this mission field, unashamedly and boldly speaking out for Christ.

Smiley: Any thing you would like to add?  

Medlen: Not really. I love to talk about Christ. It is uplifting to put your trust in the Lord. The emptiness before knowing the Lord grieves me. I have been there.