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Team RFC®

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News from the Christian Motorsports International, Inc. Family of Ministries Volume 2017, Issue #1

/// C O N T E N T S ///

Eddie Baugher Page 2Joey KeithTulsa Shootout Page 3Craig GarlandNHRA UpdatePage 6Win Light KidsPage 6Praising GodJim KylePage 7March Meet ChapelBob HadidianPage 7Impact of RFCMike GriffithPage 8

Farewell Tourby Larry and Linda Smiley

I am a slight bit uncomfortable writing about a “Farewell Tour” when it seems like “Déjà vu all over again,” to quote the inimitable Yogi Berra. Linda and I had a wonderful time in 2014 celebrating our ten years as the Team RFC® NHRA National Event Series Chaplains. We were recognized at races and given a wonderful acknowledgement for our years of service to the NHRA on stage during opening ceremonies at the 2014 World Finals in Pomona. Now in 2017, we’re celebrating my last year as President of Team RFC®. I am

grateful that NHRA.com published our “Farewell Tour” press release on February 15, 2017. Linda and I have served God for 19 years through Team RFC® and we give all the Glory to Him. Our goal, on January 1, 1998, was to humbly lift up the Name above all names, Jesus Christ, to the world of motorsports.

We made hundreds of friends along this road of ministry through Team RFC®. We saw the hand of God touch many lives that were going through both the joys and challenges of life. I have been blessed to perform numerous weddings, baptisms and baby dedications during our years of ministry at Team RFC®. We also had the honor of memorializing several of those same friends as a result of doing what they loved – racing boats and cars until their final breath. God gave us the strength to bring His Hope, Peace and Love to those hurting families with stoic confidence to get them through their toughest days. When Linda and I were alone, we would let the tears flow, feeling the Father’s arms around us in the same way we had asked Him to comfort our hurting friends.

I have a hard time remembering life before Team RFC®. Linda and I will be celebrating our 25th anniversary this year in Denver during the NHRA Mile High Nationals. This has been our routine for over 15 years. I spent our tenth anniversary at Bandimere Speedway suffering from severe food poisoning as a result of eating some really good (but spoiled) Cajun

sandwich spread that we had received at a drag boat race the weekend before. Our twentieth anniversary was spent at the Briarwood Inn Restaurant in Golden. Tami Bandimere-Shrader (Bandimere Speedway owner and RFC Board Chair) had suggested it; the food was more than awesome and there weren’t any negative results.

After the 2017 season has ended, Linda and I will continue to serve Team RFC® in the same way we started; as volunteers. I will also continue serving on the Christian Motorsports International (CMI) / Team RFC® Board of Directors. I want to continue serving God through this worthwhile ministry as long as I am able. I know people will come up to us and say, “I thought you were retiring?” We will then laugh and explain our current situation.

We left our driveway in May of 1998 headed for Waco, TX to begin our assignment as series chaplains for the Southern Drag Boat Association (SDBA). We will return home after the NHRA World Finals in November of 2017 and will serve those last days as President of Team RFC® recalling all of the days in between. We will be a few pounds heavier due to the generous hospitality from our motorsports family. We will have a contact list that we will cherish deeply for the rest of our lives. We will be calling, texting, Facebooking, tweeting and who knows what other types of communications will be in our future. Farewell is not one of the things we will be saying often. “See you later” seems much more appropriate.

2 Corinthians 13:14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

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Reflecting on Life’s ChangesBy RFC Executive Director Eddie BaugherA lot sure has changed for my wife and I during the last three years. In 2014 we were still living in Oklahoma, running our family owned sign shop, and serving as volunteer chaplains for Team RFC®. On December of that same year we sold our business, our house, and headed to Arizona to begin a new chapter in our life. I had been hired as the Field Ministry Director for Team RFC®. I would now have the opportunity to pursue the passion God had given me to minister full-time in the world of motorsports. I knew God had opened the doors and made it possible for me to serve in this capacity and I was thankful. I had the opportunity to work alongside and be mentored by Jim Jack, Team RFC® Operations Director. I also went back to school so I could receive my ordination from Team RFC® as well as start working on earning my Credentialed Christian Non-Profit Leader certificate. For someone who had been out of school for over 25 years it was definitely a change.

Then on January 23, 2017, change came once again. During the board of directors meeting they informed me I had been appointed the Executive Director of Team RFC®. This was definitely not something I was expecting, but I do believe God has prepared me and will be there to guide my steps as I seek Him for wisdom and direction.

The Greek philosopher Heraclitus is credited with the saying, “The only thing that is constant is change.” Change is something we must all confront. It rarely comes when it is convenient or expected. A lot of times we even find ourselves fighting against it. But let’s face it, change happens. From the time we are born until our time on earth is finished, we change – we grow, we get stronger, we learn, we get old and eventually we pass away. But I would have to take exception with Heraclitus. I would have to say the only thing that is truly constant is God. Change may happen during our lives, but God is the constant that

holds our lives together. He gives us eternal life through the death of His one and only son Jesus, He gives us new life here on earth through a changed heart by believing that He is the Messiah and making Him Lord of our lives. Yes, we can see things change all around us and yet have hope in the unchanging love of God.

In 1971 the average yearly income was $10,600, monthly rent was $150, gasoline was .40¢ per gallon, postage stamps were .08¢, and movie

tickets were $1.50. Federal Express was started, Intel released the world’s first microprocessor, Texas Instruments released the first pocket calculator, the first Internet chat room appeared, and Apollo 14 landed on the moon. Also, that same year, five men came together in a living room in San Marino, California and humbly began Racers For Christ®.

A lot of things have changed since that time. The cost of the things we buy, the wages we earn, and the technologies we use are all in a state of constant change. Racers For Christ® has also gone through numerous changes over the years. We incorporated, moved our offices from California to Arizona, grown to over 350, mostly volunteer, staff members,

serving in four countries on three continents. But there is one thing that has never changed, and I pray will never change, that is the mission of Team RFC®. Our mission, “to serve people in the world of motorsports in the name of Jesus Christ through providing fellowship, pastoral care, evangelism, and service,” is what this ministry was built upon and continues to carryout.

Through the years Team RFC® has endured many changes. As we move forward we will continue to look to God and His steadfastness as our anchor. We will continue fulfilling the mission to which we have been called, and we will hold fast to the words of the Apostle Paul, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Join us as we fulfill our mission and make a positive change in the world of motorsports.

2017 Team RFC® Golf TournamentThe 9th Annual Racers For Christ® Golf Tournament & Charity Auction will be held on Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at Mountain Meadows Golf Course in Pomona, CA (prior to the NHRA Auto Club Finals).

The cost is $85.00 per player and includes green fees, golf cart, range balls, trophies, and some great food, including a taco bar brunch and IN-N-OUT® dinner. Space is limited and last year’s tournament sold out in September, so register early.

NEW FOR 2017: Inside the Ropes with RFC gives the non-golfer an opportunity to ride along with a NHRA professional driver during the tournament for only $250.00. This also includes food, a sleeve of golf balls, a signed hero card, and free entry into the putting contest.

This year we will have a large, multi-item Raffle during the tournament. Then on Friday, November 10 at 6:00 pm, we will have our Live Auction and Raffle inside the DSR, Army / NAPA Hospitality Tent at Auto Club Raceway, Pomona.

WE ARE ACCEPTING RAFFLE AND AUCTION DONATIONS. We are looking for crew shirts, racing and sports memorabilia, gift certificates, jewelry, golf accessories, and more. We need items for racing theme baskets, movie theme baskets, ladies baskets, sports baskets, and much more.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or donating items for the golf tournament contact Jim Jack at 602-524-4691 or [email protected]. You can find more information on the golf tournament by going to our website at www.TeamRFC.org and clicking on the golf tournament link.

RFC Chaplain Eddie Baugher prays with a group of racers from New Mexico at

the ET Bracket Finals in Las Vegas.


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It was November 26th, Larry Smiley called to ask if Mike Griffith and I could cover the Tulsa Shootout. He told me the dates and reluctantly I told him that we would make it work. To be honest, this event wasn’t really on my radar. It wasn't that I never thought about it, it just wasn't an event within “my box”. It was December 27 – January 1, 2017. Six long days inside the fourteen-acre Tulsa Expo Center and yet it proved to be one of the most exciting times to date serving in the world of motorsports.

It started within the first 30 minutes we were there, the officials were so welcoming and open to us; this set the stage for what was to be an amazing week. Day one - we assessed the layout, discussed the best and most effective ways we could minister to the 800 plus drivers, 1200 total entries, competing in 350 races. We were up to it. Each day we would get more and more excited, we touched every driver with a word of encouragement and a fist bump. Many wanted prayer. The noise made it very difficult to “scream” a prayer at a driver, but eye contact was made and we did our best. In the days following, the encouragement we received from the drivers, crew, parents, and officials was overwhelming. In all honesty, we were tired – not weary, but tired.

At each event there is a moment I would call a "God Moment." It is one of those moments that really stick with you. The Tulsa Shootout had a few of those, but there was one in particular. Mike and I met a young man who really caught our attention. He was just 7 years old and came to the lanes with that "he is ready" look. His family surrounded him proudly and he always wanted prayer. The front deck lid of his micro-sprint had John 3:16 proudly displayed. One day after we prayed for him, his mother asked Mike, “Are you curious why that scripture is on his car?” Of course, we love to hear a good story. She proceeded to tell us how at a young age her son had received Jesus into his heart, and he used that scripture to lead each of his family members to Jesus. This young man imparted to others what was imparted to him…to tell his family about the true gift of life. And then, to use his car as a platform to lead others.

We were able to hold the first chapel service this event ever had. The track staff was very accommodating to us and stopped all equipment for us during chapel. As the final heat races were beginning, race one, lap 4, bad crash. One thing is for sure about these cars, they can definitely tear stuff up. They crash a lot, and for the most part the crashes all look the

same. This particular crash was no different. However, something was obviously wrong as the driver wasn’t moving. I made my way to the infield and his mom ran to me; we prayed. I went to the hospital with the family, it was there that we witnessed a miracle. Not real sure of the severity of the injuries, surgery was discussed, CT scan on head, neck and back, possible spinal injury as he didn’t have much feeling below the waist. We continued to pray. During this time the hospital went on lock down. Chaos continued throughout the ER and we continued to pray. We called on Jesus to work a miracle. Moments later this young man stood-up. Hours later he walked out of the ER. What a moment… definitely a God moment!

While I could write page after page of what transpired that week, all I can tell you is that it was a blessed week. Mike and I were blessed beyond measure. God opened our eyes that week. He opened them to expansion, to being more intentional, and to truly stepping aside and letting God work through us.

We are excited to see what the future holds for the ASCS series, the Tulsa Shootout and the Chili Bowl in the years to come.

Bernie Plourd's Close Callby RFC Chaplain Jim Jack

Jim Jack received the following photo and text on his phone from Bernie Plourd. Bernie almost crashed

his B Gas car during the NHRA Heritage race at Wild Horse Pass this past January. "I love you Jim Jack!

Thank you for doing what you do! I appreciate our time together in Phoenix. I am glad you didn't have to

come see me in the hospital. Ronna and I are relaxing in Puerta Penasco, Mexico. Have fun in Pomona.

Thanks for the prayers!" Jim Jack said, "This is why we pray before each run."

Tulsa Shootoutby RFC Chaplain Joey Keith


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The Winner’s CircleLuAnn Biship, with the Jackson-Lombardo Racing Team, sent us this photo of RFC Chaplain Rich Trimmer praying with Top Alcohol Funny Car Driver,

John Lombardo, Jr. at the 2017 Winternationals in Pomona, CA. LuAnn said, “We greatly appreciate you all and feel this is a moment in time. Thank you for your service!”

RFC Chaplain Brad Gordon, accompanied by his wife Sheri, was named the 2016 Mark Niver

Memorial Person of the Year at the NHRA Pacific Division Awards Banquet.

RFC Field Staff Russ Schappert prays with driver Claire Paige at Great Lakes Dragaway in Union Grove, WI.

Mini sprint car driver

Justin Anderson declares,

“Victory in Jesus!”

Shane Toomay's 1974 Plymouth Duster is shown in the staging lanes at Thornhill Dragstrip, located southeast of Cincinnati in Northern Kentucky. Shane started racing back in 2008 at Muncie Raceway. At that time, a Racers For Christ® chaplain encouraged Shane to pray for all racers before every race and to congratulate every racer who wins when he races them. When Shane moved to Northern Kentucky, he continued this tradition. This display of sportsmanship allows Shane to make many new friends and

promotes an atmosphere of fun and camaraderie.

Here is a photo of Tom & Diane's ‘71 Vega Wagon Gasser. They reside in Las Vegas, NV. The car was built to inspire people to take an interest in the history of drag racing. Tom said, “My greatest help in building the Vega came from God and the people He led me to for their talents and abilities. One person who inspired me greatly was Richard Stasiak, he was a chaplain for Team RFC® in Division 7. Richard served the Lord at many Division 7 races, until his untimely death in April of 2011 at the age of 62. His dedication to Christ inspired many, including myself, to grow in our relationship with God. He loved drag racing and encouraged me in the building of this Gasser. He inspired the finished product and I present it

to all ‘in memory of Richard Stasiak’.”

Chaplain David Cookman prayed for Greg Pope at the Tulip Festival Drags at Woodburn Dragstrip. Greg and Michele Pope appreciate David’s friendship and passion for the Lord. Notice the Team RFC® sticker on the window of their roadster.

RFC Chaplain Jim Scott prays in the lanes at Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, CA. – photo by Justin Schuoler

RFC Chaplain Ron Carey prays in the lanes at Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, CA. – photo by Justin Schuoler

The first thing that Keith Nagasawa put on his new

2017 Harley-Davidson Breakout was a Team

RFC® sticker. He believes the sticker will bring up

conversations about Jesus wherever he rides. He has been attending the Team

RFC® chapel service at the Mile High Nationals for the

last 6 years at Bandimere Speedway in Colorado.

RFC Chaplain Martin Schulz snapped this shot of the Team RFC® table outside the Don Schumaker Napa Auto Parts hospitality tent before the chapel service began at the Winternationals

2017.

“This picture of my yellow ‘74 GTO is from Ames Performance Tri Power Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park. The Team RFC® sticker is on quarter panels. It is such a blessing, while racing at an event away from my home church on Sunday, to have a race track like Summit Motorsports Park that supports and allows Racers for Christ® to have a non-denominational service before racing begins for the day. The chaplains always have a great message in store for me. Thanks for finding chaplains and praise teams to minister to us while we are on the road racing.” ~ Mike Silver

From Wayne and Judy Meli: This photo was taken in Henderson, NC, October 2015, at Larry Lombardo's induction into the East Coast Drag

Times Hall of Fame. “Team RFC® decals are displayed on all of our race cars, thanks to [RFC Chaplains] Claire and Pastor Dan “D-1” Laterza! “Grumpy's Toy xii” Pro Stock Monza is a tribute

to the late great Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins and to driver Larry Lombardo, 1976 Pro Stock World

Champion.”


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Toby Tuttle gets ready to race his Green Country Cat snowmobile with the RFC sticker.

LMB Speedshop snowmobile racer Kevin Bouman has a RFC sticker on his handle bars.

RFC Chaplain Jim Jack prays with Joe Hester and Ericca Martinez who are engaged to be married.

RFC Chaplain Jim Jack prays with Kim Cocuzza who drives a stock eliminator car at the LODRS race at

Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, AZ.

RFC Chaplain Lance Messick ministers at the sprint car races at Canyon Speedway in Peoria, AZ.

Xtreme Machine and Fabrication driver Jessie Owens lays down some fast laps at the Lucas Oil Regional Series at Glen

Helen Raceway. RFC Chaplain Jonathon Johnson gives a chapel message at Humboldt Speedway in Humboldt, KS.

RFC Field Staff Lee Styer prays with top alcohol funny car driver Jeff Jones at the warm ups at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, AZ.

RFC President Larry Smiley takes a picture with Win Light Kid Tyson at the Arizona Nationals. Tyson got to experience his own motorsports adventure at this race.

Region 4 RFC Chaplains

praise God together as they gather

for their South Central Region Conference in

Texas.

This Team RFC® booth is

set up at the Ozark Christian

College Preaching-

Teaching Convention

and Ministry Expo in Joplin, MO. RFC Chaplains Joey Keith, Mike Griffith, and

Eddie Baugher attended and represented the ministry.

Ed Olpin, Sr gets a prayer

from RFC Chaplain

Eddie Baugher. Ed won the Top

Sportsman Wally at the

Southwest Divisional at

Wild Horse Pass in

Chandler, AZ.

The Wilson Racing Team, including

dad Jeremy and daughter

Jillian, displays a large Team RFC®

decal on their car at Humboldt

Speedway in Humboldt, KS.

Royce Chesser from

Circleville, OH sent us this picture of his radio control car

with a Team RFC® sticker.

Here is RFC Chaplain

Wayne Strout’s online virtual race car, with

the Team RFC® logo,

that he races in the iRacing

League.

The #99 sprint car of Skylar Gee from

Leduc Alberta, Canada sets ready

for action at the ASCS 44th Annual

Spring Nationals event March

17-18 at Devil's Bowl Speedway in

Mesquite, TX. Photo by: Tim

Roberts, Harbor Hospice of Lufkin




www.petersandkeatts.net208-743-0866 Richland • Seattle • Lewiston

Heeding the CallTeam RFC® covers over 2,000 events a year. Unfortunately there are still many more events, happening every weekend, that do not have a RFC presence. We rely on volunteers, who feel God's call upon their life to serve within the world of motorsports, to help fill these gaps.

Do you love racing or rodding? Do you love the Lord Jesus Christ with all your heart? Would you like information about becoming a volunteer for Team RFC®? If so, please call the Team RFC® office at (480) 507-5323 or send us an email at [email protected].

Win Light KidsOur Very First Team RFC® Win Light Kids Drag Race Adventure was held in Phoenix at the NHRA Arizona Nationals. We had the opportunity to partner with Hope Kids to find two special families to attend our inaugural event. Larry Smiley, RFC President, had the opportunity to be the host for both of these families. We received this wonderful card from Hope Kids, letting us know what they thought of this program. (You can read more about the Win Light Kids Motorsports Adventures in the NHRA update story or visit our website at www.teamrfc.com/win-light-kids)

NHRA National Event Ministry Updateby RFC Chaplain Craig Garland

The 2017 NHRA Mello Yello National Event Tour is already going full throttle. Beverly and I started out the year in Arizona with the Team RFC® National Staff Conference and then the NHRA spring warm up session at Wild Horse Pass. After witnessing record runs in both top fuel and funny car it is apparent that the 2017 season is going to be exciting. After a week of testing we made our way to Pomona, CA for the 2017 NHRA Winternationals. Then it was back to Phoenix for the NHRA Arizona Nationals. What a great start to the 2017 season.

This is not only a new season of racing but also a new season in ministry. God’s Word talks about different seasons and to always be ready. In 1 Timothy 4:1 we read, “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” We are excited to see how God has already blessed the 2017 NHRA National Event Series. It has already proven to be a season of new beginnings with addition of a new program. We were blessed for many years to team up with NHRA and Believe In Tomorrow to host critically ill kids and their families for their Hands On Racing Experience. Then, In December, we received a call from Believe In Tomorrow informing us they were suspending all of their Hands On Experiences. This program had been part of the ministry of Team RFC® for almost ten years and we felt it was something we needed to try to continue. So, with the help of NHRA and several friends of the ministry we were able to develop the Team RFC® Win Light Kids Motorsports Adventures. Our first event was in Phoenix, where we hosted two families, and was a huge success.

The race teams are prepared, both before and during the race season. They never let themselves get “lax” in the skills in which God has blessed them. This is why they are always training to be their very best. If you have ever watched a top fuel team in between rounds you know that each team member has his or her specific job, and they all work in

unison. What has always impressed me is how 10 crew members can be around the same car with air tools and wrenches going, yet no one is running into the other... at least most of the time.

That’s the same way God has structured ministry, in perfect unison. The Apostle Paul explains the importance of

working together in 1 Corinthians 12:4, “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all.” We all have unique gifts that God has blessed us with and it takes each of us working together to complete the mission. No one is greater than the other when it comes to ministry. If you are

serving in any way, you are an important part of God’s plan.

Just as with any race team you have a crew chief and he runs the show. He is the one that oversees the tuning and watches every move of the team members. We too have a crew chief… Jesus. He is watching our every move and is always there to reach down and help us, if we ask. When we turn to Him, He will show us the way. We also have an operating manual. It helps us along the way when we get down or need a little guidance, it's known as the Bible. We hear about the importance of a tuner’s notebook, not everyone can see it. Just think, we have the ultimate tuning manual ever written and it’s always available to us.

So, as we get into the tuning notebook and continue to reach up to Him for guidance for the 2017 season, we know it’s going to be an awesome year of ministry and racing. As we continue to be ready and willing to serve wherever God leads us, we know that we are not alone. You are all part of this wonderful team, Team RFC®. You are all members of God's crew. Please continue to pray for the ministry and we thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life.

Suzanne Strader sent us this picture of her daughter, Ally. We see Pastor Brad Gordon praying with Ally before her very first Division 7 run.


* Restricted Income are funds designated by the donor to specific areas of ministry.

Ministry............Operations.......Fundraising......Training............

65%23%10%

2%

2016 Expenditures

Osss sss lsss ssssssl yssss ws ssss sssdsd ss sss fssds fssm sss Gsssssl Fssd Sssssss sccssss ss cssss sss Gsssssl Fssd sss dsficsss Ws sss sssskfsl Gsd pssssdsd ssss sssssscs fss ss ss ssss

Tss mssssssy sf Tssm RFC® sss 14 pssd sssff ssd ssss 300 sslssssss cssplsssss Is 2016 ws sssssd ss 2,200 ssssss, ssld 700 csspsl ssssscss, ssd our volunteers served over 30,000 hours ssssssssss sssssss sssssss

ssss ws msss fsswssd ws csstisss ss pssy fss Gsd’s pssssssss ss msss sss ssswsss sssds sf sss mssssssy ssd ssscs ssss sssssss ssmbsss sf psspls ssssssssss sss wssld sf mssssspssss ss sss ssms sf Jssss Cssssss

$180,952.10Restricted Fund Net Income

Restricted Income*Restricted Expenses

$ 548,259.75$ 367,307.65

($ 58,932.92)General Fund Net Deficit

General Fund IncomeGeneral Fund Expenses

$ 523,701.87$ 582,634.78

For the year ending December 31, 2016Team RFC® Financial Report

Thank You!When it comes to telling all of our partners in the ministry how much we appreciate them, the words “Thank You” cannot be emphasized enough. We have donors who give at events, through the mail or even online. We also have those who make in-kind donations. Some examples of in-kind

donations are hotel rooms, frequent flyer miles and buddy passes, items for our golf tournament and auction, printing, trailers, golf carts, cars, trucks, real estate and much more. We are blessed with each and every gift we receive to help further the ministry of Team RFC® and we want to make sure to tell everyone “Thank You.”

March Meet Chapel by RFC Chaplain Bob HadidianOn Sunday morning at the 2017 March Meet at Auto Club Famoso Raceway, under dark skies with cold and windy conditions the RFC team, comprised of Chaplains Matt Miller, Bob Hadidian, and new Jr. Chaplain Noah Bell, along with their special guest singer Misa, prepared for chapel in the starting line grandstands. About fifteen minutes before chapel, a few raindrops started to fall. Ten minutes prior it began misting. Five minutes prior it became a light rain. With only 3 people huddled under the stands, and a couple braving the elements in the stands, it did not look like chapel was going to happen.

Then the people started coming, so we kept going. Singing under an umbrella, Misa blessed us all with her music. The rain let up about the time she finished and by then over 50 people had gathered.

Part of the chapel message was that our actions and lifestyle become a testimony. After lifting up Chaplain Matt Miller as an excellent example of building relationships and living the example, I expressed to the people in chapel that they also were an example by showing those in the tower and on the track, hunkered down in the rain, that as believers, they were living out their faith by worshiping God rain or shine.

Praising God by Jim Kyle, Shelbyville, TN

When praising GOD, there is never enough said or praise given for God and our blessings! It is Sunday morning and I am home (not racing this weekend) getting ready for church services. I always think about racing on Sundays and wish we did not have to. Many times we race on Sunday because of a two-day race or maybe we just did not finish on Saturday for some reason.

I love racing and I love God too! I learned a very valuable lesson years ago from Tony Russell (ProMod racer; Huntsville, AL) who has since gone to be with the Lord. I can remember him missing a time trial or just not racing if it meant he had to miss church services.

That really made me think. I remember telling several track owners we need prayers and church services for all of the families and racers. Team RFC® has greatly helped get the Word of God out to the racetracks. Now, nearly every track I go to has church services on Sunday morning. It just makes me feel good, and race better, knowing God is blessing us.

Two weeks ago I was told I am cancer free. I am back living the dream and racing again. What a blessing from God! I just want to thank God every chance I get and say thank you to Team RFC® for having church services and praying for the families and drivers who race on Sundays.

Team RFC®

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Larry Smiley ............................................. President ..................................................................405-834-4301 Eddie Baugher ........................................ Executive Director ................................................918-855-4240Tami Bandimere-Shrader .................... Board ChairJulie Thompson ...................................... Business ManagerShelley Boyer ........................................... Office ManagerMark Garland .......................................... Ministry CoordinatorJim Jack ..................................................... Operations Consultant........................................602-524-4691Linda Jack ................................................. Administrative Consultant ................................602-617-6727Craig Garland .......................................... NHRA Series Director ...........................................972-849-2032Dale Ressler ............................................. Northeast Region Director ................................717-587-9540Tom Ratliff ................................................ Southeast Region Director ................................352-267-1795Scottie Wilson ......................................... North Central Region Director .........................618-843-4272Joey Keith ................................................. South Central/West Centeral Region Director ...918-809-8603Martin Schulz .......................................... Northwest Region Director ..............................253-307-4062Rich Trimmer ........................................... Southwest Region Director ...............................602-448-6995Steve Hanson .......................................... Dirt Sports Director ..............................................949-705-7873Mike Oginsky .......................................... Rodders Director ...................................................586-994-0294Mike Griffith ............................................. Drag Boat Director................................................918-807-1182Jim Sheppard .......................................... Dirt Track Director .................................................360-718-0139

The Christian MotorsportsInternational, Inc. Family of Ministries

Team RFC® Racers For Christ® • Rodders For Christ® • Pullers For Christ

Rockcrawlers For Christ • RFC kids1250 E. Baseline Road, Suite 101, Tempe, Arizona 85283-1439 Ph: 480-507-5323 • Fx: 480-507-5393 • www.TeamRFC.org

RACERS FOR CHRIST® MISSION STATEMENT

“To serve people in the world of motorsports in the name of Jesus Christ through providing fellowship,

pastoral care, evangelism, and service.”

RACERS FOR CHRIST® VISION STATEMENT

“To see the world of motorsports impacted for Jesus Christ by individuals entering into a personal relation-

ship with Him and growing in those relationships.”

Impact ofTeam RFC® By Brian S. Ousley, TAS RacingCrew MemberI was raised as a child in the Christian Church and drifted away as I became an adult. At the age of 17, I joined the US Army (1979-1987) and became a Soldier, Paramedic, Firefighter, Flight Nurse and Flight Medic in the 4th Squadron/107th Armored Calvary Regiment. As I grew older I saw the destructive nature of humans and the terrible consequences as a result of flawed life choices, to say I was jaded in my belief in God is an understatement. How can there be a God as I hold this innocent child who has been injured by no fault of her own? What God would allow such things to happen? This made me even more doubtful of the presence of a greater power.

Fast forward 30+ years… In the spring of 2016 I became a part of the Tyler Speer Racing Team as a crew member. As we prepared our hot rod for the Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing season and each run down the track, this big dude (RFC Chaplain Mike Griffith) would come over and offer a prayer with our driver and crew. I was impressed with his calm demeanor and confidence in his words of wisdom and prayer each time he would gather with our driver and crew. Together his leadership and faith in God would be omnipresent. I think, as I have grown older, my own mortality has become more forthcoming. Watching him lead by example has displayed to me an inner peace that I am searching for. He has impressed me with his faith in a greater power and made me reconsider my thoughts about the subject. I look forward to having a long discussion with him this year during the racing season.

I have prayed more in the past year than I ever have in my lifetime, I look forward to seeing my new friend soon. I am very thankful for his friendship and pray for safe travels and a safe racing season for all. I would love to express my opinion about the work of one very special guy, I see him at nearly every race and in-ramp. He is a humble guy, full of heartfelt love and compassion, and gives more than anyone I’ve ever met.

May God Bless RFC for the work all of you do and I am sincerely thankful for the opportunity to meet and befriend Mike Griffith.

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