Since 1991, those involved in Raceway Ministries work have been meeting each January at a speedway facility, to share ideas, pray together, encourage one another and discuss things that are unique to sharing the love of God through Jesus Christ with race fans and competitors.

• It’s Our Time:

This coming January of 2013, we will gather in beautiful Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for the REFUEL Conference. If you are a previous attendee you will notice much is changing! Change is good! REFUEL is more than a conference name. It’s Our Time! Time to REFUEL our hearts spiritually and to REFUEL our passion to serve the racing community. God is always moving forward and Raceway Ministries desires to move with Him. Expect worship and prayer to REFUEL our relationship with the Father, and sessions that will REFUEL our passion for ministry as we address topics relevant to the world of motorsports, ministry challenges, and our mission to share Christ to those we come in contact with. Hear from personalties involved in motorsports, women’s ministry at race tracks, folks with a love and passion to reach race fans, and a time of divine connections to strengthen and build your ministry through fellowship. Expect testimonies that will encourage your walk with the Lord and the profound impact He desires you to have as you head to speedways with willing hearts to serve.

Come and REFUEL..It’s Our Time..

To Become a Member Today and receive the Conference discounted rates, please join at www.racewayministries.com under GET INVOLVED.

I remember our first meeting with Roger Marsh asking what seemed like a strange question.  “Do you have anything for the women at the race tracks.?”  For weeks every time I turned around this word NASCAR was put before me.  At the grocery store, on the radio, on the television.  In my time with the Lord I have learned when there begins a constant theme..He has something to say..and most likely something for you to do.  But why racing? In all honesty, at the time my husband will tell you I knew NOTHING about racing. I had been to about 3 races with him as a way of spending time with him and allowing him to do something he seemed to enjoy. Never in a million years did I expect to one day be serving girls and women at race tracks.

Fast Forward:

Our first race as Drama Queens for the King was in Talladega with Virginia Alexander, Mike Jackson, and their gang of servants.  We had just gotten setup when tornadoes had become a threat and we were all evacuated. I thought well what in the world Lord? I know you brought us here.  Later that evening, with the persistence of Virginia who our team has come to love so much, we were able to minister to those evacuated to Shocco through music. There we met what has come to be many beautiful new friends. We saw God do something incredible in a shelter..for He knew exactly where the need was…and this trip we needed to minister to the team.

We have spent time in Texas with Roger Marsh and Kay Benner and the beautiful people serving there and again have locked hearts with people we consider fellow servants and new best friends. We have also made our way to Indy with David Martin and his family of servants at Indianapolis Raceway Ministries where we had the privilege of leading an 11 year old girl to Christ and telling several others God had beautiful plans for their lives. We crown them all with little plastic tiaras to tell them that with Jesus they are royalty and daughters of The King..while covering them with Feather boas to share Psalm 91:4 “He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge..” We help them make their own set of scripture cards which I find beautiful when they end up tying them as necklaces around their sweet little necks. I have cried in my pillow as God has etched each face into my heart so that I shall never forget the beautiful responsibility and honor we are now a part of with Raceway Ministries. One I never dreamed or imagined which is completely in line with God’s promise of Ephesians 3:20..” He will do immeasurably more than you could ever think or imagine according to the power that works in us.” Today, I am thrilled to be a part of NFRM as the Director of Women’s Ministry…in which I consider my role one of encouragement to others to take their place in the Kingdom with their gifts and talents. For each woman stepping foot on each track has  a unique offering to give others. A heart to love in a special way that no one else has. A story to share that will help set others free. A set of hands that can also crown little girls and ladies to share their inheritance through Christ.

As we make our ways to new tracks, I simply want to encourage the ladies within NFRM to ask the Lord what He would have you do. He has beautiful plans for you as well at your tracks. If you need anything at all please let me know. Feel free to email me at info@shellywilson.com and we can setup a time to visit. I would love to spend time with you and talk about reaching the women and girls at the tracks you serve. Your place within NFRM is profound and critical to the harvesting of souls and the strengthening of the brethren.

Love Much,

Here is a little of how it unfolded:

As race week began, things were looking pretty bleak in terms of volunteers and resources for ministry activity. But, as the week wore on, it all began to change. PRO team members began to arrive, fans began to come into the camp ground, and some creativity began to kick in.  A Friday evening music concert did not go over as well as planned, leaving PRO team members scratching their heads and wondering how to make adjustments. For Saturday evening, PRO personnel developed a NASCAR Trivia game for fans, with Brian Rosenbaum and George Alexander as the emcee’s, hamming it up with fans and coming up with questions, fun and some giveaways. It seemed to go over well, with 200 – 300 fans coming by to take part in the fun and activity. And, in the midst of it all, several folks who registered to participate in the Trivia asked for prayer and ministry. One couple who came to participate became very excited, and then returned for Sunday morning worship at the PRO site, at which time they recommitted their marriage to the Lord. As the June NASCAR weekend came to a conclusion at Pocono, PRO immediately began looking at the upcoming August NASCAR event, as well as looking at possibilities for 2013.

According to director Will Fields, “We still need help. We still have many needs. PRO at Pocono has another race in eight weeks. Help us as you can.” Pray for PRO as they prepare for the August NASCAR weekend. And, as they look toward 2013, they will be seeking out new churches to get involved both at their current location in the camp ground outside the speedway, and in the infield camping area, as well. Get in touch with PRO (willwill@ptd.net) and ask how you might be able to help. Connect churches in the Pocono region of Pennsylvania with PRO. Encourage them as they continue to serve God at Pocono. “Together We’re Stronger.”

Yet when the editing started, there was a startling revelation. These were not multiple stories, but simply one story shared multiple ways. These drivers, guided by the unseen hand of God, were all travelling a similar road. Their journeys may have had different circumstances, but they shared a common destiny during which they were being taught very similar lessons. Being good students as well as skillful drivers, these men identified that they needed to yield control to the only one who could really keep them on track- both in life and their careers. Their compelling story is an inspiration to all who find themselves struggling with who is in control.

Excerpt from I Am Second Website at www.iamsecond.com

The recent 2012 “Heartbeat” Annual Meeting was awesome. We’ll be sharing more about it as the next few weeks go by. Suffice it to say, however, that all who were in attendance were blessed by the general sessions, fellowship, worship, breakout sessions, Fun & Follies, and just being together to celebrate Raceway Ministries work.

Below, please take the time to read a couple of articles by David Martin and Shelly Wilson. David, our assistant director of NFRM, shares some personal thoughts and some insights from the annual meeting and the experience of having his son, Jonathan, 2011 Top Speed Modified Series champion, serve as a keynote speaker at the Annual Meeting. Shelly, has been named as the Director of Ministry to Ladies and Girls utilizing her “Drama Queens for the King” format and resources to share Christ with women and girls at the speedways. In her article, she shares her heart, which clearly is filled with a love for the Lord and a passion to share Him with others.

In future issues of “Raceway Ministries Today” and in emails, look for more information and highlights of the “Heartbeat” Annual Meeting–outlines from breakout sessions, links to video of keynote speakers including Jonathan Martin and Dr. Doug McCart, and more. Meanwhile, please know that we are praying for God to bless each of you powerfully as you prepare to serve Him faithfully during 2012. Thanks for being part of the most exciting missions work in the world!

In His Grace, Roger Marsh

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The Heartbeat of a Champion
by David Martin

Our hearts swelled with pride as Dr. Roger Marsh interviewed our son, Jonathan, at the NFRM annual meeting in Daytona Beach. We were blessed to hear him share how the Lord used a very difficult year in racing to help shape and draw him closer to the Lord.

It was a great reminder of how God is still working in all of our lives to accomplish His purposes. We serve a gracious God and we can “… confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

As I look back over Jonathan’s year in racing, it was filled with so much turmoil, broken promises, cruelty, heartache and tears. Commitments were made to him to drive in the Champion Racing Association by a team owner, which unfortunately were not kept and he only had the opportunity to drive in three events. However, I always stand in awe at the providence of God and how He works. The Lord reminds us in Isaiah that His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. In God’s providence, He has used a difficult situation, from our human eyes, in a number of ways for a positive outcome.

1) It has caused us to examine our walk with the Lord.

2) It has drawn us closer to the Lord and strengthened our faith.

3) It has given us an opportunity to put our faith in action under unbelievable circumstances.

4) It has reminded all of us that God is faithful and His word never fails.

5) It has reminded us of the wealth of riches we have in the Lord.

While in the midst of the storm, it was difficult to see where the season would end and certainly, there was never an indication of anything positive. In the midst of heartache, there was more frustration than clarity of direction. Through the fog of uncertainty, he continued to drive his modified and finished the year being crowned the 2011 Top Speed Modified Tour Champion!

Who would have ever thought that the year would have ended with a championship? None of the events throughout the year took the Lord by surprise or caught Him off guard. In reality, He has designed all of us to be champions … more than conquerors through Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37). Often times, the road to the championship may look like the wrong road, yet God is using those bumps in the road to help shape us and mold us into the image of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:28).

In the end, the journey is not about another trophy and championship jacket. It is about the making of a champion … that we might love the Lord with all of our heart, all of our soul, all of our mind and all of our strength (Mark 12:30). As we learn to seek first the kingdom of God and please Him with our lives, we can leave the results to him (Matthew 6:33).

As parents, we are certainly proud of Jonathan and his response in the face of such a difficult year. Our hearts swell with pride, because after every blow he got up off his knees, dusted himself off and kept moving forward. His personality is inspiring. His determination is incalculable. His integrity is incredible. His character is intact. His faith is intense. In reality, it was difficulties of the year that helped reveal these character traits and build upon a solid foundation. If I were looking for a driver … these are qualities I would want … besides that, he can drive!

- David Martin serves as the Assistant Director/Chairman for the National Fellowship of Raceway Ministries; Director of On Track Ministries and Indianapolis Raceway Ministries.

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Anymore …
by Shelly Wilson
Hi sweet friends! What a joy to step into a new journey with NFRM! I am excited to see God move in our midst. I want to share a song with you that I shared during our breakout session at the annual meeting. I believe it’s because so many times we are fearful of sharing Jesus simply because we somehow think we have nothing good to bring. But the truth is one of the most effective ways to share Jesus is by sharing YOUR story and how God has worked in your own life. Of all the tools God has given me to share Him..the one He uses most is MY story. MY story of redemption, MY story of illness and healing, MY story of how I came to know Him and the power of His Word.

So, what is YOUR story? God has said to me many times “Win souls with your valleys.” Rarely does He use my strengths, but many times He has used my weaknesses, failures, and personal storms. For when I am weak, He is strong. So as we step on the mission field of a race track, do not underestimate the power of YOUR story as God brings people to you. You were born for this moment and only YOU have YOUR story. God never wastes our tears, our pains, our sorrows, or our joyful moments. He will use each one to allow us to love on someone else who needs OUR story. The only failure that can occur is for the story that is never shared to set others free and give them the hope of Christ. This song shares my heart on my own past..and how God makes all things beautiful in His time.

Anymore …

I don’t mind the tears, anymore.

For they show me your heart.

And I don’t mind the fear, anymore.

Cause with your word it departs.

And I don’t mind the pain, anymore

Of loved ones lost

And I don’t mind the sting of death, anymore

Cause its power is gone…

And I don’t mind the rain, anymore

Your sweet fragrance covers me

And I don’t mind the shame, anymore

For I am free, free indeed.

And I don’t mind the storms, anymore

You calm the wind and the seas.

And I don’t mind when I fall, anymore

I learn the most on my knees…

Lord you are my portion

You show me the path of life

You bless my heart. You bless my heart.

Your lines for me have fallen

In beautiful places

So I rejoice. So I rejoice.

Every good thing I have comes from you.comes from you.

Every good thing I have comes from you.comes from you.

So I don’t mind the tears

Anymore, anymore..

And I don’t mind the fear

Anymore, anymore..

And I don’t mind the pain

Anymore, anymore..

And I don’t mind the sting of death

Anymore….anymore…no not anymore..

Psalm 16

5 Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.

6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.

7 I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.

8 I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,

10 because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.

11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

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