News from the Christian Motorsports International, Inc. Family of Ministries Vol. 2014, Issue #2

Barry Chafin: Autocross Racing for Christ

See story on page 3

Henry Van Dam: 33v Sprint Car Driver

See story on page 2

Jim Rockstad: His “Rock” is Jesus

See story on page 7

Terry & Charlie Ruckman: Father & Son Top Alcohol

Funny Car & Jr. Drag Racer

Henry Van Dam

Jim Rockstad

Barry Chafin

Terry Ruckman

Charlie Ruckman

See story on page 6

page 2

Hot Rod Power Tour 2014By John & Sandy Dunham

Plan “C” is still God’s plan “A”

On day one we drove to Concord, North Carolina with-out a problem, found our motel without a problem, and turned in after a long day, no problem.

The next day the car wouldn’t start; problem! Six hun-dred miles from home with a car that won’t start. Two minutes later, five guys helped to see what was wrong and how to fix it. We took a trip to the parts store and back to work on the car, but it still wouldn’t start. We towed the car to a local repair facility; four hours later got the call that it was fixed.

We were up early on day three for the “official” start of the Hot Rod Power Tour (HRPT). The car wouldn’t start. Now God starts to work. We asked the editor of Hot Rod Magazine about starting the HRPT with prayer; he said “I don’t know; we’ve never done that before.” At the end of the driver’s meeting he said, “And the nice folks from Racers For Christ® are going to start us with a prayer.”

We went back to the parts store and bought more parts. We installed them, but it still wouldn’t start: now Plan “C.” Plan “A” was to drive our Mi-

ata. Plan “B” was to fix the Miata, Plan “C” was a rental car. God knew I was coming. We rented a car, and headed for Knoxville. I felt more than a little defeated. But this was a mission trip and we were determined to finish.

Traveling in a rental car while my broken hot rod was sitting in a garage was a humbling experience, but we were determined to find out what God had for us during this mission. We stopped and bought stuff to write on the windows. We wrote “HRPT Plan C.” We had more fun and met far more people with “Plan C” than if we’d driven our car. We got thumbs up from other Power Tour people. People in the towns we went through laughed, knowing we had experienced an anomaly. The chant was, “What was Plan “A?”

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose,” (Romans 8:28). All things, even a broken car can work for good. The good God taught me was how to be more effective in ministry with a simple equation: God + people – pride = ministry.

Our car has opened many doors to talk to many people. I thought it was a tool I was using to minister to them. God let me know in a humbling way that I am a tool that He is using to minister to them.

Henry Van DamHenry Van Dam is a sprint car driver out of Washington State.  He was born and raised in the town of Enumclaw, which sits at the base of Mt Rainier.  From the day he was born, he grew up on a dairy farm, and his parents Henry and Debbie still operate that same farm today.  Henry has a younger sister Ashley and younger brother Travis; they all stayed busy growing up working on the family farm. 

The entire family attended a Christian Reformed church in the early years and now attends Mt Rainier Christian Center in Enumclaw. Henry has since ventured out and started Van Dam Welding in 2006. 

Henry’s racing started at the age of 21 when he had the chance to race in a 360 sprint car at the Northwest’s premier sprint car track Skagit Speedway.  Having no idea what to expect, he started the adventure, and now twelve years later continues to follow his passion.  “The road hasn’t been easy though, starting out with no experience and no mon-ey was a challenge, but one that allowed me to build character”.  

In 2007 he was involved in an accident that left him with a broken back and neck.  Taking a year off to recover, Henry returned to the race track with support from family, friends, and fans.  In 2011, he won the track championship at Grays Harbor Raceway.   He currently travels the west coast racing (and winning) on top of a busy work schedule. “Henry is by far one of the most popular drivers in the Northwest” reports RFC Chap-lain Jim Sheppard.

“Faith has always been an important part of my life, but never more so than when I had my accident in 2007.  Sometimes we need to slow down to really appreciate and realize how blessed we really are.  I believe God used that experience in my life to show me how important all the people around me were.  Whether it was my parents, siblings, extended family, friends, or fans, it really showed me that the most important things in life have nothing to do with money, notoriety, or being the fastest on the racetrack.

When you stop and see God’s love for us and everybody around us, you

begin to realize how much happiness there is in a relationship with Christ.  It’s easy to get distracted by what society tells us we should do, but when our feet are firmly planted in God’s Word, that challenge becomes a very manageable one.  Even with the lessons from 2007, God wasn’t finished with His leading and direction as He continues to inspire His work in me daily. 

Whether it’s playing kickball with chronically ill children through Big Al’s Motorsport Foundation, or helping out with local charities, God really uses those times to show me the bigger picture in life. Real happiness does not lie in what we can gain for ourselves, but what we can do for

others when we know they could never pay us back. 

Racing has been an incredible journey to this point with lots of highs and lows, but that journey pales in com-parison to the journey that we walk with in God.  For the 2014 season, the focus once again becomes less about what we can accomplish on the track for ourselves, but how we can use the accomplishments at the racetrack to better the lives of the people around

us and to use my experiences in life to help others begin their walk with God.  Each year becomes more exciting and this year is no exception.  I’m proud to run the Racers For Christ® colors on my sprint car and I can’t wait to once again spend time with fans, friends, family and most importantly, God.  I hope to see you at the race track!”

“Henry has indeed started 2014 off running hard as he has already raced in Arizona, Oregon and Washington,” says RFC Chaplain Jim Sheppard. “Just last weekend he won the Marvin Smith Memorial at Cottage Grove Speedway in Oregon and last night won the first leg of the Summer Thunder Sprint Series race at Grays Harbor Raceway in Elma, WA.”

A crowd favorite everywhere he goes, Henry is the real deal when it comes to Christian racers putting their faith in the Lord, and their reputa-tion on the line each week in front of thousands of adoring fans. Pray for Henry and his crew as they run an aggressive schedule on the west coast sprint car circuit.

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Barry Chafin“Seven years into the sport of autocross, 1998-2005, the excite-ment had worn off. Earning trophies, winning championships, and recognition of competitors and sponsors…not even the adrenaline rush satisfied that itch deep within my soul. The secular fellowship and community service awards from four to five years promoting the club and sport, and developing and delivering high performance driver education programs (giving back) helped, but there was still emptiness.

Then, in the summer of 2005, God put me on a collision course with a precious little four year old boy, who began his fight of a horrid disease, Neuroblastoma. He touched my life in a way others had not, softening my hard heart. It was the kind of life changing event that causes you to stop and ask yourself; ‘Why am I here?’

I had accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at the age of eight, but by the time I reached my mid-teens, I had complete-ly turned from God and His teachings, focusing exclusively on my own selfish desires for nearly forty years.

Completing a campaign with the San Jose Stealth (San Jose Festival of SPEED) in early 2008 to bring funds and aware-ness to childhood cancer, the ‘livery’ on the race car changed significantly, but the focus remained the same: Partner and philanthropic promotions in the context of community ser-vice and high performance driving and education. In simple English, we continued what we began in 2005, racing to bring attention, compassion, and donations together for those in need.

About the same time, the Lord put several Christian men with a passion for motorsports in my path. Then in 2009 through a race teammate, he introduced me to a church with a men’s ministry and an annual car show outreach program. It started with a small Racers For Christ® sticker in late 2008, then transi-tioned into a path closer to a walk with Jesus in 2009.

In 2010, besides racing, I also participated in car shows (San Jose, San Francisco, and Livermore, CA) waving the Team RFC® colors, and even wearing a Team RFC® lanyard at a Father’s Day race in Sonoma, CA.

By 2012, we were totally immersed in flying ‘colors for the Kingdom’ with as much Christian motorsports messaging as we could pack in. Now we see God’s hand as we work to give Him the glory. From unexpected race results—our champion-ship was on second-hand tires, and sporting an ‘I Am Second’ bumper sticker, to rekindled relationships—it all began with a softened heart, brotherly love, and a little Team RFC® fish.

I’m blessed to have relationships amongst Christians involved in motorsports, and do, in fact, find inspiration in a group like Team RFC®.”

http://www.facebook.com/RacersForChrist

@TeamRFC

Connect To Team RFC®

Have you seen Team RFC’s® website recently? There are more pictures and more regional news available, as well as contact infor-mation for RFC staff across the country. Come take a look at www.teamrfc.org.

On the web site there is a link for devotionals. Each week one of the RFC staff authors a thought for your reflection. Check them out weekly and look through some that have been archived as well.

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James Drew, motorsports photographer and long time friend of RFC died in his sleep in California in March 2014.

James accepted Christ as his Savior many years ago at the NHRA national event in Phoenix. James was funny, goofy, sometimes obnoxious, but still a great friend and much loved. He’s seen taking a “selfie” with Leah Imerti-Cox in her Top Dragster.

RFC chaplains Fred Williams and Craig Garland pray with Top Fuel Driver Brit-

tany Force in Houston, TX in April 2014.

Featured driver Barry Chafin gave us this picture of a helmet on the course.

RFC chaplain

Larry Smiley

prays with Pro Stock

Motorcycle rider John

Hall at Sonoma in July 2014.

RFC chaplains Eddie and Kelly Baugher from Oklahoma simultaneously pray and talk with

two Nitro Harley riders in Houston, TX in April 2014.

RFC chaplains Brad and Sheri Gordon are pictured praying with a couple of Jr. Drag

racers in Sacramento, CA in May 2014.

Bobby Devine is pictured alongside RFC chap-lain Stan Roche at Great Bend, KS during the

LODRS event in May 2014. The Q/SA Nova was custom built and given to Bobby by “Monty

Jones Racing.”

RFC chaplain Craig Garland prays with NHRA Funny Car driver Ron Capps in

Houston, TX in April 2014.

Top Fuel Hydro pilot Jarrett Silvey streaks across the water in Lou Osman’s 250 mph Lucas Oil “Speed Sports Special” out of St. Louis, MO at Wild Horse Pass in April 2014.

A Fuel Dragster owner / driver Duane Shields proudly displays his

trophy alongside his Peak sponsored 2014 Gatornationals winning car.

NHRA Pro Stock driver Greg Anderson, and RFC chaplain Linda Smiley, grab hands before Greg makes a run at Sonoma in July 2014. Greg had heart surgery in early 2014, and he wears a chest protector with RFC decals on it while driving. Ah….the breastplate of righteousness!

Northeast Region chaplain Marty Rinehart launches with the wheels up at the NHRA Summernationals in Englishtown, NJ in June 2014. Marty was runner-up in Super Stock (he broke out by .002 in the final).

RFC chaplain Steve Yaggy’s son Jordan drives their # 77 late model. Jordan is showing the car to the folks at Ironwood Christian Ranch in Minnesota, the largest wheelchair sports camp.

RFC chaplain Marsha Gonzales from Texas poses with her trophy along

with their pretty street rod, Amber-Grace.

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The side of Chris Forbach’s Super Comp dragster says it all,

“We the people…In God we trust.”

NHRA Northwest Nationals 2014 Super Comp winner Marc Heritage celebrates with RFC

chaplain Martin Schulz.

As four late models race at Albany Motor Speedway, in Albany, GA, the billboard says a

lot about the track owner’s attitude towards the Lord and Team RFC®.

RFC chaplain Darren Farmilo

(with Larry Smiley & Jim

Jack) from Australia will be moving his wife

and four children to California this year to become a chaplain for a sprint car series

on the West coast.

Long-time crowd favorites Eddie and Ercie Hill from Texas, pose alongside a trick looking road racing

car. These two are greatly missed at the races!

Pullers come in all shapes and sizes…and many carry

the RFC decals.

Allen and wife Pam Johnson and Erica Enders-Stevens,

pose after attending the RFC chapel service in Las Vegas,

NV in March 2014.

This little boy sitting on this wild looking Honda four-wheel motorcycle is caught praying……

maybe for the opportunity to ride it?

RFC chaplain Linda Smiley is deep in prayer with Courtney Force before she takes a 320 mph ride in her TRAXXAS nitro Funny Car.

What can we say when you get hundreds of Jr. Dragsters together in Bristol, TN? There will be lots of fun and some happy families in the winner’s circle at the end of the day.

RFC chaplain Dale Ressler (new Regional Direc-tor for the Northeast Region) conducts a chapel service at the LODRS event at Maple Grove in May 2014.

Del Cox, Jr. has switched from drag racing to off-road trucks. Here he is greeted by his wife Leah and son Del Cox, III.

Sisters Erica Enders-Stevens and Courtney Enders pause in the staging lanes for a picture with RFC chaplain Jim Jack. EE was on her game and doubled-up at the Las Vegas NHRA event in March 2014.

RFC chaplain Steve Hanson prays with driver Pete Mortensen before the start

of a Baja, Mexico off-road event.

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Heeding The CallTeam RFC® often receives requests for staff to cover local tracks, races, and car shows. Some-times we don’t have staff available to meet these requests. If you, or someone you know, would like to explore a possible call to be volunteer field staff for Team RFC®, please contact a regional director, or call Jim Jack at work, 480-507-5323, or cell, 602-524-4691, or send us an e-mail at TeamRFC@TeamRFC.org.

Terry & Charlie Ruckman“As a child, my parents would take me to church and I learned about God and His Son Jesus.  As I got older, we moved to a bigger farm and the daily chores kept us from attending church regularly.   When I was in my late 20’s I became a Christian.  I started going to church regularly and began tithing and truly began to see how much it changed my life.   I found much more happiness and peace and saw greater success in business.

I realized that God has a plan for each of us and as soon as you give full control of your life to God, you’ll realize His blessings that He has planned for you.  Knowing God always has your back, and watches over you, gives you strength to live life a lot more colorfully.  You’ll understand that through the good times and the bad times, He’s always there, and He loves you no matter what.

I achieved great success in business for many years.  I enjoyed building my real estate business and building new homes, but the downturn in the econo-my starting in 2008 proved to be brutal, espe-cially those of us in the real estate and construc-tion industry.  I knew that during this time God still had a plan for me, and my faith helped me get through this difficult time.  I continue to feel His blessing as my business is again starting to grow and I am getting busy again.

In the fall of 2013, I was diagnosed with pneu-monia, ending up in the hospital for ten days. I also suffered a pulmonary embolism, and was rushed into surgery.   During this time, many things were happening quickly all around me and I knew at that point I was fighting for my life.  Remarkably, one of the main things I can remember is feeling at peace knowing that God was with me and watching over me.  I was extremely fortunate that I was able to make it through this ordeal!

I have always had a love for racing.  My first car was a blown altered.  Those things are wild and crazy, but it taught me a lot.  That knowledge was helpful when I stepped up to an alcohol funny car in 2008.  That year I won the NHRA Division 7 Cham-pionship.  I also achieved the honor of Top Alcohol Driver of

the Year.  Unfortunately, after this great success, the economy forced me to park the car. 

During this time, I found great joy in helping my son Charlie race and develop his passion for racing.  He has won back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013 in his Jr. Comp car, and he took 2nd in 2013 in his Jr. Dragster.  It’s been a once in a lifetime opportunity to do this with my son.  There aren’t many activities where you can spend that much one on one time with your child—having the time of your life.

I cherish my family, and I am blessed to have my best friend be-side me every day navigating this crazy life we live!  I have three amazing sons and one step son ranging in ages from thirteen to

twenty one.  The oldest, Brandon, is an amazing musician and shares his talent and his love for God each week with the praise and worship team at church.  The middle one, Connor is currently attend-ing Youth with a Mission in Montana.  Last year he traveled to Brazil helping spread the Word. The youngest is Charlie,

who has one year left of high school and hopes to continue his success with racing.

Last year, my brother Tim decided it was time to go racing again.  We purchased an Alcohol Funny Car and spent the season racing.  We learned a lot and hope to achieve great success in 2014.

Both Charlie and I are honored to display the Racers For Christ® stickers on our cars.  We owe

all of our success, not only in racing, but in everyday life to Jesus Christ.  Without His blessings, we would not have the opportuni-ty to do what we do.

I am so thankful that Jim and Linda Jack are there for both Char-lie and I when we are pulling up to the starting line.  What an awesome feeling knowing you are “prayed up” before you run! There is nothing better and more comforting than talking to the Lord before you make your pass!  Having a Racers For Christ® Chaplain there to pray with you means everything to both Char-lie and me.  We sincerely appreciate Racers For Christ® and think it’s incredible they are at every event, praying for all the racers.”

RFC chaplain Jim Jack chats before he prays with good friend and Top Alcohol Funny Car driver Clint Thompson before another 260 mph run.

Jim Rockstad“As I look back on my life I realize how much I was guided all along. Port-land, Oregon is where my life started. I was never a very smart guy and probably more of a goof-off than anything else. I struggled through high school, and was hooked on drag racing and hot rods.

When I was inside school I was drawing hot cars or reading a Hot Rod Magazine. When I was outside school I was talking cars or riding in them as I didn’t have any dollars to own one. It all looked like I was destined for a sad and fruitless life ahead. I figured once I got out of school I could go all-out into the hot rod world—which I did. I got involved with building a few old drag cars as I got deeper into the sport, and I loved every minute of it.

Jim Albrich lived a block from my folks’ house. His machine shop was a hangout for local drag racers. I felt like I was in a dream world. Good friend Jack Coonrod got me into the gasser world as I built an Anglia that later held a blown Chrysler, pouring every dime I could find into this car.

In 1971 at Balboa Drag Strip in Eugene, Oregon I rolled that little Anglia through the finish line as a ladder bar broke. I fortunately walked away from the wreck without getting hurt, other than my pride and wallet. Although I didn’t know Him at the time, I re-member saying, “Maybe the Good Lord is telling me to do something else besides drive race cars.” I had only attended church a few times in my life and why that came to my mind back then I do not know, but now I know all these years later.

With no race car in my life after the crash, I ended up being the Drag Racing Manager at PIR in 1973 which launched me into a higher level—the track operator’s world. Success brought me to become the GM of Northwest Division of International Raceway Parks, Inc.—and I had zero business experience, corporate pressure was mounting, my marriage fell apart, and I was living in an apartment in Federal Way.

I used to run around a lake near my apartment, but one day it was a different. I was overtaken by the pressure that continued everyday and a general distaste about all the stuff going on. As I ran, I noticed a small church. I felt pulled into the church which had its regular weekly service going on.

I opened the doors as a broken man overtaken by emotions. The people saw how distraught I looked and approached me with open arms. I was led to the front of the church for an altar call. A large group surrounded me and began praying along with the pastor. I accepted Christ right there on the spot! The pastor even presented me with a Bible.

That time at the church was a new beginning for me. I wanted to change my life as it all had so much more meaning now with Christ. I felt I had new tools to direct my life and I was seeing things in a whole new light. One of my very first prayers was to confess to God that I was a failure in marriage and if He wanted me to be married, I would continue going through my normal routine and I would leave it up to Him to bring me that special woman.

I began attending a small church in Kent, but I worked on Sundays, so I had to slip out of the racetrack for a couple of hours during the events to attend. I did that for many years. The closer I got to the Lord the more things made sense to me. I felt refreshed with new energy and a new

purpose.

In 1978 a media representative called and told me about this radio sales lady he knew. I met her around Labor Day, which, over time, led us to getting married on April 21, 1979. My earlier marriage had failed, but this one had vows including Jesus Christ at the core of our marriage. All these years later, Mo and I have a Bible study at our home each week that includes a dozen people from our church. The closer we get to Jesus Christ, the closer we are

to each other.

I thank the Lord all the time for everything that has taken place in my life—both good and seemingly (at the time) bad. The bad times made me a better person to deal with bigger problems when they came along, and they do come along.

Here I am at 71 years old, retired at 58 with a wonderful wife of 35 years and 2 children. I was a guy born in North

Portland that loved hot rods and drag racing. I certainly was not the sharpest knife in the drawer (so to speak) but just look at the oppor-tunities that were laid out in front of me. I was, no doubt, guided along.

Since retiring I’ve been involved with Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission using my God-given gift of promotional skills to assist UGM in fund raising to serve meals to the poor, and a men’s warm clothing drive for the homeless. I believe my Savior, Jesus Christ wants me to do that...it’s the least I can do for Him. I owe all of this to Jesus Christ as He changed my heart, guided and directed me to great heights, and brought

me the love of my life. It’s hard to understand exactly what ‘changing of the heart’ means, but accepting Christ not only changes your relation-ships, it also redirects and guides you into a whole new purpose for your life. You desire to do things in a completely different way—a way that has so much more meaning. Finding and accepting God’s love was the best thing that has ever happened in my life.”

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Gifts-In-Kind UpdateTeam RFC® continues to be the recipient of Gifts-In-Kind from many wonderful supporters. Gifts-in-kind can include vehicles, computers, office equipment, frequent flier miles and buddy passes, and prizes for raffles and drawings. More examples are printing, securities, real estate, antiques, and collectibles. Recent gift-in-kind donors are:

Rob MacCachrenClinton and Mary Ann AndersonEddie Hill’s Fun CyclesTroon North Golf Club

Jason Allen (Pro Things)Allen JohnsonLucas Oil Off Road RacingEddie Baugher

Jim GolbaBandimere SpeedwayBrian and Stephanie BiancoSheraton Hotel

JEGS AutomotiveFred KailerButch Harris MuellerDeep South Racing Association

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Larry Smiley .................. President Tami Shrader ................ ChairmanJim Jack .......................... Operations DirectorLinda Jack ...................... Office ManagerJulie Thompson ........... Business ManagerShelley Boyer ................ Projects AdministratorDale Ressler .................. Northeast Region Director ..........................717-587-9540Tom Ratliff ..................... Southeast Region Director ..........................352-267-1795Glenn Kreider ............... North Central Region Director ...................618-292-6048Craig Garland ............... South Central Region Director ...................972-849-2032Stan Roche .................... West Central Region Director .....................314-496-7806Martin Schulz ............... Northwest Region Director ........................253-307-4062Rich Trimmer ................ Southwest Region Director .........................602-448-6995Steve Hanson ............... Dirt Sports Director ........................................949-705-7873Gerald Aldridge ........... Rodders Director .............................................404-886-9195

The Christian MotorsportsInternational, Inc. Family of Ministries

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

Pullers For Christ • Rockcrawlers For Christ • RFC kidsP. O. Box 1208, Gilbert, AZ, 85299-1208

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.”

President’s Perspectiveby Larry Smiley

GOD – FAMILY – WORKLife is filled with making choices. We make choices based upon our priorities. The world can pressure us to choose those things that “won’t rock the boat” or what is “politically correct.” Our

flesh wants us to always be about number one, fulfilling our desires and being self-made men and women. I’ve heard it said that “If you are a self made man then you have a flawed creator.” God has cre-ated each of us to realize the full extent of His Love. GOD, FAMILY, WORK is the priority order that can bring God’s best into our lives.

Put God First. God desires to have first place in our lives. We are called to follow Him. Deuteronomy 13:4 says “It is the Lord your God you must follow, and Him you must revere. Keep His commands and obey Him; serve Him and hold fast to Him.” We get way off track when we follow the lure of our flesh. Following God first in all that we do has great reward. Get into God’s Word and know His truths. He sent His Son Jesus so that you could have eternal life and an abundant life now, as you follow Him. Jesus said it this way: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Give God first place in your life and you will not be disappointed.

Here is an acrostic, FIRST: to give you five things in which you need to put God first. Finances: If you want God to bless your finances, even during a recession, you must tithe. Sorry! There’s no other alterna-tive. Interests: Put Him first in your hobbies, your career, and your recreation. Give God first consideration in every decision. Relation-ships: Put Him first in your family, your marriage, and your friend-ships. Schedule: Give Him the first part of every day. You get up and sit on the side of your bed every morning and say, “God if I don’t get

anything else done today, I just want to love you a little bit more and know you a little bit better.” Troubles: Turn to God first when you have a problem. Prayer should never be your last resort. It should be your first choice.

Your family is second. The only thing that has priority before your family is your relationship with God. The story of Joshua, in the Old Testament, is about a man that had to make a choice on what his pri-orities were. Joshua 24:15 “… choose today whom you will serve. … But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” Choose today for the good of your family. Christian homes don’t just happen. It takes a commitment to follow God and to serve Him in every way. Your

spouse is second only to God. Your children are next. The greatest gift you can give your children is to love your spouse the way Christ loves His church.

Work is the third priority. We are called to work. God had Adam working in the Garden of Eden. 1 Timothy 5:8 “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and espe-cially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” This may seem harsh and yet it is God’s instruction to us. We are to work “as unto the Lord.” This decree instructs us to work with excel-lence and integrity, honoring God with everything that

we do. I officiated at a funeral for a friend’s brother. I spoke of his love for God and his family. I was shocked after the funeral when one of this man’s coworkers came up to me and said, “I didn’t know he was a Christian.” I pray that you would honor God at work the same way you do at church.

GOD-FAMILY-WORK is more than a nice little article. It is a way to honor God, strengthen our families and live our lives. We have avail-able a card that you can put in your wallet or purse to remind you of the important choice of your priorities. On one side in large white letters on a black background is GFW and there are key scriptures on the back. Please contact Team RFC to request your GFW cards.