Have you ever stopped and looked around to see who is coming behind you, following in your footsteps, preparing to continue what you are doing? We can be guilty of focusing too much on our efforts and overlook the next generation. We need to pay attention to those who come behind us. Who’s got next? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Continuation is not something that just happens, we need to prepare for it. We need to realize our activities will be handed off to someone to continue or they will perish with us. One of the most important activities we can be involved in is identifying who the next generation is and pouring our wealth of experience and knowledge into them. No matter if it is work or racing, if we expect things to continue, and they will, we should make the effort to mentor, train, support and encourage those who will follow us.
One of the most difficult seats at any racetrack is that of the parent, father or mother, stepping aside and watching their child take the reins. I have sat with many who shared with me that it was much easier in the driver’s seat than on the sidelines teaching and watching the next generation learn.
I can think of so many names that are generational in racing, Earnhardt, Petty, Jarret, Pitkat, Santos, Pearl, the list goes on. I remember a headline that put it into perspective; “Retired racer Jan Leaty brings son, granddaughter into modified racing.” And Jan was a second-generation driver! Imagine how many families there are in racing with roots that run four plus generations deep.
We would be thought foolish if we think this will end with us. I remember the wise words of the founder of Racing with Jesus Ministries, Rev. Pat Evans, as he came to the realization that his time here was near an end he said; “This can’t end here.” As he turned to Dan and I, asking us to continue what he had started.
In his words to Timothy, the one Paul trained to come after, he shared this;
2 Timothy 4:5-7; NLT; But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.
What is accomplished in life if we don’t pass along the lessons we have learned, the knowledge we have attained or the experience we gained. There is so much that we can share. Don’t misunderstand; there is an art to raising up the next generation. It is work. It doesn’t just happen.
Lessons need to be learned and the phrase; “because I told you to” doesn’t work as well as letting them learn through experiencing failure. Yes, the technique to teaching most times involves letting lessons be learned and then picking them up, dusting them off and pointing them in the direction that will lead to a more successful outcome. Even then there is no guarantee they will listen. Many a parent has shared the difficulty they have endured raising the next generation.
Racing with Jesus Ministries is no different than any other organization, provisions need to be made for who is coming next. For us there are many facets to that. We need to raise up leadership capable of stepping in seamlessly and also chaplains who can start filling the needs of those we serve. As Dan and I look at the hands of time we realize those all-night drives across the countryside have lost their luster. Not only that, but we’re not as young as we used to be, recovery time is on the upswing.
I share with some pride that we are poised to move forward. God has provided opportunities to raise up those who come next, we have recognized that and are pouring into those who will be the leaders and chaplains of tomorrow. That is not an easy process as anyone who has attempted it knows.
I want to share a little perspective from some young men who have recently spent time shadowing several of our chaplains in an effort to grasp what it is that we do. Both Noah and Ezra Heft, Chaplains in Training, spent a month attending races with different chaplains at different tracks, gaining an understanding of what it takes to minister to the racing community. They have allowed me to share some of their observations.
Noah writes; “Across these four races, I have stretched my comfort zone, built new relationships with people, and become a part of the racing community. While my practicum may be
complete, I look forward to serving more races and in other chaplaincy roles in the
future; it is, I believe, what I was born to do.”
He adds; “The task of a chaplain is to go into the world, serving as a light
for all people, even in a secular or non-Christian environment. While we may wear cool looking purple shirts with flaming doves or ride around in fancily wrapped pace cars with
flashing lights, the mission is to spread God’s Kingdom.”
Ezra shared; “During the four weeks I spent with the ministry, my primary focus was on building relationships. This meant everything from praying with the drivers to simply spending time talking to officials and spectators. Although I may not remember everyone’s name, and they may not remember mine, I pray that they can remember the ministry I was serving with, and who I was serving for, since it certainly wasn’t myself …”
“This is what was truly amazing to me; although people connect with us because of the relationships we have built, that is still us connecting them with God, so long as we reflect His light. This does come with a certain amount of pressure, however, as people will remember if we do something unchristlike. Impressions matter, and we must first and foremost seek to reflect the Kingdom of God to the world.”
These perspectives come from young men whom God has called to serve. They have recognized that at a young age and are ready to learn what that entails. Our responsibility is to pour into them, train them, encourage them and discipline them as they grow in their walk with God.
God has called those who are coming next. We need to identify them and take the responsibility of nurturing that call. Please pray with us as we look toward the future and those who will be next.
Run the race in such a way as to win, throw off everything that hinders and focus on Jesus. Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
