A Tennis Missionary remembers

Hawaii + RandR = rest and relaxation

The Kraft family; Bob, Mia, Ashley and Joshua are now in Honolulu, Hawaii taking a much needed three week family time. Aloha - PS: Hawaii has been very important to myself and my family with a little of the history below.


1979 - I consider attending University of Hawaii, Honolulu under the GI Bill from my service in the US Army.


1985 - Helped build the mission building of Pacific and Asia Christian University as a stone mason and also rebuilt the Old Stone Church (shown) on Alii Drive in Kona, Hawaii


1986 -Attend Crossroads Discipleship School of Pacific and Asia Christian University in Kona, Hawaii.



1997 - Married to my wife - Mia in Kona, Hawaii at the Old Stone Church, Kona.




1999 - Mia Kraft takes her US Citizenship oath in Honolulu.


2000 -Tennis ministry clinic at two universities - Oahu, Hawaii.

Weekly Verse - July 21, 2008

Tournaments this week: ATP-Toronto WTA-Los Angeles, Portoroz
July 21 MONDAY:  By faith Moses...regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward." - Hebrews 11:24-26
In the first half of our live we often seek for success, but in the second half we seek for significance!  That's a big difference!

TUESDAY:  Are You (Jesus) the One who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"  But Jesus told them to go back and tell John that the lonely, the hurting, the sick and the unloved were being touched and ministered to wherever He went. - Matthew 11:3-5
Jesus lived His life completely for others.  He found and fulfilled His purpose - what else matters?  If you're in 'the second half' of your live ask God to help you to find the place of significance, then spend the rest of your life there.

WEDNESDAY:  I (God) am with you and will watch over you wherever you go...I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you. - Genesis 28:15
If God can feed others and somebody to visit prisoners in prison, that means He cares for you also.  God cares for you!

THURSDAY:  I have had enough, Lord,' he said. 'Take my life.' - I Kings 19:4
Loneliness visits each of us in different forms.    It can almost rob you of your destiny with God.

FRIDAY:  I have never seen the righteous forsaken. - Psalm 37:25
No sermon will ever convince you of God's faithfulness like the experiences of God providing.

SATURDAY:  He'll (God) never leave you nor forsake you. - Hebrew 13:5
Even when others turn their backs on you.

SUNDAY:  You know how I (Apostle Paul) lived the whole time I was with you...I served the Lord with great humility...although I was severely tested....You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you...I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.   "In every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.  However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus had given me..."Keep watch over yourselves...I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.  So be on your guard! "Now I commit you to God and to the Word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. - Acts 20:18-32
If you are looking for an example to follow, here it is.

Websites:
http://dailyverse.multiply.com (latest: Weekly Verse - July 21, 2008)
http://www.tennisministry.org
http://bobkraft.multiply.com (latest: Wimbledon Finals)

Weekly Verse - July 14, 2008

Tournaments this week: ATP-Indianapolis, Amersfoort, Kitzbühel, Umag; WTA-Stanford, Bad Gastein

July 14 MONDAY:  For this reason a man will leave his father and mother. - Matthew 19:5
Parenthood is not ownership, it's just stewardship.  Your assignment is to give them love to make them secure, God's laws to make them wise and a lifestyle to follow.  Finally, give them a chance to act on the things you've taught them.  That's the way God planned it right from the beginning.

TUESDAY:  Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do.  'I'll do the judging,' says God.  'I'll take care of it.'" - Romans 12:17-19
Unless God has raised you up for this very thing, you'll be worn out by the opposition; but if God be for you, who can be against you?

WEDNESDAY:  If you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise of God. -  Galatians 3:29
If we are Abraham's seed, then lets do Abraham's deeds today, and we'll walk in Abraham's blessings!

THURSDAY:  I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord; and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. - Psalm 32:5
What doesn't work is using pride to hide your sin or justify it.
 
FRIDAY:  God, I thank You that I am not like other men."  Meanwhile, the other man in whispered tones prayed, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner!" Jesus said, "I tell you that THIS man, rather than the other, went home justified." -  Luke 18:10-14
God wants to deal with each of us.

SATURDAY:  There was a time when I wouldn't admit what a sinner I was.  But my dishonesty made me miserable . . . until I finally admitted all my sins to You and stopped trying to hide them.  I said to myself, 'I will confess them to the Lord.'  And You forgave me!  All my guilt is gone." -  Psalm 32:3-5
Take off your mask, get rid of your pretence, come humbly to God today - He's just waiting to cleanse and forgive you.

SUNDAY:  Moses said, 'I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.' and ... God called unto him ..." - Exodus 3:3-4
Don't judge anybody's potential by what they are right now!  Moses almost burned himself out trying to do it His way, until God showed him a fire that was not dependent on Him.

Websites:
http://dailyverse.multiply.com (latest: Weekly Verse July 14, 2008)
http://www.tennisministry.org
http://bobkraft.multiply.com (coming soon: Wimbledon Finals)

Wimledon finals

Wimbledon finals - Everyone that I meet always speaks about the great matches of the men's and women's 2008 Wimbledon singles finals that involved four players.  In fact all the men's and women's finals were played over a two day period and involved thirteen players.

Every one of the players in ALL the finals, except one player - I was in someway working with spiritually.  Each person is important to me and I care greatly for each as human beings with thoughts, desires, goals and feelings... You take a player and no matter where they are at spiritually you encourage them to grow spiritually and make available the tools to allow such growth.  The tools would include - prayer, the Word, worship music, God centered conversation and fellowship.  Over a period of years planting seeds - the work and the Word never comes back void.  [Isaiah 55:11]

Planting...

I make sure that I am at the All England Club about three hours before the start of the matches.  In this way I have time to say hello to the players, the families and coaches as I see them.  I always have a Word of spiritual encouragement for each group and can spend from ten minutes up to an hour speaking with a specific individual.  For some players that includes a prayer - such as for health, being a good example for others watching them while playing or drawing strength from a heavenly relationship.  After the matches I almost always see the players and speak to them about God and this relationship.

Saturday - Women's singles and doubles; men's doubles finals. I left the site at 10 pm with the winner of singles and we spoke about a loving God - the fellowship of Christ was sweet and pleasing for the both of us.  I held the trophy's given to two different Champions over the two days and thought to myself how many players in the world and over the history of this game since 1874; would want their name on this trophy.  I felt that while pleasant to touch the trophy - the right to have your name written on it only comes from the favor of God that lies on a specific person.  Even if that person does not acknowledge that this is a God given talent that is desired by many but accorded to few - they still retain the lifetime right to use the opportunities that it brings.  Champions, who are wise, realize that with great privileges come equally great responsibilities of acknowledging where this talent originates.  Make no mistake all Champions great and small will eventually stand before God and be called to account of how they used the talents given to them. [The Parable of the Talents and Matthew 25 14-18]

Sunday - Men's singles, mixed doubles finals.  It rained off and on during the day pushing back the matches until it was almost too dark to continue play finishing at 9:32pm local time.  The mixed doubles final was moved from centre court to court number one to start earlier and while light.  I spent quite a lot of time with finalists before the matches and I prayed with most of them and the family and discussed God.  The men's singles was really just a matter of waiting around during two rain interruptions until it was very dark and finished.  I left the site at 11:30 pm at the same time as one of the finalists and in some ways consoled the family by being around.   My feeling is that is important that a player realizes that God, which when they see in me as a reminder by being there during the highs and lows, never deserts or leave them - win or lose.  God has said, ?Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."  [Hebrews 13-5; Deuteronomy 31:6]

In this small room, the men's winner family and friends were on one side and on the other side was the family and friends of the player who lost.  One side of the room - happiness and joyful sounds and the other side silence.  As the defeated left the room and for that year the tournament site - everyone stood up and clapped.  [Revelation 7:9-17]

My work was finished! [2 Timothy 4:7-8]

Websites:
http://dailyverse.multiply.com (coming soon -Daily Verse July 21, 2008)
http://www.tennisministry.org
http://bobkraft.multiply.com   (Latest: Wimbledon finals)

Weekly Verse - June 23 to July 6, 2008 (Wimbledon special edition)

Wimbledon begins

June 23 MONDAY: (Wimbledon: Men - Round of 128)  Teach a child to choose the right path, and when he is older he will remain upon it. - Genesis 21:18
Give your children a taste of the things of God when they're little, and when they grow up, this world will never satisfy them.

TUESDAY:  (Women's Round of 128) Along unfamiliar paths I (God) will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. - Isaiah 42:16
Don't just your children your doctrine; expose them to your faith.  Tell them Who brought you through the dark places, so that when they encounter them, they'll have more than religious rules - they'll have confidence in God for themselves.

WEDNESDAY:  (Men - Womens Round of 64) Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves. - Hebrews 13:17
Who speaks into your life through proven leadership?  To whom are you submitted?

THURSDAY:  (Men - Womens Round of 64) A man's gift makes room for him. - Proverbs 18:16
Your gift will always meet a need for someone else.  Find your gift and develop it, for it's the key to your destiny.

FRIDAY:  (Men - Womens Round of 32)  We have the mind of Christ. - 1 Corinthians 2:16
The challenge is in learning to recognize Christ's thoughts, and to trust them.

SATURDAY:  (Men - Womens Round of 16) God thinks His thoughts through us when our minds are renewed. - Romans 12:2
You ask, "How do I deal with 'a stronghold that is hurting my life'?" Attack it with the Word of God in the Bible! That's what Jesus did!

SUNDAY:  For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. - 1 Corinthians 16:9
Every opportunity God gives us will bring opposition, building your faith and strengthening you.

June 30 MONDAY:  (Men - Womens Round of 16) For the Lord watches over all the plans and paths of Godly men.- Psalm 1:6
You don't have to accept whatever comes into your mind: you have a choice! If your thoughts line up with the Word of God in the Bible, accept them. If they don't, reject them.

TUESDAY:  (Womens Quarterfinals)  Delight yourself  also in the Lord; and He shall give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:4
When Jesus is the center of your affections, His desires become yours.

WEDNESDAY:  (Mens Quarterfinals)  Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way. - Isaiah 30:21
It's a word in your past, confirming that you're on the right track.

THURSDAY:  Womens Semifinals) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts. - Colosians 3:15
God's peace will give you confididece in difficult calls.

FRIDAY:  (Mens Semifinals)  As an eagle stirs up her nest...so the Lord alone did lead him. - Deuteronomy 32:11-12
Rejoice if God is pushing you out of your comfort zone, for without it you'll never fly.

SATURDAY:  (Finals- Mixed Doubles, Woman Singles, Mens Doubles) We walk by faith, not by sight. - 2 Corinthians 5:7
Remember, the will of God always involves - faith.

SUNDAY:  (Finals- Mens Singles, Womens Doubles)  His (Jesus) strength is made perfect in your weakness. - 2 Corinthians 12:9
He can lift the disadvantaged higher than those who've had every advantage!

Wimbledon highlights - Day ten

A player came up to me just before she left to go the next stop on the tour and said, 'thank you for praying for me'. - Not self-centered!

A coach, whom I did not recognize, thanked me for sending he and a women player the Daily Verse and then said we use them.  The player is still in the tournament. - Totally unexpected!

A management team of six people and one player and I sat around a table and discussed faith, God and Christ late into the night. - Intense discussion!

A men's doubles team said thank you for supporting us and coming to our matches. - Simple things from nice people brings great joy!

Wonderful weather each day about 27C or 80F. - No rain!

Walking about 2-3 miles each day to and from my housing, Starbucks, the church office and the tournament. - Great exercise!

Verse: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassion's never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22,23 - Each day is better than the day before!

Websites:
http://dailyverse.multiply.com (2008 Artois Championships Queens Club London - Finals)
http://www.tennisministry.org
http://bobkraft.multiply.com

Wimbledon and the qualifier - Day three

Monday to Thursday - Wimbledon qualifier at Roehampton, 9am - I go to an office that a church has provided near Wimbledon Centre.  The first thing I do every morning is call my family in Hong Kong.  Thursday, I call my Senior Pastor; then a board member of our ministry; and Pastor Margaret Court an advisory board member to discuss pressing matters related to my work here.  Meet with two Senior Pastor's of churches here in Wimbledon. 1pm - At the tournament, prayed with and for about 20 players.  (Thank you Kevin for the credential). 8:30pm - Arrive back at my housing.

Friday, Saturday - Arrive on site for Wimbledon. Players arrive early and practice for the next three days.  It is amazing to me how many players have spoken to me after initiating the conversation.  At one time on the back four courts I had 17 players and family members all speaking about faith.  It is very encouraging to me!

Sunday - 10am Dondonald Church and 6:30pm at Queens Road Church both in Wimbledon.  In between services meet with players at the Club.  Arrive home at 9pm.

Monday Wimbledon begins - 8am Bible study at Starbucks in Wimbledon Village.  10am to the Club.  Prayer for the players playing that day.  Very specific prayers for the players as people and not necessary for playing.  16 Men and 24 women that I know well on court today. Thank God for the abundance.   I meet most of the players. Noon - I then meet 5 players both before and after matches and watch the matches of five players that are growing.  It is important that I spend the extra encouraging them to grow upwards.  9pm - back to my housing.

Tuesday - Too tired to do the Bible Study in the morning and sleep in.  I have not had one day off in four weeks since May 19th.  10:30 am - Make copies of four Video Cd's of 'Struggle and Triumph' from Athletes in Action which is dubbed into 37 languages.  Noon - Arrive at the club and pray for the men and women playing that I know well.  Meet most of the players before they go on court.  End up watching a few games of matches of players that I know.  9pm - back to my housing.  Eating Chinese take out most nights for dinner.

Websites:
http://dailyverse.multiply.com
http://www.tennisministry.org

2008 Artois Championships Queens Club London - Finals

I arrived in London on Monday from the French Open in Paris which finished on Sunday.  I had a meeting with Queens Road Church Senior Pastor on Tuesday morning and then over to the Artois Championships tennis tournament by lunchtime.  I would like to thank those who give me access.  Thank you, Bob and Mike!

The Queens Club where the tournament is held is set in an urban area of London surrounded by three story flats (or for Americans, apartments).  The player lounge is one of the best that I have been to, including the Grand Slam events.  The food is superb and better than almost all the Grand Slam events.  One exception would be the US Open which also has good food in the player restaurant.  The staff is friendly and they treat everyone with respect and lastly the official transportation crew is the most accommodating. The players agree with these points also.  Wonderful to be here!

A player and his wife are committed believers and we spoke about faith to others in this surreal world, where everything revolves around tennis and match scores.  I am thankful that I have others around me to encourage me and I can encourage them.

The finals are on as I write this.  Nadal vs. Djokovic tie-breaker in the first set.  Even some players are watching it in the lounge on the television.  Does it make sense to watch in on the tv when you can walk a few meters and see it in person and have the best seats in the house?  Well that is part an oddly dreamlike quality of the pro tour.

Websites:
http://dailyverse.multiply.com
http://www.tennisministry.org
http://bobkraft.multiply.com (Happy Father's Day - from London)

Happy Father's Day! (from London)

 My grade one daughter, Ashley, knowing that I would be in London - drew these pictures and presented them to me for Father's Day before I left Hong Kong.  Thank God, she has a good perspective on our family (notice the tennis racket in Father's hand, her little brother 2 year old Joshua, Mom, tennis court, swimming pool and backyard area).   My own priorities as a Father - God, Family, Ministry or profession.

 

 

Websites:
http://dailyverse.multiply.com (posted soon: Queens Club - Day 7)
http://www.tennisministry.org
http://bobkraft.multiply.com

Happy Father's Day!

My grade one daughter, Ashley, knowing that I would be traveling - drew these pictures and presented them to me for Father's Day before I left.  Thank God, she has a good perspective on our family (notice the tennis racket in Father's hand, her little brother 2 year old Joshua and Mom).   My own priorities as a Father - God, Family, Ministry or profession.

John Maxwell tells of a man he met through Promise Keepers. One day, the man's daughter, who was in year one, was asked by her teacher to draw a picture of her family. She loved to draw so she willingly tackled the assignment. That evening she proudly brought her artwork home and showed it to her parents. When her dad looked at the picture he said, 'What's this picture of?' His daughter replied, 'That's us and our house. The teacher asked me to draw a picture of our family.'He looked at the picture more carefully and saw that every one was there - except him. 'Sweetheart, 'he asked, 'am I in the picture?'' No,'she replied. 'Why not?' he asked. 'Because this is a picture of us at home, and you're never here.'

That was the day he decided he was going to turn his bus around and head back to his family. 

Wimbledon 08 outreach activities

Queens Road Church - Wimbledon: prayer meeting and discussion on tennis ministry with interested fans and supporters for the second consecutive year.  Saturday June 21st, 7:30pm.  Dinner to follow at 8:15pm at a Wimbledon Centre restaurant for those who have additional time.   (Reservations requested but not required) Website: www.qrc.org.uk Map it here.

Business persons lunch meeting - Central London:  Topic: Applying Biblical principles to your market place.  Pastor Bob Kraft will be the speaker.  Wednesday 25^th June, 1pm at Salvation Army, Regent Hall, 275 Oxford Street London W1 Website: www.lightlunch.co.uk (Reservations requested but not required)   Map it here.

"More Than Gold" - A daily devotional that will be given athletes at the Beijing Olympics.  I have a limited number of advanc copies of these in Chinese and English and will be given out to interested pro players in the tournaments in the UK.  Website: www.rbceurope.org

Church services at Wimbledon - These are churches that have expressed an interest in being listed in the tennis ministry.

Coffee at Starbucks: Every morning during the first week (Monday to Saturday) of Wimbledon a Bible study will be held at Wimbledon Village Starbucks.  Time: 8:45 - 9:15am.  If you do not have a Bible, don't worry we will have some extras and this is a good chance to gain knowledge on the Bible, while enjoying a nice cup of coffee. (Reservations requested but not required, Walk in welcomed!)  Map it here.

The Artois Championships at The Queens Club and Wimbledon Qualifier at Roehampton - Pastor Bob Kraft will be in attendance and will be glad to meet fans or players. To arrange a meeting: kraft@tennisministry.org or UK mobile number: 07913743175

Websites:
http://dailyverse.multiply.com (latest: My Top Ten List - Wimbledon)
http://www.tennisministry.org
http://bobkraft.multiply.com

My Top Ten List - Wimbledon

Difficult
1.  Public transport that is super expensive, starting at $4USD a single trip.
2.  Currency - exchange rate from USD to British pound, the lowest ever.
3.  The nearest hot food is at Wimbledon Centre, a forty minute walk.
4.  Walking the thirty minute walk to the tournament site in the rain.
5.  Cultural sensitives between Americans and Brits

Wonderful
1.  Tesco Express convenience mart in Wimbledon Village that has good, reasonably priced fresh fruit and sandwiches.
2.  My host family, a wonderful house and a nice quiet attic room.
3.  Queens Road Church which reminds me of the style of my home church in Hong Kong.
4.  Stores that sale anything you need in Wimbledon Centre.
5.  Grocery stores that have everything and especially the boiled ham which is reasonably priced and I love.

Note: Most difficult:  Cultural sensitives between Americans and Brits - watching how and what I say with no American humor added.

The best:  Finding a nice quiet small park, sitting on a bench, breathing in the fresh air, hearing silence and appreciating the beauty of the rose's in full bloom.

Websites:
http://dailyverse.multiply.com
http://www.tennisministry.org
http://bobkraft.multiply.com (latest: Wimbledon 08 outreach activities)

Weekly Verse - June 9 to 22, 2008

(Tournaments this week: ATP - Halle, London, Warsaw WTA - Birmingham, Barcelona) 

June 9 - MONDAY: The whole nation into idolatry. - Judges 8:27
The pressures will build as you near the finish line!

TUESDAY:  We are just as capable of messing it up as they were.  Don't be so naive and self-confident.  You're not exempt. -1 Corinthians 10:11-12
Stay in the Word, make time for prayer, strengthen your family and ask God daily to help you finish strong. He'll do it.

WEDNESDAY:  In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and He answered by setting me free.  the Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me? - Psalm 118:5-6
Fear is a spirit - don't yield to it, resist it!

THURSDAY:  For God has not given us the spirit of fear. - 2 Timothy 1:7
Fear of man is not from God!

FRIDAY:  For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me. - Job 3:25
Fear activates the enemy, just like faith activates God, so don't give it an inch, or it'll take a mile.

SATURDAY:  Fear not; for I (God) am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God. - Isaiah 41:10
If you belong to God, you have no reason to fear, for He PROTECTS what belongs to Him!

SUNDAY:  Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. - Isaiah 43:1-3
Nothing can get at you today without coming through God first - absolutely nothing!

(Tournaments this week: ATP Den Bosch, Nottingham - WTA - Den Bosch, Eastbourne)

June 16 - MONDAY:  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You (God) are with me. - Psalm 23:4
You don't have to be afraid of death, for your Father God owns the land on BOTH sides of the death!

TUESDAY:  For He (God) shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in ALL your ways. - Psalm 91:11
GOT EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL

WEDNESDAY:  Lord, open his eyes so he may see.  Then the Lord opened [his] eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. - 2 Kings 6:15-17
Angels are not just observing you - they're surrounding you!  Relax.

THURSDAY:  Arise, lift up the lad and hold him in your hand, for I will make him a great nation. - Genesis 21:18
God's got great plans for your child, so lift him up; encourage him.  "Hold him!"  Without hugs and holding, our children will be dwarfed in their spiritual and mental well-being.

FRIDAY:  The water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs. - Genesis 21:15
Jesus will strengthen and comfort YOU - so that you can 'be there' for your child.

SATURDAY:  By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish. - Hebrews 11:31
Christ takes risks on people; aren't you glad?

SUNDAY:  God is not ashamed to be called their God. - Hebrews 11:16
God's grace is displayed most clearly in the lives of failed people.

Websites:
http://dailyverse.multiply.com (latest: Longevity)
http://www.tennisministry.org
http://bobkraft.multiply.com (latest: Day Nine - French Open)

Day Nine - French Open

God has really put this on my heart to share with the pro players:  I see often a lack of a sense of priorities:  As a Christian - 1.  God  2.  Your Family  2. Your Profession or job.  If God is the center of your will (wheel) then all the others things connect properly. 

Q: What is the center verse in the Bible?  A: Psalms 118:8 - "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."

This week: 1.  I am asked to do a Bible study of the book of "Revelation' at upcoming Wimbledon.  2.  A Mother believes in Christ by faith and a Father wants to believe by intellect.  3.  Gave out the book "This One Thing I Do" by World Vision and Samaritan's Purse founder, Bob Pierce.  4.  Pray for up to two hours each day for specific players, coaches and families  5.  Participate in several churches sidewalk outreach to fans walking to the Roland Garros.  6.  Spoke at Communaute Chretieanne du Point du Jour church service.  7.  Attend the interdominational worship concert called Passionworldtour in Paris city center.  8.  Prayed for marriages that have broken down or need healing; unmarried who need wisdom in relationships; Life and Death diseases.  9.  Dealing with complicated ministerial situations involving sects. 

My Day (except Sunday):  7:30am - breakfast. Pray and reply to emails that came in overnight.  10am - call my family in Hong Kong. 10:30am - walk to Roland Garros.  10:45am -  Arrive at tournament and walk through player area saying hello to those I know, seeing if any urgent needs.  11am - matches start and go out to matches with players that I work closely with; spend the day meeting players, family members and coaches.  8:30pm - Leave Roland Garros  9pm - Dinner  10pm - read verses, compose Weekly Verse message  11pm - listen to worship music, pray  Midnight to 2am - bedtime.

Again thank you for your prayers, concern, emails and support.  They are much needed at this time.

Websites:
http://dailyverse.multiply.com (most recent: Longevity)
http://www.tennisministry.org
http://bobkraft.multiply.com

Difficult
1.  Microwave only cooking for meals.
2.  Currency - exchange rate from USD to Euro, the lowest ever.
3.  Restaurants that are not affordable for me, starting at $30USD per meal.
4.  Language - French to English; English to French.

Wonderful
1.  Walking in the evening - in deserted Parisian back street with unique buildings.
2.  Daylight until 10:30 pm.
3.  Grocery store food that is well priced and the best quality I have found in the world.
4.  Free Wi-Fi Internet connection in the neighborhood (16th District) that I stay in.
5.  A fifteen minute walk from my housing to the tournament site.

Most difficult:  The only place that I can truly afford to eat at in Paris is, McDonalds and can goods from the super market.  In 2007, the downside is I ate at a McDonalds nearest the tournament in 07 and got food poisoning and in bed for two days.

The best:  I love history and in the evening after the tennis, I can walk the streets nearest my church hostel and look at wonderful old buildings that most have the date of completion on the side of the building and a few have historical plaques - understandably all in French.  Read Day One - French Open here

Websites:
http://dailyverse.multiply.com
http://www.tennisministry.org
http://bobkraft.multiply.com   (latest: Day One - French Open)

The first day Monday went well and thank you for those who are praying.  8:30 am - Arrive Charles De Galle Airport Paris.  Checked bag lost by British Airway.   11am - dropped off my one carry-on bag at the church hostel.  A slight case of food poisoning from Hardees fast food at the Hong Kong airport. (not in my top nine list for the French Open)  Noon - prayed with a French Pastor. Grocery shopping.  1pm -picked up my credential for the tournament at Roland Garros (thanks Edina).  Spoke to twenty-nine people on site.  4pm - matches rained out.  Walked back to the hostel in the rain. No clothes to change into.  6pm - Sleep. 3pm (jetlag) - Arise and shine!

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. - Isaiah 60:1

3 days prior -- Friday slept on a floor of a house in Manila. Saturday in my own bed with my wife in Hong Kong.  Sunday in economy seat on British Airways.

Websites:
http://dailyverse.multiply.com (posted soon: My Top Nine List - French Open)
http://www.tennisministry.org
http://bobkraft.multiply.com

I am at a Campus Harvest (listen/learn here) conference in Manila, Philippines.  CH is a student ministry of Everynation churches and is held over a four day period.  It is evident that these youth (approximately 4,000 in attendance from 15 nations ) are serious about their Christian faith, want to grow spiritually, lead others into a strong and active faith and are willing to take training to better their knowledge.  My kind of people.- watch a video here.  They are really great youth who are kind, polite, with the right priorities and want to help others.  Sounds like a winning combination to me.

One of my favorite cities in Asia, has to be Manila.  It has a wonderful Christian heritage and it shows in the smiles, kindness, generosity and joy of the people.  It has great restaurants of all types, tastes and nationalities. The students are highly educated with many wonderful universities and in industry the customer service from these fine people is superb.  Sadly it has one of the lowest incomes per person in Asia - having been bypassed by foreign investors to places such as China and India.  However as I see it - God has used this as many of the women of this nation have had to leave to find work often as domestic helpers and child care givers especially in the Muslim Middle East countries.   Despite difficult circumstances...they have brought their Christian faith in churches that are started and homes that they stay in while employed overseas. 

A wonderful people, city and nation that needs our love, concern and prayers and especially for the students at this conference who want to be future leaders.

Prayer requests for my European trip

Pastor Bob Kraft and Tennis Ministry Prayer points:

1.  Manila, Philippines - May 21 to 24 Youth Conference.

a.  My housing with the host family.
b.  Relationship with Everynation church leadership.
c.  Discussion on future Gospel tennis camp to business and government leaders in Philippines.
d.  Discussion on future cooperation with youth conference and tennis ministry.

2.  Hong Kong - May 24

a.  Family time.

 3.  Paris, France - May 25 to June 9

a.  Access to tournament site and players lounge.
b.  Wisdom and relationship for those against this ministry.
c.  May 31st - Fan outreach to French Open, pray for participating churches.  Bob and Mia's eleventh wedding anniversary.
d.  June 1st, Bob preaching in Paris church.
e.  June 6th - Fan outreach to French Open; Bob's fifty-first birthday.
f.  What Would Jesus Do bracelets to be given out to players - if I have them.
g.  Protection against physical sickness or illness.
h.  No back pain.
k.  Adjustment to jet lag.

4.  London, England - June 10 to July 9

a.  Housing with host family.  Pray for a smooth relationship.
b.  Access to tournament sites and the players lounge.
c.  Wisdom and relationship for those against this ministry.
e.  Food availability.
f.   'More than Gold' spiritual booklets that will be received on time and passed out to the correct people.
g.  Transport to the tournaments sites.
h.  June 15,16 - Bob attending a weekend church retreat with host family.
i.   June 21st - Meeting with businessman and residents of London for discussion of future ministry events.
j.   No back pain.

5. Hong Kong - July 10 to 18

a.  Family time.
b.  Office time/tennis lessons.
c.  Adjustment to jet lag.

5.  Honolulu, Hawaii July 19 to August 10

a.  Family time.
b.  Relationship with various churches in Hawaii as I meet Pastors and church members.

Websites:
http://dailyverse.multiply.com
http://www.tennisministry.org
http://bobkraft.multiply.com

Longevity

Too few are willing to tough out some rough years in order to see the real fruit that longevity (5-10 years) brings.

"2009 will be my fortieth year of playing tennis; thirty-seventh year of teaching tennis and thirty-fourth year of coaching for my living.  I have found that anyone who lasts ten years or more in the profession of coaching has longevity.  A coach simply has to be good enough to find students who want to take lessons from them and if not - they can not financially survive.  I feel a real kinship to tennis coaches and my first question is always, "how long has you been coaching?".  The answer tells me everything."

When we build relationships in ministry...and then leave, the loss makes it incredibly difficult for people to trust the next person enough to get close to them. Rapid turnovers lead to people who aren't interested in getting to know the new...worker. After all, what guarantees are there that this new person won't leave in 18 to 24 months?

"2009 will be my twenty-third year of involvement in ministry.  Ministry is much different than coaching tennis.  People have to trust you over skill acquisition.  In sports, you can be a great coach, a lousy person and still succeed.  But in ministry you can not be a great Pastor, a lousy person and succeed.  Over a period of years you build a number of relationships with people who want to work alongside you and are in agreement with your methods.  This is success in ministry.  Who works along side tells you everything about that person."

Something wonderful happens in...ministry when the...director remains in place for five or more years. My own experience is that it takes five years to get a vision going and see fruit. Year one and two are all about settling into the work, establishing key relationships, listening to needs, and recognizing opportunities. Year three gives us the chance, now that people know us, to set a vision and strategy. Year four and five sees that vision take shape and perhaps begin to bear fruit. Beyond that we reap a number of benefits.

One is the development and growth of our vision for ministry. As the whole church gains an understanding of the vision and sees that we’re in it for the long haul, more leaders emerge to help. A second is that younger youth begin to look forward to the day they can be part of that ministry. A third is that people trust the...ministry and know what to expect.

As 1 Thessalonians 2:8 reminds us "So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us."

Websites:
http://dailyverse.multiply.com
http://www.tennisministry.org
http://bobkraft.multiply.com (posted soon: Day Nine - French Open)

Weekly Verse - July 7, 2008

July 7 MONDAY:  Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of an prostitute. - Judges 11:1
The next time someone uses your past to try and intimidate you, remind them of Jephthah. Our God is awesome.

TUESDAY:  Behold, I (God) will do a new thing. - Isaiah 43:19
When Jesus becomes Lord of your life, neither your genes nor your environment can prevent you from becoming all He intended you to be.

WEDNESDAY:   Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. - Proverbs 27:6
Do you learn from critisim, become stronger and wiser because of it, and rise to new heights.

THURSDAY:  The Stone which the builders rejected, became "The Chief Cornerstone! - Luke 20:17
God has a habit of using those who've been rejected.

FRIDAY:  A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. - Proverbs 17:17
The best way to have such a friend is to be one.

SATURDAY:  Two are better than one...pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! - Ecc 4:9-10
A real friend is someone who lays down his life, his desires, and his needs, in order to be there for you.

SUNDAY:  As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. - Proverbs 27:17
A true friend will sharpen you and help you to reach your God-given destiny.  You can't get there without them.

Websites:
http://dailyverse.multiply.com (latest: 2008 Artois Championships Queens Club London - Finals)
http://www.tennisministry.org
http://bobkraft.multiply.com  (latest: Wimbledon highlights - Day ten)

Weekly Verse - June 23 to July 6, 2008 (Wimbledon special edition)

Wimbledon begins

June 23 MONDAY: (Wimbledon: Men - Round of 128)  Teach a child to choose the right path, and when he is older he will remain upon it. - Genesis 21:18
Give your children a taste of the things of God when they're little, and when they grow up, this world will never satisfy them.

TUESDAY:  (Women's Round of 128) Along unfamiliar paths I (God) will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. - Isaiah 42:16
Don't just your children your doctrine; expose them to your faith.  Tell them Who brought you through the dark places, so that when they encounter them, they'll have more than religious rules - they'll have confidence in God for themselves.

WEDNESDAY:  (Men - Womens Round of 64) Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves. - Hebrews 13:17
Who speaks into your life through proven leadership?  To whom are you submitted?

THURSDAY:  (Men - Womens Round of 64) A man's gift makes room for him. - Proverbs 18:16
Your gift will always meet a need for someone else.  Find your gift and develop it, for it's the key to your destiny.

FRIDAY:  (Men - Womens Round of 32)  We have the mind of Christ. - 1 Corinthians 2:16
The challenge is in learning to recognize Christ's thoughts, and to trust them.

SATURDAY:  (Men - Womens Round of 16) God thinks His thoughts through us when our minds are renewed. - Romans 12:2
You ask, "How do I deal with 'a stronghold that is hurting my life'?" Attack it with the Word of God in the Bible! That's what Jesus did!

SUNDAY:  For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. - 1 Corinthians 16:9
Every opportunity God gives us will bring opposition, building your faith and strengthening you.

June 30 MONDAY:  (Men - Womens Round of 16) For the Lord watches over all the plans and paths of Godly men.- Psalm 1:6
You don't have to accept whatever comes into your mind: you have a choice! If your thoughts line up with the Word of God in the Bible, accept them. If they don't, reject them.

TUESDAY:  (Womens Quarterfinals)  Delight yourself  also in the Lord; and He shall give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:4
When Jesus is the center of your affections, His desires become yours.

WEDNESDAY:  (Mens Quarterfinals)  Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way. - Isaiah 30:21
It's a word in your past, confirming that you're on the right track.

THURSDAY:  Womens Semifinals) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts. - Colosians 3:15
God's peace will give you confididece in difficult calls.

FRIDAY:  (Mens Semifinals)  As an eagle stirs up her nest...so the Lord alone did lead him. - Deuteronomy 32:11-12
Rejoice if God is pushing you out of your comfort zone, for without it you'll never fly.

SATURDAY:  (Finals- Mixed Doubles, Woman Singles, Mens Doubles) We walk by faith, not by sight. - 2 Corinthians 5:7
Remember, the will of God always involves - faith.

SUNDAY:  (Finals- Mens Singles, Womens Doubles)  His (Jesus) strength is made perfect in your weakness. - 2 Corinthians 12:9
He can lift the disadvantaged higher than those who've had every advantage!

Weekly Verse - June 2, 2008 (French Open - Special edition 2nd week)

French Open

June 2nd - MONDAY:  (Singles Quarterfinals - Mens Doubles Semifinals) So that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. - Deuteronomy 14:29
You don't have to do anything to experience God's love, but you must do certain things to experience His blessings.

TUESDAY:  (Singles Quarterfinals - Womens Doubles Quarterfinals)  There is nothing too hard for You (God). - Jeremiah 32:17
For every problem, God has a definite answer; for every hurt, He has a cure.

WEDNESDAY:  (Womens Singles Semifinals - Mens Doubles Semifinals )  For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it. - Luke 9:24
If you're wise, you'll Forget your accomplishments, but remember your debt to others.

THURSDAY:  (Mens Semifinals, Womens Doubles )  Give, and it shall be given unto you. -Luke 6:38
Jesus isn't just talking about money, He was also talking about forgiveness and relationships.

FRIDAY:  (Mens Singles Semifinals - Womens Doubles Semifinals )  I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. - John 10:10
If you're broken, let Jesus fix you.  Don't lay THAT responsibility on anybody else.

SATURDAY:  (Womens Singles Finals - Mens Db Finals, Mixed Db Finals)  Love is very patient and kind...does not demand its own way.  It is not irritable or touchy.  It does not hold grudges. - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Why don't you totally commit your life to God today?

SUNDAY:  (Mens Singles Finals - Womens Doubles Finals) But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means when I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified. - 1 Corinthians 9:27
Satan will do all he can to get you 'off track.'  That's a fact you need to treat seriously!  No matter how LONG you've been serving the Lord, you're not immune.

Websites:
http://dailyverse.multiply.com (latest: The_French_Open_-_A_Cold_War_veteran)
http://www.tennisministry.org
http://bobkraft.multiply.com (latest: My Top Ten List - French Open )

Prayer requests for my European trip

Pastor Bob Kraft and Tennis Ministry Prayer points.

1.  Manila, Philippines - May 21 to 24 Youth Conference.

a.  My housing with the host family.
b.  Relationship with Everynation church leadership.
c.  Discussion on future Gospel tennis camp to business and government leaders in Philippines.
d.  Discussion on future cooperation with youth conference and tennis ministry.

2.  Hong Kong - May 24

a.  Family time.

3.  Paris, France - May 25 to June 9

a.  Access to tournament site and players lounge.
b.  Wisdom and relationship for those against this ministry.
c.  May 31st - Fan outreach to French Open, pray for participating churches.  Bob and Mia's eleventh wedding anniversary.
d.  June 1st, Bob preaching in Paris church.
e.  June 6th - Fan outreach to French Open; Bob's fifty-first birthday.
f.  What Would Jesus Do bracelets to be given out to players - if I have them.
g.  Protection against physical sickness or illness.
h.  No back pain.
i.  Adjustment to jet lag.

4.  London, England - June 10 to July 9

a.  Housing with host family.  Pray for a smooth relationship.
b.  Access to tournament sites and access to the players lounge.
c.  Wisdom and relationship for those against this ministry.
e.  Food availability.
f.   'More than Gold'  spiritual booklets that will be received on time and passed out to the correct people.
g.  Transport to the tournaments sites.
h.  June 15,16 - Bob attending a weekend church retreat with host family.
i.   June 21st - Meeting with businessman and residents of London for discussion of future ministry events.
j.   No back pain.

5. Hong Kong - July 10 to 18

a.  Family time.
b.  Office time/tennis lessons.
c.  Adjustment to jet lag.

5.  Honolulu, Hawaii July 19 to August 10

a.  Family time.
b.  Relationship with various churches in Hawaii as I meet Pastors and church members.

My most underrated team-member.

The most underrated person on my team - is my wife.  I know what she has done, what she has honored in my work, what she has done for our two children, the sacrifices she has made and the persecution for the Gospel she has endured.  I do not speak about her often to others and I can respect and defend her decisions based upon what she had done for myself and our children.

When we first married, she acted as a translator for me for mission work in Communist China and paid a heavy price for that with persecution.  When I started the tennis ministry, it involved me working long hours - long after she had fallen asleep.  She honored that without complaint.  She gave up her own desire to travel to where she wanted to go, so that we could travel to where I was requested as a missionary.  She works to help support the family and thus allows me to use the additional money to support missions.  She birthed our two lovely children and spends all her free time schooling them.  She prepared wonderful meals for me.  She allows me to travel for the Gospel's sake, understanding the message to others that takes place as I travel. She curtails her spending so that we can have more for the family and additional money to support missions. We went forward together and were sent out by the church. 

A better wife I could not have. God brought her to me in Mainland China.  I often imagine that God must have looked down at me and said "I have the right person for what you need, she is there" and then He pointed to a spot in China.

http://dailyverse.multiply.com (upcoming on May 7th: ENJOY LIFE WITH YOUR WIFE [AND YOUR HUSBAND], WHOM YOU LOVE)
http://www.tennisministry.org
http://bobkraft.multiply.com

ENJOY LIFE WITH YOUR WIFE [AND YOUR HUSBAND], WHOM YOU LOVE

The pro tennis tour, including both men's and women's, has fewer than five players who are married and spend time traveling with their wife and children. The tennis tour ministry that I am involved with includes education of what goes into a good and meaningful, long-lasting relationship and the ability to make a commitment that includes a marriage with a spouse of the opposite sex.  Once you accept this responsibility, it is very difficult to have a solid relationship if your spouse and/or children are separated from you for lo