A Tennis Missionary remembers

Discipleship is Relationship

Have you ever heard anyone who just talks constantly about tennis, business, or anything else?  After about fifteen minutes my eyes start to glaze over, my thoughts roam and I start to tune out.  You have five minutes and I'm counting!  Just joking - on the 'doom' element!

We are so much more than a 'one act' as human beings.  Don't be afraid to expand your horizon, in fact that is what God intended for us.  Discipleship is a lot like this. We are to go everywhere and simply share.

A hospital, prison, orphanage, earthquake ravaged city, nightclub, nursing home or seminary.
On the street, beach and tennis court.
To the homeless, lepers, students, the sick, the dying, the young and the old.
The Communists, Atheists, Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus.
In a church building to church goers - some of whom are Christians and some whom are not.

How can you be bored from all these interesting situations and people.
- While these are my own stories, hope that you would have your own.  If you don't you might question yourself as to why not? They are everywhere for those who seek them!

Some people see God EVERYWHERE; others see Him NOWHERE. 

My friend Pastor Joey Bonficaio, Senior Pastor of Victory Christian Fellowship, Manila, Philippines and one of my favorite bloggers wrote last year on this topic titled "Discipleship and Wimbledon".
You can also read the latest topic for some thoughts on the French Open at my Daily Verse Blog ”Finishing Strong, Retired players".

Finishing Strong, Retired players - French Open

I just found out that several players are not going to be at the upcoming Grand Slam events after having played for more than three decades at these events, most recently in the senior and invitational doubles. They all have one thing in common each winning a Grand Slam Championship (Australian, French, Wimbledon or US Opens) and often more than one in their era. 

This is a group that would sit around and graciously include me as we talked about our families, our children, our histories and our life's journeys.  We have done this for quite a few years now at Grand Slams and I am especially fond of remembering the table in the French Open players lounge that we would sit at until 7-8pm just talking.  Some were Christians and some were not, but we always got along wonderfully.  I am so thankful that God allowed me to get to know you and it is an honor and privilege to know each of you.

I will miss you guys. I will miss our companionship. I will our stories. I will miss having the opportunity to hear about the tour in 70' and 80's.  I will miss watching you play.  I will miss our laughter.  I will miss meeting your family.  Most importantly I will miss sharing about Christ with you.  Yes, tears are coming now for me, as how can I forget how kind you were to me, even offering me your meal allowance when I was first in need.

Let's move on...knowing that we have to.  But remember that we are never far away from each other, through prayer.  Please do pray for me; as I will for you.  I continue on at those Slam events reaching another generation of players and remember the old saying 'until we meet again'.

Remember as we face the end of our journeys. God can always use us to help others.  If we can breathe - PRAY!  If we can speak - ENCOURAGE OTHERS!  If we can recall - TELL WHERE THE POTHOLES ARE AND SAVE US FROM FALLING IN THEM.  It's wonderful what God can do in just one day - so give Him all the days you have left to help others.  God will make a way, when there seems to be no way!

Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died; his eye was not dim nor his natural force abated. - Deuteronomy 34:7
The Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than the beginning. - Job 42:12

Websites:
http://dailyverse.multiply.com
http://www.tennisministry.org
http://bobkraft.multiply.com (latest: Discipleship is Relationship)

Weekly Verse - May 5, 2008

MONDAY: (Tournaments this week: ATP - Rome, WTA - Berlin) I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ. - Philippians 4:13
Pray and praise God till every door is opened!  Give it all you’ve got and keep pressing on!

TUESDAY:  Set at liberty them that are bound. - Luke 4:18
Bound by what? By past mistakes, by wrong teaching, by physical, emotional, or mental handicaps. I don’t care how bad your past may have been; your future is worth believing in and fighting for.

WEDNESDAY:  The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children, you are blessed of the Lord which made heaven and earth. -  Psalm 115:12-15
God had given you everything you have, and make sure you share it generously.

THURSDAY:  You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion. - 2 Corinthians 9:11
The Bible teaches that God wants to put us in to a position to help. So please, let’s get rid of our uneasiness when it comes to the subject of money.  Haven’t you wished at times you could do more to help?

FRIDAY:  I will bless you...and you shall be a blessing. - Genesis 12:2
We’re supposed to be part of the solution, not part of the problem! Today God is raising up people who will demonstrate in every area of their lives what it’s like to live in God.

SATURDAY:  Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully.  - Corinthians 15:58
Press on! Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Persistence and determination alone will prevail.

SUNDAY:  Whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle. - Hebrew 11:34
You start out weak, and become strong. How? Through the battle!

Websites:
http://dailyverse.multiply.com
http://www.tennisministry.org
http://bobkraft.multiply.com (latest: Discipleship is Relationship) 

A Champions credentials. Your request.

Four ways that a person who is not a pro tennis player in an actual tournament gets in to the area where the players relax and prepare for matches.  1.  Be a former Champion of the tournament.  2.  Be a guest of a player playing or guest of a former champion.  3.  Coach a player.  4. Tournament guest VIP.

I really respect that a player playing has achieved the designation of worlds top level.  Certainly such a player is special and should be treated as such. 

As a Pastor and a friend working with numerous players, I really am so thankful to God for that opportunity to help.  God also allows a Pastor to be respected and assisted.

Please contact me if you are a player, former champion or an administrator would like to assist in any way for the French, Queens, Wimbledon, US, Hopman Cup, Sydney and Australian.

Daily Verse - April 28, 2008

MONDAY:  Everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.  - Matthew 7:7
So many times we lose, when we could have won, because we were afraid to keep asking, to keep seeking, and to keep knocking. We just stood back and let somebody else take the risk and get the reward.

TUESDAY:  I will rise and go to my Father. - Luke 15:18
God will go to great lengths to help you, but He can do nothing for you if you just lie there!

WEDNESDAY:  We are God's...no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. - 1 Corinthians 3:9-11
When a child's adult role models let them down, point your children to Jesus. Tell them how He handled life, and what He had to say about the problems they'll face.

THURSDAY:  For this reason was I (Jesus) born. - John18:37
Teach a child that they too were born for a special purpose and if they'll just walk with the Lord, He'll reveal it to them. That's success; anything less is failure, regardless of how rich or famous it makes them.

FRIDAY:  If you want favor with both God and man...trust the Lord completely.  - Proverbs 3:4-5
Faith is asking God to do what you can't do, and being able to smile in the storm because you know you absolutely know, He's going to do it.

SATURDAY:  You are precious and honored in my sight...do not be afraid, for I (God) am with you. - Isaiah. 43:4-5
When you've run out of strength and you can't fight another day, God will send in reinforcements. So start looking for them!

SUNDAY:  For as a man thinks in his heart, so he is.  - Proverbs 23:7
I don't care how bad your past may have been; your future is worth believing in and fighting for. Think about it!

Weekly Verse - April 21, 2008

MONDAY:  There is no other God who is able to deliver in this way. - Daniel 3:29
That's what the world is waiting for; somebody who'll 'put everything on the line,' and let the world see God's power. The question is - are you that person?

TUESDAY:  Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you , not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'  - Matthew 18:21-22
Always allow others room to turn around. Everybody deserves a chance to change, so allow them to do so. When the pressure's on, things come to the surface in all of us and it's so easy to say the wrong thing, arrive at the wrong conclusion and make the wrong decision. Don't force others to live by their past, while you expect yours to be forgiven and forgotten.

WEDNESDAY:   Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. - Matthew 5:7
When it comes to relationships, everybody makes mistakes. Give them a chance to come back into the relationship with dignity.

THURSDAY:  It matters very little to me what you think of me...the master makes that judgment. - 1 Corinthians 4: 1
God begins building something more dependent on His anointing than on your ability. It's a relief to be out of a race for reputation!

FRIDAY:  I (Apostle Paul speaking) didn't try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who He is; then Jesus and what He did. - 1 Corinthians 2:2
If you want to get out of the reputation race, first, stop taking yourself so seriously. If you're worried about what others think of you - relax.  They're probably not thinking about you at all!

SATURDAY:  Therefore, however you want people to treat you, so treat them. - Matthew 7:12  Turn your accomplishments into challenges. Use them as building blocks - not pedestals to rest on. You haven't 'arrived' yet, so keep pressing on!

SUNDAY:  Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve...But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. - Joshua 24:15
Settle the issue of commitment before the challenge arises or you'll falter in the hour of decision. The battle is won before the battle is begun.

Websites:
http://dailyverse.multiply.com
http://www.tennisministry.org
http://bobkraft.multiply.com (latest: French, Wimbledon, US Open outreach)

French Open, Wimbledon, US Open outreach

French Open:
* <Fans, Players, Coaches>  Fan outreach is planned for Saturday, May 31st and June 6th during the tournament with several Parisian churches at Porte d'Auteuil metro stop. Google Map here.   This is the third year that this has taken place.  Everyone is welcome to join in as the fans are spoken to on their walk to the tournament.  No tournament tickets are required, just your willingness to speak to others about Christ.   See Photos from 2007 here.
* <Fans, Paris Residents, Players, Coaches>  Reverend Bob Kraft gives a June 1st message at Communaute Chretieanne du Point du Jour Church; a short ten minute walk from the tournament site.  Google Map here.
* <Players, Coaches>  Interested players at the tournament will receive a free WWJD bracelet. 
* <Fans, Players, Coaches>  May 24th 'March for Jesus' takes place in the Paris city centre.  This involves thousands of people who have a Parade through the streets of Paris.  In 2007, several from the tournament attended and you are welcome to go this year participate or just observe. See Photos from 2007 here.

Wimbledon:
* <Fans, Wimbledon Residents, Players, Coaches>:  Rev. Kraft will hold a fellowship, prayer meeting and gathering for all those interested in Wimbledon and UK outreach during the Championships.  The meeting will take place at Queens Road Church, Wimbledon.  Google Map here.  The date is Saturday June 21st from 7:30-8:15pm followed by dinner at a nearby restaurant for those who are interested in speaking further.  All are welcome to attend regardless of faith, denomination or even playing abilities.  Welcome!
* <Players, Coaches>:  'More Than Gold" booklets in English, Chinese and Spanish will be given to our friends who are players at the tournament free.  This is the same book that is being prepared for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and is a daily devotional with fantastic sports stories.  This is provided by RBC ministries who has worked alongside Rev. Bob Kraft for a number of years.  Thanks for the partnership!

US Open:
* <Players, Coaches> Kevin Singleton, music worship leader from the USA will be available to provide music in player hotel rooms free.  Each player can then invite him and then you can invite your friends.  This gives each person a opportunity to reach out to your tour friends in a private setting.  Kevin is a song writer and performs yearly around the world to stadiums and youth groups.  Interestingly enough Kevin was a former pro basketball player in Europe and his Father was the men's tennis coach at Santa Monica College in California.  His website: http://www.kevinsingleton.com

2007 Wimbledon player testimony:  "We had regular meetings in the evenings where we shared in worship songs and real life stories where we were able to encourage each other and build each other up.  As a retired player from the pro tour it is easy to feel like I no longer belong, but this was a wonderful opportunity to have people to "come home to"  and feel connected with (by my faith in Christ)." -  Rosalyn Fairbanks-Nideffer, Grand Slam Champion, 2008 Wimbledon Ladies' Invitation Doubles Finalist (used with permission)

Commitment - are you going in circles?

If I could pick one word to describe commitment, I'd pick the word: alone.  No other person can make YOUR commitment for you, except YOU.  No parent, no coach, no mentor. It can be a lonely road, especially without the presence of God. Friends fall away.  Co-workers come and go.  But you remain the same...committed to YOUR cause.  You believe, others doubt.  You work, others play.  You cry, others laugh. You sacrifice and others reap.

In the Bible it states in the Old Testament that Daniel dined and prayed alone. Elijah sacrificed and witnessed alone.  Jeremiah prophesied and wept alone.  David went out to meet Goliath alone.  And in the New Testament, Paul said, "all men forsook me...Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me and strengthened me. (2 Timothy 4:16-17).  When God decides to deal with you, He'll get you alone.  In the Old Testament, Jacob was "LEFT".  "And Jacob was left alone." (Genesis 32:24).


My six year old daughter, Ashley, has often reminded me "Dad. Jesus is always with you!".  While we can not see His presence, we can be assured that He knows all.  He knows our feelings, accomplishments and desires.  The hours that an athlete spends practicing, seemingly alone, is not going unnoticed.

Only you can decide whether the rewards are worth the effort, for the truth is, that there are trade-offs.  Commitment means paying your dues.  Listen to these words: "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me." (Matthew 16:24)   The "cross" is a symbol of self sacrifice.   Today, ask yourself, "To what am I really committed?"

When you make a radical commitment to follow God, you'll go where you've never been before!  If you're still looking at the same ground 10 years later, you're going in circles.  God will give you chances to win, but it's your commitment that determines the size of your victory and ultimately the effectiveness of your life.

Weekly Verse April 14, 2008

MONDAY:  Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:2

You'll never be more like Jesus than when you accept people as they are, refusing to give up on them because you know what God's grace can do in their lives.

TUESDAY:  For you shall forget your misery; you shall remember it as waters that pass away. And your life shall be clearer than the noonday...You shall lie down and none shall make you afraid. - Job 11:16-19

Can the pain of the past ever be forgotten? Yes! You can take the misery out of the memory, like you'd pull the stinger out of an insect bite, then healing will begin immediately.

WEDNESDAY:  Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. - Psalm 30:5

Rise up and take authority over every memory that keeps you linked to the past. Let the peace and the anointing of God heal the scars, break the chains that bind you and set you totally free.

THURSDAY:  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. - Proverbs 9:10

How well do you know the Lord? How close do you really want to be to Him? Nobody but you can answer that question.

FRIDAY:  For we are labourers together with God. - 1 Corinthians 3:9

When you're in partnership with God, your potential for success is unlimited - so make your plans big!

SATURDAY:  If you abide in Me, and My (Christ) Words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you. - John 15:7

Next time someone asks you what you work at, tell them, "I'm in partnership with God."

SUNDAY: No man stood with me, but all men forsook me...notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me...and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. - 2 Timothy 4:16-17

Until I am committed, there is a hesitancy, a chance to draw back. But the moment I definitely commit myself, then God moves also and a whole stream of events begin. All manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings, people and material assistance, of which I never dreamed, begin to move towards me - the moment I make that commitment.

Websites:
http://dailyverse.multiply.com (lastest update: April 8, 2008)
http://www.tennisministry.org
http://bobkraft.multiply.com (Latest: I love it! The Church)

I love it! - the Church.

I love The Church.  I have consistently attended wonderful churches that have blessed myself and my family.  I have met wonderful Pastors and their families.  This is one reason that I serve in the church today - I saw great examples.  I have never left a church that I attended because I was unhappy, only when I moved to another city.   I have served in the church as a volunteer and attended each for a number of years, the longest being over twenty years.

Churches I have joined and attended regularly - as in consistent weekly attendance.
1980's
Non-denominational church in Illinois
Rhema Church in Illinois, a faith based church.
Moody Church in Indiana, a mission based church.

1990's
Non-denominational church in Hong Kong
Calvary Chapel in Colordo
Baptist Church in Hong Kong

2000's
Full Gospel Church in Hong Kong

(*this message may be for you if you attend a few times a year, jump around to different churches and feel that you really have church attendance.)

The other sites:
dailyverse.multiply.com (blog this upcoming week: "Smashing - The Love of Christ")
tennisministry.org