A Tennis Missionary remembers

Tokyo - this week (AIG Japan Open)

Friday September 26th. - Sunny, 73F,23C.  A short relaxing flight, 3 1/2 hours from Hong Kong to Tokyo.  Immediately on the bus drive into the city you notice how polite the people are, the beautiful dark green forested foliage and absolutely no trash anywhere on the ground.

Saturday - I learn the way via the subway to the tournament site.  Arrive at the site, meet players, watch qualifier matches and pick up my credential.  Thanks - Rohan and all the others who offered.  The next days are all about the learning the ropes of a new city and tournament.

Sunday - Cloudy.  I speak at Grace Tokyo a church in central Tokyo.  Bi-lingual with 50 people, mostly Japanese or Asian. (more photos here)  In the afternoon attend the tournament with the Pastor (whom I am staying) and his son.  We pray for the work and networking of churches for the future.

Monday -  Rain and cool 52F,11C.  Cancel all the outside matches leaving one covered stadium court for all first round matches. Food is provided on site for the players and others with them and includes myself.  Yeah!  Spoke for 2-3 hours to one family and player that I have known since junior days who is now an adult.  It was a good bonding and learning time - as always Christ is spoken of.

Tuesday - Rain.  Ariake Tennis where the tournament is held is located in a park and has fifty-one tennis courts.  Nice!  Daytime - speaking to tennis players, administrators and staff.  Evening - a meeting with several Japanese and Asian people who are involved in organizing sports as a ministry tool and worldwide ministry crusades, much like Billy Graham, we discuss future plans.

Wednesday - Rain.  Morning attend Yokohama Grace Church service.  This church has about 300 people.  Afternoon and evening I'm at the tournament.  The tournament is now divided into three different indoor locations due to rain.


Part 2 of this message will be sent out next week.  I want to keep everyone up to date as much as possible as it occurs.  Your prayers are appreciated.

Please remember to check on the latest postings which are updated weekly at the websites.
http://dailyverse.multiply.com
http://bobkraft.multiply.com

Hong Kong this week - tainted milk scare.

September 16th - My daughter broke her arm while running a race in school.  She falls at the finish line and then crunch!




September 22nd - Hospital visit for appointment for my son from the tainted milk scandal.  My daughter spends the afternoon watching me while I coach tennis.  Haven't heard about the milk scandal in China read more from CNN here>




September 23rd,  Another typhoon hits Hong Kong.  The last one was August 10th.  Winds at 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph) and heavy rain.

September 24th.  Hong Kong Has First Bank Run in Decade...


September 26th - My wife takes my son to the hospital to have an ultrasound to check for any kidney problems caused by drinking Nestle powered baby formula from China.  Note that we have thousands of babies in Hong Kong undergoing the same tests.


September 26th - Fly Northwest Airlines to the AIG Japan Open tennis tournament qualifying and men and women tournament in Tokyo.

Weekly Verse - October 6, 2008

MONDAY:  The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me (Christ) to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. - Luke 4:18
Christ made a difference - and there is no greater honor than that. The question you and I must answer today is - will we?

TUESDAY:  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head; that is, Christ. - Ephesians 4:15
Today, the situation you're facing is a wonderful opportunity to measure your own spiritual growth, so make it a growing experience.

WEDNESDAY:  I (Nehemiah) am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease while I leave it and come down to you? - Nehemiah 6:3
Remember Nehemiah's answer to those who were trying to discourage him and stop his work?  Make that your answer to your critics too!

THURSDAY:  But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses for Me (Christ) - Acts 1:8
When they received power, set-backs became springboards, obstacles became opportunities, and barriers became blessings.

FRIDAY: He (Christ) will take you by the hand and guide you...[He] will make sense out of what is about to happen and indeed, out of all that I have done and said. - John 16:13-15
Look at the difference Christ made in the lives of the disciples.

SATURDAY:  To You, O Lord, do I (David) lift up my soul. - Psalm 25:1
If you need help today, turn to Psalm 25 and notice what David did. First, he knew where to go when trouble came.

SUNDAY:  The Lord who heals. - Exodus 15:26
A man without God, has to play God in his own life. That may be fine in the good times, but what about the morning that brings bad news?  Who will you turn to then?

Weekly Verse - September 22, 2008

MONDAY:  The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children. You are blessed of the Lord Which made heaven and earth. - Psalm 115:14-15
Today, Gods raising up people who will demonstrate in every area of their lives what its like to live in Gods blessing. Ask Him to make you one of them!

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

WEDNESDAY:  I (God) will bless you...and you (Abraham) shall be a blessing. - Genesis 12:2
God wants to bless us so that we can bless others, but if we cant make ends meet, how can we bless anybody else? Were supposed to be part of the solution, not part of the problem!

THURSDAY:  Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord. - 1 Corinthians 15:58
Press on! Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.  Persistence and determination alone will prevail.

FRIDAY:  Whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. - Hebrews 11:34
They started out weak, and became strong. How? Through battle! Our problem is, we don't want to fight; but without conflict, there's no conquest.

SATURDAY:  Remember those in prison...as if you yourselves were suffering. - Hebrews 13:3
Jesus said that when you do it for them - you do it for Him, too!

SUNDAY:  From one man He (God) made every nation. - Acts 17:26
Instead of seeing white people and black people, it's time we started seeing people - who just happen to be black, or white, or brown, or yellow!

Websites: in case you have missed a few recent postings.

Sep 5 - US Open It's over!

Sep 2-US Open remembrances 1972 to 1984 Part 2
Aug 31-Weekly Verse - September 1, 2008 US Open edition
Aug 26-US Open remembrances 1991 to 2006 Part 1
Aug 26-USTA - Remembrances history, league play, player development
Aug 21-USTA - Remembrances - built brick by brick

VIDEO: I can only imagine - Team Hoyt -Tribute to Paralympic athletes

Click on the photo for Video Link

Inspiration. Story of a Father and Son.  'I can only Imagine' sung by 'Mercy me' - Video - Ironman, Australia.  As a Father this story personally touches me!

This is dedicated to all the athletes participating in the Paralympic Games, many of the tennis players whom I have gotten to know especially Beth and Gold medal finalists Shingo and Satoshi; Gil Reyes, the trainer to Andre Agassi who told me this was his favorite song and then sang it word for word.  Every time I hear this song or see this video I think of you all.

Websites: in case you have missed a few recent postings.

Sep 7	-	Weekly Verse - September 15, 2008
Sep 7	-	Weekly Verse - September 8, 2008

Sep 5 -US Open It's over!
Sep 2-US Open remembrances 1972 to 1984 Part 2
Aug 31-Weekly Verse - September 1, 2008 US Open edition
Aug 26-US Open remembrances 1991 to 2006 Part 1
Aug 26-USTA - Remembrances history, league play, player development
Aug 21-USTA - Remembrances - built brick by brick
Complete video listing: 1  ,  2

Young beginnings - Watch these great players as children.

< Video  Venus, Serena and Richard Williams talking tennis at 7 and 8 years old.


What miracle takes place to allow Steffi Graf to hit the ball like this at 4 years old.  Is this a gift and if so where does it come from?   Video >



< Video  Rafael Nadel playing tennis at 14 years old.


Roger Federer childhood. Video >
Additional - Video1



Andre Agassi at six years old Video >
Additional - Video1 ; Video2


< Video  A very young Michael Chang playing a tournament match.



<  Video  Yannick Noah playing and discovered at age 11 in Africa by Arthur Ashe.


Bjorn Borg giving an interview at 14 years old and notice the trophy at the end. Video >
Additional - Video1 ; Video2



< Video Lleyton Hewitt playing at age 7 in 1988, age 9, 11, 13, 15.


Who's this?  Answer at the end!  If you can not wait you can see a video of him playing as an adult Wimbledon 1969 against Rod Laver. Video >





I have the good fortune to speak to many top players both men and women and two themes comes out.  One that they believe that their talent is God given and two that they practiced on a wall in their formative years.  While they acknowledge the hard work, a good coach or a wall; they can not explain why they can do what others cannot.

I am reminded of the top junior player from the USA and the world and it was stated to me that from an early age (5 years old) the family and he knew he had a purpose from God and that his talent was God given.  That about says it all!
answer: Arthur Ashe

Weekly Verse - September 22, 2008
VIDEO: I can only imagine - Team Hoyt -Tribute to Paralympic athletes
US Open - It's over!

Young beginnings - Can you name these famous women players?

1 Samuel 16:7 - Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. -Read more about King David from the Bible with an online book here.

God does not look at your size or stature but at your heart, then God puts favour on you to accomplish a specific purpose for His Glory.  And sometimes we do not even know it until later.  This is the way it works in the Bible.

Small beginnings can equal big results.  Right motivations can lead to happiness and joy.  God given talent needs to be recognized and developed.

Can you name these famous women players? - answers below.








<A   B>



< C   D>










<E   F>












<G   H>












< I   J >








< K  L >











answers: a) Elena Dementieva b) Justine Henin c) Maria Kirilenko d) Justine Henin e) Martina Hingis f) Marion Bartoli g) Ana Ivanovic h) Venus Williams i) Lindsay Davenport j) Monica Seles k) Kim Clijsters l) Ana Ivanovic

Weekly Verse - September 15, 2008

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

TUESDAY:  For we are God’s fellow workers;...For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. - 1 Corinthians 3:9-11
A child without values is at the mercy of everybody else’s.

WEDNESDAY:  For this reason I (Christ) was born. - John 18:37
Peer pressure could not exist for a minute if our children were taught to hold their own values, and respect their own opinions. Others having too much influence over them is downright dangerous!

THURSDAY:  You must think constantly about these commandments...you must teach them to your children and talk about them when you are at home or out for a walk; at bedtime and the first thing in the morning. - Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Do not just teach your children - solicit their opinions and respect them. Your house is where they get to practise expressing how they feel. If you've laid the foundations right, you've nothing to fear.

FRIDAY:  If you want favour with both God and man...trust the Lord completely. - Proverbs 3:4-5
When you've run out of strength and you can't fight another day, He'll send in reinforcements. So start looking for them! Some of them will be on the bus you ride, or in church, or by the water-cooler in your office. Expect them to come - just when you think you can't take any more.

SATURDAY:  Since you are precious and honored in my (God's) sight...Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Isaiah 43:4-5
God stands to shield me from all danger when earthly friends are gone;  He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone.

SUNDAY:  For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.  - Proverbs 23:7
If it hasn't been done, it’s because it can't be done. That is wrong thinking!

Websites: in case you have missed a few recent postings.

Sep 2-US Open remembrances 1972 to 1984 Part 2
Aug 31-Weekly Verse - September 1, 2008 US Open edition
Aug 26-US Open remembrances 1991 to 2006 Part 1
Aug 26-USTA - Remembrances history, league play, player development
Aug 21-USTA - Remembrances - built brick by brick
Complete video listing: 1  ,  2

Weekly Verse - September 8, 2008

MONDAY:  Children, obey your parents in the Lord...that it may go well with you. - Ephesians 6:1-3
Give your children a parent who is whole, and they will give you back a son or a daughter made in your own likeness.

TUESDAY:  God is strong and wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons...put them to use, so you will be able to stand up to everything the devil throws your way... This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish...Be prepared...so that when its all over...you will still be on your feet. - Ephesians 6:10-13
Keep yourself strong and spiritually fit!

WEDNESDAY:  What a man sows, that shall he also reap. - Galatians 6:7
Your attitude is like a magnet; what you are is what you will attract.

THURSDAY:  As I have observed, those who plough evil and those who sow trouble reap the same. - Job 4:8
What have you been sowing lately?  Remember, what goes around - comes around!

FRIDAY:  If there were any way I could be cursed by the Messiah (Jesus) so they could be blessed by Him, I'd do it in a minute. - Romans 9:3
Today there are opportunities all around you to make a difference in the lives of others - seize them.

SATURDAY:  Forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I (Moses speaking) pray, out of Your (God's) book which You have written. - Exodus 32:32
There's no security in this world - there's just opportunity!

SUNDAY:  For everyone who asks, receives; he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. - Matthew 7:8
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. What is God asking you to do anyway?  That's the standard by which you'll finally be judged!

Recent video postings.
Arthur Ashe interview with Charlie Rose - 1992
US OPEN 2004 Federer def Hewitt (Part 3/5)
US Open 2006 Gladys Knight sings "America The Beautiful/God Bless America"
US Open tribute - Todd Martin Part 1/2
US OPEN 1990 Gabriela Sabatini def. Steffi Graf
US Open 1999 Serena Williams def. Martina Hingis
US Open 2004 Federer def. Agassi - (6/8)
US Open 1996 Sampras def. Corretja (1/2)
Ilie Nastase documentary
Jimmy Connors def. Rod Laver in Las Vegas, 1975.

Complete video listing: 1  ,  2

US Open - It's over!

The US Open is over. I would like to share a few thoughts..

US Open 2008

• God put it on my heart to joyfully pray for a couple of specific players - even if it make me personally sad by not being with the players at this year's US Open.  Who else prays for players?  I would like to think that God would move on others hearts worldwide for prayer for specific players or doubles teams.
• I appreciate the five players or so who have emailed me stating they miss me.
• I am sure that players were being ministered to in other ways with the Gospel.  All I can do is pray and trust the right people are around them.
  

Upcoming Tournaments

• The next tournament for me is Tokyo, Japan September 29th to October 7th.  My housing and the local churches are all arranged.
• Reserved my flights for Australia in January (Perth, Sydney and Melbourne)
  

Family

• The day our family arrived back from Hawaii from our vacation we had a typhoon have a direct strike on Hong Kong.  Not nearly as bad as a hurricane just a lot of rain and winds around 50 miles an hour.
• My tennis program is filled up...as always I consider it a miracle.  6 days of lessons a week with Sunday off!  Not coaching on Sunday is the smartest thing I have ever done!
• 22 really nice lighted tennis courts of the National Sports Institute were torn up and removed for the 2008 Olympic Equestrian events which were held in Hong Kong.  The Hong Kong elite players were moved to two courts at the YMCA camp.  No plans to rebuild the courts or move the tennis players.

Websites: in case you have missed a few recent postings.
Sep 2-US Open remembrances 1972 to 1984 Part 2
Aug 31-Weekly Verse - September 1, 2008 US Open edition
Aug 26-US Open remembrances 1991 to 2006 Part 1
Aug 26-USTA - Remembrances history, league play, player development
Aug 21-USTA - Remembrances - built brick by brick
Complete video listing: 1  ,  2