Facebook August 2010 archive

I am at Concordia College, Bronxville New York.

August 31, 2010 at 10:12 am

Bronxville is 16 miles north of Times Square Manhattan.  I attended here from 1981-82 and played tennis.  I came down with mono my second year, returned home to my parents and transferred schools.  However Concordia remains special to me.  Concordia is a top rated NCAA Div. 2 school. 

Amazingly I have been able to really minister here to all the players both men's and women's team members, coaches and spent all of my past 2 days speaking to top ranked junior players taking lessons here.  It has been a real blessing to me. 

I had an ATP coach from Australia coaching at the US Open make a special trip to Bronxville to meet with me and discuss Christ.   He then took a taxi to the airport to fly out.  That is 'interest' in the things of God. 

I have had a lot of people email me and want to meet at either the US Open tournament site or in Manhattan.  I do not feel lead to go there - as that is a very stressful place and I need rest after almost 4 weeks of ministry.  I will visit my Mom and sisters before returning home to my own family in Hong Kong.  I start up with Bangkok, Beijing and Shanghai tournaments.  God's help and strength.

Women's final finished.

August 29, 2010 at 4:12 am

I was on court for the entire time and needed to be there.  Heading out to Bronxvile, New York for a few nights.  Concordia College Racket Club to be exact.  I went to school there in the early 80's and played tennis on the team.  Nice to catch up with the coach and hope to meet a few of the current players.  Link: http://www.concordia-ny.edu/

Darlene Hayes And the winner is?
August 29, 2010 at 4:24 am

Bob Kraft Caroline W. 3 sets.
August 29, 2010 at 4:32 am

Julia Mead Good reporting Bob...
August 29, 2010 at 4:44 am

I would like to recommend a church that I attend when I am in mid-town Manhattan.

August 28, 2010 at 11:54 pm

It is family friendly, youth orientated, good sermons and uplifting worship music.  Fill free to attend if you do not have a home church or are visiting.  If you meet the Pastor feel free to tell the Pastor that you know me and found out about the church from Facebook.  Have a good week in New York City. Link: http://msny.org/

Julia Mead good to know about this church...wonderful!
August 29, 2010 at 4:45 am

Up until 3:40am praying.

August 28, 2010 at 11:27 pm

In my van parked about 20 yards from the center court at Pilot Pen in New Haven.  Peaceful, lovely night, quite and most importantly spiritually uplifting to myself and those I prayed for.

Julia Mead Intercession has that kind of effect.... uplifting to ones spirit. Keep up the good work Pastor Bob. love reading your reports!
August 29, 2010 at 4:48 am

At 11:20pm matches finished.

August 27, 2010 at 11:12 am

 An early night!

Julia Mead I bet you are getting weary huh?
August 27, 2010 at 5:09 pm

Julia Mead Lord give your servant strength!
August 27, 2010 at 5:10 pm

Bob Kraft Yes, I am getting weary. Your prayers are much appreciated.
August 27, 2010 at 9:08 pm

After 3 weeks on the road and sharing the Gospel Message to the tour players, I have passed out about 25 'One to One' booklets

August 26, 2010 at 11:05 pm

'One to One' is a simple to read and understand discipleship booklet written by Steve Murrell.   I have run out and have no more material to give out to those sincerly interested in following Christ.  I have to reply upon only prayer and conversation as I talk to players.  

'One to One' explains what a believer in Christ should do and includes Scripture verses.  Glad that Steve donated them to this ministry.  Thanks and I believe that giving them to those who have an interest in receiving them will produce spiritual fruit.

Just spoke to my wife, Mia.

August 26, 2010 at 10:15 am

Trying to Skype her and the children.  They are now in a park in Hong Kong.  Miss them a lot and hope I can cry tonight for them.  I do not cry easily.

A very difficult day in some ways.

August 26, 2010 at 6:40 am

I received an email from someone I do not know.  They gave $475USD to a tennis ministry based in Florida.  The ministry is based upon lies and deceit.  The comment in the email - 'Is anyone honest in tennis?  '  Difficult on me to see money going in this way. 

I recieved an email from my last remaiining financial supporter.  They have stopped support.  I have always done my best to be honest in all my ways.  Where does the money come from next?  I honestly do not know but I do know my help comes from the Lord and God does move in all ways. 

Tennis Ministry has been great these past 2 weeks with all top pros engaged in a deep message of Christ and having prayers.  That is good news to me and is what keeps me encouraged.

Starting the day off and everything is in place.

August 24, 2010 at 11:33 pm

Van parked about 30 yards from the players lounge. Players lounge has a free breakfast and drinks and yogurt all day long and on site has showers and toilets. Lunch and dinner I try and get an unused meal ticket from a player who skips eating on site. Otherwise it is a drive off site for an eating place. Having van on site all night allows me to arrive very early and stay until the last match is finished. Last night Safina was on and I build up that relationship as she saw me after the match. 

Men and Women playing in the same event is interesting and presents two different approaches from myself.  I always approach each person as individual with a unique life history.

Julia Mead You are so resourceful Bob....and the Lord does provide..amen.
August 25, 2010 at 2:55 am

Just finsihed the match with Taylor Dent.

August 24, 2010 at 9:43 am

Sitting on court with his wife Jenny and it is cold 65.  Taylor came through winning the last set 6-0.  I have known Taylor since the mid-1990's when he first came on the tour and Jenny since 2002.  Long term relationships in the tennis ministry are important to trust and acceptance.  I put a lot of importance in that.

Jerry Pillsbury Taylor and Jenny are great young couple. Thanks for being there w/them Bob.
August 24, 2010 at 11:31 am

Julia Mead Always looking for your updates Pastor Bob...thanx for sharing!
August 24, 2010 at 1:55 pm

Chad Baron Go Taylor! Love to see him make a run at the Open.
August 24, 2010 at 7:22 pm

Arrive New Haven, Conn at 4:20am.

August 23, 2010 at 4:24 pm

Heavy rain and 71F.  This tournament is a lead up to the US Open held next week and is a combined men's and women's event.  Many of the top players take this week off and practice and rest up for the US Open.  However many also play New Haven.  I am thankful to be here.  I will try and get a little sleep before waking up at 9am.  Good night.

Just entered New Jersey on I-80 and all is well.

August 23, 2010 at 1:30 pm

2:30am and looking forward to seeing the city lights of New York soon. Then on past NY to New Haven. I have a player playing at 10am that I am working closely with and will make that match. I am sure in the afternoon I will go to sleep in the Big Brown Van. Hope to park that baby right outside the tournament grounds.

Darlene Hayes Are you going to new haven?
August 23, 2010 at 1:41 pm

Julia Mead Yeahhhhhhh New York!!!! and on to New Haven! You are making good time and everyone who is praying for you, is watching you GO!
Hey, that was YWAM's theme...GO! into all the world...(they borrowed it from Jesus....amen)...and thats exactly what you are doing Bob...you obedient child. Hope you're smilin'....hope you're feelin' good...hope you're best ministry is ahead! Amen,,,,,Love ya, jj
August 23, 2010 at 1:53 pm

Julia Mead I almost forgot to tell you...Andrew and David have been with me for the past 6 days and Andrew keeps asking me to tell you hello for him...so, HELLO to BOB FROM ANDREW!
August 23, 2010 at 1:54 pm

Left Cincinnati at 1pm.

August 23, 2010 at 8:20 am

Late start. Good for planning as I drive directly thru New York City in the middle of the night. No traffic. Should arrive New Haven, Conn. in the early am on Monday. Saw the Goodyear blimp flying low above highway at the city of Akron, Ohio. Nice. You don't see that if you are 30,000 feet in an airplane. Stopping about an hour over the Penn. border with Ohio on I-80. Town is called Brookville, PA and has several nice truck stops to take care of any necessities.

John Kraemer Travel safe!
August 23, 2010 at 10:44 am

Don't want to bore you.

August 22, 2010 at 12:40 pm

Same routine evey night except that I am doing my laundry. One week of wearing clothes in 95 degree heat and now ready for that long drive but need nice smelling clothes in the van. Had several major break throughs with players this week. I will have to write more on that later and I am happy for this. I need refreshing and encouaraging in this ministry. Results can take a long time, sometimes years. Ready to Skype my family in Hong Kong, sitting in the hotel lobby. Good night; 1am and the van calls out for me.

Julia Mead The Lord is with you Pastor Bob...guiding you and preparing hearts ahead of time....I am still praying for you as you move forward in the summer heat, serving like an itinerate evangelist! Blessings, julia jane
August 22, 2010 at 3:24 pm

Bob Kraft Thanks Julia. Your comments mean a lot to me. I am leaving now on the long road trip, checked gas prices, rest stops and map. An adventure for Christ. This trip has been on faith and God has proven faithful to me. About 1/4 the way thru the trip, so still need a lot of faith for the remainder. Finances, sleeping arrangements, safety, credentials for each tournament, contacts with those who will help, favor with the administrators and van in good working order are some of the faith issues.
August 22, 2010 at 11:54 pm

Julia Mead I awakened this morning praying for you Bob...I am believing the Lord to intercept any obstacles the enemy might throw at you along the way.
Psalm 60:12 "With God we will gain the victory"....(for His glory) my add.

August 23, 2010 at 3:44 am

John Kraemer While you were in Cincinnati, did you have any Skyline Chili? Skyline is best! If you haven't had any Skyline and your still in Cincinnati ......stop by the closest Skyline and have a Three way! You can thank me later.

BTW - Did you rent that van?
August 23, 2010 at 7:02 am

Bob Kraft I did see the Skyline but did not stop by. I will plan that next year. I bought the van last summer. Thanks for asking.
August 23, 2010 at 8:07 am

John Kraemer Yes, next year you must stop by Skyline and have a three way!
August 23, 2010 at 10:35 am

Watched the first match on this morning then being exhausted went back to the hotel and slept on the lobby sofa.

August 22, 2010 at 7:27 am

To hot to sleep in the van.  Back for the singles evening matches and maybe the start of the doubles.  Then have a player and coach to meet back in the hotel late.  Preparing to leave tomorrow for New Haven, Conn. Not sure when but could be late afternoon.  About 12 hrs driving on the road split over 1.5 days.  Hope to be on site for players on Monday pm or Tuesday am.  Please do pray for me as it is a long trip in the van.

Julia Mead A true missionary...
August 22, 2010 at 9:24 am

Roger Federer just left the building.

August 21, 2010 at 9:18 am

Only a few of us in the player lounge.  Roger had about 100 fans waiting outside screaming his name and cheering.  Actually it kind of made me wonder what would make people act this way?  Roger kindly signed many autographs and had photos taken.  A question came to my mind, who has more fans today Federer or Jesus Christ? 

Many sources mention 2.1 billion Christians in the world (about one third of the total population of the planet).

Stacy Margolin Potter love him!
August 21, 2010 at 11:51 am

Tesic Bosko Go on!!
August 21, 2010 at 10:16 pm

Dean Wright Nice to see he has time for his fans!
August 22, 2010 at 6:46 am

What time is it where you are?

August 20, 2010 at 11:52 pm

In Cincinnatii it is midnight. Just finished the Bryan brothers match after a long, hot 14 hr. day. In the hotel lobby Nadal walked by again with about 20 adorning fans. Must be difficult to not have any privacy. Met up with my first tennis supervisor Steve Contardi - we worked for Nick Bollettieri back in 1975. I will Skype my family now. All in all a good day.

Anna Jeanne Lawrence 10:59 am
August 20, 2010 at 11:59 pm

Monica Ling 12:08am in Singapore.
August 21, 2010 at 12:09 am

Coach-Jerry Simmons Last collegiate match I coached at LSU. NCAA Championships, UCLA 1997, Bryan's (Stanford) against my two Fr. Chmela-Hand (LSU) result Bryan's 7-6. 6-4. Not bad for two Freshmen from LSU. What a great career the Bryan's have had.
August 21, 2010 at 3:10 am

Bob Kraft Glad to hear that Coach. Best to you and have a great weekend.
August 21, 2010 at 5:23 am

My 3rd match on court today more to go.

August 20, 2010 at 4:19 am

Players understand that I am there and why. What is the temp. on court, got to be HOT! (100+F).  Still a few matches to go; pace myself and get in the shade between matches. I am also in the locker room and weight room a lot.  Sharing and caring about people a lot today.

Julia Mead The Lord is with you Bob......
August 20, 2010 at 2:31 pm

Rafael Nadal walked through the hotel lobby and restaurant.

August 19, 2010 at 11:46 pm

About midnight and about 40 people including children not yet teens are hanging around for autographs and photos.  Rafael walks by and immediately he is surrounded.  As he is walking by, I call out his name and he turns.  I share the Gospel of Christ with him.  At first he has a puzzled look on his face and then he states 'ah, yes' and he understands.  We part.  That is how the Holy Spirit working in a person begins. They hear. 

But how can people call on him if they have not believed in him? How can they believe in him if they have not heard his message? How can they hear if no one tells [the Good News]? - Romans 10:14

Michelle Knaupp That is so cool. Praying for God to continue using you and for His Spirit to work among the players.
August 20, 2010 at 12:00 am

Regina Case that is so neat...I know the Lord is blessing you and your family for listening to that still small voice and obeying....
August 20, 2010 at 12:41 am

Werner Sunkel Well done !!
August 20, 2010 at 10:59 pm

On court 3 matches today.

August 19, 2010 at 10:34 am

World #1 against a player that I was with; then a match with a possible future #1 and then a match with a past #1. All for ministry and reaching them for Christ. God arranged for me with a very recent #1 again. Good productive day. Prayed for 1.5 hrs for players. Does anyone want to financially support this ministry to allow me to continue in 2011 to reach out to these players for Christ; we all have a part to play. If you love tennis and you love Christ this is a place to sow your giving.

Stephen O'Malley I believe i was watched Fed successfully serving can's off a photographers head this morning on tv (william tell style). Asking you might throw that into conversation for confirmation of such :)
August 19, 2010 at 1:15 pm

Stephen O'Malley i just read an article on what i saw it was at gillete photo shoot, apparently federer and gillette have asked that people make up their own mind as to wether the footage is real, looked pretty real to me
August 21, 2010 at 10:40 am

Sat watching all or part of 3 matches.

August 18, 2010 at 9:00 am

In between in the player lounge talking.  Faith in Christ is always the central issue.  Introduced myself to a well known top player and he was happy to meet me.  Linder Tennis Center is a very nice venue. Now taking the official car back to player hotel and crashing in my van in the parking lot.  Loving that.  Nice and quiet and no talking.

Credential all taken care of. -Western & Southern Financial Group Masters

August 17, 2010 at 11:10 pm

In the players hotel and lots of players and adminstrators I know.  Thank God for access.  Also a player has responded for New Haven qualies next week and if they make it main draw.  This week by faith.  Time to go take a shower at a near by club.  One weakness of the van is it does not have shower! Link: http://www.cincytennis.com/

It is 4:40am in Cincinnati, Ohio and waiting for McDonalds to open.

August 17, 2010 at 4:59 pm

Free wi-fi at all MacD's and I am sitting outside waiting from them to open at 5am. A 6 hour drive from Saint Louis to the players hotel (The Marriott Northside) ariving 4am. My 1992 van with 70,000 miles ran like a gem. I thought about laying down in the van in the back parking lot and getting a bit of sleep. But I want to Skype my family back in Hong Kong, facebook all of you and email pro players.  At 8am waiting in the hotel and meet them as they leave for the tournament site. Get that credential for access on site to the players and then I may need to sleep.

Julia Mead While you're waiting, please tell me the name of the town in China where we stayed at your place...I just can't remember the name...
August 17, 2010 at 5:18 pm

Bob Kraft It is Panyu.
August 17, 2010 at 5:29 pm

Julia Mead Panyu! Yes! How did I ever forget that name....thanx Bob...it was driving me crazy trying to remember....I've been praying for China and reading Jackie Pullinger's books.
August 17, 2010 at 5:34 pm

If God was not in control...

August 15, 2010 at 1:19 am

I would be out of control.

Julia Mead I love that statement Pastor Bob...."If God were not in control, I would be out of control." How appripo'.....It made me laugh remembering that time we were on a return trip from China to Honolulu and I was so nervous about making my connection to L.A.X., you said I was out of control....yup, that was me, always trying ot take over the drivers seat!
I finally learned that He can be trusted in ALL circumstances...which brings a calmness to ones spirit.
Thanx for sharing that quote! Blessings jj
August 15, 2010 at 2:17 am

Johnny Staph Amen! He is So good... Love you Lord!
August 15, 2010 at 7:04 am

I have been fortunate to travel in many nations and meet with many churches.

August 14, 2010 at 12:15 am

Yes, they are all slightly different. But most are in love with Jesus Christ and the fruit of those who are in church show. Nice, kind, helpful people who are motived by their faith in Christ. 

It really saddens me when I hear people criticize 'The Church', A big difference between a specific church or group of churches and the Worldwide Church as a body. 

Criticizing the worldwide church is not Biblical, as I understand it.

Coach-Jerry Simmons Everyone has only so much God Given Talent , and it is your responsibility to yourself and God to develop your talent as far as you can take it. And if you don't you are cheating yourself and God. Jerry Simmons 1997. Upon my retirement from LSU Baton Rouge Morning Advocate Lee Feinswog
August 14, 2010 at 1:32 am

Getting the van repaired for the long road trip east to NY.

August 12, 2010 at 11:12 pm

Attended an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting with a friend as a guest. (I do not drink or a member of AA). Interesting to see what happens at these meetings. Arranging the upcoming tournament outreach in Cincinannti, Ohio (maps for directions, emailing the players who are playing, possible housing). Afternoon meeting with a coach and visit to a tennis club in Bellville, Illinois. Link: http://www.aa.org/

Southwest Air here I come (again).

August 11, 2010 at 10:52 pm

Flight to Saint Louis, Missouri at 1:15pm. 1-2 days there and then driving to Cincinnati, Ohio for ATP men's tournament and tennis ministry. Really going on faith, no credential or housing as I have not had time to arrange them and a driving a van that has a few mechanical problems and that I may sleep in. Should be an interesting week of faith.

Los Angeles is always a blast.

August 11, 2010 at 1:42 pm

3 days of meetings, playing and coaching tennis. Thank you to Lucile for letting me stay in her empty apartment. Filming tennis coaching videos, arranging MTMCA.com for Asia/Oceanic region of the world. Sharing the Message of Çhrist with others. Assisted Oscar Wegner as he coached a beginner and 3 advanced juniors from Southern CA. Hitting with a #1 college player. I can still hit with those youngsters at 53 yrs. old.

Lucile Bosche You didn't look too bad hitting with a 58 year old grandma either!
August 11, 2010 at 11:19 pm

Bob Kraft Yes, that was fun.
August 11, 2010 at 11:22 pm

Back in Encino, CA for 3 days of meetings with coaches and video filming with Oscar Wegner.

August 10, 2010 at 12:34 am

My family and I took a flight from Houston to Los Angeles and they continued on to Hong Kong. I stay behind in LA to continue tennis ministry trips in US until September. Kids cried at the departure gate -difficult on all of us. They arrived in HK after a 24 hr. flight.

Thank you to all those who are writing to me as I travel.

August 5, 2010 at 2:33 pm

I plan to reply as I am able. At Columbia Lakes, Texas 40 min. south of Houston now. Discussing how to set up the www.tennisministry.org US base now - reaching out to students and tennis coaches across the nation for missions, encouragement, discipleship, prayer and tennis. Finalizing understandings among different parties. Meeting with tennis center property owner tomorrow, please pray for favor. Today meeting with oil company owner and please pray for favor. I metioned I cannot do it all myself and need help. I also need your prayers, involvement and help if you are reading this and feel lead to do so.

Phil Parrish Would be interested in helping in the Nirtheast!
August 5, 2010 at 6:48 pm

Justin Gravlee I would love to help in the Southeast.
August 5, 2010 at 7:53 pm

Regina Densmore Say Hi to Sam for me:). Excited to hear about your visit here!
August 5, 2010 at 8:22 pm

Tim Davis let me know what's going on in jax
August 5, 2010 at 11:21 pm

Southwest Airlines here we come now.

August 2, 2010 at 11:14 pm

We had planned to drive my seemingly trusty 1992 Van with 70,000 miles on it for16 hours from Missouri to Texas. The aircon was just not working well and had to leave it behind in the shop and fly. 95-100F heat wave in USA and so seemingly was a good but costly decision with a 3 and 7 year old traveling with us. It was difficult traveling in that van the past 12 days as a family and no aircon. But we survived.

Julia Mead What date will you be flying home to HK Bob? I'm still upholding you and Mia and the kids ....God is with you Brother.
August 3, 2010 at 1:32 am

Julia Mead I finally figured it out...Sept 23rd?
August 4, 2010 at 9:19 am

Bob Kraft Right, I am in Encino from Aug. 7-11, Mia and family return to HK on the 7th. Then I am back in LA around September 22nd or earlier. Thanks for asking and miss you.
August 5, 2010 at 12:36 pm

Finishing up here in the middle of the USA.

August 2, 2010 at 1:46 pm

Next up Houston, Texas. Past 12 days including 4 days in Saint Louis, Missouri with the Hertlein family as wonderful hosts, 2 churches attended, shared the Message of Christ at a tennis camp; 3 days in Champaign, Illinois to visit my mother, sisters and one of our original tennis ministry board member's Dr. Tom Schwalbe and 3 days in Kansas City for World Team Tennis matches. Texas is the final 5 day leg with my family and the Chadwell family as hosts before my family heads back to Hong Kong and I stay behind in the US to continue tennis ministry on the pro tennis tour.

Samuel R. Chadwell I will be there to pick you and your family up at 4 PM Bob. Praying for a safe trip. Looking forward to spending time with you and your family. Blessings to you, Sam.

August 2, 2010 at 2:11 pm

Bob Kraft Thanks and see you soon. Just a reminder we need a booster seat for 3 yr old Joshua.
August 2, 2010 at 2:27 pm

Susan Nardi Hope you have time to stop by Dallas. I would love to see you!
August 3, 2010 at 3:55 am