The Turmoil In The Middle East
FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2011 Westerners are looking at what is happening on the Egyptian streets and wondering if it is good for an oppressed people to protest against a semi-dictatorial regime. Most of these young protesters cannot find jobs, and inflation has ravaged the middle class, to say nothing of the gulf between the very rich and the very poor.
On the surface, this is an understandable situation. But before you judge the motives of the protestors, you must know who is really behind those young people on the streets. The Muslim Brotherhood has been thirsting for power in Egypt for many, many years. Founded back in the 1920s, the aim of the Muslim Brotherhood was to topple the British rule and its puppet Egyptian government. Their goal then was to draw Egypt back into their militant-Islam, Sharia-following, anti-western, anti-Christian fold.
In the early 50 s, the Brotherhood cooperated with Colonel Gamal Abdul Nasser and his Free Officers revolution, thinking that they could use him to fulfill their ambitions. But Nasser outwitted them and instead used them to fulfill his personal ambitions. Once he came into power, he threw them into prison. And in prison they stayed until 1971 when Nasser died and his successor Anwar Al Sadat, who was more sympathetic with their Islamic thinking than Nasser was, released them.
The irony is that, in 1981 the same Islamic militants to whom Sadat gave freedom were the very people who riddled his body with bullets on that fateful day of October 6th. His deputy Hosni Mubarak immediately took the reins and, for the past 30 years, he has tried to learn from the mistakes of both of his predecessors, Nasser and Sadat. One had imprisoned the Islamic militants, and the other had set them free. Mubarak faulted between doing one or the other, and walking that tightrope bought him time (30 years). But, as someone once said, When you stand in the middle of the road, you can be hit from either side.
Islam and Democracy
In America today, those on the left and some on the right who have very little knowledge or understanding of the ethos of Islam and why democracy and Islam could never coexist, are making very naive and silly statements. While we in the West believe that we the people empower government to act on our behalf, Islam believes that the power comes from Allah directly to his prophet and the successors to his prophet the Caliphs who then reinforce Allah s Sharia (law). Talking about democracy and elections to Islamists would be less effective than whistling Dixie.
However, clever Islamists use these words like democracy and election as means to topple secular regimes. And once they take over the reins of power, democracy takes on another meaning, namely killing your opponents. You don t believe me?
In 1979 in Iran, when the demonstrators (many of whom were not Islamists) toppled the government and the Shah left the country, Khomeini used secular minded Muslim Iranians such as Abulhassan Bani Sader and others to his benefit. But once he got established, he killed every one of those freedom-loving, democracy-seeking secular Iranian intelligentsia, thus tightening the Islamic noose around Iran, which is still there today.
In the middle of the 2000s, President George W. Bush pressured the Palestinians to have free and fair elections. It happened. Hamas won the election and took power. And the moment they came to power, they began to kill their opponents so that another election would not take place until they were finally pushed out of the West Bank into the Palestinian territory of Gaza.
Look at what is happening in Gaza today and you will have a very good idea of what could happen in Egypt if Hamas s friends and allies, the Muslim Brotherhood of Egypt come to power. It will not only spell disaster to the west and to Israel, but also to the Christians and the secular-minded Muslims. Sadly, the naivet of the Obama administration may help bring about this disaster sooner than anyone could have imagined.
Link: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150130168806999&id=764670057
Egypt can only be understood and discussed in this context.
January 31, 2011 at 11:46 pm
Christians Population 10,838,069
12.83% of population
Evangelicals Population 3,282,646
3.94% of population
Muslim Population 73,213,986
86.67% of population
The Church has endured nearly 2,000 years of discrimination and persecution yet retains its spiritual vitality and strength. The name “The Church of the Martyrs” has been earned. For over 1,000 years, Egypt was a majority-Christian country, even after the Arab Muslim conquest in AD 640. Egypt gave to the Christian world some of its greatest theologians and the monastic movement.
Today:
- 47% of all Christians in the Arab World live in Egypt .
- More than 90% of these believers belong to the Coptic Church.
Operation World link:
The Bible gives us the best understanding of our times and the future. Why is what is happening in Egypt important to you?
January 31, 2011 at 6:59 pm
Many think about life behind their own home doors; fewer think about what goes on in there own city; even fewer think about what goes own in the nation and very few think about what goes on in the world and how that will impact them.
I will give a few upcoming notes on Islam and what is happening especially in the middle east.
Everybody needs a little help to get their life together.
January 31, 2011 at 2:46 pm
You're no exception. Everybody needs another hand that they can hold onto.
Thank you to Tom, Ed and Barbara who were there when I needed a hand to hold on to.
Chinese New Year begins in Hong Kong.
January 31, 2011 at 10:38 am
At in-laws for dinner. 24 family members in one room. The Chinese way. God blesses peoples in different ways. Closeness.
January 31, 2011 at 11:20 am
January 31, 2011 at 3:54 pm
Off to church. Sunday my favorite day of the week.
January 30, 2011 at 8:43 am
Be blessed no matter where you are in the world.
The writer of the book of Hebrews says, "Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25).
The members of the church should realize that they must not neglect their worship to the Lord.
Dreaming with God...Nadia Petrova
January 29, 2011 at 11:29 pm
Afternoon nap. WTA player, Nadia Petrova. Remember to pray for all those you dream or think about. They made your prayers at that very moment.
Memorial for Szeto Wah, rights activist in Hong Kong and China. RIP
January 29, 2011 at 3:47 pm
Szeto Wah started the Hong Kong Teachers Union, Hong Kong Democratic Party and The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China. While I never met him, I admired what he believed in, the accomplishments that came from this and the difference it made for my family. My wife is a teacher in Hong Kong. My daughter and I paid our respects at the memorial service. Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Szeto_Wah
Dreaming with God...ATP The Bryan's and Presidents Bush
January 29, 2011 at 7:56 am
Last night dreamed about Mike, Bob and Michelle Bryan. A few nights ago dreamed about President George Bush Jr. and Sr., the Governor of Missouri and my family.
Remember to pray for all the people, places or things you dream or think about. They may need your prayer at that very moment.
I am updating the Bible verse of the day on my website. I love reading Bible verses. So much truth is packed into them.
January 28, 2011 at 3:12 pm
Here is today's: 'You who judge others do these very same things.' - Romans 2:1 Everyday the verse changes on the website: <www.tennisministry.org> Check it out daily!
Today: Tennis ministry work has monthly bills and I pay them on time. I put a high priority on that.
January 28, 2011 at 2:00 pm
Every month > Internet usage time ($43), Website storage ($11), Domain yearly fees ($5), Hard drive storage ($26), landline phone ($14), mobile phone ($12), electricity ($30), water ($30), government tax ($34) and management office fees ($102) Total: $309 Yearly: $3,708
When the tennis ministry does not have the money something gets cut. Travel to tournaments is now cut.
Well you get the idea. If you appreciate the ministry that I do and would like to help on some of these costs please go to our Support page. http://tennisministry.org/TA-Sponsors.html - I believe that God will bless you for that.
January 28, 2011 at 2:06 pm
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So far I have covered AU Open by video men's, women's, singles, doubles and next up Juniors, Wheelchair and Seniors.
January 27, 2011 at 2:33 pm
I try to keep them to 5min. and that means that I have to cover several topics in more than one video. Next up Women's singles at AU Open. Check it out. If you have missed them go my FB wall and look for them or our yourtube channel, tennisministry.
Ryan Chan has been staff member of Tennis Ministry for 3 years.
January 26, 2011 at 12:22 pm
He has been a blessing to me and to others. He has helped in arranging outreach to China, Hong Kong and the pro tennis tour.
It is wonderful to work with people such as this everywhere I go.
January 26, 2011 at 1:23 pm
January 27, 2011 at 11:39 am
Joshua is at the age (4) where there are questions, questions and more. "Dad, how do they make?"
January 26, 2011 at 8:44 am
It takes a lot patience. As a Father it is important that I explain all and my time becomes his time. To all parents: I respect and understand! Do you have any favorite questions you have heard children ask? A starter "Where does food go when you eat it?"
January 27, 2011 at 12:09 pm
I have read a few interesting news bites from the Australian Open.
January 25, 2011 at 10:34 pm
Roger Federer talks about his winning over 100 million dollars by the age of 30. Aravane Rezai has a family member banned from all WTA tournaments. Francesca Schiavone edged Svetlana Kuznetsova in a 4:44 minute marathon, a new Grand Slam record.
- I have never heard Roger state that he has given any of his money to charity. I am not saying he has not; I have just never heard him say that publicly. I hope that Roger can find a cause that he can step up and give his entire prize money from one Grand Slam. Most people can only wish for playing tennis for 14 days and making this amount for having fun.
- Aravane has had difficulties for years and it has been in the news. Mainly her father gets into fights with others. I've met him a lot and he has always been pleasant. However about three years ago she surrounded herself with Muslims whom I suspected are radical. You can imagine the possible consequences of that.
- Francesca and Svetlana both have match play that can be up or down depending on the day. Francesca who was known as a doubles player has really shown great singles play in the past year. Sveti, as I call her, is all around happy and the other players like her a lot. Close matches like this and she gets glum but she bounces back the next time to her happy self.
Federer link: http://www.thehindu.com/sport/tennis/article1111479.ece
Schiavone Link: http://www.sify.com/sports/schiavone-edges-kuznetsova-in-record-marathon-news-tennis-lbxplPighej.html
January 26, 2011 at 2:51 am
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January 27, 2011 at 12:09 pm
How to pray for missionaries - Prayer and missions
January 25, 2011 at 1:09 pm"Pray for us." -- Hebrews 13:18 Making your "concerts of prayer" effective: Praying for world evangelism's front-line workers
Want to know how to pray for those working to fulfill Jesus' Great Commission among those yet unreached?
Use your fingers as memory aids when you pray for missions. Here's how fingers can be prayer reminders:
Thumb Since your thumb is nearest to you, begin by praying for those missionaries closest to you. They are the easiest ones to remember. C.S. Lewis said that praying for those we love is a "sweet duty."- Index or pointing finder Let your "pointing finger" remind you to pray for missionaries who teach, instruct, and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and evangelists. They need support and wisdom for pointing others in the right direction.
- Middle finger Our tallest finger reminds us of our church leaders. We can never pray too much for them. Pray for those who supervise and direct missionary outreach.
- Ring finger As any piano teacher will testify, the ring finger is our weakest finger. This weaker finger reminds us to pray for those missionaries who are discouraged, in trouble, or in pain.
- Little finger Our little finger is the smallest of the digits on our hands, which is where we should place our individual wants and desires in relation to world evangelism needs. The Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Let your pinkie remind you to pray for the people of the world who have the greatest need to find Jesus. Pray that they will open their eyes and see Him.
Intercessory prayer support is a key thing that believers in local churches can do to support world evangelism. "All movements of the Spirit in China, within our experience, may be traced to prayer" said Jonathan Goforth, missionary
January 25, 2011 at 8:05 pm
January 25, 2011 at 8:16 pm
Serving Christ is who you are when no one is watching. Serving Christ is your character and not what you do.
January 24, 2011 at 10:28 pm
Serving Christ is not about who you are or your accomplishments, work, educational attainments or how famous your are. The end results from your character occurs naturally. Those around you see without any hype from you the results.
Character could be defined simply as what a person does or thinks when others are not around. You can tell character by the words that comes out of their mouth.
From the Bible: Matthew 15:18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean'.
Quote: "If ten men are carrying a log — nine of them on the little end and one at the heavy end — and you want to help, which end will you lift on?" — William Borden
January 27, 2011 at 11:51 am
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January 28, 2011 at 5:13 am
A small group of people are involved in using tennis as a ministry.
January 24, 2011 at 5:18 pm
In most cases they are excited to talk about tennis and watching tennis and not> #1 I want to go on the record that I am excited about Jesus Christ and the Church. If you play tennis and want to talk about #1 you have got my attention. Want to talk about tennis, sorry I have got to many things going on reverting back to #1.
Seems like my priorities are correct. And this is from the Director of a Tennis Ministry.
If you like this and agree consider joining with me as a 'Prayer Partner'. That is by far the most important need. Just click the LIKE of FB on this statement and then join in. You do not need to be a tennis player to apply. You just need to be someone who loves God with all your heart and soul.
January 24, 2011 at 11:36 pm
January 25, 2011 at 1:19 am
A flu epidemic is hitting Hong Kong with swine and bird flu and all kinds of others.
January 24, 2011 at 11:06 am
The media reports that in many hospitals no beds are left. I will be go to the public health clinic in a few hours and if I can get an anti-biotic. Coughing, wheezing and weak but no fever. My family has the same thing.
Really part of living as a missionary in a land where we have a lot of viruses and bacteria floating around and health care can be inadequate.
January 24, 2011 at 11:06 am
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January 24, 2011 at 9:00 pm
Last night I dreamed...US Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.
January 24, 2011 at 7:42 am
Remember to pray for the Supreme Court and also all those you dream or think about. They may need your prayers at that very moment.
I am not really paying attention to matches from the AU Open. I have seen most of these players play tens/hundreds of times.
January 23, 2011 at 7:57 pm
This translates into thousands of hours watching tennis at court level for me. I feel sadness when I see or hear the name of a player. I have been alongside them before matches, after matches and often away from the courts for years.
However as God brings them to my mind, I do pray for them. That is by far the most important thing I can do now. And I love building up my family and that is God's highest for anyone.
Church.
January 23, 2011 at 2:03 pm
I am so happy to attend.
January 27, 2011 at 12:11 pm
5th and 6th Day of Australian Open. Friday is alway my favorite day of a Grand Slam event.
January 22, 2011 at 9:28 pm
Players are relaxed and happy to win through out the week. They are looking forward to the weekend, still playing matches they consider it a time to go out to dinners, spend extra time with friends and unwind. Saturday evenings are used for this time. Sundays are used for practice times and for the Christian players church time is usually ignored.
Player's need to be fed and built up inwardly also thought of as spiritually. Going to church and worshiping God is the best way to do that. To think that they can meet other fellow Christians, maybe hear a few Bible verses and think that this accomplishes the same as attending a church is false.
Attending church is the highest form of spiritually building up yourself and world class athletes should understand this as they are use to doing things to the highest level with the highest results.
January 27, 2011 at 12:12 pm
Highly recommended and free! This documentary focuses on a former pro basketball player and coach who has Lou Gehrig's disease.
January 22, 2011 at 4:49 pm
Explores the meaning of life through his daily physical and emotional struggles. I would suggest that if you know someone who is bedridden, has this disease or as an athlete it would be a good watch. It is shown on NHK via the Internet for free. Title: Seung-Il Story. As I post this to FB it in on now.
Directions: to http://www.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/ then find tv schedule to find the time 'Seung-II Story' is showing. Generally 3 times daily. Also you may check by your own time zone and then go back to the homepage to watch it on the Internet for Free. It is in Koren but with English subtitles. Also you will need to full screen the viewing to really read the subtitles. Best to you if you watch it.
January 22, 2011 at 5:38 pm
January 22, 2011 at 7:08 pm
Sunday church services that I have attended in Melbourne, Australia.
January 22, 2011 at 4:04 pm
Cross Culture Church, located in the centre of the city. 10 minutes walk from the Grand Hyatt Hotel on the corner of Swanston and Little Lonsdale Streets.
Map Link: http://www.crossculture.net.au/index_files/Page389.htm
Every Nation Melbourne, located about 45 minutes drive from the city in Box Hill South. Churches world wide and you can follow up in other churches as you travel. If you have tournament credential you may ask the transport office to arrange a car for you to take and pick you up. A player and I did in the past and they were kind enough to do so. Link: http://www.everynation.org.au/melb/
I am amazed that first it was 'Hit for Haiti", then raise money for the wildfires in Australia, then...
January 22, 2011 at 8:54 am
Flooding in Australia, then water for the developing world. Maybe I am missing a few others. I have mixed feelings about all this but what I do know is evangelism for nonbelievers and encouragement for all is good and my prayer. I would also like to have more knowledge on how the money collected is used and accountability to the public for this.
My prayer for the Australian flooding is that financial support will be raised up for people to go and share the love, help and message of Christ for those impacted. I know for a fact that Chaplaincy Australia is doing just that.
Listen, helping others is important. But teaching them to have a relationship with Jesus Christ is more important.
January 22, 2011 at 1:55 pm
January 22, 2011 at 2:17 pm
Christian's are first to tithe to their church or if not attending church, wherever they are spiritually fed at (Proverbs 3:9).
January 21, 2011 at 10:22 pm
I give at least 10% of my personal income to my church and have done so for years. Any additional giving goes towards programs or individuals involved in bringing people to the knowledge of Christ. Others who are not Christians are not under this obligation.
The Bible states that the poor will be with us always. Once a person accepts Christ and is involved in a good local church, their life will improve. If they are truly following Christ, they will make different decisions, they will have people around them who care for them and God is with them in all things.
January 22, 2011 at 5:32 pm
January 27, 2011 at 11:37 am
January 27, 2011 at 12:14 pm
Last night I dreamed about...ATP Federer, Djokovic and Davydenko and coaches
January 21, 2011 at 4:55 pm
And many other people to numerous to mention with locations included Los Angeles, Melbourne Australia, Champaign Illinois and Hong Kong. Remember to pray for all the people, events and locations that you dream or think about. They may need your prayers at that very moment.
Yesterday I dreamed.. about my wife.
January 21, 2011 at 11:23 amThe best kind of dream to have. Remember to pray for all the people, things and events that you dream or think about. They may need your prayer at that very moment.
January 27, 2011 at 12:14 pm
3rd and 4th Day of Australian Open. Prize money and the importance or lack of.
January 20, 2011 at 4:39 pm
Day 3,4; 3rd,4th Round: Many but not all of these players here are consistent performers normally making it this far in a tournament. For a small percentage of players who normally do not make it to this point this is a big day in both ranking points and money and they recognize that. They do not expect to make it past this point and often do not. Often their prize money exceeds their yearly income or even career income.
Other players who normally make it this far it is just normal day and match. However for these players to make it to the 4th round or 2nd week of the Australian Open brings great excitement and they also recognize that the income will be very good. These are consistent players and as veterans have been at this point many times. Prize money for a 3R=54,500 and 4R=93,000. For the highest level players who usually make it into the quarters or further; a loss here is not devestating. They have been here many times, and have made so much in prize money often greatly exceeding $800,000 a year that this small amount does not impact them significantly.
All players pick up their money in cash or wire transfer to their banks as the last act at a tournament site. Prior matches are put out of thier mind and they move on.
1st and 2nd Day of Australian Open. Prize money and the importance.
January 20, 2011 at 11:34 am
It is important to understand the mentality of the player's as regards to their income. Player's seem to never think about the money until they lose and are out of the tournament.
Day 1,2; 1st,2nd Round: A large number of players who rarely make it into a tournment or a player who usually are only 1st or 2nd round players are happy to just be at this point. Regardless of if they win or lose. Prize money for a 1st round is $20,000AUD before taxes not including a daily living allowance of $250. This will pay for their airfare,incidental spending and a small amount for their personal savings. A hotel is provided as long at the player remains in the tournament.
The reality of what the prize money has contributed to their well being sets in after a loss. Did they just pay their bills as in a 1st,2nd Round loss and did they make enough to save? This is the last thought they have as they leave a tournament site heading for their last day in the city and a trip to the airport. Most stay on for doubles and will add a much smaller amount to their prize income.
Today dreamed..William Murrell student at Oxford.
January 20, 2011 at 6:28 am
Involved in missions, former ITF ranked junior tennis player.
Remember to pray for all those you dream or think about. They may need it at that very moment.
Jim McManus RIP. Jim was a 28 year member of the ATP staff.
January 20, 2011 at 12:09 am
I first met Jim in the early 1990's when he was the director of the ATP Senior tour and our last time was in Cincinnati at the ATP tournament last August. We spoke briefly and he appeared to me fit. Sadly I have learned that his cancer caught up with him. He was 70.
Before the advent of the ATP Rankings, Jim was twice ranked in the Top 10 of the US singles and twice No. 2 in doubles (with Bill Hoogs in 1963 and Jim Osborne in 1969). He reached the 1968 US Open semi-finals (w/Osborne).
Jim is survived by his wife, Carole and their two children, Kate and Jordy. My prayers are with them.
Had no idea about this. Praying for his family & friends.
January 20, 2011 at 12:45 am
January 27, 2011 at 12:16 pm
Pro's giving to charity. I know of one player who actually gave their own money to a cause.
January 19, 2011 at 9:20 pm
Kim Clijsters donated her prize money ($37,000) for winning the Brisbane event. To me, that was real giving with a heart. Most players just give their time or equipment that they sign and get for free from their sponsors.
In many cases they are brought in as a spokeperson for a charity. UNICIF is top spot on this for athletes. I think the players are given first class travel and hotels and then go to heart renching spots in the world for photo opportunities. The photos are then used by the charity to raise money from donors.
I would guess that often pro charities from the players are used as a means for hiring family members with salaries or paying for expenses in the name of the cause. What do you listen for? A player who states that they are donating an amount they state or their own prize money to a charity that they themselves do not control. Now that requires respect!
January 19, 2011 at 11:32 pm
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Last night I dreamed..watching the match of ATP player Marcos Daniel.
January 19, 2011 at 2:47 pm
Marcos pulled out of his match at the AU Open with a knee injury.
Remember to pray for all you dream or think about. They may need it at that very moment.
Sick.
January 19, 2011 at 1:48 pm
But feeling slightly better = no staff meeting today.
January 19, 2011 at 1:56 pm
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January 20, 2011 at 1:24 pm
Two nights ago I dreamed..I was at the house of ATP player's Bob and Mike Bryan.
January 19, 2011 at 8:32 am
I was playing a cassette tape of music by the "The Van Halen Brothers" band and Eddie Van Halen somehow figured in all this. The music was written and performed by the band and was a song on accepting Christ. One of the Bryans did not like it. - Go figure how I can dream like this and I seriously doubt that they have a cassette player anyway.
Regardless; what is important is to remember to pray for all those you dream or think about. They may need your payer at that very moment.
3 nights ago, I dreamed..Patrick McEnroe and former co-worker Ed Brune.
January 18, 2011 at 8:19 pm
One part of the conversation with Patrick was him stating to me 'you are important by who you know'. As I woke up I knew that influence with a key person can be wide changing and I am on the right track. Also another statement came up with Ed, 'good is helping'. I can say that those who state to me they are friends are helping me. That is how I know they are a friend. Dreams can also teach us.
Remember to pray for all those you dream or think about. They may need your prayer at that very moment.
January 19, 2011 at 2:42 am
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January 19, 2011 at 1:42 pm
must mean something
January 19, 2011 at 1:58 pm
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2nd Day of Australian Open. By now 128 singles players win and 128 lose. The emotions that take place range from..
January 18, 2011 at 5:23 pm
Extreme anger, outright anger, crying, yelling, depression, frustration and sadness. On the winning side it is joy and sometimes laughter. I have seen it all in the player's lounge.
How can an athlete perform to his or her highest in this arena and excel. Many athletes refuse to accept a spiritual lifestyle as they see that the emotions of aggression will disappear and result in a lower performance.
Two areas: 1. The Bible states that we are to have peace, joy and love at all times (see verse 1) 2. We are to give our best at all times; as if we are serving Christ (see verse 2). Peace, joy and happiness = continued long term progress. Frustration disappears when you give your best. Frustration = burnout and anger.
A few players got this that I worked with. The results were very good. A few players approached me and asked for my help in this area. Then a few players; surrounded by such a crowd of negative emotions fell back. What is important is that all learned and having sensed it once will never forget the feelings of joy, peace and happiness. That is why prayer is important for those who are following the upwards path with God's good intentions and also for those who have fallen backwards. The Holy Spirit is working in both.
1. Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
2. Ephesians 6:7 - Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.
1st day of Australian Open. They do not know the Scriptures or respect God and live accordingly.
January 17, 2011 at 10:17 pm
I have spoken to so many tennis pro's and coaches on the tour who have told me "I am a Christian and I do not need to be baptized or attend Church."
They may stand in front of others and give a statement on their Christian lifestyle. All except..They practice tennis instead of going. They eat out instead of going. They shop instead of going. They surround themselves with other believers who practice the same and agree with them. They have many reasons..all but "The Bible says they should go".
1st day of Australian Open. 9 years in a row there. Do I miss it?
January 17, 2011 at 3:44 pm
Being at a Grand Slam event as a messenger of Christ is really just putting Band-Aids on broken bones. It is great for watching tennis, it may be even great for feeding your own ego as to being around the famous.
I have found after my ninth season that much like a Band-Aid a message has some positive aspect but actually much less importance than treating the actual injury. The injury for a player is a life or lifestyle out of control. The injury is best repaired in a spiritual hospital otherwise known as a church. Get them in a church and then you have the serious one's.
The answer to the question I posed "Do I miss it", "I miss the serious ones, and I can count of one hand those who are".
January 17, 2011 at 4:58 pm
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1st day of Australian Open - The player's, what really is a Grand Slam event like for them.
January 17, 2011 at 10:38 am
They are surrounded by coaches, friends, fans and yes sometimes even Christian believers who feed their egos towards the goals of winning. Player's are very confused about life and playing in Grand Slam events only adds to the confusion of life with crowd enveloping madness and winning and losing meaning everything.
What I can say is that the player's respond best to a message of Peace as proclaimed by Christ when they are away from the madness of winning and losing, the maddening crowds and the multitude of all things that go into this.
May all you reading this have Shalom. Peace to you brothers and sisters!
January 17, 2011 at 11:53 am
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January 17, 2011 at 1:15 pm
Baptism Sunday. 7 being baptized today in our church.
January 16, 2011 at 2:33 pm
I am happy for that, rejoice and live my life to see others baptized.
January 16, 2011 at 2:43 pm
January 16, 2011 at 2:52 pm
January 17, 2011 at 12:27 am
Explaining to our kids - Growing up in Chinese society, they think of themselves as Chinese and not American.
January 15, 2011 at 10:46 pm
Watching 'Saving Private Ryan" as the movie on tv. Our kids do not realize that during WW2 as Americans...that I had 2 great uncles who saw heavy fighting, one in the Navy in the Pacific and one in the Army in Africa and Italy. One other relative lost his arm and another was killed as he piloted a plane shot down over Germany. And their grandfather and my father was exempted from serving as he was married at 18 years old.
I told my daughter who is nine and old enough to understand. "Do not ever let anyone say anything bad about Americans or our family."
Happy Saturday from Hong Kong. Went to swimming lesson for Ashley with my entire family. The day is only 3/4 over and...
January 15, 2011 at 4:05 pm
Spoke on the phone to Senior Pastor Rob Keller of the church I worked alongside for the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia the past 9 years. We talked as old friends. Next up..the swimming lesson for Joshua. Dinner with the family then movie night with the kids.
January 15, 2011 at 4:09 pm
January 15, 2011 at 4:13 pm
January 15, 2011 at 5:43 pm
January 15, 2011 at 10:39 pm
January 15, 2011 at 11:04 pm
January 16, 2011 at 8:40 am
Today's happenings.
January 14, 2011 at 11:24 pm
1.5 hr. Bible study. 2 hrs. meeting with missionary for counseling. 2.5 hrs. biking with my daughter. 2 hrs. prayer meeting at church. 1 hr. with my entire family. Ended the day with hugs!
My Bible study notes for the day. Be diligent about your study.
January 14, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Rehoboam: The Reckless Phony
1 Kings 12
Many a person who has two sides. Mark Twain said, We are all like the moon, we have a dark side we don't want anyone to see. We are going to see four specific areas of Rehoboam who has two sides. He had a dark side, that only God the Holy Spirit really saw and portrayed to us in this book. 1 Kings 11 Chapter.
He was a phoney. On the surface he look genuine. 1 Kings 11 is the story his father's fall. His name was Solomon. He was the richest king that every lived. He loved many foreign women. He was a rich man but towards the end of his life he began to live as an unbeliever. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines and his wives turned his heart away from God in verse 4. And his heart was not wholly devoted to God as his fathers David heart had been.
Solomon follower over Gods and did what was evil in the site of the Lord. Then Solomon built a temple to Kemosh the detestable idol of Mohab. Notice two things, one category of wives and one of idols. Solomon a man of God, but because of his intermarriages be is backslidden and worship those God that his wives bought to him and his nation. As a result of this the nation began to splinter. For over 100 years the nation was strong and undivided. First their was Saul, then David, then Solomon and the nation was well respected in its day. Under Solomon, Israel the nation became overtaxed. One man disagreed with the policy of Solomon. Jeroboam went to Egypt and Solomon sought his life. Solomon died and Rehoboam. Rehoboam was 41 years old when he took over as King and in the palace of the King. His training has not been Godly. He has been influenced by a Godless mother. He has learned what it is to live a sham for the public all the while living behind the public eye a phoney, failing dark life ungodly life.
Chapter 12 Verse 1, 2, 3
Jeroboam who had departed comes back to the city. He visits with the King and he talks with him about the concerns he had for his fathers lifestyle. v. 4 Rehoboam puts on a good front. v. 6 He goes through the motion of seeking counsel. He goes to the chamber and speaks to the old men. v. 8 he rejected their advice and then went to the young men his peers and sought advice. v. 9 Rehoboam then says he will discipline them . V. 12 3 days has passed. v.13 for his forsook the advice of the elders and took the advice of the young men.
2 Chronicles Chapter 10 v. 15
Rehoboam shows his true colors. The King did not listen to the people. The people said they would serve and follow him if you are tolerant, understanding but down inside his heart he had no desire to give needs to the people. Yes, He went to the counselors but he had not intention to follow the advice and is phoney. Before the public he looked solid gold but behind the scenes it was a phoney counseling session. V. 16 when all saw what he was like the people departed from him. Suddenly a nation at peace for over a century, A civil war takes place. Jeroboam with 10 of the 12 tribes moves north and establishes his one Kingdom known as Israel or Ephirem. This is the Northern Kingdom. Rehoboam stayed in the south and two remaining tribes were Benjamin and Judah. His capital was in Jerusalem and Jeroboam was in Samaria. V 19 Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day (when this book was written). Rehoboam in his phoney counseling refused to listen to the people. He put together an army 180,000 to fight against the Northern Kingdom. V. 2 But the Word of the Lord came to a Prophet and speak, you shall not fight against your relatives and return to your home.
On the surface it looked like they obeyed. v. 5 Rehoboam behind the scene but he built 15 cities and did not return and prepared for war. On the surface it looked like he listened to God, looked genuine, He appeared be cooperative but behind the scenes he was making his own plans. We have a domestic insight into this man. V. 18, 19, 20, 21 He took 18 wives, 60 concubines fathering 28 sons and 60 daughters. Who does this sound like. He learned it from his dad. Like produces like. Unfaithfulness produces unfaithfulness, a wandering eye produces children with wondering eyes. God can restore the years that the locust has eaten, but it is a shame that the locust has to eat any years but they do. He is a man just like his dad who lives a life a extreme sensuality and fathers so many sons and daughters he can never train.
Look at the reckless display of power as he also goes out and seeks many wives for his sons and daughters.
I dreamed..
January 14, 2011 at 8:53 am
Last night I was at Concordia College and in New York City. The night before I dreamed about agents for tennis player's; Ken Meyerson and John Tobias. Remember to pray for all those you dream or think about. They may need your prayers at that very moment.
True friends don't just give you praises they also tell you the truth about yourself.
January 13, 2011 at 9:46 pm
I just returned home from a farewell meeting for a friend. Angela Wong was the Director for 14 years for RBC Ministries Hong Kong. She will continue serving the Lord but in a new direction. Five friends in Hong Kong I will come running to immediately when they need me. Pastor Dennis and Kathy Balcombe, Pastor Paul and Di Sarchet-Waller, Angela Wong, David and Light Mohn and Pang Wei Lim. They have always been there for my family and appreciate working alongside them in serving Christ in Hong Kong.
Thank you from the Kraft family.
January 13, 2011 at 11:16 pm
January 13, 2011 at 11:22 pm
My Bible study notes for the day. Be diligent about your study.
January 13, 2011 at 4:59 pm
Jabez: The Unknown Became Well Known.
1 Chronicles Chapter 4 9:10
Many young adults do not know the great stories that come from the Scriptures.
1st and 2nd Chronicles forms the last books of the Old Testament in the Hebrew Bible Things are nearing the end or so they appear in the Hebrew Bible. At these times, times were hard, war was in the air and Kings were weak. Babylon or the Caldeons, a great sleeping giant that was soon to arise and invade the land and take captives all of those who were Hebrews. Known as the Babylon Captivity. Just imagine living in a nation were the talk of war is constantly in the air and you know that just across your border there rests a vast and enormously cruel enemy who will soon to invade. He will take your land, he will take your home, he will take your crops, he will take your family and move you into foreign territory and you will live as a captive for 70 years. Jeremiah the prophet told the Hebrews this would happen but of course they were in such indifference they could care less. But it is coming, it is right around the corner. This is the context found in 1 Chronicles Chapter 4
In 1 Chron. 1-9 we have apparently boring reading. But it is inspired and God's Word. It is a series of names and continues up to Chapter 9. We have a list of people who have died and much like reading epitaphs on grave stones in a cemetery. Most of the names you can not know the names and even have trouble pronouncing many of them.
Suddenly for some reason you stop and in Chapter 4, you have a sudden oasis in this wilderness. For 2 complete verses. This is not much in light of what is said to other great men and women of the Bible. But it is such a contrast to the other readings surrounding it. When God troubles to preserve the epitaph the name of one man out of millions, God has a reason. Learn a lesson from this man's life. This man is like a meteor in the scriptural sky or darkness.
Jabez is never mentioned again in Scripture. We find 4 things as significant.
The name>the birth>study the prayer>the result.
The name. God returns to it again in the story. Jabez is a transliteration of Hebrew to English and means "anguish, intense sorrow, pain". It is linked to his birth. What are the circumstance from his birth. Financial distress? Is the Father living? Is she married? Health problems? To many children to feed? Maybe she felt she was too old to have children? Maybe the Father has died? Maybe he left his wife? Perhaps a land of turmoil in the land? Could be that something about your past has brought anguish or pain or maybe you have had one of those kind of children. This is not just Hebrew history. This is life. These are stories about ourselves. Don't miss the word honorable in verse 9. He was honorable than his brothers. Maybe he was influential. Maybe the most in his family. Something changed Jabez from the sorrow of his birth to the greatness of his influence. What was it? It was his prayer, that God honored. Somewhere between his birth and his prayer, he has come to know God the Creator. He asks four simple things.
1 That you will bless me indeed. Make me unique. Make a difference in my future. Cause it to be in contrast to my past. The handicaps I have lived with, Lord break through the clouds.
2. That you will enlarge my border. Increase my influence. Enlarge my life. Intensify your use of my life. Nothing wrong with such ambitions. Disabilities need not disqualify. We often raise our children the same way we were raised. Jabez did not live the same way he had lived. He prayed enlarge my borders. Lord enlarge my brain, break me free from the limitations that I have been told or absorbed.
3. That Your hand may be with me. Divine empowerment. I do not want to go it alone. I want to walk my life in the mighty hand of God. Over and over in the Scripture those who God uses the most mightily and those who walk under this authority and his Glory. I do not know who is listening for all I know it will be some great in the making. As you accept that vast responsibility, be sure that you pray that "Lord, You hand stay with me'.
4. That you will keep me from harm. That is why #3 is before. God's protective hand is with you. Verse number 10, that it many not pain me. Notice that it is to keep me from pain. The same as Jabez name. Lord keep me from becoming the anguish I once was. Help me to live up to my name. Break me from the shackles of the past.
The result. God granted him what he requested. No doubt some others can identify with a man like Jabez. Your past is strewn with litter of this kind of pain and sorrow. You may tell yourself that you can only remain small. Nothing wrong with asking for great authority. Could it be that the Lord has asked you fill a great place of authority. Where there is a lot of limelight but a lot of flack but where decisions make a difference. Are you helping your children dream big dreams? The sky is the limit and your children need to know that.
3 Lessons.
1. A small struggling start does not necessitate a limited life.
2. No measure of success is safe without the presence of God's hand on a life. Success sometimes mean less time with God.
3. When it is God who prospers and blesses a life their is no place for guilt. I find that often their is envy and suspicion or a critical eye for those who live a life of great responsibly.
I have enormous compassion and tenderness for those who occupy great responsibly.
What large thing are you asking from God these days? James says you have not because you ask not.
Let's imagine we are in heaven. We are in room full of gifts with our names on it and we tug on His room and ask what are these. He asks these are things that you have not because you asked not.
Assist your children in praying for great things. Name a few things of those possibilities that they may set their sights high. Tell them God has a room full of delightful gifts with their names on them and all they have to do is ask.
Jesus in fulfilling his work on the cross he reached the height of God's work for Him. His mother bore him in pain.
Sit beneath the cross of Jesus and give him your hand and your life. He gave that we might have. He willing restricted his life so that we might know an expansive and fulfilled life. All that perspective comes when you are at the cross of Christ. This is perfect opportunity to give your life to Christ.
176 visitors in 161 cities visited the website in 24 hours.
January 13, 2011 at 11:25 am
I don't remember this ever happening since the site went up in 1998! All those prayer's being said by those who care for this work must be working. Keep it up prayer partners. Link: www.tennisministry.org
Bible verse: Romans 10:14-15 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Today - Tennis Ministry staff meeting learning a new computer language
January 12, 2011 at 9:18 pm
Bible study - all in my home. Riding bikes with the staff and praying. Remember: A house is a home for a family.
January 12, 2011 at 10:21 pm
January 13, 2011 at 11:09 am
January 13, 2011 at 11:14 am
My Bible study notes for the day. Be diligent about your study.
January 12, 2011 at 4:01 pm
Uzziah: The Leader Who Became a Loser
Kabod Hebrew for Heaviness (of splendor). Used 376 times in Hebrew scripture and 45 times for King of Glory. God is the King of Heaviness. Isaiah 42:5-8
We have been called. In righteous. We are being helped, guided, protected, use us, light to the nations, open blind eyes, bring out those from prison.
Remember His Name.
Reflect His Glory
Rejoice in His Praises.
Ministry monuments result in disaster. 2 Chronicles 26 King Uzziah
Engaged in the ways of Holy Living.
If your favorite piece of furniture is a mirror, in pride you are on your way to downfall.
Signs of Ministry slippage.
1. Greater battles are fought within than without. Fighting for your own image. His heart (inner being) is proud. Struggling for your own name.
2. When more attention is directed to the leader than to the Lord, a monument is being built. When you are arrogant nothing intimates you.
3. When God's help is nice but not absolute essential for survival. Our ministry turns into a performance and they talk about you and not your God.
4. When worthwhile reproofs are resisted, rather than received.
5. When the consequences of sin or ignored rather then feared, you are in deep trouble.
Gehazi: The Servant Who Got Greedy
Tied with money is the greed for things. Greed occurs when things we have never satisfies.
2 Kings 5
The deception of secret greed. We often do not show it.
Greed is covertness. A inordinate desire to acquire more and more. The desire to have something now.
Manners in how it is expressed.
1. Money, more money, excessive amounts of money, discontentment with what one earns. Never ending upward spiral of more and more.
2. Things. He who dies with the most toys wins. Wanting more and more. When what he have never satisfies.
3. Fame. Inordinate desire to be known. To be seen, recognized in public, ones name in the news. Public figure.
4. Pleasure. A desire for satisfying ones sensual lifestyle.
No more subtile temptation than secret greed. To those who assist others, serve as associates, managers, Vice Presidents and yours is a supportive role.
You have one job and that is to make that man you serve far more successful than he ever would be without you.
None of it could be called wrong thinking. It does allow rationalization. It allows wrong conduct.
First you think, then you pursue. Then you lie, Then you act deceitfully. Denied the truth before one who had trusted you.
Once a man lies to himself, he can lie to anybody. This is how secrets are cultivated.
Practical lessons.
1. Imagination allows greed to grow. Imagination says it is forming a mental image not present to the senses or never before wholly perceived in reality.
2. Rationalization encourages greed to surface. Rationalization provides a plausible but untrue reason for conduct.
3. Deceptions gives greed courage to persist.
4. Confession brings greed to a necessary and abrupt halt.
I always need this. I just let a other people listen in.
A group is only as strong as your character.
Greed is a sin. And Christ will give you the power to overcome it. Christ died for that.
Naaman: The Officer Whose Leprosy Was Cleansed
God's plan is higher than our plan.
Isaiah 55 6-9
These words are addressed to those who do not the Lord. Words addressed to those seeking.
These verses offer. An invitation. A warning. Promises - God will abundantly give compassion.
Surprise factor in coming to the Lord. God does not think like humanity thinks.
2 King 5
A War going on. A civil war.
People who walk with God walk, walk against the cadence of the world. They do watch world for their cues, they do not pay attention to the world for their direction, the resist the counsel of the world for how to live their lifes.
1. He'll buy his cleansing. More people are willing to buy their way into heaven, than to take it by way of free of any cost.
2. I'll get my cleansing from another man.
3. This isn't the way I thought it would happen.
I do not need to believe in Christ. It is too simple.
It is doing what the Lord says, that bring the change.
1. It is not until we accept the fact that we are diseased that we receive cleansing.
2. It is not until we hear the truth that we discover the way to find relief. Do not take lightly those people God brings across your path.
3. It is not until we come to end of ourselves that we are ready to go God's way.
4. It is not until we actually do as God requires that cleansing occurs.
Salvation is not cut to your pattern. Leprosy is not cured with your prescription. You have got to come God's way. The search stop's with Christ. It is the simple faith in Jesus Christ that does the job.
January 12, 2011 at 4:42 pm
January 12, 2011 at 8:35 pm
They stayed on staff for a while and lived in an apartment off campus in Kona. Tonight I found a stack of pictures to share with you. :)
January 13, 2011 at 7:05 pm
January 13, 2011 at 11:30 pm
Where was your room Bob? Were you upstairs or downstairs? The leaders slept downstairs, but for some reason, I think you were on the second floor. Ya know Nito, he was devastated over that horrible incident, saying how much he hated it that his own countrymen had taken the lives of the ones who had come to help the Filipinos. and he was terribly hurt because he was very close to Bill and Randy Adams. They were his leaders at the Davao base. It is hard to remember, and yet, we must trust the Lord in all things...even unto death...while clinging to the hope that lies within us, and recalling the scripture that tells us their is not sting of death for the believer. amen.
I cannot recall the name of our teammate who was a school teacher from Willows CA. Can you remember her name? She was so kind and so steady. Wish I could see her again.
All for now...love and blessings!
January 19, 2011 at 5:10 pm
January 19, 2011 at 5:18 pm
January 19, 2011 at 5:20 pm
January 20, 2011 at 3:27 am
I did not get the emails or the videos done but I did spend time riding bikes with both kids and hugging the entire family.
January 12, 2011 at 7:49 am
Ashley came and gave me a hug. What is most important? The work will be there tomorrow.
January 12, 2011 at 8:00 am
January 12, 2011 at 8:02 am
January 12, 2011 at 8:07 am
January 12, 2011 at 9:07 am
January 12, 2011 at 9:22 am
January 12, 2011 at 3:35 pm
January 13, 2011 at 3:24 pm
Got to go to bed at 1 a.m. Just wrapped up several hours of Bible study. Encouraged and learned a lot.
January 12, 2011 at 12:57 am
Busy day tomorrow on Wednesday.
January 12, 2011 at 6:09 am
My daily Bible study. Hebrews 11:32-38 "They, Being Dead, Still Speak"
January 11, 2011 at 10:42 pm
Over the vast expanse of Scripture, a variety of admirable people cross our path. These men and women lived lives worthy of being remembered, so let’s remember them, for they, being dead, still speak.
Hebrews 11:32-38 32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground.
Last night I dreamed..
January 11, 2011 at 5:48 pm
I was coaching tennis to my former student of over a decade ago, then young Maxine Lai. 2. Dreamed of a former coworker, Dean.
Remember to pray for all those you dream or think about. They may need your prayers at that very moment.
Hundreds of emails to reply to and produce 2 videos this week and next.
January 11, 2011 at 10:42 am
I hope that I can be disciplined enough to do this. Bills are all paid so that is off my mind and can focus.
'Conversations with Bob' Youtube Channel. Link: http://www.youtube.com/tennisministry
January 11, 2011 at 7:11 pm
January 11, 2011 at 8:30 pm
One of the best things about being home in 2011, is that every night I can give my entire family a good night hug.
January 11, 2011 at 12:37 am
I have traveled every year since 2002 to the Australian Open. Hugs are very important and make sure that you give them to your family daily. You can never give or get enough hugs. Jesus hugged people and it was talked about, written down in the Bible and showed in the love he gave and received from others. Do likewise.
One way to hug Jesus is to hug your father or mother. Jesus said that what we do to other people we are doing to Jesus.
Did you know Jesus likes to be hugged, too? When children wanted to climb on his lap and hug Him, people who were His friends tried to scoot them away. But Jesus said, No, no, let them come and they hugged Him; and the Bible says He blessed them.
Remember to pray for the nation of Australia, the Australian Open and Lleyton and his family.
January 10, 2011 at 9:20 pm
Lleyton Hewitt playing at age 7 in 1988, age 9, 11, 13, 15
Monday is my thinking day. Relax!
January 10, 2011 at 2:11 pm
I am thinking about Pastors whose earlier marriages break down. Grace and Scripture and what is the balance? Is there a correct answer? What about restoration to church leadership when a Pastor is involved in adultery. All important things to have a viewpoint on.
By the way, gossiping within the body can be as deadly as adultery!
January 10, 2011 at 4:21 pm
January 10, 2011 at 8:34 pm
January 10, 2011 at 10:23 pm
It all depends on the situation. If it was a one time deal Galatians 6:1 seems to be the rule of the day. If its been going on for any length of time than it would depend on what the elders of the church say about this. Generally speaking the Pastor is removed from his office and is under counseling for at least a year if not more but never would or should he be able return to the same church in their former position. Who would trust him to counsel females?
That's been my experience.
Phil
January 11, 2011 at 12:42 am
January 11, 2011 at 12:43 am
January 11, 2011 at 6:23 am
January 11, 2011 at 10:57 am
January 11, 2011 at 11:18 am
How I wish I could do more. I can pray and let others know to protect those they contact. Mary Pierce being involved in this, has been sad to me. Mary is such a nice person but right and wrong is not dependent upon nice.
January 11, 2011 at 11:32 am
The adulterous pastor who left his prior church, and is a leader in a new place, he's following the example of Paula White. Dear God, this is wrong....and I'm not undermining grace, cause I'm one who pushes people to understand the love and fullness of the grace of God, and how far His love extends toward us all when we are deceived...but there are several factors that must be adhered to...repentance, submission to the discipline of the elders, having no leadership positions until God says so, etc etc. and we know what the scriptures say about remarriage. If a man wants to divorce his wife, thats his business, between himself and God only, but he is not allowed to (under the circumstances you described) remain in the pastoral position, or run to the next town and take a new position in the church. I don't want to sit under a pastor like that, do you? Sorry. Don't mean to sound harsh, but the televangelists have set a wrong example and have acted like God has no absolutes and that sin doesn't matter to God! and they can just run around and sin as they wish and then brag how their anointing remains strong!
They are only fooling themselves. I pray their eyes to be opened.
January 11, 2011 at 12:48 pm
Now the picture is more clearer....this tennis coach/pastor is now married to the woman he cheated with? Well, that isn't really repentance is it? The qualifications for pastor are found in 1Timothy 3. One of those qualifications that MUST be met is that the man in question be the husband of one wife. This Pastor isn't. Had he remained divorced like Charles Stanley than maybe it would be ok to Pastor.
@ Julie,
Paula White isn't a pastor so anyone following her is already in the ditch.....
January 11, 2011 at 2:48 pm
January 11, 2011 at 3:34 pm
January 11, 2011 at 8:18 pm
Paula White doesn't teach the Word. She is the perfect example as to what Bob was referring to. No matter what the gender unbiblical is unbiblical, don't you agree?
I've done extensive research into Paula and Randy's "ministry". If you are interested here is an example of such
http://phillyflash.wordpress.com/2009/03/05/15-reasons-to-avoid-paula-white/
While you are there search the site with Paula White or Word of Faith and you'll see bad teaching/teaching and adultery/open sin seems to go hand in hand with the televangelists.
Phil
January 11, 2011 at 10:45 pm
January 12, 2011 at 5:40 am
Last night I dreamed..
January 10, 2011 at 9:32 am
I was playing doubles with ATP player Robbie Koenig against WTA player Aravane Rezai. Dream 2, I dreamed about my wife, Mia. Remember to pray for all those you dream or think about. They may need your prayer at that very moment.
Elvis the last six years of his life toured with a Gospel group Elvis listened to as a child.
January 9, 2011 at 11:43 pm
A program that shows his roots, the songs he loved and carried him home. Moving to me. His singing of Dixieland has always touched me. His talent was God given and he acknowledged that. Go to youtube and search for 'elvis he touched me' for the remainder of the program.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOiuLVHjl_k
More Elvis in 1972, his testimony. I love his relaxed look. For Elvis this is relaxing.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ShzxQ59zwg
1:25sec of Elvis rehearsing and praying. Who cares for that man?
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ng66WdLcgKI
It is sad to me that Elvis had great difficulty with his life. But I did not walk in his shoes and more than likely in his private moments he turned to the Lord. His was mistakes were just made more public than most of us. But he shows his faith going back to a simple recording he made from 1959 while stationed in the US Army in Germany.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0MQAxZeF1c
Do a Youtube search for Elvis Gospel for more. Elvis the last six years of his life toured with J.D Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, a Gospel group Elvis listened to as a child. I am sure that people listening his tour accepted Christ because of Elvis singing this music. That music selection took courage from Elvis as he sang in sold out arenas. (1935-1977)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf0vJiyeLIo
Last post: Elvis singing Turn your eyes upon Jesus, medley
Church Day; Nuf, said.
January 9, 2011 at 8:47 amOur church video. Nice place for one and for all:
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJBzQXLMKFg&feature=player_embedded#!
Incredible video's of Elvis singing with Gospel legend J.D.Sumner. It touches my heart and reminds me of Federer.
January 9, 2011 at 12:05 am
J.D went on and served the Lord to end of his long life. I love watching Elvis face as he is humbled before Christ. It is very much what happens as I've share the Gospel with Roger Federer. He humbles himself before the Lord. It is not I but the Lord that humbles another.
Link: Elvis and JD: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hFxHjjXxNI&feature=related
Link: Elvis and JD: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ksz_9m5EFwc&feature=related
Link: JD aged: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HPUryHzCcQ&feature=related
Link: JD and Elvis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ae5pjIK8lM&feature=related
Watched a very good movie,'The Pursuit of Happyness' staring Will Smith and his son.
January 8, 2011 at 10:18 pm
If you have not seen it you might want to see this heart touching movie. Bring your tissues as it brings out the tears. Based upon a true story, the Father and son sleeping overnight in the train platform restroom touched me.
Many you pass by daily are suffering and others do not even know. They need someone to smile at them and care for their circumstances. Is that you?
January 9, 2011 at 4:37 am
Last night I dreamed..
January 8, 2011 at 3:36 pm
About my tennis mentors. Tennis coaches Barry Nixon and Oscar Wegner. An additional coach was in the dream, Michael McConville. Remember to pray for all those you dream or think about. They may need your prayers at that very moment.
It's cold in Hong Kong at 7C/44F. We have no heaters in the house except for one small electric heater.
January 8, 2011 at 9:15 am
A large box of warm air would be nice.
Maybe for you we can design a motion generated heater. So when you are moving a racket it can generated 5 minutes of power for the machine to churn out warm air. In the meantime gotten out the ski hat and pants!
January 8, 2011 at 9:38 am
January 8, 2011 at 9:42 am
January 8, 2011 at 9:55 am
January 8, 2011 at 9:57 am
January 9, 2011 at 6:40 am
January 9, 2011 at 8:44 am
主內各肢體:
平安! 我們又再次舉行露宿者的聚會啦!
定於1月15日(星期六), 時間早上10:30至下午3:30。
我們有以下的需要:
1. 中, 英翻譯者 (為西人與中國人翻譯)
2. 表演節目 (5-10分鐘)
3. 帶中國餸菜 (必定在12:00-1:00送到)
4. 須要舊衣服 (當天帶來)
5. 我們需要: 分衫, 照顧露宿者, 作個人佈道, 分派食物, 分相片, 清理埸地。
如果你們都想參予, 請早點與我(田藝君)聯絡: (2377-0199, 9076-2975)
Doris
Concordia Lutheran School 路德會協同中學
7 Pui Dak Street
Sham Shui Po, Kowloon
九龍深水埗培德街7號
Contact persons聯絡電話: 9859-9549 (Doris)；9767-8206 (Carol); 9609-6905 (Rev. Fung)
1. 駕車人士,
在界限街左轉入大坑東道－＞直駛原窩仔街到尾－＞經過石硤尾街，南昌街和足球場見白田街轉右－＞直駛轉見石硤尾工廠
左入培德街直行--見路德會協同中學
Driving car:--route
In Boundary street －＞turn left to Tai Hang Tung Road －＞ striaght forward to Woh Chai Street－＞along Woh Chai Street pass through Nam Cheong Street and Football Field －＞turn right to Pak Tin Street －＞and striaght forward see Shek kip Mei Factory －＞ turn Left into Pui Dak Street－＞straight forward will see Concordia Luteheran School.
2. 如果坐地鐵, 請看地圖002
By MTR--please see map 002
１．（步行一路線）－－在石硤尾站的 窩仔街A出口 (銘賢書院出口）－－原窩仔街直行到尾－＞經過南昌街路口和足球場 見白田街轉右－＞直行見石硤尾工廠轉左過馬路－＞入培德街--見路德會協同中學(培德街7號) (10-15 分鐘) （步行二路線）－－在深水埗的 D2出口 (福華街出口)－－過馬路原桂林街一直行到尾 (途經福榮街, 元州街, 大埔道) －＞過行人隧道 到巴域街－＞直行過馬路入白田街－＞直行見石硤尾工廠轉左－＞入培德街直行見路德會協同中學 (培德街7號) (10-18 分鐘)
Walking 1 -- (Map 002- circle 2) Shek Kei Mei (MTR) Exit A (Ming Yin Collage)－－straight forward along Woh Chai Street to the end －(pass through Shek Kip Mei St, Nam Cheong St, and Football Field)－＞turn right to Pak Tin Street－＞straight forward see Shek Kip Mei Factory turn left －＞cross the road to Pui Dak Street －＞straight forward see Concordia Lutheran School (10-15mins)
Walking 2 -- (Map 002- circle 1) Sham Shui Po MTR--Exit D2（Fuk Wa Street)－＞cross the road to Kweilin Street －along Kweilin street to the end (pass through Fuk Wing St, Un Chau St., Castle Peak road & Tai Po St.)－＞ down into the tuneral to Berwick St. －＞ cross road to Pak Tin street－＞ straight forward see Shek Kip Mei Factory turn left －＞cross the road to Pui Dak Street －＞straight forward see Concordia Lutheran School (10-15 mins)
3. （坐的士）－－在深水埗或石硤尾站坐的士都可以！（九龍深水埗培德街7號）(約4至8分鐘)
Take Taxi--you can take a taxi in MTR Shem Shuk Po or Shek Kei Mei to School (7 Pui Dak Street, Sham Shui Po) (4-8 mins)
January 9, 2011 at 9:14 am
January 10, 2011 at 6:52 am
January 10, 2011 at 9:46 am
2011 End of the Year report found on the Internet at...
January 7, 2011 at 5:46 pm
Easy to read format, in it's entirety found at: http://www.tennisministry.org/TA-Endofyear2010.html
This is the same report that is prepared for our board. This is done to allow openness and clarity for those who are behind or desire to be behind the ministry. Prepared by Pastor Bob Kraft.
Last night I dreamed?..
January 7, 2011 at 10:23 am
That I died. I was on my way to heaven and surrounded by intense bright light all around me. As I started to enter the portal of the entrance into heaven, I knew that once I passed through I could not go back. I saw the smiling faces of my Father and Mother and also knew that many more of my passed away relatives were there ahead of me and welcoming me. I cried out to God, 'I am not ready yet. I want to see my children grow up as teenagers or young adults. In my mind, I saw my children at those ages". I woke up, knowing that I had been sent back. My first thought upon waking was 'Did I really die or was it a dream?". I do not have the answer for that.
What I do know is that: I have much more confidence now in an afterlife. I know I will see some of my relatives in the future. I told my children of this dream and they were very moved by it. I have chronic asthma with trouble breathing at night and it is possible that I passed away. It is also possible it was a dream.
But I will keep serving the Lord the best I can while I can.
January 7, 2011 at 5:15 pm
January 7, 2011 at 5:42 pm
January 8, 2011 at 9:44 am
January 8, 2011 at 3:18 pm
DEUTERONOMY 6:5-9 - Things I Must Tell The Children.
January 7, 2011 at 12:22 amFrom the Bible: 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
What's next? Up at 4am praying and singing worship songs.
January 6, 2011 at 7:54 pm
Then took one of my 2 children to school on the back of my bicycle no less. Then I went to church and produced 3 videos for tennis ministry. Then picked up my daughter from school. Then rode our bikes together until 5pm. Then watched 2 cartoon Bible story movies with both kids. Then dinner with the entire family. What's next? The Internet?
January 7, 2011 at 8:20 am
January 7, 2011 at 12:58 pm
January 7, 2011 at 1:11 pm
January 7, 2011 at 1:46 pm
Off to church to record videos for my upcoming youtube channel. 'Conversations with Bob'
January 6, 2011 at 9:55 amAlso pay the bills today. That is my goal for today. What are your goals?
I leave you with this song. Love this song, as I can relate. Michael Card - God's Own Fool
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvejyvnEidY
Lyrics: (Bold) are the words that touch me. Yyou may feel touched in other ways or not at all. - Bob
Seems I've imagined Him all of my life
As the wisest of all of mankind
But if God's Holy wisdom is foolish to men
He must have seemed out of His mind
For even His family said He was mad
And the priests said a demon's to blame
But God in the form of this angry young man
Could not have seemed perfectly sane
Chorus
When we in our foolishness thought we were wise
He played the fool and He opened our eyes
When we in our weakness believed we were strong
He became helpless to show we were wrong
And so we follow God's own fool
For only the foolish can tell-
Believe the unbelievable
And come be a fool as well
So come lose your life for a carpenter's son
For a madman who died for a dream
And you'll have the faith His first followers had
And you'll feel the weight of the beam
So surrender the hunger to say you must know
Have the courage to say I believe
For the power of paradox opens your eyes
And blinds those who say they can see
Chorus
So we follow God's own Fool
For only the foolish can tell
Believe the unbelievable,
And come be a fool as well
Up at 4am and working.
January 6, 2011 at 5:34 am
I guess I have at least one reason why a person would not support me; "He must be crazy".
12 of 12 End of the year report for the Tennis Ministry International.
January 6, 2011 at 4:14 am
Opposition to this ministry: We have cases of direct and indirect opposition. I think that it is important as it shows that real work is taking place with me for Christ, it allows praying more effectively and presents a very real world picture of what I do. The direct against the ministry is from one coach on the pro tour Christian Filhol, who states he is a Christian, goes around and bad mouths both me and the tennis ministry I do both publicly and privately. He is not against approaching a person that I am speaking with about Christ in front of me and stating 'watch out for Bob, he is dangerous' or 'he is not a Pastor' or some such thing. He has about five people he ‘disciples’ and he gives them the same spirit. I will not go into his own spiritual lifestyle but clearly what he does reflects his heart and actions and hurts the pros. Indirect and not specific towards either myself or the ministry is from the WTA. I have on very high authority that the WTA will not allow the name of Jesus to be stated publicly in materials that they publish for players. They will allow such things as Buddha and Mohammed quotes to take place. The WTA is difficult to work with because of this stance but I do have a mutual working relationship with them. Considering the amount of work that I do on the pro tour, this opposition is minimal and I thank God for that. Many players watch me, see the lifestyle I lead and are persuaded of the reality of Christ.
Give and support this ministry at: http://tennisministry.org/TA-Sponsors.html
i'll put you on the church prayer list. have you started doing sunday services or bible studies in HK?
January 6, 2011 at 8:13 am
January 6, 2011 at 8:33 am
January 6, 2011 at 9:02 am
January 6, 2011 at 9:37 am
11 of 12 End of the year report for Tennis Ministry International.
January 5, 2011 at 4:00 pm
Social Networking via the Internet: I am working on integrating the key sites together so that we can have one posting going to all the sites at the same time. I will continue to look for ways to reduce our dependence on emails sending to postings on one blog cross-indexed to our multiple sites.
1. Tennis Ministry International website (31,292 unique hits,171 countries):
2. Ministry Blog Archive:
3. Facebook: -Pastor Bob Kraft (2,743 members, 255 Pro Tour): http://www.facebook.com/pastorbkraft -Prayer Center Tennis Ministry (1,192 members): http://www.facebook.com/pastorbkraft#!/group.php?gid=120191372890 -Hong Kong (currently disabled): http://www.facebook.com/hktm.org -Japan (457 members): http://www.facebook.com/Japantm.org - Taiwan (not activated)
http://www.facebook.com/taiwantm.org
4. Email list: -TMI News (35,638) -Dailyverse (10,972) -Florida (1,209) -Hong Kong (503) -Pro Tour (140)
5. Youtube Podcast (weekly video messages to the tennis world): http://www.youtube.com/tennisministry
6. Daily Verse by Blog/email (384 members)
http://dailyverse.multiply.com/
7: Twitter (36 followers): http://twitter.com/PastorBobKraft
Websites currently owned: www.tennisministry.org - www.tennisministry.com - www.hktm.org - www.japantm.org - www.taiwantm.org
Give and support this ministry at: http://tennisministry.org/TA-Sponsors.html
Watching a Dr. Seuss video and reading his four story "Tales to Treasure".
January 5, 2011 at 10:49 am
Great for a Dad with a sick 4 year old, that's myself and Joshua.
10 of 12 End of the year report for Tennis Ministry International.
January 5, 2011 at 8:06 am
Board policies updates: I have been happy with the development of the board since the establishment in 1996. Mike Yorkey and I remain as the founding members. As a group I feel we have learned as we have grown with new developments. The board is made up of the following: My own accountability partners and Pastors; Senior Board Members; those who act as Advisors to the ministry. I would propose the following for 2011. 1. That I give my attention to better developing the Board criteria. 2. A conference call take place a few times a year via the Internet at a time that works for most of the Board members. 3. A 2-year mutually renewable term of service be established for each member. 4. Searching for new Board members. 5. Ideas be mutually worked on for each members to contribute towards the goals of the ministry and reaching the players for Christ.
Give and support this ministry at: http://tennisministry.org/TA-Sponsors.html
9 of 12 End of the year report for the Tennis Ministry International.
January 4, 2011 at 11:16 pm
Bob Kraft's ordination: Bob Kraft's ordination: I am in the process of moving my Ministerial ordination to Kings Park International Church in Durham, North Carolina. - http://www.kpic.org/ I have a relationship with the Senior Pastor going back to 2002 and involves us working together for outreach to the pro player's at the US Open's. KPIC is part of Every Nation Churches - http://www.everynation.org/, that has churches worldwide. I have worked closely with this ministry and their multiple churches for several years. This may allow me to plug into the network of their churches worldwide for housing, support, player follow up and developing their churches local outreach through tennis and as a form of support for myself or Tennis Ministry International. I feel comfortable with what they are doing today and their effectiveness in serving Christ. I welcome Senior Pastor Ron Lewis on my accountability group and also the tennis ministry board information. I look at the process as being completed in 2012. I have also been asked by the Director of Chaplaincy Australia in 2010 to fill out the registration and would like to complete this in 2011.
Give and support this ministry at: http://tennisministry.org/TA-Sponsors.h
8 of 12 End of the year report for the Tennis Ministry International.
January 4, 2011 at 4:37 pm
Bob Kraft's individual situation: Bob Kraft's individual situation: I have decided to take a sabbatical in 2011 and not travel or travel only with my entire family. I will continue to work on the pro tour from the administrative side, maintaining and growing our Internet presence, Hong Kong outreach, raise financial support both for myself and the tennis ministry, and begin my memiors as a missionary. This allows me spend time with my wife and children and encourage them in spiritual growth and help out my wife in childcare. It is just one of those feelings you have that you know it is the right thing. Also this allows me to help out at our local church in a consistent manner - Sunday school teacher for the children - weekly Cell group - Develop an outreach to locals using an English Language Center approach. The Language Center will be set up as fee paying and I hope develops to help with my family financial support. I have been diagnosed with chronic asthma and would like seeing if I can take steps to minimize or eliminate the symptoms. This had a direct impact on my ability to be around the pro players and those who housed me in various cities as I coughed frequently and they were concerned.
Give and support this ministry at: http://tennisministry.org/TA-Sponsors.h
7 of 12 End of the year report for Tennis Ministry International.
January 4, 2011 at 10:03 am
On-line giving: After much work I have set up on-line Credit card giving, mailing checks and direct bank transfer to both the ministry work and my family as missionaries. This can be monthly recurring or one-time gifts and tax deductible for USA and Hong Kong. - If you use it yourself, please report back to me the ease and effectiveness of using it. - http://tennisministry.org/TA-Sponsors.html
6b of 12 End of the year report for Tennis Ministry International.
January 4, 2011 at 1:17 am
Ministry Financial situation: In 2010 we had one monthly supporter Advisory board member, Pastor Margaret Court which stopped in July 2010. One-time gifts has slowed and almost stopped in 2010 with less then $300USD. Church giving was pledged by one church ($25USD/month) but not fulfilled. Our largest supporter in pass years from South Africa pledged $10,000USD/year informed me in March 2010 he will stop due to his deteriorating business situation. It is important to note that his pledges were very infrequent in the past six years and often not fulfilled. I did give to a few of the pro players the letter prepared by myself and Board Member Mike Yorkey requesting support. I gave this information to two ATP players and one administrator in Houston in April 2010. My only requirement is they are a committed Christian. I intend to send to other Christian players via email in January 2011. I believe that while I do not use this as pressure on them, it is good for them to know the situation and have some responsibility for the outreach work. I will keep you informed. One player did give $800USD in Beijing in October for my China trips. I was robbed of it in China and painfully I made up for the loss to the ministry.
Give and support this ministry at: http://tennisministry.org/TA-Sponsors.html
Today, Jan. 3. What is your day like today where you are?
January 3, 2011 at 10:54 pmI'm in Hong Kong, weather 9C/48F, working on website updates (tennisministry.org) and meeting with a tennis missionary from Beijing.
January 4, 2011 at 8:29 am
January 4, 2011 at 10:02 am
January 4, 2011 at 12:12 pm
January 4, 2011 at 12:36 pm
6a of 12 End of the year report for Tennis Ministry International.
January 3, 2011 at 6:45 pm
Ministry Financial situation: In all the years of this ministry (1996), we have had only one year where we covered all the costs ($18,000USD). Our accountant and board member (Mr. Pang) informed me that as the largest consistent contributer to the ministry, I averaged giving about $9,000USD a year to keep the ministry going. With the loss of my tennis job in Hong Kong (courts removed) I have had $680USD income since May 20, 2010. My income has varied from $6,000-$18,000 yearly and in 2010 was $6,000USD. I am not able to contribute to tennis ministry currently.
Give and support this ministry at: http://tennisministry.org/TA-Sponsors.html
5 of 12 End of the year report for Tennis Ministry International.
January 3, 2011 at 11:21 am
New form of communication: I have as a priority for 2011 learning and improving new technologies to communicate directly with the pro tour and our worldwide database currently at ten of thousands of tennis fans, coaches, and players. I have been collecting email and phone numbers of pro players for several years and am looking at sending them short SMS messages via the phone. This allows me to keep in close contact and I would look at no less then monthly contact. The email database currently at 35,000 has outgrown our ministry ability to send bulk messages. Hence I went to Facebook postings and currently have 4,000 Facebook friends including worldwide, Hong Kong and Japan. I am doing what I feel is the most cost effective way possible for the ministry.
Give and support this ministry at: http://tennisministry.org/TA-Sponsors.html
4 of12 End of the year report for Tennis Ministry International.
January 2, 2011 at 7:29 pm
Asian outreach: In 2010, I developed a network of coaches and players for China, Hong Kong and Japan. A missions person in Beijing, a Pastor in Tokyo and myself in Hong Kong is spearheading the mission work. China - family tennis with Gospel outreach in major cities for early to mid 2011. Tokyo - possible coaches/Gospel clinics with myself no dates planned. Hong Kong - University students outreach planning in March 2011 and English language outreach with local church. Possible other nations developed.
Give and support this ministry at: http://tennisministry.org/TA-Sponsors.html
New Year Greetings. How have you been? All your family members are OK? The Lord may give you abundant blessings in this year too. Let's talk on Clinic in Japan. Blessings, Timothy
January 3, 2011 at 5:28 am
January 3, 2011 at 11:14 pm
3b of 12 End of the year report for Tennis Ministry International.
January 2, 2011 at 2:14 pm
Pro Tour: A goal that I have based on the effectiveness of the ministry is to focus on the ATP Masters series (Indian Wells Masters, Miami Masters , Monte Carlo Masters , Rome Masters , Madrid Masters , Toronto Masters, Cincinnati Masters, Shanghai Masters, Paris Masters) and the end of the year event in London. I have already attended Cincinnati and Shanghai in 2011 and saw the effectiveness of the ministry with my ease of reaching such players as Federer, Nadal, Murray and Djokovic and all the other top ten players both singles and doubles. This does not happen at Grand Slam events. It is also important to note that combined ATP/WTA events take place at five of these events. I believe that it will be much easier for me to obtain credentials for each Masters tournament as they are smaller events with only the top players represented, less player family attends and my relationship continues from one recent event to another.
Give and support this ministry at: http://tennisministry.org/TA-Sponsors.html
Happy New Year! I have traveled yearly to Australia on Dec. 31st since 2002.
January 2, 2011 at 8:36 am
Ashley my daughter is nine years old and this is the first New Year (Jan. 1), she and Joshua age 4 has spent with me. Love being home in Hong Kong with my family!
January 2, 2011 at 12:11 pm
January 4, 2011 at 11:15 am
Happy New Year! The eve was a busy day.
January 1, 2011 at 10:56 pm
Visited a missionary family who has served in the China field for 40 years. I gave them brownies and played basketball with the teenage son. Support and help each other. Then off to church for a 7pm dinner and 8pm to midnight prayer and worship time. Yes, tennis ministry was prayed for in my heart. Nice way to welcome in the New Year!
January 2, 2011 at 7:19 am
January 2, 2011 at 2:56 pm
3a of 12 End of the year report for Tennis Ministry International.
January 1, 2011 at 5:55 pm 
Pro Tour: I have removed three Grand Slam events and I will keep Australian Open in my travel schedule in 2012. This is due to how effective the one on one ministry is for each event, the length of my travel schedule away from home, my housing availability in a specific city and the tournament credential policies. I felt in early 2010 to focus on the ATP players as the first priority, while continuing the relations with WTA players as I see them in combined ATP/WTA events and my Internet communications with them.
Give and support this ministry at: http://tennisministry.org/TA-Sponsors.html
2 of 12 End of the year report for Tennis Ministry International.
January 1, 2011 at 11:08 am
Examples of success: Did you notice Djokovic at the 2010 US Open final doing the sign of the cross for his matches? I share with him and believe that the amount of the time with him before the Open encouraged him greatly spiritually. Federer is actively involved in helping with South Africa disadvantaged and recently stated publicly he is a Christian. I believe that our past conversations have encouraged Roger and we communicate as we see each other face to face. As you watch Woznicki play you will see prominently displayed her cross and I can state Caroline's Christian faith is real. We discuss each time I see her faith, her family and her tennis life. World number one doubles player Mike Bryan was married last week in the church. I have spoken extensively with both he and his new wife about Christ centered faith. Many other examples can be shown, this a few.
Give and support this ministry at: http://tennisministry.org/TA-Sponsors.html
1 of 12 End of the year report for Tennis Ministry International.
January 1, 2011 at 1:14 am
Summary: Something happened this year that is wonderful to see and feel. Men pro players were walking by me, saying hello to me by my name and I often did not know them. To me, this means people were talking about me in the locker room and I was receiving favorable comments. It is important in 2011 that I study the ATP/WTA media book recognizing each player’s face and name and respond to him or her in kind. I have had about five players accept Christ yearly and I believe that we see spiritual growth among those who are most difficult to reach as recent world number one players and marginal believers such as Federer, Djokovic, Wozniacki and many others. As a ministry we need to keep this aspect growing and it is dependent on financial support to get me with these players. At some point the players may be more active in giving to support this ministry and I plan on asking them to do so; but first they need to grow as Christians and continue to trust me. (See below).
January 1, 2011 at 5:13 am
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