Facebook November 2010 archive

May you find quite time. Today I need to force myself to find a place and just think.

November 30, 2010 at 8:25 am

Many people in today's hectic world find it increasingly difficult to have quiet time.  Just think, get ideas and have conversation with God. 

I begin 12/1 3 days of meetings with a representative of a Christian US college.  I want ideas that are fresh, new, strategic and most importantly Biblically correct.

Melinda McNeel Seitz This is what our priest's sermon was on yesterday! He asked that we all spend 5 minutes meditating each day, then in thoughtful prayer.
November 30, 2010 at 11:22 am

Bob Kraft I am glad that your Priest is thoughtful about this and asking others to do so.
November 30, 2010 at 11:57 am

WikiLeaks, acquires a giant trove of U.S. diplomatic cables.

November 29, 2010 at 11:51 pm

Let's us pray for any operatives that are exposed and at risk of being murdered. 

I was a courier for classified documents in the 1970's.  It worked like this. I had a briefcase issued to me, I signed for the documents in one office and took them to another location where they signed for them.  As I traveled I thought how easy it would be for me to read the documents.  I was alone as I traveled and could open the case. I even thought how I could copy them, turn them over to a foreign government and get paid.  Rightfully, I never read those documents entrusted to my care.  In today's world hundreds of thousands of documents can be downloaded on a thumbnail sized drive.  It seems like things have not tightened up since my days.

My Tennessee t-shirt is totally worn out. Bye and hello dust rag.

November 29, 2010 at 4:04 pm

I went to Wears Valley Ranch in eastern TN for a summer and a few weeks in the winter many years ago. It was a great trip and I learned a lot. Discipling tennis coaches during a summer camp and also seeing how WVR works with children who have been seriously abused. Love that place, the staff and seeing how the children were helped. Miss you Wears Valley and hope we meet each other again. Link: http://www.wvr.org/

Tina Fang Bob, we are playing tennis on every Sunday. Both of them are trying to teach me how to play it properly. They learned many good techniques from you. Brandon and Jordan are still loving to play it. Hopefully, they will keep work on and practice on every Sunday.
November 29, 2010 at 7:43 pm

Bob Kraft Hi Tina. I am so happy that they are playing. I hope some day I can work with your family again. It has been since May 20th, time goes so quickly. If I set up tennis lessons again you will be first to know. Tell the boys I send my regards. Also glad that you are playing.
November 29, 2010 at 8:01 pm

Seth Houser Bob, I have enjoyed keeping up and praying for your ministry. Send me your address and maybe we can get you a new shirt. Let me know what size you wear.
November 29, 2010 at 11:49 pm

Bob Kraft I was proud to call myself a Tennessean as I wore that Shirt in Hong Kong. Tennessee is a place blessed by God with the landscape and the people. I will send you an address later. Thanks for thinking of me and may you be blessed in all ways this holiday season.
November 29, 2010 at 11:57 pm

Today (Sunday) I was a little more tired than normal.

November 29, 2010 at 12:09 am

Maybe just too much pressure this past week with many meetings. 

Just one of those days!

Alison To Hope you will have good rest !
November 29, 2010 at 2:04 pm

Sunday church and afterwards the Sha Tin Sports Park with the family.

November 28, 2010 at 6:46 pm

Our kids ran around a 400 meter track 5 times.  Then took the English style double decker bus 30 minutes back home to Tai Po.  We all sat on the top and watched the ocean go by. 

This is one way to keep young kids quiet and in bed early. 

Happy Thanksgiving everyday!

November 27, 2010 at 7:36 pm

Hong Kong does not celebrate TDay and finding turkey and pumpkin pie here takes a miracle. As a Christian, I do remember that everyday of my life is Thanksgiving.

Can I do it over the weekend?

November 27, 2010 at 1:47 pm

Around my family time on Saturday - computer system checking, backup all data and reinstall Windows to fix any little bugs.  

Like our health and spiritual well being, it is good to spend the extra time to make sure all is well both what we can see on the outside and what we can not see on the inside.  It takes a little extra effort but is well worth it.  

I am using a computer program called SystemSuite Professional.

Free trial download: http://www.softpedia.com/get/Antivirus/Avanquest-SystemSuite-Professional.shtml

Going through 35 years of collected notes, booklets and news articles in my files.

November 26, 2010 at 7:11 pm

A lot of good resource materials for tennis instruction, coaching education, programs, motivational articles. Most of the new generations of coaches has not have seen the older materials. 

I have a mini tennis program manuel from 1983. The book shows a person how tp instruct young children on and build a mini court tennis. This era was before companies caught the idea and marketed the program and it shows how people can make the nets with PVC pipe. I would guess these materials are out of print. 

Almost everything I have is so good that it can still be used today. Remember that all things we know today progressed from prior years. - Every time you see something good, file it

Jennifer Williams You must have OCD; can't think of any other reason why you're up, the day after Thanksgiving, doing this at 6:30am EST. :)
November 26, 2010 at 7:37 pm

Bob Kraft I would guess that it was 6:30pm Hong Kong time when I posted it. About 12 hrs difference between US and Asia. I am not an early riser by nature. Love to work late at night however. Sometimes that works best with the family as we have 2 young kids. Thank for reading the posts.
November 26, 2010 at 10:06 pm

Susan Nardi I can remember making those nets. When Charlottesville Tennis Patrons started the Pepsi Moblie Tennis program (1978), we would use the out door volleyball courts and put down the nets as the way down. Then we would use super dead ball. It was such a fun time!
November 27, 2010 at 2:36 am

Bob Kraft Susan, thanks for being part of all that. We have lost so much old coaching materials because they are out of print. Makes me sad. How to change that?
November 27, 2010 at 1:12 pm

I estimate 10,000 families live within a 10 minute walk from the Hong Kong church I attend.

November 26, 2010 at 10:38 am

The surrounding buildings 40 floors high with 8 units on a floor.  This is typical in Hong Kong. The plan I have had for a long time is to have a Learning Center established in the Church, starting with English language. This reaches out to the 95% of the Hong Kong population who are not Christians with something that they can relate to and gets them inside the Church. The teachers will be believers!. Still just a dream but taking concrete action today.

Denise Schafer-Junger sounds very crowded...but how many go to the church??
November 26, 2010 at 12:15 pm

Bob Kraft The church I attend has about 200 (www.elimchurch.org). Normal size for HK. Having lived in HK for almost 20 years you often hear that 15% of the population are Christians. I would say it is now more like less then 5% and I feel that the percentage is going down. So it is important that new and innovative ideas are presented to the public from the churches.
November 26, 2010 at 12:36 pm

Amadeo Juachon if you combine a little tennis with it, you might win some lost souls.
November 27, 2010 at 1:53 am

Bob Kraft Working on that too, as another step to the language program.
November 27, 2010 at 1:13 pm

Amadeo Juachon i definitely agree with the language rogram. if i may suggest. there is a small fiilpiino community there. from what i was told,most of them work as domestic helpers there. maybe you can reach out to them and form/conduct bible studies with their group.
November 27, 2010 at 5:31 pm

Bob Kraft Working on that also with tennis. More as it is finalized. Thanks for thinking of all these ideas and keep them coming.
November 27, 2010 at 6:21 pm

The university meeting went well. Thank you to those who prayed for that meeting. We are now planning early 2011 kickoff.

November 25, 2010 at 8:49 pm

Amazingly the tennis director is involved in missions for sports.  Neither one of us knew that, but he found my involvement on my website www.tennisministry.org 

Next meeting tomorrow afternoon in Hong Kong.  Church and new English language school outreach.  All parties want to do it including myself as the lead organizer.  See how where this goes now!

Claire Walton Yeah God, boo devil! God bless you, Bob!
November 25, 2010 at 10:37 pm

Bob Kraft Amen.
November 25, 2010 at 11:00 pm

Preparing for a meeting with 2 rep's from Hong Kong university. 27,000 students with offer on the table to do 2 intro classes.

November 25, 2010 at 10:48 am

a. Tennis University concept b. Mommydaddyandmetennis class. Would appreciate your prayers for God's will. 

Skype call with Beijing, China finished last night at 1am. Many new ideas discussed. One idea currently in progress and another brought up that seems exciting. Hope to finalize for 2011 with announcements. - Expanding the network with favor!

Susan Nardi You are always in my thoughts and prayers. Have a great Thanksgiving.
November 25, 2010 at 11:24 am

Bob Kraft Working on it!
November 25, 2010 at 11:37 am

So much fun. 13 Junior and High School students and 4 coaches at CityOne. Tennis, Tennis, Gospel, Gospel, Fun, Fun.

November 24, 2010 at 6:27 pm

Tennis clinic learning Modern Tennis Methodology (thanks to Oscar Wegner whom I've spent so much time with learning this), sharing the Gospel message of Christ and giving my testimony on how I became a Christian with tennis. Meeting with MTM Coaches Association Hong Kong coaches for planning. Somehow fit in 1 hour of tennis with my two children at my home. Waiting for the phone call from Beijing. FUN, FUN, FUN.

A very busy day in Hong Kong, China.

November 24, 2010 at 9:29 am

1. Tennis clinic for Hong Kong Tennis Ministry; School team for International Christian School - www.ics.edu.hk. 2. Meeting with Modern Tennis Methodology coaches from Hong Kong. www.mtmca.com  3. Conference call to Beijing, China developing network in China.  

Bible verses:

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, - Colossians 3:23

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. - Colossians 3:17

Playing tennis with my kids everyday. I will post some pics and video soon.

November 22, 2010 at 10:43 pm

For myself, doesn't get much better than that!

Sam Chan you really mean 'playing' and not coaching!
November 22, 2010 at 11:41 pm

Bob Kraft yes, I mean playing. We both just have fun together. Kids catch on fast without to much 'Coaching".
November 23, 2010 at 12:01 am

Susan Nardi Glad you'll are having fun.
November 23, 2010 at 12:27 am

During my yesterday afternoon nap I dreamed about Roger Federer.

November 22, 2010 at 6:05 pm

Last night I dreamed about my children 9 year old Ashley and 4 year old Joshua.  Remember to pray for all those you dream or even think about.  They may need your prayers at that very moment.

Monday is usually my day off. As a Pastor I work on Sunday's serving others in church and family. I use Monday as my relaxing.

November 22, 2010 at 11:36 am

Monday I check email, think and take time with my family. However I must say that when I am not traveling everyday is time with my family. That brings me the most joy. A BIG announcement coming soon on that!

Alison Williams Pinsley oh?
November 22, 2010 at 11:37 am

Darleen Nenne me too! I love having Mon. off!
November 22, 2010 at 11:52 am

Bob Kraft Hi Darleen, I remember all those Sunday's when my family including my Dad, Mom, Sister and nieces all sat in the church during various years. We were all privileged to be part of that church in many ways. To Don and yourself serving others was something that impacted my family. Thank you and may God give you all manner of blessings.
November 22, 2010 at 2:35 pm

Norma Kay Spohr Montroy Mondays off and caller ID, God's special gifts to those in the ministry.
November 22, 2010 at 10:40 pm

Bob Kraft Amen.
November 22, 2010 at 10:44 pm

My Mother passed away today. I am so thankful that I spent time with her instead of at the 2010 US Open.

November 20, 2010 at 10:29 pm

I was able to feed her, clean her and spend 2 weeks speaking about what mothers and sons talk about. In July her 2 grandchildren and my wife also spent 2 days with her talking with what grandmas and grandchildren talk about. 

May your journey to Jesus be peaceful. I am so thankful that you accepted Christ in your life many years ago. You were an example to me of unconditional and unselfish love. Love your son, Robbie.

Gérard Atangana May she rest in peace Bob !
November 20, 2010 at 10:38 pm

Phil Naessens I'm sorry for your loss Bob.
November 20, 2010 at 10:50 pm

Shekhar Menon am sorry pastor bob---may she rest in peace!!!!!
November 20, 2010 at 11:26 pm

Erwin Francis My condolences. She is now with our Lord.
November 20, 2010 at 11:43 pm

Darleen Nenne Sorry for your loss Bob! It is always hrd to lose a parent but comforting to know she is now celebrating with Jesus!!
November 21, 2010 at 3:25 am

Denise Schafer-Junger Bob, so sorry to learn about your mom. Both of my parents have been gone for some time now and Karl's (my husband) dad just passed away last month. May you find comfort in the promises the Lord has made and knowing that you were there for her at the end on this earth.
November 21, 2010 at 3:56 am

Claire Walton My thoughts and prayers are with you, Bob, and with your family. I am glad that you got to spend that precious time with her. She raised a wonderful son and I know that she is praising God and cheering you on with the saints in that wonderful cloud of witnesses. May our Lord comfort you in a very special and meaningful way.
November 21, 2010 at 4:43 am

Shalini Kumar Please except my condolences too!!
November 21, 2010 at 9:19 am

Alison To Bob, my English is too weak to express how I felt. Anyway, bless you !
November 21, 2010 at 9:36 am

Julie Weigl I am very sorry for your loss, I will miss her alot and she could never remember my name but she always called me FeFe, she always made me laugh and it was a pleasure to know her
November 21, 2010 at 7:07 pm

Rose Liu sorry to hear about your loss, may God's peace b with you all and she is resting with Jesus.
November 21, 2010 at 8:15 pm

Dodie Sarchet-Waller I didn't see this until just now. I'm so sorry for your loss but am so blessed to hear that you had time with her both as her son and as a family. My prayers are with you and the family!
November 21, 2010 at 8:15 pm

Philip Pang Lord Jesus, please be close to Bob and the family at this time. May your comfort & peace rest upon Bob and give him strength during a difficult time. May you turn all his sorrow into strength & blessing <3
November 21, 2010 at 8:34 pm

Joel Ho I am Sorry for your loss, you and your family will be in my prayers!
November 21, 2010 at 9:56 pm

Kim Devary She was an amazing women!!! I love you Grandma Kraft may you finally be at peace!
November 22, 2010 at 12:32 am

Bob Kraft Thank you for all those who posted on my Mother's passing this life into the next stage. I will miss her and loved her very much.
November 22, 2010 at 10:21 am

Stephen O'Malley very sorry to hear this Bob
November 22, 2010 at 10:24 am

Phillip Radcliffe I just read your mom's obit in the Pantagraph online. Sorry for your loss. I was also happy I could be with my mom during her last 2 weeks. It was an honor helping her to the end. She died with dignity and taught me one last lesson in life--probably the most important one.
November 26, 2010 at 3:19 pm

What is above all this? Above World Number 1's Rafael Nadal, Caroline Wozniacki, The Bryans, Dulko and Pennetta.

November 20, 2010 at 6:47 pm

The Australian, French, Wimbledon and US Open's past and present. All tournaments, Executive Directors of National Federations, coaches, linesmen, umpires, referees, celebrities, fans, kings and princes, presidents and prime ministers and stadiums of people. All. 

The name is Jesus.

Today is our family bill paying day. One thing about living in obedience to Christ is that you pay on time.

November 20, 2010 at 12:12 pm

Spiritual depth is not determined by what you may or many not have but by the measure of having what you need for what God has you doing at that moment. 

If you do not pay back others in an agreed time and manner, live in overdue debt or a lifestyle beyond your income - then something is wrong with your Christ centered lifestyle. You are not in obedience to the commands of Christ for your finances and even your reputation. 

I think back to a person who recently was critical of me and the work I do for Christ, quotes Bible verses constantly while at the same time he was in debt with overdue taxes and bills. A Word for the wise! 

Bible verse: Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, Let me take the speck out of your eye, when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. - Matthew 7:3-5

Last night I dreamed about WTA player Christina McHale and 4 other's including my own children.

November 20, 2010 at 9:04 am

In the 3 dreams: I am looking for a video of Christina at 5 years old trimming the grass and as an adult she is on Facebook chatting with me.  My own children are learning to cut our grass on a riding mower in the yard of our home.  Lastly I am in the house of tennis coaches Oscar Wegner and Lucile Bosche.  Neither of these dreams are close to reality, as we do not have a home with a yard in the US or a video of Christina trimming grass. But Christina was my student at 5 and Oscar and Lucile are friends.  Usually dreams often do not make a lot of sense without interpretation. 

God gives us dreams to understand and for a purpose.  Ask for understanding and always pray for those in your dreams. It will help them in some way. 

Bible verses on dreams:

-Joseph was a shepherd, and he dreamed of sheaves and sun, moon and stars bowing down (Gen. 37:1-11).

 - Nebuchadnezzar, a king, dreamed of statues of gold (Dan 2:31ff), which surround kings who live in palaces.

 - Paul was wondering where to go next on his missionary journey and had a dream of a Macedonian man motioning for him to come on over (Acts 16:6-11).

 -Nebuchadnezzar was thinking his kingdom would go on forever (Dan. 4:28-33) and he had a dream of a tree being chopped off at the roots (Dan. 4:9-27).

-"In a dream, a vision of the night..." (Job 33:15)

-As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams (Dan. 1:17)

-And He said, "Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream" (Num. 12:6).

-"I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets." (Hos. 12:10).

-"And it shall come to pass in the last days," saith God, "I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams" (Acts 2:17).

-I will bless the Lord who has counseled me; Indeed, my mind (inner man) instructs me in the night (Ps. 16:7).

-For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; Then He openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, That He may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. He keepeth back his soul from the pit,and his life from perishing by the sword (Job 33:14-18).

-And when the sun was going down, a  deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him....And God said to Abram....In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying... (Gen. 15:12,13,18).

Any many more.

Good and getting better. How is my life?

November 20, 2010 at 1:18 am

I am living in obedience to the commands of Christ and it does not get better than that. 

Some Bible verses to encourage you to do this and improve your life:

If you be willing and obedient, you shall eat the fruit of the land. - Isaiah 1:19

Whatever He (Christ) says to you, do it. - John 2:5

Whoever has my (Christ) commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.

I have a low tolerance for those who pat me on back, say good job, and then walk away not helping.

November 19, 2010 at 8:17 pm

We can not afford to go another generation with no witnesses for Christ on the pro tennis tour. 

If God has given you everything in life through tennis, yes that is me and maybe you,then give all back to God through tennis.

Susan Nardi I so agree with you.
November 19, 2010 at 9:57 pm

Bob Kraft Anyone I have met who has accomplished great things (for Christ) understands this.
November 19, 2010 at 10:08 pm

Claire Walton Yes indeed.
November 20, 2010 at 8:09 am

Long lost friend...34 years to be exact. Do you have a good long lost friend story.

November 19, 2010 at 2:07 pm

We should stay in contact with our best friends no matter if decades has passed. My best friend when I attended Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California in 1976 was 1st Lieutenant (name withheld for security reasons). He was in the intelligence field later retiring as a Colonel. His wife a nurse also retired as a Colonel. We had many good times together at DLI. 

As I wrote my FB message a few days ago on my Army experiences, I thought of my old friend. I was able to find his wife on the Internet and then contact them.

Alison To Very touching !
November 19, 2010 at 6:24 pm

Bob Kraft Alison thanks. What is the length of time for your oldest friendship?
November 19, 2010 at 8:18 pm

Randy Pang Like very much Bob.
November 19, 2010 at 9:48 pm

Alison To Should be 26 years.
November 20, 2010 at 6:38 pm

Someone said to me today 'you look like you have lost weight'.

November 19, 2010 at 8:13 am

I have not heard that for a long time. Is it true? 

I did cut out all juices and now only drinking water. Of yeah, no snacks. Could be true!

Alison To I always drink water only but still fat fat !!
November 19, 2010 at 6:21 pm

Meeting with a tennis representative of the largest university in Hong Kong today.

November 18, 2010 at 3:49 pm

Special courses that impact a life. 28,000 students. Let's see where or if this goes?

Last night I dreamed about being at tennis tournaments in Brisbane or Adelaide, Australia.

November 18, 2010 at 9:39 am

With ATP players, Max Mirnyi and Leander Paes, my wife Mia, children Ashley and Joshua, former world number one player Margaret Court, Margaret's daughter Marika. 

Remember to pray for all those you dream or think about.  They may need your prayers at that very moment.

Tennis Ministry meeting day.

November 17, 2010 at 10:10 am

Prayer, planning and working.  Oh, forgot to mention the free coffee and tea in our meeting room.

Jason Lampione Bob Kraft,

I hope you have been well, it has been awhile since our last talk. Have a blessed week and enjoy the process and journey.

Jason Lampione.
November 17, 2010 at 10:31 am

Alison To So you were here this afternoon ! Unit One is a great place !
November 17, 2010 at 5:40 pm

Bob Kraft Every Wed. You are welcome anytime.
November 17, 2010 at 6:28 pm

Communication

November 16, 2010 at 8:40 pm

The simplest form of communication is prayer.

 

For some people or situations that is all you can do. Do not discount this as this is effective. 

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

Alison To Yeah !!
November 17, 2010 at 5:41 pm

Yesterday and last night I dreamed about WTA player's, ATP admin, Australian Open and others.

November 16, 2010 at 10:01 am

Yesterday night: WTA player Tathiana Garbin, my housing hosts Derek and Ros McKenzie and tennis coach named Christian who has persecuted me.

Yesterday afternoon nap: retired WTA player Anastasia Myskina, ATP administrator, Nicola Arzani and the Australian Open.

Last night: Cincinnati tennis coaches Steve and Mario Contrardi.

 

Remember to pray for those you think or even dream about.

Bible verses:

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you . - Matthew 5:44

In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. - Acts 2:17

My last US Army involvement was with the Iran hostage affair in 1979.

November 14, 2010 at 11:53 pm

I was working at the Command level in Heidelberg, Germany. US Army Europe had direct oversight of the situation in Iran. I knew how dangerous it was 9 months prior to the actual hostages being taken and this was based upon intelligence that Command had at that time. 

All US Embassy dependents were moved out of the country in March 1979 and only essential personal were left at the Tehran US Embassy. Islamic militants stormed the US Embassy on November 4th and 66 hostages were taken.  After 444 days in captivity they were released just minutes after President Ronald Reagen was sworn in to office.  During their ordeal they were tortured and had a failed rescue attempt by US Army Rangers.  Story and Photo Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/04/middle_east_iran_hostage_crisis/html/1.stm

Happy Veteran's Day. Many thanks to all those who served and protected freedoms around the world.

November 12, 2010 at 7:44 pm

In the 1970's I was in the US Army Security Agency. I attended Defense Language Institute and in addition completed the MI (Military Intelligence) courses Counterintelligence 301Q19 and Soviet Union and assigned Top Secret (TS/SCI) clearance. Overseas I was assigned to Point Alpha (the hot spot of the cold war, Downs Barracks, Fulda, West Germany. Kelly Barracks, Stuttgart and European Command, Heidelberg. Learn more on the ASA at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army_Security_Agency 

Wonder what my life would be like today if I had stayed in the service of my country?

Dave Mitchell Thanks Bob for your service..I imagine the memories are as clear as if it was ysterday. Tried Skype today, will try later/
November 14, 2010 at 3:01 am

Bob Kraft Hi weekdays are best. Are you a vet?
November 14, 2010 at 6:15 pm

Last night dreamed about ATP player's: Mark Knowles, Lukasz Kubot, Oliver Marach, Max Mirnyi and Max's wife Ksenia.

November 12, 2010 at 2:03 pm

Remember to pray for those players you think about or see on TV. They may need your prayers at that very moment. I did. 

Joshua Kraft age 4 - today's result

November 12, 2010 at 8:29 am

He can serve from about 8 feet from the net and get about 90% over the net and direct it back to me. I can toss the ball to his forehand from about 12 feet and he can hit it over the net about 60% of the time. Good progress. Most importantly is he loves it and I love it with him.

Joshua Kraft playing age 4 - coaching techniques

November 11, 2010 at 11:14 pm

Keep it simple. I just toss the ball to him on his Forehand side and tell him to touch the ball. If he touches it but does not hit it over the net, I say good job you touched it. He is has never been discouraged in this way. He does everything else naturally and I do not need to say turn your side, move this way or that way. Then when he hits it directly back to me I catch the ball on with my racket and then toss it back to him by hand. The next step will be to catch the ball on my racket and hit back to him establishing rhythm and rally.

If he misses the ball or hits it into the net he picks it up and does an simplified overhand serve directing it back to me so that I can catch. If he hits the ball over on my site away from me and I can not catch it he will go to the basket of balls located on his side of the net and get another egg or Easter egg (ball). The process starts all over. He can do this for 1 hour without stopping. 

Basically it is just the repetition over and over on the simple things. Having been on the pro tennis tour for over a decade I can tell you that is how the top 100 pro's learned to play - simple technique over and over from the earliest ages.

Harold Gardner Have you done any experimenting with the "Quick Start" tennis concepts? Sure looks like the kids are having fun from the start.
November 11, 2010 at 11:25 pm

Bob Kraft Hi Harold, Having fun for kids is easy with the right teacher. I do not believe that fun gets a kid to stay with tennis but it is natural stress free technique. I have been observing Quickstart at the many pro tournaments that I attend and the USTA Sections always have the top people running a demonstration. I would say that putting the parents in the mix on court is the key and a different approach then Quickstart. Also I believe that the techniques that are being taught in Quickstart are not correct to achieve high level play and natural advancement to the highest levels of the game. It should be - Play techniques like the pros at the youngest age. Quickstart tennis has really been around for decades but it has just been renamed and packaged. Anyway I am happy for any child that has fun in tennis but having coached for 40 years I understand that what keeps a person playing is improvement and that comes from natural techniques that keeps the player from stress. Stress is the killer in tennis as that causes a person to not have fun.
November 11, 2010 at 11:51 pm

Susan Nardi Amen Pastor Bob...I could not have said it any better myself.
November 12, 2010 at 12:13 am

Dolores Cox Quickstart is great for young kids. It's fun, fast, and easy to hit the ball. the ball is not the same as you play with in real tennis. the score s easy to kept and no pressure is on the child. I taught tennis for 30 something years and this is a good thing.
November 12, 2010 at 12:18 pm

Harold Gardner I guess that I am thinking that keeping the barriers to learning tennis low is a good thing. I approach this with far fewer credentials, but I have noticed a lot of smiles with the little ones on small courts with low nets. I remember Van De Meer and his GLM approach. Just seems like it makes sense. T-ball, Bumble Bee soccer, low goal basketball, perhaps there is something there.
November 12, 2010 at 1:43 pm

Bob Kraft How to get more people playing tennis at a younger age and keep them playing is an important discussion.
November 12, 2010 at 1:59 pm

Phil Naessens Bob is exactly correct and his positive approach is spot on. If tennis isn't fun the student will quit and never pick up a racquet again.
November 12, 2010 at 8:53 pm

Joshua Kraft, age 4 playing tennis.

November 11, 2010 at 6:01 pm

Just finished an hour with him. He has asked me almost everyday since he was 1 to play tennis. He started just before his 2nd Bday. We do not play daily but I always try and honor his request. It is precious in God's sight.

Susan Nardi That is great Bob!
November 11, 2010 at 10:19 pm

I just played baseball with my 4 year old son - Joshua. He loved it.

November 10, 2010 at 9:03 pm

First time we have played catch and I had as much fun as he did.  I will find that old photo I have and show him a photo of his Great grandfather playing semi-pro baseball for the Bloomington Bloomers, a team of the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs in the 1920's. Reminds me of playing baseball with my own Dad and Joshua's Grandfather. Link: http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/team.cgi?city=Bloomington&state=IL&country=US

Alison To That is really a blessing that your kids have a father who can play well. I know nothing about sports！
November 10, 2010 at 10:00 pm

Happy Birthday to Ashley Kraft, age 9.

November 9, 2010 at 9:31 am

Daughter of parents Bob and Mia Kraft and sister of Joshua.  Birthday November 9th.

Susan Nardi Happy Birthday Ashley!
November 9, 2010 at 12:46 pm

Darleen Nenne What a great picture! Can't believe she is 9 already!! Blessings to you all!
November 9, 2010 at 1:05 pm

Alison To Happy Birthday Ashley !
November 9, 2010 at 2:06 pm

Rosita Hongkong Happy Birthday Ashley!
November 9, 2010 at 6:53 pm

Philip Pang Happy Birthday Ashley !!!! :D
November 9, 2010 at 8:40 pm

Joel Ho Happy birthday! Ashley!!
November 9, 2010 at 11:48 pm

The top players.

November 8, 2010 at 11:13 pm

I have spent time with all the top players one on one going back to 2002.  This includes the top 4 singles players. The time and quality has ebbed and flowed depending upon where is the individual players point in life .  At times they are very happy and other times very sad.  At times they have people around them who are being used and other times the player is being used.  At times they have external forces acting upon their life, such as parental divorces, marriages and deaths of close friends or family. 

Being sensitive to where each individual is important.  Understanding that I do not know everything is going on inside a person's thoughts is important.  Being patient with the timing and willing to wait hours, months or even years for the right timing to openness. As of now I am able to speak to all. 

I met a top 4 player when he was 16 and we have an ongoing relationship.  I met another after each Grand Slam final for years and the coach who supported my work allowed sitting at the same table for 2 years with the player.  Another 2 players the family members encouraged me to get to know the family. 

Each is unique and requires years of development and relationship building.

Immanuel Champy Halim Being a former travelling player, would you say that the hardest thing to breakthrough is because we have been trained to solve problems with our own hands, and yet with the biggest problem revolves in salvation, that is something that we could only rely on Him? I know I needed brokennes to enter into my life before i could truly committed my life to Jesus. Praying for your ministry, if you ever get a chance to come to Cincinnati next year, i would love to meet with you, in person. Blessings. Btw, is the Jubilee Sports Center in HK still exist?? I was there a lot in the 80's and early 90's.
November 9, 2010 at 1:52 am

Inside the Shanghai Masters ATP.

November 8, 2010 at 4:40 pm

One thing you notice immediately is that the player's are relaxed.  The number of players is smaller than other tournaments.  Lot's of space to have privacy.  All these things are important for what I do.  I meet players privately, one on one and discuss things that are important to them.  These areas can have to do with on court playing issues or off court life issues.  

The only tournament scheduled for that week on the ATP tour is Shanghai, so other options for other sites do not exist.  While there were things I did not like about the tournament over all the benefits far outweighed the negatives.

Sam Chan Bless you Bob
November 8, 2010 at 10:05 pm

Bob Kraft Hi Sam, you have known me a long time and seen me on the tour. Your comment means a lot to me. Thks.
November 8, 2010 at 10:22 pm

Does Nadel, Federer, Djokovic, Murray, the other players and fans feel safer or do they feel more confined?

November 8, 2010 at 10:12 am

Upon arrival at the Shanghai ATP Masters, you are driven up to the player entrance that is guarded by airport style screening.  Once passing this point you see a room full of black suited big statured security guards.  At that point I look up and see surveillance with face recognition cameras every 10 yards or so along the ceilings.  Then as you walk along the corridor to the player lounge and restaurant you pass multiples of uniformed police and a few plain clothes Public Security Bureau police.  Later as I attend courts to watch matches I count 12 uniformed guards and 2 uninformed police on court 3.  

I guess that my noticing these kind of things has to do with my training in the US Army Security Agency in the 1970's and knowledgable about China since the early 90's.

Easter sunrise - 2010 US Men's Clay Courts, Houston, Texas

November 7, 2010 at 6:35 pm

This is an old post I did not FB.  Today is sunday evening and rather than write a new FB post, I will post this old one.  It has a lot of good meaning to it.  See you Monday. 

I am going for a walk now. Sunrise! Christ is risen. 

"Because I live, you will live also." John 14:19 

Paul writes: 'If we have hope in Christ only for this life, we are the most miserable people in the world. But the fact is that Christ has been raised from the dead. He has become the first of a great harvest of those who will be raised to life again. So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, Adam; now resurrection from the dead has begun through another man, Christ. Everyone dies because all of us are related to Adam, the first man. But all who are related to Christ, the other man, will be given new life. But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised first; then when Christ comes back, all his people will be raised' (1 Corinthians 15:19-23 NLT). Hallelujah! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PiG6GjK7Is

The details - Shanghai ATP Masters trip. 2 days before the Shanghai tournament starts I do not have -

November 7, 2010 at 9:22 am

I have no ability to call from Beijing to Shanghai or language skills to arrange anything there. I had only passed through the Shanghai airport one before as a transfer and never been to the city proper. I did not know anyone in Shanghai and no one meeting me at the airport. I did not have a way of going the 50 miles from the airport to the city center. I have no where to stay my first night. I did not know how to find a hotel that I could afford for the duration of the tournament ($30USD a night of less). I did not know how to get from the place that I would stay to the tournament site. I did not know where the tournament site was. I did not know how I was going to eat each day either once I was at the tournament site or back at my housing. 

The only thing I had was my credential for access to the tournament and player which was promised to me by one player in Beijing. 

That all changed in an instant 1.5 days before my arrival. That explained next.

My normal trip is that I have a person in a city that I work with. I didn't know one person in Shanghai.

November 7, 2010 at 12:34 am

Normally a person will meet me at the airport if it is my first time there, then help me to my housing which is often with a family.  This was not the case for Shanghai ATP Masters as of 2 days prior to my arrival.

By all means I could have pulled out of the trip using the reason that nothing was planned..but I went trusting I was to be there and that God would open the doors necessary.  God was faithful to me as I arrived and did not leave me in need.  Committment beyond self.

The Shanghai ATP Masters was a different trip and as I prepared I felt took more confidence in my belief in God.

November 6, 2010 at 6:00 pm

This was not an organized trip with everything in place.  I can state almost non existent organization. - I had no housing, no local transport, no food, no language, and no contacts to help - 2 days prior to the tournament and my arrival.  

The only thing I could rely upon to myself to give me courage to go was that God wanted me at this specific location, this tournament, meeting these specific players with these specific dates for the purpose of sharing and encouraging those I know and those I don't know in Christ. 

 I just knew, that I knew that God would make the way and even protect me with my physical safety as I walked on the streets of Shanghai.  I only did not know 'how it would be done'.

Jonathan Hertlein Keep up the faith and good works.
Jonathan
November 6, 2010 at 11:35 pm

The airline industry is dramatically increasing worldwide especially in nations such as China and India.

November 6, 2010 at 9:40 am

I think airline problems stem from. 1.Airlines using young and inexperienced pilots to makeup for the worldwide shortage. 2. Air planes flying longer distances with heavier loads and shorter stopovers for quick turnaround times, sometimes an hour or less.  3. Airlines from less developed countries using planes that are older to lease/buy.  4.  Changing weather patterns with more storms and wind patterns to fly into. 

According to aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the greatest demand for passenger aircraft will be from airlines in Asia-Pacific and emerging markets. The region that includes China and India will account for 31% of the total, followed by Europe (25%) and North America (23%). The size of the world’s passenger aircraft fleet will double in number from 14,016 in 2008 to 28,111. 

Any experiences you would like to relate?

Harris Chan definitly! China airlines for the such flying such old planes
November 6, 2010 at 10:54 am

Bob Kraft I have not flown China Airlines, but it always listed as one of the least expensive. The Tennis Ministry to the touring pros operates on least expensive in airfare and that saddens me. Those who could make a difference in support, don't. Maybe one day that will impact my family if I do not make it home.
November 6, 2010 at 11:44 am

Alison To Indian Airline - when the plane landed, it hit the ground so hard that some of the luggages on the ceiling fell down !
November 6, 2010 at 6:23 pm

Bob Kraft Yikes! Let's pray for our Pastor Paul as he is traveling in India and on planes.
November 6, 2010 at 9:46 pm

Did you hear about the airplane this week that lost it's engine upon takeoff in Singapore.

November 5, 2010 at 9:15 pm

In the past 18 months I have been on 3 airplanes that have had problems in air.  1.  June 2009 -Lightening strike on the Qantas plane as we approached the runway in London on my way to Wimbledon.  2.  May 2010 - China Eastern plane swerving on the runway as we landed in Hong Kong upon my return from US Clay courts in Houston.  3. October 2010 - Philippine Air 2 engines stopping and restarting in midair 1 hour outside of Hong Kong as I returned from the US summer tennis tour. 

Is it any wonder that my hair is almost all white! 

CNN Link: Link: http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/11/04/indonesia.plane.emergency/index.html?hpt=T2

More on to the Shanghai ATP trip and my miraculous arrival in the next post.

November 5, 2010 at 3:09 pm

It was amazing even by my experiences of having seen a lot of unexpected situations as I have organized and traveled for two decades. 

Difficult things that normally takes weeks of planning were done in an instant. Amazing to me.

I am also trying to expand my time at the Asian events.

November 5, 2010 at 8:44 am

Living in Hong Kong and then traveling over multiple time zones and with long distances involves how much rest and energy I have upon my arrival at a tournament city and once I return home to my family. Nothing is more difficult for me than to step off an airplane and to be totally exhausted for 2 weeks as I spend daytime with my family which includes a 4 and 8 year old. 

For long distance travel this often involves me going to sleep at 4pm and waking up at midnight then staying up all night.

Various members of the ATP players and staff have been very supportive and helpful to me and my work.

November 4, 2010 at 10:02 pm

Culminating with my issuance of an official ATP Support Player Coach card for the year 2009 from a world ranked number one player. The men are the best players in the world and I feel that is important for working within the tennis world that we reach the best of the best. I consider myself nothing more that a vessel hopefully found worthy to encourage and share the Message as explained in the Bible to others.

Bryan Shepherd Congrats Bob !
November 4, 2010 at 10:07 pm

Randy Pang It's all God Bob!!! Congrats and well done brother <:(((()><
November 4, 2010 at 10:09 pm

Claire Walton Amen!
November 4, 2010 at 11:34 pm

At the beginning of 2009 after much personal prayer I felt I needed to focus on the ATP men's players.

November 4, 2010 at 3:05 pm

While I have worked with both genders, I felt that I needed to be more laser focused on my time and energy with the men's side. As I attend ATP Master series working with the men I found out often WTA events are held in the same venue on the same week thus allowing me to continue follow up with my previous contacts developed over my 10 years full time on both sides of the tour, the men's and women's.

The ATP Rolex Masters in Shanghai, China. The top 56 singles players and 24 doubles teams players in the world competing.

November 4, 2010 at 9:53 am

All the top players are obligated to play in the series of men's events known as the Masters 1000 tournaments.. Results in these 9 events held on 3 continents (Asia, North and South America) earn players more world ranking points than regular tournaments, though not as many as Grand Slam events or the year-end ATP World Tour Finals held in London. Any event that has all the top 10 players competing would qualify as my time well spent on reaching to the best of best and these certainly qualify from my standpoint. 

Andy Murray won the most recent 1000 event in Shanghai defeating Roger Federer 6-3,6-2.

Tennis Ministry International staff meeting today.

November 3, 2010 at 9:15 am

I have an 11am meeting with a Hong Kong Christian school representative.  I am not sure what it is about as he asked to meet me.  Glad to do so.  Afterwards the ministry meeting starts, going over the ongoing projects with those in attendance.  This is our meeting place known as Unit One in the church.  Great place to have coffee or tea.  Link: http://www.elimchurch.org/ 

Bob Kraft Trying to figure how to work together. We both desire to reach out the families of this area of Hong Kong. Please do pray as we seek what the school and I have in common and can do together.
November 3, 2010 at 1:01 pm

I left the China Open a joint ATP WTA event in Beijing and took the 3 hour Sunday Hong Kong Air Express flight to Hong Kong.

November 2, 2010 at 9:08 am

Looking out the airplane window I passed over much of mainland China and I think of the many mega cities and small towns, all of which seem uncannily similar in appearance to each other when you pass through them by auto. As I pass through Hong Kong immigration, I sense freedom.  Hong Kong is very much about respect and China is very much about control and power from the politicians, army and police. 

I have 6 hours to visit my family in the Hong Kong airport before I have to catch the redeye 2 hour flight back to Shanghai and the nation of 'The People's Republic of China' arriving at midnight.    As a family the four of us have dinner in the airport, walk around to various shops, play at the games arcade, visit the little known airplane museum and just talk. My wife, Mia brings out some clean clothes and other essentials that I need and I give her some things that I do not need for the ATP Rolex Masters in Shanghai, including a bag of dirty clothes. 

What would I do differently? Fly into Hong Kong on Saturday night, go to church with my family on Sunday morning, fly out on late Sunday afternoon and arrive Shanghai early evening. As I have not been to mainland China in a number of years, I did not think through the procedures very carefully. 

Live and learn!

Sam Chan in & out from Hong Kong to mainland China is so easy now a day
November 2, 2010 at 9:36 pm

Bob Kraft Right. Still expensive for the visa but otherwise it can be done. Thank, God.
November 2, 2010 at 10:03 pm

Beijing my first week of a 2.5 week tennis tour was catching up with the players and saying hello.

November 1, 2010 at 12:16 pm

Having men's locker room access was a big help. I got to sit down with the player at the most important time before a match and encourage and discuss. My daily times at the tournament site went from about 10am until 10pm not including the 40 minute taxi ride to and from my housing. Housing was a typical city apartment staying with an American tennis coach living in Beijing. 

Usually in the evenings around 7pm I would have almost 2 hour daily meetings with local Chinese businessmen involved in tennis. That was how the door opened for possible future ministry involvement back in China, our first since 1996. We agreed to expand our network into 8 key mainland Chinese cities involved in tennis in 2011. This is being done through a new and innovative tennis coaching program for family that I will bring to China. This fits in very well with the culture of China as family is very important and also with a Christ centered ministry as family is also important. 

God can and will move in China; I am confident of that.  But that only takes place if we take an active part as followers of Christ, obey the commandants of His teachings in love and give the response our all.  The creator God that I follow as outlined in the Bible is interested in peoples of all lands and cultures. Just believe it can and will be done and pray for your own involvement if by participation, training or sponsorship. All are equally important. 

Next message on my experiences and observations on the trip to Shanghai.

I am still writing on my trips to China.

November 1, 2010 at 11:10 am

Last week I had a busy week with tennis lessons, so my writing took a back seat.  Today will  write my final message on the trip to Beijing.  Upcoming on Shanghai. Later..