Facebook September 2010 archive

I think every parent if they have the opportunity should play tennis with their children.

September 30, 2010 at 6:46 pm

Most parents that I observe who try and hit with their young children are not sure on how to go about it. After a few minutes mostly they quit. The best program that I have seen for coaching young players can be found at: www.mommydaddyandmetennis.com 

Today I played tennis with my 3 yr. old Joshua and he asked like he does everyday. Then at the end of the 1 hr. court time, he wants to continue. I am not saying Joshua is a great player or even that he will be a good player, but he certainly enjoys it. And to me 'that is worth more than all the tea in China.'

Harold Gardner Just love the Quick Start concepts getting kids to have fun first!
September 30, 2010 at 8:03 pm

Wednesday is staff day..what is happening.

September 30, 2010 at 7:56 am

Two calls to USA in the early morning. Pay one credit card bill that is due today. Meet 4 people at the church, including 2 tennis ministry board members. Home with the family. Late at night write a few emails to important contacts on various subjects. Anyone want to join this ministry and help out. If you feel called, give me a message.

Using my one week in Hong Kong to pay bills.

September 29, 2010 at 8:12 am

Bills during mission trips to share the Gospel with tennis players accumulate. Water, Electricity, Phone, Mortgage, Food, Travel. I would like to say it is a miracle and they all just do not appear, but they do appear. 

I am using my savings now to pay the bills. I believe that God will replace that. Those savings were allocated to a tennis ministry prayer center in the US. But thankfully I have no debt. It is called being responsible. 

Bible Verse: The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously. - Psalm 37:21

I love it when my kids say "let's play tennis".

September 28, 2010 at 2:57 pm

Joshua age 3 asked me yesterday and also wants to play today. I always find the time.

Susan Nardi I love it when Jared wants to play too!
September 28, 2010 at 10:19 pm

Last night dreamed about two ATP players

September 28, 2010 at 8:29 am

Poland's Lukasz Kubot and Austria's Oliver Marach.  Let us pray for those players we think or dream about. I will do so now. 

3 nights ago dreamed about the French Open. I was in the trainers room under the stadium. Included in the dream - the President of the French Federation, The Referee of the tournament and a French national coach, Bruno Jacquottet . Another French coach whose name was mentioned was absent from the room and I sensed his great harm to the Message of Christ. 

Bible verse: For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. - Colossians 1:9-14

My daughter Ashley age 8 wants to play tennis now! (4-5pm).

September 25, 2010 at 7:31 am

I am still under Los Angeles time but now in Hong Kong; beginning my sleep at 4-6pm and waking up at 3am. I have always told myself that if my children want to play tennis I will never say - No. 

I am so thankful to all the years (40+) that I played tennis. I remember all the hours and days of practice and all the lessons that I gave. All the ability to have an income from the sport and all the travel around the world that I have done with tennis. All the touring professional players that I have met and all the tournaments that I have attended. 

I have a lot to be thankful for. Most importantly I have my children who like to play tennis with me. 

Bible verse: I Thessalonians 5:18 "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

It is 7am on a Public holiday in Hong Kong. - - this is an old post but thought I would post it anyway.

September 23, 2010 at 11:56 am

I am going to the courts to coach now. A few hrs here, a few hrs. there but most importantly all the hrs. for Christ.

Glad to be home, safe.

September 22, 2010 at 2:10 pm

Plane (Airbus 330) almost went down. 75 miles out of Hong Kong and 10,000 feet. Plane started to vibrate side to side for about 5 seconds -first softly then more so. I see the TV monitor moving about 4 inches each way. The plane drops straight down and the engines sound slows down or even stops. I'm not sure. The plane tilts to the left about 45 degrees. The engine revs up as the pilot applies power and the plane levels out. 10 minutes later the exact same thing happens. 

After the first time, I think maybe I will not see my kids again. I am angry at God and speak silently to God - I do all this work for you, why not let me see them again. Then I am sad maybe not seeing their faces again on this earth. Finally I say to myself well each time I get on a plane I pray - if the plane goes down, God raise them up in the faith. 

The second time I am really scared. I then pray that angels are under the plane holding up the fuselage. Then I pray they hold up the wings. We are getting closer to the runway. The plane does not sound quite right, but close to the landing. Even at 1,000 feet I realize that if the plane did what it did before; it could be all over. Finally as we land I feel the plane is pointing upwards to much in the front and it tilts to right but then straightens.. But the plane comes down and we are there. 

I am tired of flying. And very appreciative of those who pray for me and the work that I do. Opened the door of my house and saw smiling faces. Shut the door and feel SAFE.

Lucile Bosche How were the snakes?
September 22, 2010 at 2:36 pm

Bob Kraft Hi Lucile. Can not laugh now.
September 22, 2010 at 2:47 pm

Lucile Bosche Bob, so sorry! I did not see your full post, just the one liner saying you were home safe. Please forgive me!
September 22, 2010 at 2:50 pm

Bob Kraft Lucile, it makes me appreciate our conversation about your experience more. God must have been preparing me to relate to what you had happen. God Blesses.
September 22, 2010 at 2:56 pm

Phil Naessens Wow! Glad you made it safe. I was on a plane many years ago that did a 360 spin on the runway after landing. My heart stopped.
September 22, 2010 at 3:49 pm

Marilyne Ross Glad you made it safely, Bob. God is good.
September 22, 2010 at 6:38 pm

Claire Walton PTL that you got home safe and sound! That is really scary.
September 22, 2010 at 8:26 pm

Alison To Wellcome Home !
September 22, 2010 at 8:35 pm

Unknown wow in this time is where our faith gets tested...happy to know that your well with your loved ones
September 22, 2010 at 11:45 pm

Off to Los Angeles airport.

September 21, 2010 at 7:51 am

Leaving at 10:35pm September 20th on Philippine Airlines.  Arrive Manila at 5:55am (local time).  Leave Manila 8am and arrive Hong Kong 10am September 22nd (local time).  Not sure of the flight length but a long time sitting in a plane.  Also reading on the Internet that a Typhoon is hitting Hong Kong.  Later!

Last night I dreamed about player Andy Murray, his mother and father.

September 21, 2010 at 5:13 am

Another dream involving player Radek Stepanek and ATP supervisor Thomas Schrader.  And the night before tennis coaches Oscar Wegner, John Carpenter and college player Matt Miller. 

I prayed for them all or will do so this morning.  Remember it is good to pray for those you think or dream about and to pray that you will have the following verse apply to you. 

Bible verse: 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

1.5 hours after I arrived at the Los Angeles airport I was on the tennis courts in Encino, CA.

September 20, 2010 at 11:03 pm

Sharing the Gospel with other tennis coaches and over dinner.  And also shooting tennis instructional videos. - God, I love you for what you did for my life.

Darlene Hayes will you be at Fed Cup in Novemeber?
September 20, 2010 at 11:06 pm

Bob Kraft Hi Darlene, Wish I had the ability to go any and everywhere. The answer is no I will not be at Fed Cup. However if God directs and makes a way I would go anywhere to reach players for Christ.
September 20, 2010 at 11:09 pm

The 4 hr. flight from Chicago to Los Angeles was incredible.

September 20, 2010 at 3:57 am

I could see 14,110 foot Pikes Peak Colorado, Zion National Park Utah and Grand Canyon Arizona with clear skies.  It does not get much better than that. Thank God for all those who prayed for my travel mercies and for such a beautiful land.

Last night dreamed about two South African players.

September 18, 2010 at 8:48 pm

SA Davis Cup coach and doulbes player John Laffnie De Jager and doubles player Jeff Coetzee.  I will pray for them now.

Claire Walton I remember JL well from WTT. I will pray with you for these guys.
September 19, 2010 at 12:24 am

Claire Walton Travelling mercies for you back to HK, too.
September 19, 2010 at 12:25 am

The big brown van is in storage in Eureka, Missouri.

September 18, 2010 at 2:11 am

Starting to pack for the flight back to Hong Kong tomorrow.  1 day stop over in Los Angeles for a meeting with Oscar Wegner and John Carpenter.  My final night dinner out with my hosts - Jonathan and Cindy Hertlein - in Saint Louis.  Looking back on th past 9 weeks, a wonderful time with my family and results with the ministry that exceeded my understanding.  Later..

Jonathan Hertlein Bob, it has been a pleasure to get to know you and have you stay with us in St. Louis
September 18, 2010 at 4:36 am

Bob Kraft Thank you. Like wise. My family had a great time with your family.
September 18, 2010 at 6:50 am

Years ago I asked God to give me dreams so that when I woke up I could pray for the people in the dreams.

September 16, 2010 at 9:38 pm

Last night I dreamed about Roger and Merka Federer. Four nights ago, I dreamed about Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. 

Two nights ago I dreamed about world's leading coaches in the 70's to 90's, Nick Bollettieri, Dennis Van Der Meer and Peter Burwash. 

I woke up from 6-7 am and prayed for them. I believe that God has a purpose for me praying for them at that moment.

Claire Walton That is so cool! I am going to pray that God would give me dreams like this. God bless you!
September 16, 2010 at 9:59 pm

I went to Kings Point Racquet Club in Belleville, Illinois.

September 16, 2010 at 7:43 am

The club was built and owned by Jimmy Conners and his brother John back in the 1980's.   An old High School teammate is holding a tennis camp at this club in 2010. Nice looking club. I am now sitting in McDonalds in O'Fallon while two other friends of mine are coaching tennis and then a meeting with them. I am so thankful that I have God in my life. Link: http://www.kingspoint1.com/trainerfinder/websites/60168/home/index.html

On the road again. Monticello to Champaign to Bloomington, Illinois to Saint Louis, Missouri.

September 16, 2010 at 7:17 am

Packing up and taking care of storage for the van. Then flying off to Los Angeles on the 18th. Long, long trip.. but good, good trip. Some surprises along the way. Family is fine in Hong Kong and we skype, everyone looking forward to me being back in Hong Kong soon.

Super busy day. - this is an old post but thought I would post it anyway.

September 16, 2010 at 6:45 am

Morning - Tennis coaches training for Modern Tennis Methodology and video taping. Afternoon - Pick up my tennis equipment from the courts and to storage in Hong Kong. My last day on those courts forever. Tearing the courts down soon. Evening - Pack for US trip on Sunday and spend time with 2 young children and 1 good wife.

If I was at the US Open today, I would definately be following up on...

September 13, 2010 at 8:12 pm

My recent discussions on Christ centered faith with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. 

3 out of the 4 women's players playing doubles today - have heard the Gospel of Christ from me.  One went forward with me to a church alter in New York during the US Open and accepted Christ many years ago.  Another turned her heart over to Christ last year at the Australian Open as I prayed for her.  PTL.  

Please do pray for the players as they play in today's finals.  In addition do pray for the continuation of reaching out to them and having the ability to do so.

Claire Walton Will be praying for them and for you and your family. May God bless your faithfulness and nurture the seeds you have planted.
September 13, 2010 at 10:09 pm

Skype is great and free.

September 8, 2010 at 11:22 pm

I am having breakfast with my Mother in Monticello, Illnois USA and with the computer camera my wife and 2 young children ages 8 and 3 located in Hong Kong, China are seeing and having breakfast with Daddy and Grandma Kraft. (7919 miles; 12744 km) 

I say to 3 year old Joshua - open you mouth - and pretend to feed him cereal. Cute! - By the way my Skype username is: Pastorbobkraft if you would like to meet up.

Fried chicken and Venus.

September 8, 2010 at 7:13 am

I just watched on ESPN Venus Williams being interviewed before walking on to her match. I was spoon feeding my Mother her dinner in the nursing home and had the TV on. The main course was fried chicken. A great meal. 

I am 100% certain I would have spoken to Venus just before that interview if I was at the US Open. 

It is a great honor and privilege before God for me to be with my Mother instead of at the US Open or the players. Don't get me wrong I like sharing the Gospel message of Christ with Venus but I love my Mom a lot more.  Who and what is more important to you?

Alison To Great ! Great ! Great ! Looking forward to seeing you !
September 8, 2010 at 9:55 am

Something about feeding your mother, that brings a lot of emotions.

September 7, 2010 at 9:42 pm

My mother has been in a aged home for a number of years.  Her health has deterioted to the point that she can not feed herself.  She is bedridden.  However, I am thankful that her mnd and body is good. 

I am glad that I can be the kind of son, that is feeding her.  I know that someday I may very well be in the same siutation myself.  I am glad that I can help you in anyway.  I know that she needs my help.  I know that her family members will treat her with more care than any staff.  I enjoy talking to her as I feed her.  I know that it is important that she eat plenty for her health and I am glad to assist her in this way. 

Part of being a 53 year old son and having an 82 year old mother.

Marilyne Ross I can so relate. When my mom had deteriorated to that point, it was an emotional turning point in my life.
September 8, 2010 at 4:30 am

Interesting facts for this ministry trip

September 7, 2010 at 12:03 am

As of today:

Day began for this ministry trip: August 16.

Driving time: 38 hours

Miles driven: 2,251

Days on the road: 22

Days sleeping in the van: 22

Estimated fuel costs: $360

Beginning and ending point: Saint Louis, MO.

Major cities visited for ministry: Saint Louis, MO; Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio; New Haven, Connecticut; Bronxville, New York; Bloomington and Champaign, Illinois

Gospel ministry to: All top men's tennis professionals; many of the top women's professionals; Tournament Directors; tournament workers; tennis club owners; World Team Tennis administrator; College Coaches; College Men's and Women's team members; College Professor, College President, tennis club parents; tennis club juniors; Parks and Recreation junior lessons; Parks and Recreation coaches; club coaches; Medical Doctor; retired business person.

Amount raised in financial support for this trip: $260

Bloomington, Illinois.

September 5, 2010 at 10:55 pm

Brief stopover in Champaign, IL.  One set of grandparents lived here, my sister and mother, and for a few years I lived here in my early childhood.  I was Director of Tennis for the Racket and Country Club's in the early 80's.  Good memories.  Now in my hometown of Bloomington for 1 week.  High School tennis and Univeristy.  Sister and cousins live here.  Most importantly my home chuch is here and going there now.   Link: http://www.flcbn.org/

Darleen Nenne Give Karen our love - miss you all!
September 6, 2010 at 12:37 am

Philip Pang We are all missing you back in Hong Kong, Bob !!! Have a great time in Bloomington.....see you and the family soon !!!
September 6, 2010 at 8:36 am

Bob Kraft Hi Darleen, I did give Karen your greetings. We also miss you both.
September 6, 2010 at 11:54 pm

Bob Kraft Hi Philip, Yes, I miss the brothers and sisters in church very much. Will be there on September 26th for service and should be in the office on the 24th. Tell all hello.
September 6, 2010 at 11:55 pm

Seems like all the gas prices went up in the last 24 hrs. by 10cents.

September 5, 2010 at 1:20 am

This weekend is a US national holiday known as Labor Day.  In Ohio, where I traveling now prices increased from $2.54-59 a gallon to $2.69.  Price gouging at it's best! 

On this trip the highest price I have seen is $3.19 in Los Angeles to a low of $2.42 in Las Vegas.  Average price seems to be about $2.59.  New York was about $3.  State taxes change the price a lot; Come on distributors' don't price gouge. 

This is important as I am driving  a lot for this ministry trip. Still less expensive to drive than to fly.  From St. Louis, Missouri to New Haven, Connecticut about 100 gallons or around $250.  I am thankful in all circumstances - as God is in control!

John Kraemer It's a holiday!
September 5, 2010 at 1:25 am

Unknown business is business the rich get richer .we need the gas we have to pay or walk or ride the bike
September 5, 2010 at 10:59 am

Bob Kraft Yes, in Hong Kong I do not own a vehicle and take the public bus and train. Not complaining, it is what it is. But facts are facts and it is up to each of us to determine if they like the facts, stay silent or speak up. I remember the days when stores charged one price regardless of the day or holiday. Seems right to me.
September 6, 2010 at 11:58 pm

I arrived Colombus, Ohio at 11:30pm.

September 4, 2010 at 9:52 am

I left Bronxville, New York at 12:30pm.  Nice drive.  Tomorrow at 8am I am having breakfast with someone who was very important to my tennis life and also contributed to my spiritual life.  This all took place when I was about 13 yrs. old.  I am now 53.  I am going to thank Jackie and also go over old times.  Jeri passed away a number of years ago.  Thank you Jackie and Jeri.

Kim Craig Sternberg Don't know if you remember me...but I am so proud of you!!
September 4, 2010 at 10:32 am

Unknown goodnight and thamk you...be safe!
September 4, 2010 at 10:50 am

Danville, Pennsylvania.

September 4, 2010 at 3:58 am

About in the middle of PA on Interstate 80.  Delaware Gap and Poconos behind me.  Appalachian Mountains ahead of me.  God we live in a beautiful country.

Leaving New York now for that long road trip back to my hometown of Bloomington, Illinois

September 3, 2010 at 11:56 pm

A 16 hr. drive split over 2 days. I will have a brief stop over in Columbus, Ohio to visit an old friend for breakfast. Finished all my flight reservations now for Los Angeles, Beijing and Shanghai. Yeah!

John Kraemer I thought you would be staying longer at the US open.
September 4, 2010 at 6:57 am

Bob Kraft Thanks for asking. Actually I was not at the Open. I was ministering at a college. The US Open I have found after ten years is to intense to really have effective ministry for me with one on one. So I am following up at other events. Thanks for thinking of me. My next event is either Bangkok or Beijing.
September 4, 2010 at 9:41 am

Claire Walton traveling mercies be with you.
September 4, 2010 at 11:49 am

Bob Kraft Thanks Claire. It has been a long time since we met. I remember that US Open meeting well.
September 7, 2010 at 12:59 am

Starting to think about my trip back to Asia.

September 2, 2010 at 11:27 am

Booking my flight to Los Angeles on Southwest Air ($170).  A few days in LA, more than likely filming tennis videos with my friend Oscar Wegner.  Los Angeles to Manila then to Hong Kong.  

Now the difficult part how to book ATP tournament stops for Bangkok, Beijing and Shanghai then returning to Hong Kong.  This part of the trip will cost about $1,000USD for airfares.  I have housing for Beijing arranged, but not the other 2 stops.  Bangkok could be about $200-$300 for 7 nights hotel, obviously not a 5 star hotel.  Shanghai not sure on.  Then how to get from the airports to the tournaments.  These are all new cities for me. 

Tournaments seem to be all taken care of for my being on site. 

This is complicated! 

Stephen O'Malley lots of positives there :)
September 2, 2010 at 3:05 pm

Unknown wow u sure must love your i would...hope u acomplish what u need to
September 3, 2010 at 8:30 am

Wanting to drive back to Illinois from New York.

September 1, 2010 at 8:22 am

For what ever reason God is keeping me here in Bronxville, New York.  I am busy speaking with college age students and administrators.  A lot is happening and I will just have to what God is doing.  I can seemingly see part of the picture,  but far from the total.  It fits in what I have thought about for many years.  I am at the tennis courts all day and a few minutes a day in an area called the Common - where the students hang out.

Regina Case you never know quite what the Lord has in store for you....I admire your obedience and you will be blessed for it...we have tested the Lord in this and find it to be true.....HE desires obedience above all things...we show HIM love by obeying HIM..
September 1, 2010 at 8:39 am

Bob Kraft Yes, I had to just make a decision strictly based upon obedience to God's ways. Trusting His ways.
September 1, 2010 at 11:01 am