I watched the 1st Super Bowl on TV as a 9yr. old - Green Bay vs. Kansas City. I remember it well as I was a hugh football fan.
February 7, 2011 at 9:41 am
Growing up in the middle of the US it was difficult to not be a football and baseball fan. As I played sports I wore my team favorites a Packer helmet and football jersey with #87 Davis on it who was the Defense End for the team and baseball's Cardinal hat and uniform with #45 Bob Gibson who was the pitcher. I wish I still had those pieces of clothing!
By the way they just found the orginal game of tape and makes an interesting read and watch if you have time. Link: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704709304576124373773290508.html
Dan is our 2800th FB friend.
February 7, 2011 at 8:33 am
I read Dan's Facebook info section and he is in tennis full time as a Director of Tennis. Nice to have friends who love tennis. My Friends list is not public and privacy is important to everyone.
Church was fantastic today. Loved it!
February 6, 2011 at 5:38 pm
Our church has a group of people doing some ministry work this past week in India. They are doing a great job as they bring worship music with tamborines and flags to the poorest of the poor children. I saw pictures and it looks wonderful. Ashley Kraft 9 years old is very good at this form of worship.
A prayer is always appreciated.
February 7, 2011 at 2:43 am
February 7, 2011 at 8:21 am
Last night dreamed..ATP Leander Paes, Lukasz Kubot, Oliver Marach, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi.
February 6, 2011 at 7:09 am
Also Kristen, Christian and Bob Steward from North Carolina. I was at tournament with them and Bob provided housing for me.
Remember to pray for all those you dream or think about. They may need your prayers at that very moment.
My 4 year old asked me if I was crying during the song "We all Bow Down" because I was sad? I told him yes and no.
February 6, 2011 at 6:48 am
I told Joshua that is why his Daddy goes and tells the tennis players about Jesus, so that they will have the opportunity to know Jesus. I am sad that some tennis players have not heard the message of Jesus and that I am happy that Jesus lives in me. - End of conversation
Joshua Kraft is a sensitive boy who loves Jesus Christ.
My 4 year old asked me as I listened to "We all Bow Down". What is a crown? What is bow down?
February 5, 2011 at 11:24 pm
I used this as an opportunity to explain that his Daddy knows like Kings of the tennis world, the ones who are on television. I explained to him that after mine and his last breath everyone including myself, himself and the tennis players will see Jesus Christ face to face and will bow down.
I asked Joshua what is important to him? His replied "His bicycle." I explain that to a tennis player it may be his trophy and we will give them all to Jesus. He then looked at a picture of the men's and women's Wimbledon trophies. I told him that those do not accept Jesus Christ will be sent away from Jesus' presence and those who accept Jesus will remain.
Joshua Kraft is a sensitive boy who loves Jesus Christ.
February 6, 2011 at 12:20 am
Listening to this song video..reminds me 'And we all bow down Queens (of tennis) will surrender their crowns
February 5, 2011 at 9:00 pmWe All Bow Down; Words and Music by Lenny LeBlanc Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87PGA9RZO2E&feature=related
Princes and paupers
Sons and daughters
Kneel at the throne of grace
Losers and winners
Saints and sinners
One day will see His face
And we all bow down
Kings (and Queens) will surrender their crowns
And worship Jesus
For He is the love
Unfailing love
He is the love of God
Summer and winter
The mountains and rivers
Whisper our Savior's name
Awesome and holy
A friend to the lonely
Forever His love will reign
He's the light of the world
And Lord of the cross
And we all bow down
Kings will surrender their crowns
And worship Jesus
Worship Jesus
Worship Jesus
For He is love
Unfailing love
He is the Love of God
Listening to this song..reminds me 'And we all bow down Kings (of tennis) will surrender their crowns
February 5, 2011 at 3:22 pm
We All Bow Down; Words and Music by Lenny LeBlanc
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUsPjwNPRxQ
Princes and paupers
Sons and daughters
Kneel at the throne of grace
Losers and winners
Saints and sinners
One day will see His face
And we all bow down
Kings will surrender their crowns
And worship Jesus
For He is the love
Unfailing love
He is the love of God
Summer and winter
The mountains and rivers
Whisper our Savior's name
Awesome and holy
A friend to the lonely
Forever His love will reign
He's the light of the world
And Lord of the cross
And we all bow down
Kings will surrender their crowns
And worship Jesus
Worship Jesus
Worship Jesus
For He is love
Unfailing love
He is the Love of God
A new 'norm' - 3 airplanes I am on almost going down as I traveled for Christ. Do I (we) need to make some changes?
February 5, 2011 at 9:33 am
The last plane was in September 2010 was the worst and I thought that God was saying to me "I am trying to get your attention. Do I have it now?" My answer was yes and I told myself 'Make some changes!'.
As I returned from US to Hong Kong after my travel of summer tennis series for tournaments including New York City during the US Open at least one engine on the plane cut out not once but twice. The plane dropped straight down and tilted at a 45 degree angle before one engine or both engines were restarted.
At that moment I thought about my children and I cried out to God "I want to see them as they grow up and I am not ready to leave this world yet". Once safely on the ground I began to make the changes to stay home in 2011.
Today my family is meeting with my accountability partner and his wife.
February 4, 2011 at 9:06 pm
Over to our house for lunch, afternoon and evening talk with my family. So many people do not have people like this around them. As Christians we need other Christians around us speaking into our life. We are thankful for friends such as these. Our tennis ministry board link: http://tennisministry.org/TA-Board.html
February 5, 2011 at 9:06 am
February 5, 2011 at 3:19 pm
So much to write about.
February 4, 2011 at 2:07 pm
I think about different topics all the time. God, give me strength and longevity.
February 4, 2011 at 11:50 pm
Dreaming with God..John McEnroe Jr. and Mary Pierce
February 4, 2011 at 6:42 am
2 nights ago, McEnroe and a Christian tennis camp in Macao. Last night Pierce and she and I individually were at Bloomington Illinois Country Club sharing Christ. In my dream I prayed for McEnroe and he accepted Christ. Remember to pray for all those people, places or things you dream or think about. They may need it at that very moment.
February 4, 2011 at 7:20 am
February 4, 2011 at 1:13 pm
February 4, 2011 at 1:40 pm
February 4, 2011 at 2:11 pm
February 5, 2011 at 12:15 am
February 5, 2011 at 12:24 am
Happy Chinese New Year. At my in-laws house in Tai Po, Hong Kong.
February 3, 2011 at 10:14 pm
24 family members in the living room. The LV is the size of a small bedroom in US. 4 Chinese games going on at the same time, eating Chinese snacks and food and children dressed in Chinese clothes. Chinese NY in China. Be cool!
February 3, 2011 at 10:38 pm
Let us love each other.
February 2, 2011 at 9:03 am
Christian, Muslim, Jew, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, atheists, all others. - Those who do not know the one true God will find this impossible to follow. Bible verse: John 13:34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another..."
February 2, 2011 at 9:24 am
February 2, 2011 at 11:44 am
Christian Pastor and Muslim President in a 30min chat. Harald Bredesen interviews Egyptian president Anwar Sadat in 1976.
February 1, 2011 at 8:15 pm
On many critical issues including the discrimination of Jews by Arabs, the Peace process, his viewpoints on Christian religion and whether Islam is a religion of peace
I met Harald through my friend Pastor Ron Lewis in September 2006. It is clear that Harald has influence given by God. Harald passed away Dec. 29th, 2006.
Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unvG3ij38pw
Bredesen link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harald_Bredesen
Egypt is the largest nation in the Arab world. - Will this lead to political unrest in the Middle East?
February 1, 2011 at 2:10 pm
The Arab world consists of 25 countries and territories with a combined population of 358 million people straddling North Africa and Western Asia.
Media reporting states that many Islamic extremists who have broken out of jail in the past weeks have left Egypt and have gone to Palestine joining forces with Muslim lead Hamas. Hamas means "Islamic Resistance Movement" and is the leading opponent of Israel. The Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt appears to have had a role to play on orchestrating the riots and probable overthrow of the current regime in Egypt. History has shown us that Muslim lead groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood use democractic elections in heavily Muslim populated countries (Egypt, 87% Muslim) to gain control of the polictical system. Once with military power these groups do not allow democracy to operate without severe human rights restrictions including all religious freedoms.
Why should we be concerned today? Egypt has the most Christians in a Muslim dominated population. Egypt has a moderate stance towards both the US and Israel. Egypt is a peace partner of Israel. Tomorrow?
Coming up in my next post see how Christians and Muslim can live and care for each other. A wonderful video interview with former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat. It is eye opening on how Muslims and Christians can live together with mutual love. Is it any wonder that in 1981 Sadat was assassinated by followers of the Muslim Brotherhood for his moderate stance.
What is going on in Egypt - The Turmoil In The Middle East
February 1, 2011 at 8:52 am
Last week I have received many calls and emails saying "what is going on in Egypt". I was about to write something to explain the situation, but I came a cross this great blog by Pastor Michael Youssef. He is an Egyptian too and he did a great job to explain what is under the surface. Please pray for Egypt, Shaddy Soliman
Christians Population 10,838,069
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.
You're no exception. Everybody needs another hand that they can hold onto.
At in-laws for dinner. 24 family members in one room. The Chinese way. God blesses peoples in different ways. Closeness.
Be blessed no matter where you are in the world.
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.
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: 
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.
Here is today's: 'You who judge others do these very same things.' - Romans 2:1 Everyday the verse changes on the website: <
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
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.
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 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?"
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I am so happy to attend.
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.
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.
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. 
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.
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.
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.
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. 
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.
Involved in missions, former ITF ranked junior tennis player.
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.
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.
Marcos pulled out of his match at the AU Open with a knee injury.
But feeling slightly better = no staff meeting today.
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.
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.
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.
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." 
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.
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. 
I am happy for that, rejoice and live my life to see others baptized.
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.
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.
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!
Rehoboam: The Reckless Phony
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.
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.
Jabez: The Unknown Became Well Known.
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: 
Bible study - all in my home. Riding bikes with the staff and praying. Remember: A house is a home for a family.
Uzziah: The Leader Who Became a Loser
Ashley came and gave me a hug. What is most important? The work will be there tomorrow.
Busy day tomorrow on Wednesday.
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.
I was coaching tennis to my former student of over a decade ago, then young Maxine Lai. 2. Dreamed of a former coworker, Dean. 
I hope that I can be disciplined enough to do this. Bills are all paid so that is off my mind and can focus. 
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.
Lleyton Hewitt playing at age 7 in 1988, age 9, 11, 13, 15
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.
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.
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. 
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.
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. 
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.
A large box of warm air would be nice.
Easy to read format, in it's entirety found at: 
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.
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?
I guess I have at least one reason why a person would not support me; "He must be crazy".
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.
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.
Great for a Dad with a sick 4 year old, that's myself and Joshua.
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.
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. - 
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.
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. - 
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 
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!
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!
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.
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.
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).
Twice - I was at the Evergreen Racquet Club in my hometown of Bloomington, Illinois with owner Ben Snyder. I was at the College Racquet Club in Bronxville, New York with Director Neil Tarangioli. Remember to pray for all those you dream or think about. They may need your prayers at that very moment.
Continual food on my table for my family in 2011. Facing age discrimination in my workplace (tennis industry). My children's continual spiritual growth. Supporting my wife as a helpmate in 2011. Developing new ideas for outreach for ATP/WTA tennis tour via communication tools. Financial support for my ministry. Personal income in early to mid 2011. Improving my asthma.
It will go to our Board Members first and then I will post parts of it to you via FB in January. I and the ministry I do reaching out to tennis players for Christ is an 'open book' to all. 
At 53, How do I balance this?
If you have not seen it I would suggest you do so. It shows the food industry from a humanitarian viewpoint both for the animals and what you put in your body.
What has caused this? My faith in God. My relationship with Jesus Christ. I am making and doing the right decisions. I have a great support team of friends in my local church. I have a Pastor who cares for me and helps watch over my decisions. I have a growing family.
Lyrics: (I have put in my own children's names, you can also substitute yours) - But the really big news is my little boy Josh, Just learned how to ride His blue two-wheel bike. The really big news is the weekend is free So we're planning a picnic with the whole family And the big news is I took my sweet girl Ashley To the mall to buy new ballet shoes. I know what's important, in my world today Cause I know the really big news. And when Ashley says daddy come on out and let's play There's no way no way no way I can refuse. I still read the paper, especially the sports. Oh but I know the really big news.
Should be an interesting few days together. This is a follow up on meetings and ideas we discussed in Beijing in October.
Jimmy Connors, former world number one men's tennis player. Remember to pray for all those you dream or think about. They may need your prayers at that very moment.
Ashley used her new bike. She also used her old Dad.
"If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a mouse." -Walt Disney.
3 dreams. a. All the players on the pro tennis tour. b. My wife and children, the state of Washington. c. Pastor Dave Mitchell. Remember to pray for all those you dream or think about. They may need your prayer at that very moment.
24th: Our family opens gifts - Evening candlelight church service with our kids. 25th: Our kids see the gifts (bikes) under the tree - Mia, Ashley and Joshua leave for mainland China to visit great grandparents - Bob went to a lunch with five others for an English holiday meal then a walk in the hills of Hong Kong. 26th: Church service - Church holiday meal - My family returns home from China. 27th: Biking riding - taking pears to residents of the nearby nursing home.
Today is known as Boxer's Day in Hong Kong and a holiday. I read Bible verses in church today. 
I was coaching tennis at Van Der Meer Tennis Camp and speaking with Dennis Van Der Meer. In the dream my roommate is tennis coach John Risner. John and I go back to Bollettieri camp in 1975. Next I am watching a South Africa team at the LA Staples Center and speaking with tennis coach Tony Huber about tennis in Houston, Texas. A fun filled and active dream. Remember to pray for all those you think or dream about. They may need your prayers at that very moment.
I was coaching tennis at the College Racquet Club, Concordia College, Bronxville New York and my wife was working at the college. Remember to pray for all those you dream or think about. They may need your prayers at that very moment...I woke up and prayed for my wife and the school.
Just finished putting the 2 bikes under the tree for the kids tomorrow morning. It will be fun to hear their shrieks. 
Shopped for Santa's gifts for our kids this morning. Secret!
I was at the Cincinnati ATP tournament and with ATP staff, Thomas Schrader. Remember to pray for all those you dream or think about. They may need your prayers at that very moment.
About world number one and two women's tennis players, Caroline Wozniacki and Vera Zvonareva. Remember to pray for all those you think or dream about. They may need your prayers at that very moment.
I am tired and the last thing I want to do is shop but that is what I must do. Ashley our 9 yr. old came along. We arrived home and Ashley asked, 'Dad, can you take out to ride the bike?' - Help!
Tuesday, meeting Tennis Ministry board member and accountant. Wednesday, Tennis Ministry staff meeting and evening church cell group. Friday and Sunday, Christmas church services. Goal this week, Tennis Ministry end of the year report to the board. A good week! How is your week shaping up?
This was Christian radios hit #5 of 1985. "Do Something Now" was a compilation of all the top Christian music artists from that time asking people to get involved and give for missions. I asked Christ into my life in 1985. 
I found about 90% of the songs on Youtube from 1978-89. Great listening for those who grew spiritually during those decades. Link: 
I was playing tennis with WTA player Elena Dementieva. Remember to pray for all those you dream, think about or see on tv. They may need your prayers at that very moment.
Please Lord, send me. Don't forget them, even for one player. Please Lord, I beg you and cry out to you. You see them in their deepest needs. They need to be given the opportunity to hear. That is my prayer. All of us will face you someday, some sooner than others, no exceptions made. Honor this request, Lord. We will all bow down before you and my time to see you will come quickly, like an evaporating vapor. Please Lord use me with the time I have left.
Help me Lord. Yes, reaching all the world number one's for the past 10 years for Christ is great. But oh Lord, you can do so much more. I trust and I believe. Surely they will not be forgotten. Lord raise me up to the highest plateau. Lord, please help me.
As I listen and sing "We All Bow Down" over and over. It is my prayer that I lift up to God tonight. Please Lord do not forget the players. Names and faces flash through my mind. Send someone. Send me. Surely God you see my tears and will do something. They need You, Lord. If I done something wrong, cleanse me, make me clean. Please don't forget them Lord. Mold me, shape me and put me to use. I know them Lord and I care for them. Roger, Rafa, Jako, Andy, V, Caroline, Svete, Vera. Please don't forget them and forgive them.
It starts with the 'Great Commission".
- Upcoming programs for 2011: Pro Tennis Tour via the latest Internet technology and Asian tournaments (see 
Thanks and Merry Christmas and Joyful New Year,
I will not travel, except with my family, in 2011.
This is almost 3.5 years away from home. I am taking a sabatical for 2011. Stay home, be with the family, plug into my local church, write a missions book, raise financial support, get recharged and work on the administrative part of Tennis Ministry International.
WTA player Venus Williams and her father Richard. Also mentioned French Open. Remember to pray for all those you dream or think about. I did.
Direct flight- Rio de Janeiro: 21hrs. 59mins / New York: 16hrs. 9mins / Los Angeles: 14hrs. 31mins / London: 11hrs. 58mins / Melbourne: 9hrs. 12mins / Mumbai: 5hrs. 20 mins / Tokyo: 3hrs. 37mins / Bangkok 2hrs. 7 mins
Forecast to drop to 8C/46F in the next 2 days. This is cold for Hong Kong! - Did you know that Hong Kong is approximately on the same latitude as Havana, Honolulu and Mumbai and the longitude as Perth, Australia?
As a sport coach I am sensitive if I am over weight and out of shape. I desire to be and look physically healthy.
In my 20's I weighted 138. In my 30's and 40's I weighted 148. In my 50's my highest has been 168. Today I weigh 162. I would love to get back down to 155-. I feel that it can be done if I add in hitting a tennis ball on a wall for 30+ minutes a day.
I am overloaded with the work load, mostly behind on email on key subjects to quite a few people. Let's hope I can make some progress on that today. This evening is tied up in a requested counseling session. Arrive home late I suspect.
In New York City fishing with ATP player Mahesh Bhupathi. Also talking about tennis agent Ken Meyerson. Remember to pray for all those you think or dream about. Prayer is always a good thing.
Feeling violated, angry and sad. As a Christian I need to look at it as I did everything I could to not be robbed and God has a purpose no matter how painful it may be.
1. I am on ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) office grounds with staff member Andre Silva. 2. I am with my high school tennis team in Bloomington, Illinois. 3. I am coaching 2 teenage competitive players. Remember to pray for all those you dream or think about. Prayer is always a good thing.
I certainly wish Pete the best in the recovery of his awards and pray that he gracefully handles any loss that he may incur. 
Took a 3.5 hr. bike ride with my daughter Ashley and took her to a 1 hr. swimming lesson. The photo is a map of the route we took for the bike ride, starting at our house in Tai Po, along the seaside and ending at Plover Cove.
WTA tennis player's Kim Clijsters, Jennifer Capriati and Catalina Castano all at the first week of Wimbledon. Remember to pray for all those you think or dream about. They may need your prayers at that very moment.
I was teaching tennis at a christian tennis camp for kids in the south of France. Remember to pray for all those you think or dream about. Prayers are a good thing.
1. My family, wife Mia and children Ashley and Joshua. 2. My time with my family. 3. My ability to coach tennis to anyone.
ATP: Mikhail Youzhny, Lukasz Kubot, Leander Paes. We were all on the practice courts in the mountains of Switzerland. I was going to next tournament with Youzhny. Michael Winkler from Austria asked me to practice with him. Remember to pray for all those you think or dream about. They will need your prayers at that moment.
I do not have everything but I have everything that is important to me.
I remember one pro tour ministry trip to the French Open. I laid on the floor of my home in Hong Kong and could only move with intense pain that caused me to scream. As it lessened I went through the airport in a wheelchair and I could not leave my plane seat for the toilet. The moment I was to go to ministry for the tournament the pain went away.
I had a tennis class for adult education at the Hong Kong airport. ATP David McPherson, Bob and Mike Bryan were there watching. 
Former world number 1 Jimmy Connors and world class coach Oscar Wegner. Remember to pray for all those you think or dream about. I did.
I came across this site and it seems promising. Take a look for video uploads, university coaches and others. Link: 
If I can encourage a top tennis player to go to Christian school; glad to do that. Oh, did I mention 15 minutes to Times Square in Manhattan.
7:30am. 
All the time in discussion with the representative of Concordia College New York. We agreed that I would rep. the school along with my other ministry duties in Hong Kong. Seems like a good fit for my other activities. 
Usually takes 3 days. Tired!
I was at ATP's Bob and Mike Bryan's retirement party. Coach David Macpherson and Lucile also in that dream. The night before at US Open with Open Director Jim Curry and players Oliver Marach and Lukasz Kubot.
ATP: Mike, Bob and Wayne Bryan, Lucile, Daniel Nestor, Nenad Zimonjic, Marcos Daniel and his coach WTA: Jamea Jackson. And my own family Mia, Ashley and Joshua Kraft. Remember to pray for all those you think, dream about or see on tv. They may need your prayer at that very moment. 
See what life is like in my hometown of Tai Po. Fresh market, local primary school, typical middle class house (Kraft family) Fanling: 700 year old walled village (low income housing and where we lived when I first arrived in HK and married). 
It is special to me that I am involved with Concordia as I have many fond memories of the people, place and tennis. We are discussing in the next few days how I can best help them in the Chinese speaking world of Asia.
In the dream I am late packing and leaving for the airport. I missed the flight for ministry to a tennis tournament. - Remember to pray for all those you dream or think about.
Many people in today's hectic world find it increasingly difficult to have quiet time. Just think, get ideas and have conversation with God.
Let's us pray for any operatives that are exposed and at risk of being murdered.
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: 
Maybe just too much pressure this past week with many meetings.
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.
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.
Around my family time on Saturday - computer system checking, backup all data and reinstall Windows to fix any little bugs. 
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.
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.
Amazingly the tennis director is involved in missions for sports. Neither one of us knew that, but he found my involvement on my website 
a. Tennis University concept b. Mommydaddyandmetennis class. Would appreciate your prayers for God's will.
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.
1. Tennis clinic for Hong Kong Tennis Ministry; School team for International Christian School - 
For myself, doesn't get much better than that!
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 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
I am living in obedience to the commands of Christ and it does not get better than that.
We can not afford to go another generation with no witnesses for Christ on the pro tennis tour.
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.
I have not heard that for a long time. Is it true?
Special courses that impact a life. 28,000 students. Let's see where or if this goes?
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.
Prayer, planning and working. Oh, forgot to mention the free coffee and tea in our meeting room.
The simplest form of communication is prayer.
Yesterday night: WTA player Tathiana Garbin, my housing hosts Derek and Ros McKenzie and tennis coach named Christian who has persecuted me.
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.
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: 
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: 
Daughter of parents Bob and Mia Kraft and sister of Joshua. Birthday November 9th.
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.
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. 
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 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.
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.
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. 
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.
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.
It was amazing even by my experiences of having seen a lot of unexpected situations as I have organized and traveled for two decades.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 
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.
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.
This week 12 hours of lessons as it is a week long school holiday. As the courts in Hong Kong where I coach are to be torn down soon I will go until they are removed. Maybe lessons one day a week for a minimum of 3 hrs. (that is what God has provided) the rest full time on keeping the tennis ministry in all its various aspects growing. I consider this a gift from God for my family provision and an answer to my prayers.
I had a few hours of tennis lessons today and came home for a nap. Dreamed. I told Roger 'I am not sure when is the last time I will see you, but I did the best that I could. I spent 100,000 to do this. Why? When a person accepts Christ they, their children and the future generations are changed forever.' Then I woke up.
I am in Hong Kong and most importantly to me with my family and the player I am alongside is in Vienna. I am analyzing the match via the stats and watching the points. I know his game very well, we also have spoken extensively in person on a plan and strategy for improvement and then I will give follow up advice to the player. 
Today is all prayer for both our current and upcoming ministry projects and our personal needs.
Remember to pray for all players and tournaments you think, dream about or even watch on tv. The may need a prayer at that very moment.
I have not been to church in 3 weeks as I was traveling in China and it was difficult if not dangerous to find one. I left on Sunday for mainland China and was there for 2 Sundays. At this point in time I was not able to find a nearby church in either Beijing or Shanghai. I did not see any church buildings as I passed by on the streets of Beijing. In Shanghai I did see very high old buildings that were obviously a church. I did not see any crosses representing a church but did see very large steeples. My Hong Kong church a lively and wonderful fellowship of local believers, Link: 
1. China government is communist. 2. Communism requires that a person who is a member of the party to not believe in God. 3. China government allows freedom for religion but has severe restrictions placed upon those who practice religion - such as no government jobs or university study for those who practice. 4. China law allows a person to be put into jail for up to one year with no charges and this is often used against Christians who practice outside of the official government church. 5. The official government church known as the 3 self church has approximately 4 million members. 6. The house churches has approximately 100 million plus members who meet quitely and often secretly in home. 7. Prison sentences and sometimes death does occur to house church members especially Pastors. 8. Government churches teach a social welfare message of Christ, be a good citizen and obey authorities. 9. House churches teach miracles such as the virgin birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 10. The 3 self church does not teach any miricles. 11. Usually church services of both the 3 self and the house has plain clothes agents of the governement taking notes.
At night they are all lit up with different colored lights. The building are not close together and have plenty of space around them, either green areas or wide boulevards. As you take a taxi around the city it is obvious that people are very relaxed here and at night you often see young and old couples in the park with music and dancing. The older couples do swing dancing.
1 day ago prayed about the US Open and 2 men's pros and today an ATP administrator; Thomas. I woke up and prayed for them. 
The China Open in Beijing is a joint men's and women's tennis event. The facilities are very good but not incredible. Seating in the main stadiums can run upwards of 10,000 with an even new larger stadium being build. Courts number about 25 with no indoor courts. Not all the top ranked players were there but about 1/3 were.
I am going over the many bills from the US summer ministry trips (July to September). Matching receipts with the credit card statements. Not surprising to me 3 charges from Michigan that I did not make for several hundred dollars. Seems as if today it is common that someone steals your card numbers and charges. That card was stopped while I was in the US due to suspicious activity. May God allow that person to be caught.
The Bryan Brothers, Mike and Bob. - Remember to pray for those players you watch on tv, think about or even dream about. That may be God prompting you to pray for a need they may have at that very moment.
I wake up immediately after the dream and then commit them to prayer. I believe that a person needs prayer at the very moment that I am dreaming about them. I pray frequently and almost exclusively about pro tennis players. 
My first visit to Hong Kong and mainland China was in 1985 as a young Christian missionary. I moved to southern mainland China from 1992-96 taking tennis along with me as a ministry. While today it seems to me I live around the world traveling alongside the ATP tennis tour as a Pastor/Coach. I have lived as a resident in Hong Kong since 1996 until today.
Arrived at 1pm on Monday, then taking Tuesday off and spending all day with the family. I want to write on my experiences in China this upcoming week. First hand. Link: 
My daughter who is 8 years old, speaks fluent English and Chinese and told me tonight that the reason China build a wall around the borders is to keep the Americans from attacking it. I explained to her that the reason is China did it to keep the people in.
And those who bring the message and love of Christ to those in this restricted nation. She asked question after question. Her last comment before she went to bed at midnight was Dad make sure you take a picture of our family and you can look at it if you are detained.
Then Sunday after church service I am with the top men's and women's players in the world - The China Open. It doesn't get much better than this for a missionary who has dedicated the last 20 years of his life to the Chinese speaking world and the ATP/WTA tennis players for the past 15 years.
Joshua age 3 asked me yesterday and also wants to play today. I always find the time.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 I dreamed about Roger and Merka Federer. Four nights ago, I dreamed about Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
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.
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 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.
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.
Day began for this ministry trip: August 16.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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. 
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.
Bronxville is 16 miles north of Times Square Manhattan. I attended here from 1981-82 and played tennis. I came down with mono my second year, returned home to my parents and transferred schools. However Concordia remains special to me. Concordia is a top rated NCAA Div. 2 school.
I was on court for the entire time and needed to be there. Heading out to Bronxvile, New York for a few nights. Concordia College Racket Club to be exact. I went to school there in the early 80's and played tennis on the team. Nice to catch up with the coach and hope to meet a few of the current players. Link: 
It is family friendly, youth orientated, good sermons and uplifting worship music. Fill free to attend if you do not have a home church or are visiting. If you meet the Pastor feel free to tell the Pastor that you know me and found out about the church from Facebook. Have a good week in New York City. Link: 
In my van parked about 20 yards from the center court at Pilot Pen in New Haven. Peaceful, lovely night, quite and most importantly spiritually uplifting to myself and those I prayed for.
'One to One' is a simple to read and understand discipleship booklet written by Steve Murrell. I have run out and have no more material to give out to those sincerly interested in following Christ. I have to reply upon only prayer and conversation as I talk to players. 
I received an email from someone I do not know. They gave $475USD to a tennis ministry based in Florida. The ministry is based upon lies and deceit. The comment in the email - 'Is anyone honest in tennis? ' Difficult on me to see money going in this way.
Van parked about 30 yards from the players lounge. Players lounge has a free breakfast and drinks and yogurt all day long and on site has showers and toilets. Lunch and dinner I try and get an unused meal ticket from a player who skips eating on site. Otherwise it is a drive off site for an eating place. Having van on site all night allows me to arrive very early and stay until the last match is finished. Last night Safina was on and I build up that relationship as she saw me after the match.
Sitting on court with his wife Jenny and it is cold 65. Taylor came through winning the last set 6-0. I have known Taylor since the mid-1990's when he first came on the tour and Jenny since 2002. Long term relationships in the tennis ministry are important to trust and acceptance. I put a lot of importance in that.
Late start. Good for planning as I drive directly thru New York City in the middle of the night. No traffic. Should arrive New Haven, Conn. in the early am on Monday. Saw the Goodyear blimp flying low above highway at the city of Akron, Ohio. Nice. You don't see that if you are 30,000 feet in an airplane. Stopping about an hour over the Penn. border with Ohio on I-80. Town is called Brookville, PA and has several nice truck stops to take care of any necessities.
To hot to sleep in the van. Back for the singles evening matches and maybe the start of the doubles. Then have a player and coach to meet back in the hotel late. Preparing to leave tomorrow for New Haven, Conn. Not sure when but could be late afternoon. About 12 hrs driving on the road split over 1.5 days. Hope to be on site for players on Monday pm or Tuesday am. Please do pray for me as it is a long trip in the van.
Only a few of us in the player lounge. Roger had about 100 fans waiting outside screaming his name and cheering. Actually it kind of made me wonder what would make people act this way? Roger kindly signed many autographs and had photos taken. A question came to my mind, who has more fans today Federer or Jesus Christ?
In Cincinnatii it is midnight. Just finished the Bryan brothers match after a long, hot 14 hr. day. In the hotel lobby Nadal walked by again with about 20 adorning fans. Must be difficult to not have any privacy. Met up with my first tennis supervisor Steve Contardi - we worked for Nick Bollettieri back in 1975. I will Skype my family now. All in all a good day.
Players understand that I am there and why. What is the temp. on court, got to be HOT! (100+F). Still a few matches to go; pace myself and get in the shade between matches. I am also in the locker room and weight room a lot. Sharing and caring about people a lot today.
About midnight and about 40 people including children not yet teens are hanging around for autographs and photos. Rafael walks by and immediately he is surrounded. As he is walking by, I call out his name and he turns. I share the Gospel of Christ with him. At first he has a puzzled look on his face and then he states 'ah, yes' and he understands. We part. That is how the Holy Spirit working in a person begins. They hear.
World #1 against a player that I was with; then a match with a possible future #1 and then a match with a past #1. All for ministry and reaching them for Christ. God arranged for me with a very recent #1 again. Good productive day. Prayed for 1.5 hrs for players. Does anyone want to financially support this ministry to allow me to continue in 2011 to reach out to these players for Christ; we all have a part to play. If you love tennis and you love Christ this is a place to sow your giving.
In between in the player lounge talking. Faith in Christ is always the central issue. Introduced myself to a well known top player and he was happy to meet me. Linder Tennis Center is a very nice venue. Now taking the official car back to player hotel and crashing in my van in the parking lot. Loving that. Nice and quiet and no talking.
In the players hotel and lots of players and adminstrators I know. Thank God for access. Also a player has responded for New Haven qualies next week and if they make it main draw. This week by faith. Time to go take a shower at a near by club. One weakness of the van is it does not have shower! Link: 
I would be out of control.
Yes, they are all slightly different. But most are in love with Jesus Christ and the fruit of those who are in church show. Nice, kind, helpful people who are motived by their faith in Christ.
Attended an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting with a friend as a guest. (I do not drink or a member of AA). Interesting to see what happens at these meetings. Arranging the upcoming tournament outreach in Cincinannti, Ohio (maps for directions, emailing the players who are playing, possible housing). Afternoon meeting with a coach and visit to a tennis club in Bellville, Illinois. Link: 
Flight to Saint Louis, Missouri at 1:15pm. 1-2 days there and then driving to Cincinnati, Ohio for ATP men's tournament and tennis ministry. Really going on faith, no credential or housing as I have not had time to arrange them and a driving a van that has a few mechanical problems and that I may sleep in. Should be an interesting week of faith.
3 days of meetings, playing and coaching tennis. Thank you to Lucile for letting me stay in her empty apartment. Filming tennis coaching videos, arranging MTMCA.com for Asia/Oceanic region of the world. Sharing the Message of Çhrist with others. Assisted Oscar Wegner as he coached a beginner and 3 advanced juniors from Southern CA. Hitting with a #1 college player. I can still hit with those youngsters at 53 yrs. old.
My family and I took a flight from Houston to Los Angeles and they continued on to Hong Kong. I stay behind in LA to continue tennis ministry trips in US until September. Kids cried at the departure gate -difficult on all of us. They arrived in HK after a 24 hr. flight.
I plan to reply as I am able. At Columbia Lakes, Texas 40 min. south of Houston now. Discussing how to set up the 
Next up Houston, Texas. Past 12 days including 4 days in Saint Louis, Missouri with the Hertlein family as wonderful hosts, 2 churches attended, shared the Message of Christ at a tennis camp; 3 days in Champaign, Illinois to visit my mother, sisters and one of our original tennis ministry board member's Dr. Tom Schwalbe and 3 days in Kansas City for World Team Tennis matches. Texas is the final 5 day leg with my family and the Chadwell family as hosts before my family heads back to Hong Kong and I stay behind in the US to continue tennis ministry on the pro tennis tour.
It was an honor to be there on Sun. night. The team has been in the league for 18 years and this is the their first Championship and also the first time the Final match has been held in a mid-western city in the history of WTT.
Complicated. Take care of auto insurance. Help coach tennis and ministry meeting in Saint Louis Wed. morning? Arrange or cancel hotel reservation for World Team Tennis Kansas City Explorers night matches for ministry Wed. and Thr? Sleep in van or hotel room? Take family or leave them in Saint Louis for 2 days at my Uncles. Take out our kids to Saint Louis fun activities on weekend. Church on Sunday in Saint Louis. Then leave for my hometown in Illinois Sun. or Mon?
Been a good trip so far. Met Mike and Nicole Yorkey in San Diego for church and lunch. Mike is our co-founding tennis ministry member and he has authored about 75 books. His subjects included books with pro tennis players Betsy McCormack, Michael Chang and Roscoe Tanner. Baseball player Dave Dravecky and golfer Wally Armstrong and others . Link: 
Kick back time in LV for 3 days as we recover from jetlag. Then on July 15th in Buena Park, California with my family. In addition meeting a few people in San Diego for ministry. Have a good week whereever you are in the world.
Just kidding?
Last year my tri-band mobile from Hong Kong did not work in US. Found a used one for $77USD. No wifi function but works well as a phone/camera/music.
I love doing ministry to the players and fans during that time. Usually I know 90% of the players on both teams. I show up at 5pm when the teams are practicing talking to players and coaches and the match starts at 7pm. I greet all those I know, center any discuss on faith or church, talk to fans and administrators during the match. 11pm after the match I meet the players back at the hotel for dinner, discussion and in some cases prayer needs. Often in the mornings I will meet a player one on one for breakfast. That is often where any serious discussion takes place.
Great fun. Loved how those attending really love the sport, you could just feel it. The kids night was great, about 80 kids of all levels playing and I was able to help out with coaching. Weather was fabulous. The setting is Forest Park, home of world renown STL zoo and the Dwight Davis Tennis Center.
I was shocked by the content of the photos some of these kids had posted. Sexually explicit poses with what appear to be teens both with the opposite sexes and the same sexes combined with partying and drinking. I realize that they really need a spiritual mentor or at the least a moral mentor.
My wife and I were invited by Betsy McCormack who was then our Tennis Ministry advisory board member. Betsy's late husband Mark was the owner of IMG that had bought ownership of the NBTA. We stayed 3 days at the Academy and shared with the very large staff including Nick. 
"If Christianity is valid, why is there so much evil in the world?" To this the famous preacher replied, "With so much soap, why are there so many dirty people in the world? Christianity, like soap, must be personally applied if it is to make a difference in our lives."
The big news of the year was the breakup of World 1 women's doubles team of Cara Black and Liezel Huber.
Looking for the few moments and opportunities that Serena was open hearted. At times it would be after long days and late into the evenings as she left the tournament grounds. Other times it would be on the street of the city as I would run into her. Sometimes it would be just being around her parents and she would be nearby. Sometimes it would be as she was getting into the van to go back to her hotel. 
She spoke multiple languages. The Southern Baptist Board sent her to China to serve as a missionary. There over 40 years of service, she gave away her money and food to hungry children.
While most people walk from one place to another, Rafael runs. He is never sitting down in a chair in the player lounge. After several years of my observing this; finally his uncle and coach Tony and I sat down together. Tony is much more sedate. He shared with me the spiritual side of the family. 
I first shared the Gospel with Philipp in the early 2000's at the Australian Open. I was introduced to a group of Germany speaking players and spoke about Christ with each. Many of this group had grown up in the church and has stopped attending church once they started playing tennis. 
Vania went forward with me to the alter at a church in New York during the 2006 US Open and accepted Christ. Within 1 year David her father committed his life to Christ and became committed in his church. Her father had coached all his children to a high level and was also Vania's full time coach. I believe he desired to continue in this role. 
Remember to pray for both the present and retired players.
Richard Williams the father of Venus and Serena and I catch up each year at Wimbledon and I visit him in his housing. A few years ago, he moved to new housing and with some effort on my part I found it - around the block and about 200 yards from Starbucks. 
I declined and stated that I had stopped drinking many years ago. Robert, Rogers father kept asking and finally, I drank a glass. As expected it was a fine vintage but I let myself down by drinking when I vowed not to drink alcohol many years before. 
Jul 1 Wimbledon has a long history of not playing tennis on the first two Sunday's.
I believe the only day that has been played on the middle Sunday was when the All England Club ran the risk of having the tournament rained out in the early 1990's. Wimbledon has a long history that includes Christian ministers willing the tournament in the last 1800's and I am sure the club was supportive of members and players attending church activities that took place on Sundays. 
All other Grand Slam events conduct a 2 week Grand Slam that is run over 3 Sunday's involving at least 256plus players. Wimbledon plays the men's singles and women's doubles final on the last Sunday only. This limits partcipation to six players.
It is unlike any other tournament that I have attended in the world. Men wear ties and traditional suits and women dresses and hats.
Answer a few critical emails. Play with my children coming up. Wow. God wants us to relax, enjoy and gives us a Wow Day.
Do what I want. FB, emails, pray, relax, sleep, play with our children. Nice!
I am so appreciate the church we attend. Young children help younger children. Teenagers help everyone. Families help other families. Adults help Seniors. Seniors are kind to all. Adults help all. Seems like how a church should be.
Family. Nice.
Dear Bob Kraft,
I have known Mike well since 1996 and he never shared with me that he played the French Open qualifying tournament. I did know he is author of numerous books, like 20+ and a USPTA coach. Surprises, surprises. The story is '10 Matches to Borg" pg.44. Nice story Mike!
Last evening tonight. It is not often that a person gets to be taught DTP by a person who wrote a book on it. This has been a real pleasure and gift from God.
As families we usually go to the graves of our family members in remembrance. Please pray for overseas missionaries who often share the message of Christ in far away lands at great personal hardships usually being buried far away from their homeland. Link: 
I am saying this may not be stopped. It has been only 4 weeks but what if it turns into 4 years or more. The Bible speaks of the end times in a book of a Bible known as Revelation. 
10 yrs of same grps, same time, same days. Sadly ripping/turning the Boy Scout Camp Hong Kong 2 courts into a camping area. Bye tennis Hong Kong..it's been good. I have been talking faith, but now it is real. Support a true missionary.
Incredible is the right word. 
Rev. Bob Kraft has done two new tennis videos with world renown coach Oscar Wegner this year with shooting taking place in Los Angeles, CA in April/May. More videos for elite players are in the works. First video has been produced and can be viewed at: 
A free MTMCA clinic with Rev. Bob and Ryan Chan was held for the public in Hong Kong May 8th. It was attended by local coaches and players and was offered as a introduction to TMI and MTMCA. The next clinic is scheduled in Houston Texas the first week of August and followed by the Japan Open in Tokyo October 8th and 9th.
We worked hard on getting those contacts from the pro tennis tour in an organized email, SMS and phone manner for use. Should make a difference in communication. Also watched a lesson and giving suggestions to a coach who wants to upgrade his coach rating for Modern Tennis Method (MTMCA.com).
Christina McHale playing the French Open. Remember to pray for your former students.
That it's not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts. 
I am Class of 75. Dreamt about Coaches Barry Nixon, Ed Rozboril, players: Pete Read, David Jones, John Bailen. Let us pray for our fellow team mates and coaches today. Link: 
Taking time to do all this but necessary.
Weekly podcasts with Rev. Bob Kraft pro tour tennis coach, commentator and an ordained Minister. Watch interesting tennis videos of world ranked players and see instructional video using Modern Tennis Methodology that the pros use. Link: 
Thing that we value can be gone in a moment. Appreciate what you have. Things are well with my soul. Link: 
I dreamt last night about the French Open including the following Players Nadia Petrova, Steven Huss, Milagros Sequera, Xavier Malisse, Pat Rafter, Ken Meyerson (agent) my sister Karen Sparks and niece Kim DeVary.
I have always enjoyed coaching tennis.
I just had one and then checked: Calories 460 and 216 from fat. 40% saturated fat. 23% Cholesterol 
As well as an interview with Reverend Bob Kraft of Tennis Ministry International who shares his personal story involving a famous tennis player and her involvement with Church Team Ministries International and their leaders Miki and Audrey Hardy at the French Open tennis tournaments. Link:
Good for tennis and good for something else. But not sure what! Lessons went well and I thank God.
Afterwards sending emails and SMS's as many pro tour players are not on FB. Part of the ministry work and it is a lot of names. Telling what my plans are for the next few months and asking them to support the work. Will it work? Hard to say but needs to be done.
Great thing is I can stay in contact with anyone anywhere in the world. I expect that I will send at least 100 msgs a month costing $20USD; could be twice that amount. Phones for easy texting keypad start at $450. All necessary for what I do for reaching out to the pro players with the Gospel of Christ. Anyone want to help with the costs?
Almost 10 years of collecting these on pieces of paper. It will be digitalized, well organized, and improved communications with those pros soon.
Los Angeles (meeting coaches) - Houston (setting up future ministry base?) - Saint Louis (meeting coaches), Cincinnati (ATP) - New Haven (ATP/WTA) - New York (US Open). Then return back to Hong Kong. Traveling/living in a van about 1/2 the time, traveling with my coworker Ryan Chan. Anyone desire to help us out with housing, finances, ect.
Pouring down rain. Start of rainy season in Hong Kong.
I sat in Hong Kong and the interviewer was in Corfu, Greece. I'll let you know when that interview is posted online.
Just woke up. Dreaming about tennis. The children I taught tennis to in Hong Kong over a number of yrs. My co worker Ryan, former co-worker, Mike, the Hong Kong Tennis Assoc. and Leisure and Cultural Service Dept. that is in charge of public courts in HK.
Reminds me to pray for kids taking tennis lessons where ever they may live. After my hospital visit, I took a 1hr. power nap.
Normal cholesterol, blood pressure; no diabetes, tuberculosis, lung cancer or swine flu. Mild case of asthma. Make sure you have a checkup for your basic health every so often.
Remember that your news feed scrolls and you may not see all my posts. You may find some posts that may interest you.
I just received an email - basically the proposition requires me to put above my marriage full time pro tour travel and I receive benefit. Stay at home and travel not at all or less than full time and I receive no benefit. Guess what, I will not sacrifice my kids and more than likely my marriage for tennis coaching.
“How do our priorities get so twisted? There's your mystery.” 
'Running a 100 miles a hour in the wrong direction.' Link: 
My tennis coaching canceled. But the good news it that I get to work on the Good News (Message of Christ) via the Internet.
It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.
Goal: Finish arranging my travel arrangements in US from July-August and writing an email to pro tour players and send it over the weekend.
Usually about 1/5 of our church shows up. I am glad that I am there, but leave early (6:30am) Saturday for 4hrs. of tennis coaching.
I remember seemingly having it all, well known tennis coach sitting in my luxurious room and crying; all alone. I had it all and yet I had nothing. I asked myself, Why, Why, Why? These powerful words in this song are for all of you who like myself, need to be healed. Link: 
I have posted on CULTS and SECTS because it has impacted the tennis tour world and a concentrated effort to reach players exist especially at the French Open. This is a 4 part series on Cults, Sects and to see all you may go to my notes section of FB. Thanks, Pastor Bob Kraft
It really saddens me when I see a group of any faith who state 'we have all the answers'.
A CULT can be defined as not believing in one or more the basic tenants of Christian faith - virgin birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. A SECT is not a cult and can be defined as believing in the basic tenants but practicing outside of the norm of Christian lifestyle. 
On the main points of the faith - virgin birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ - I love working alongside Christians who hold to the basic tenants of Christian faith. Link: 
Dreaming Last night - 1st dream Pro tour: Venus and Serena Williams, Mark Knowles, Bob and Mike Bryan. 2nd dream Friends who play tennis.: Barry Nixon, Ed Rozboril, Mark Swan. I will pray for them all this am.
Watch this incredible video and scroll to the 2:15 min mark seeing 1 of 3 holes of oil gushing into the pristine coastal gulf waters from a depth of 5,000ft. Link: 
Went to school there - Pacific and Asia Christian University; my wife and I were married in Kona; she received her US citizenship in Honolulu and we spent several happy holidays there with our children. Link: 
Ministry combination, phone calls, modernizing my own tennis game, ball machine and it's only 3pm!
Oscar Wegner introduction and John Carpenter interviewing me about what I do on the pro tour and how I help others with a plug to my website. Interesting to see how videos are produced. Next editing, which I am not involved with. You'll be the first to know when it is produced. Link: 
LAX, Shanghai, Hong Kong. 18 hr. flight with 3 hr. transit. Arrive 11:30pm local time. Link:
Thanks to Ryan and his wife who picked me up in the car. With my 2 large HEAD bags I needed a van. Home, sweet home!
I can get into pro tournaments, I can talk to #1 players in the world about Christ. But I can not get anyone to financially support it.
Body tired but not sleepy. Got to go on the court this afternoon for a 90 min lesson.
Getting ready for the free May 8th Modern Tennis Method clinic and outreach to local Hong Kong players/coaches from 7-10pm. Weather looking good.
I have been to Berlin, Germany; as a US solider. I lived next to 'The Wall' for a few months in Fulda. This is what I saw. You may resided behind a closed wall or feel trapped. Remember God works in many ways through prayer. Amen. Link: 
It is great to do something that you dreamed of doing when you were a child.
Look at the sunrise and tell yourself - Very morning is a new day. No matter what you have done or what happened, God gives allows us every new day to start over!
For those 6 people that I dreamed about. Link: 
Never forget the Spanish speaking world. Spanish speaking tennis players. Link: 
Of course it is just a dream, but God has laid them all on my mind for a reason. I am lifting them all up in prayer now by name and player location. Jesus, bring many to you! - Coach Sam Chadwell of Columbia Lakes, Texas running a tournament full of High School players ...with his son Conner alongside me waiting for me to give him a lesson. A hotel at Coach Sam's club, picking out the rooms to fill with students in a Academy setting. Champaign, Illinois players grade school and jr. high school ages taking lessons on full courts in a park. Brad Peterson from my hometown of Bloomington, Illinois running the tennis program.
1. Developing coaches/players network in Asia/Australia/New Zealand. 2. Pre planning stages on setting up part time ministry base in Texas.
Lamentations 3:21-23 - This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope...the LORD's mercies...are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
In Nigeria, the sun is rising and a congregation is appreciative for life and song. Link: 
Good quotes from tonight - What is the point of bringing people to Jesus if we bring them into a sick church? - Nobody is perfect, but we strive to be pure. Link: 
I have a clinic/workshop for HK tennis ministry organized for Saturday evening. What is going to happen? Stay tuned. Link: 
Played tennis with my children 1hr. Cost: $3.22+ 1hr. table tennis: $1.29 = Best US$4.51 I can spend.
From 40 yrs. on a tennis court. (I am 2fromleft) - "...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Claim healing for your body and/or mind. Link: 
Good afternoon or evening in other parts of the world!
As Asian Director he will conduct clinics and develop membership in all Asian nations, including Australia and New Zealand. Bob is 38 yr. veteran of the tennis industry, a USPTA Pro 1, registered ATP coach, former PTR National Tester and has lived in Hong Kong, China since 1992. Link: 
Made us; Knows us; Loves us; Has a purpose for us.
Do what you love and love what you do!
She is doing the butterfly and relay. Isn't this a great looking public pool where it is being held.
Let's pray for the wildlife. I was near Galveston, Texas a few weeks ago. Saw wildlife galore, birds, deer, fish and alligators.
2 nights ago I dreamed about from the pro tour - John McEnroe Jr and Sr., Brian Gottfried, Mark Thompson, ,Mike Yorkey family and my wife and children. Last night from my High School playing days - Coach Barry Nixon, John Bailen, Pete Read, David Jones, Eric Nixon. I will pray for them all.
Policy enforced - no baptisms or collecting of funds from those in attendance. Consequences: About 15 people have been sentenced to jail for 3 years. Those attending house churches NOT supported by the government abou...t 100 million people; supported by the government about 4 million. Link: 
My friends include tennis touring pros, fans, coaches and all others. Glad to have ALL of you.
I fought and believe for liberty and justice for all, men and women, black and white, all creeds, nations and faiths. Link: 
I gladly served: US Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Army Security Agency (ASA), 7th and 5th Corps Commands, US Military Academy Prep School, US Army Europe (USAREUR), 7th Medical Command.
With Rev. Bob Kraft based in Hong Kong, a tennis coach and ordained minister who the Lord has called to the pro tennis circuit and is in the UK for Wimbledon. This year he asked whether he could talk in the 1st week of Wimbledon (His particularly busy week!). Listen to the message he shared at Light Lunch in London above. Link: 
To many visits to count - China, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Philippines and USA. At least 9 times - Australia, England and France. Once or twice - many others. When I see the airport bus now, I am not to excited.
Would you like to pray; or be prayed for? 
Hong Kong - $38 US - $72. US here we come as a family in July...but what's up with the difference?
Nadal, Federer, McEnroe, Wilander. Let's pray for all those you think about including the tournaments.
I have been; that included death threats, falsehoods, website attacks! Phil, who is also a tennis coach, brings to light interesting truths based upon his personal experiences. This segment begins at 13:18 in the show. Link: 
Wimbledon (not sure on this as I feel I need to stay home with the family this yr.). Summer trip to US starting July 9th (with my family) and then continuing on to late September for US Open series. Then Japan a few days later with 2-3 weeks ATP/WTA and clinics. Finishing Mid October.
Dreaming. The reason I mention this to remind you to pray for those you think or dream about. Last night my dream: Andy Roddick, Venus Williams, Edina Gallovits, My wife, uncle and aunt. Prayed for them all when I woke up.
