Chaplain's Corner - August 28, 2007

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Greetings in the wonderful name of Jesus!

Wow what a difference a month makes! It seems like I have been away from the track forever. We are settling in well here in North Carolina. The boys are happy here although it is hot and we haven’t had any rain in about 21 days.

I was saddened to hear about the death of my friend Bob Lemen. I was always glad to see his smiling face, even when his truck wasn’t running well or he had a bad night, he always had a smile and a pat on the back for his friends. No matter what trouble came on the track, it was always I’ll get ‘em next week.

As I thought about my friend, I was reminded that no matter how bad it gets we can always “get ‘em next week.” Jesus gave us that ability.

Jesus told us that He would never leave us or forsake us. Sometimes we leave him and we flounder, things go wrong, and it just becomes a bigger and bigger mess. For the longest time I thought that God’s first name was “Oh”. It seemed as though that was all I could say “Oh God what am I going to do?” “Oh God how am I going to pay this bill?” It was much later that I realized that instead of saying “Oh God what am I going to do?” I could say “Oh God what are YOU going to do?” Because Jesus is right where we left him.

When we get down, that’s when Jesus lifts us up. It’s so very hard to lose a loved one. But we can be comforted that they don’t really die. The earthly body returns to the earth from where it came, the soul is with Jesus or with Satan. Jesus needed Bob in heaven. We can keep Bob with us through our memories. Bob would tell us not to let this get us down we can “get ‘em next week.” He would want us to keep on racin’ to win.

To Bob’s family and friends, you are in our thoughts and prayers. I know that the Holy Spirit will come and comfort you in this hour of need. I am reminded of the words the apostle Paul said to young Timothy just before Paul died. He said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” 2 Timothy 4: 7 & 8 (KJV). In Bob’s case, I think that he finished his race and won and received his championship trophy, & he’s saying you get’em next week, and don’t ever give up.

On that note I’ll close this message by saying it was an honor to be your Chaplain I’ll always be with you in spirit, and I’m only an e-mail away. Chuck Mc Neil is taking care of things there and I know I left the track in good and Godly hands. Having been the first “official chaplain” of the speedway I hope I can always say I’m the chaplain even in an emeritus or honorary capacity.

Remember the only way RWJM can keep going is through your generous tax-deductible donations. If you are led to give please visit www.rwjm.org and you can make your donation securely through our website. I’m always here for you if you have a prayer need. Just drop me a note in e-mail at speedwaypreacher@aol.com or see Chuck at the track and he can help you as well.

Stay strong, stay blessed and somewhere along the way I’ll see you at the races! May God richly bless you is our prayer.

Rev. Carlos Stapleton
Anderson Speedway Chaplain, Emeritus
Racing With Jesus Ministries