The Kreider Connection
Racers For Christ
September, 2009 Newsletter
Can it really be time for the Mac Tools U. S. Nationals at Indy? When we get to this race in the schedule, the 2009 season will begin winding down. The kids will be back in school and we’ll be hurrying to finish all those chores outside at home that we’ve intended to do all summer, but just didn’t manage to get done between racing, jobs and vacations. Now it’s do or die to get the windows washed, landscaping done or the garage cleaned out because the days will soon be getting cooler and shorter … plus it’s time for NFL football!
Our familiar family routines get cozy and comfortable and that can be very good – a blessing, in fact. But is it possible to get too comfortable with the many blessings God has given us and overlook the needs of others around us who are not so fortunate? God tells us that to him who is given much, much will be required. Do we share our blessings with those less fortunate on a regular basis? Statistics show that those who help others are happier and more content with their own lives. And it doesn’t have to be financial help. There are many ways to volunteer our time in our local church or community service groups. But a big way we can help others is to pray for them.
Every day prayer requests come through our RFC prayer chain and it’s a constant reminder for us that any day, at any time, we could be the ones needing prayers. None of us know what tomorrow may bring into our lives – an accident, bad news about health test results, job loss or divorce. There are just some situations that we can’t handle on our own, no matter how strong our faith. This is when we need our friends to be there to support, encourage and intercede to God in prayer for us. It pleases God when we bring our requests as well as our praises to Him, and it honors Him when we thank Him for hearing and answering our prayers. You see, we also receive uplifting and encouraging messages on our prayer chain – like the miracle of 4 yr. old Preston, who survived a terrible accident. He has a long way to go for complete healing, but many people have come to faith in Jesus because of the witness of this little guy’s family…a family that is surviving this trauma with the help of many people who take a few minutes each day to lift them up in prayer. Prayer is powerful and effective!
We appreciate your prayers and support for us, our chaplains and Racers For Christ.
We thank God for you.
Glenn & Linda
976 Coyote Ave., Greenville, IL 62246
Phone: 618-292-6048
Email: kreiders@papadocs.com
DON’T WE ALL?
I was parked in front of the mall wiping off my car. I had just come from the car wash and was waiting for my wife to get out of work. Coming my way from across the parking lot was what society would consider a bum. From the looks of him, he had no car, no home, no clean clothes, and no money. There are times when you feel generous but there are other times that you just don’t want to be bothered. This was one of those ’don’t want to be bothered’ times.
“I hope he doesn’t ask me for any money,” I thought.
He didn’t. He came and sat on the curb in front of the bus stop but he didn’t look like he could have enough money to even ride the bus. After a few minutes he spoke.
“That’s a very pretty car,” he said.
He was ragged with a scraggly blond beard, but he had an air of dignity around him.
I said, “Thanks,” and continued wiping off my car.
He sat there quietly as I worked. The expected plea for money never came. As the silence between us widened something inside said, “Ask him if he needs any help.” I was sure that he would say yes but I held true to the inner voice.
“Do you need any help?” I asked.
He answered in three simple but profound words that I shall never forget. We often look for wisdom in great men and women. We expect it from those of higher learning and accomplishments. I expected nothing but an outstretched grimy hand yet he spoke three words that shook me.
“Don’t we all?” he said.
I was feeling high and mighty, successful and important, above a bum in the street, until those three words hit me like a twelve gauge shotgun. Don’t we all?
I needed help. Maybe not for bus fare or a place to sleep, but I needed help. I reached in my wallet and gave him not only enough for bus fare, but enough to get a warm meal and shelter for the day. About that time the bus arrived, and with a smile and a wave my new ‘friend’ disappeared up the steps and was gone.
Those three little words still ring true. No matter how much you have, no matter how much you have accomplished, you need help too. No matter how little you have, no matter how loaded you are with problems, even without money or a place to sleep, you can give help. Even if it’s just a compliment, you can give that.
You never know when you may see someone that appears to have it all. They are waiting on you to give them what they don’t have. A different perspective on life, a glimpse at something beautiful, a respite from daily chaos that only you through a torn world can see.
Maybe the man was just a homeless stranger wandering the streets. Maybe he was more than that. Maybe he was sent by a God that is great and wise, to minister to a soul too comfortable in themselves. Maybe God looked down, called an angel, dressed him like a bum, then said, “Go minister to that man cleaning the car. That man needs help.”
DON’T WE ALL?