09/15/2022
Last Chapel Service for the 2022 Live Racing Meet
Good evening from Chaplain Ed!
There are a lot of things that I would like to say about chaplaincy this season, however I will be brief.
I want to express my gratitude to several people this evening for their support and participation in the chaplaincy program this year. Without their support and help, chapel services would have been non-existent this year.
Pastor Mark and Kathy have been an integral part of the chaplaincy program since I began as chaplain in 2010. This year Pastor Mark has taken on several of my duties at a time when his new position at River Valley Church became demanding. They have served faithfully for 13 race seasons now.
Paul Allan joined in last season (2021) initially to expand his skills in sharing the Gospel with others. Then Paul heard that I was not doing well during the off season and came our home a couple of times to visit and help in keeping the chaplaincy program moving forward this year. As many of you know, Paul Allen already has 3 jobs, 1 more wasn’t really needed. Paul not only put his heart and soul into chaplaincy, the support he gave Patrice and I has helped us far beyond what anyone would expect.
Initially last spring my health was improving, however as you may know I have had a challenging season of recovery. However, because of Pastor Mark, Paul Allen and others, chaplaincy has not only survived this season, but thrived.
Adam Daniel, Dave Hjermstad, Darrick Lyons, Tom and Lori Hensen freely gave their Tuesday evenings to help make the Chapel Services special as well. Along with several other volunteers.
Many of you sitting here tonight have been faithful to attendant chapel services during these 13 seasons, you hold a special place in my heart and life.
What memories I have! Flood waters at the chapel doors did not keep you away.
Your faith and faithfulness are a great encouragement to me.
I have been blessed to serve as Chaplain, however due to health issues I will not return as chaplain next year. Patrice and I are standing on God’s Word and His promises for physical healing that God clearly promises. Jesus provided not only healing for us spiritually but physically as well.
Acts 10:38 (NKJV) 38 God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
And He is still healing today.
Here is my prayer for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:23–24 (NKJV) 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
Pastor Mark and I will be working with Canterbury, HBPA and National Race Track Chaplaincy to assist in placing a new chaplain.
I pray for God’s richest blessings to unfold in your life.
Chaplain Ed
