International Christian Tennis Association

ICTA Church Service: A Challenge to Youth in Mathew 28!

2007-08-18T22:29:00.001-05:00

Rand's Parents Write International Christian Tennis Association a Note!!

2007-08-15T21:48:00.000-05:00

This has probably been the best summer of our son's life.

Rand wanted to find a great tennis camp, and we (his parents) wanted a happy, safe, Christian environment where he could grow.

We got it all with International Christian Tennis Association.

His tennis skills and love for the game have really bloomed over the summer, along with the understanding that he's going to have to put in a lot of hard work to achieve his goals (hitting thousands of balls, stomach exercises, resistance training (pushing Scotty's Jeep Wrangler for fun! Etc).

But Scotty has him convinced he can do it! His encouragement has been terrific for Rand.

It's been even more rewarding to see how ICTA has helped take Rand's faith and love for God higher.

We're excited to see him excited about his walk with Jesus, and about sharing Christ with the rest of the world.

Scott and the rest of the crew have been wonderful to our whole family and we've loved getting to know them.

I hope we'll be seeing them a lot more in the future!

Edwin and Melissa

Bryan Brothers and Snelen Sisters Play at Legg Mason Tennis Classic In Washington, DC!!

2007-08-06T16:31:00.001-05:00

Mike Bryan and Melody Snelen with Bob Bryan and Rachel Snelen

Some matches are made in Heaven! Hello there. This is Scott Paschal, founder of the International Christian Tennis Association, www.christiantennis.net. I'd like to update you on our latest ICTA Mission Trip.

Here is a great picture of Bob Bryan and Rachel Snelen (lt) with Mike Bryan and Melody Snelen (rt) taken in Washington DC at a US OPEN SERIES tournament called the Legg Mason Tennis Classic.

Bob and Mike played main draw men's doubles, while Rachel and Melody played main draw women's doubles. We're doing some research to see if this was the first time in history twin guys played the same tournament as twin girls! Rach and Bob played against each other for fun during the event.

This famous professional tennis tournament was played July 28 - August 5, 2007 at the
William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park and benefited the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation.

In prayer, the International Christian Tennis Association made the decision to send the ICTA Women's Pro Tennis Team to compete in this fabulous event. Rachel Snelen, Melody Snelen, and Emma Hustad represented the team, which is the first and only of its kind in the history of tennis. The entire trip was God-blessed from the first minute until the last.

I'll touch on a few of the highlights here, but know we are preparing an entire ICTA Video production to share this God-blessed mission trip to the largest audience possible in hope of inspiring people worldwide.

With a week full of Divine appointments, these wonderful women reached among the most famous ATP players in the world with one on one conversations about faith.

They had the amazing opportunity to room for the week with a really special player (who was not a Christian!) and feel God work.

Rachel and Melody were offered professional coaching by one of the most famous tennis players in the history of the sport... for free. He is a Grand Slam champion and both girls are excited at the opportunity to be able to call him anytime, meet him at his home, and learn from his vast knowledge.

Rach and Mel lost 6-0, 6-0 in main draw doubles. But, the positive of the loss was the match was competitive as the Snelen sisters played the #1 seeds, who are top 100 WTA players and compete in Grand Slams. Their new Grand Slam Champion friend feels with his help they could more strongly compete at this level. As their many injuries over the last 2 years are healing... I am excited to see God continue fulfilling the dreams the twins have had since childhood!

The connections the girls made throughout the entire event have been astounding. Everyone noticed them and God blessed the entire trip.

What's next for the ICTA Women's Pro Tennis Team!? They are flying to Israel on Friday.

So exciting for ICTA to send a team of professional athletes to share Christ and serve hard in Jerusalem. I'll write more on this upcoming mission trip soon.

God bless,

Scott Paschal
ballboy4jesus@yahoo.com
386 793 0557

Scotty Sees a Shrink... Chris' Dad, Chuck, Stops By!

2007-08-04T16:36:00.001-05:00

Chuck, Chris's Dad, Visiting Scott Paschal

It's Saturday night. As I reflect over this amazing, God blessed week I thought I'd check in with you. God is so good.

I'd like you to meet a couple of my friends, Chuck and Chris. Chuck is Chris' dad. I coached Chris full time last summer. I've known them both for about 4 years.

Chuck is a psychologist and on staff at a large church in the Southern USA. Chris' mom is a Medical Doctor.

These pics were taken a couple of weeks ago. They came by again today. Chuck and I spend a lot of time talking. We made some neat plans for ICTA while Chris and Mark headed out to the tennis courts and played a 5 set match. Mark won 6-3 in the 5th.

I really enjoy having the parents of my students visit my home. It's good to have the friendships last even after the kid leaves.

Tomorrow is church! I love going to church. The church I attend is great. After church we all usually go out to eat, shop a little, and go see a movie before driving back to Palm Coast.

I think the plan for tomorrow is for us to film an ICTA Video after church before we go out to eat. We'll talk about the ICTA Women's Pro Tennis Team's wonderful mission trip to the Legg Masson Tennis Classic in Washington DC!

The girls literally took over the player's lounge areas as basically all the top ATP players received a free Gospel of John (The Message Version). You would be in shock to learn who they hit with, swapped phone numbers with, talked with... God used them in such huge ways.

There is so much I could write. But, I'll let them tell you on the video!

God bless,

Scott Paschal

ICTA Students in Scott Paschal's Kitchen

Anastasia Writes Scotty from Kiev, Ukraine

2007-07-31T21:45:00.000-05:00

Hello there! This is Scott Paschal. Much has been happening around the International Christian Tennis Association since I last checked in! I'll write a bit more than usual this week to help fill each of you in. God is so good and I want to tell you about all He has done!!

Today, I'd like to share with a card I received from Ana, my "adopted" daughter from Kiev, Ukraine who has trained with me now for nearly a year. Anastasia is back home in Kiev until August and I miss her tremendously.

I'll write more tomorrow or Friday about ICTA's amazing mission trips to Lexington, Kentucky, and then to Washington DC for the LeggMason Tennis Classic! Be sure to check back for updates! Here's my Ana...

Dear Scott,

First I want to say how much I miss you. All things that I do now coming from your teaching. I want to say THANK YOU so much for all things that you taught me. It helps me now a lot.

Everyone who is around me noticed that my actions are very mature. I grew in my tennis game and in my social life, too!

I got back to Ukraine where is everything is still the same (even worse), but I see all of that in different way. Now I know how to respond with different types of people and give them a thought in their minds about Jesus after my answer or reaction.

There is so many things I want to say about what works in my life that you taught me, but it can't fit all in this little (tiny) card. This is card I want to show you a tiny part of my appreciation for all your work in my life.

I'm always thanking God for you. Because it's not only in my life you did so much work & made a difference, but in each student's life that is in ICTA.

And you doing it all from your heart!!! Having you in my life-it's a blessing!

Love you & miss you a lot! You're unbelievable.

God bless you,

Anastasia

Emma's Delima

2007-07-23T17:46:00.000-05:00

ICTA's Pro Tennis Missionary Team members Rachel Snelen (WTA player) and Emma Hustad (NCAA D1 player) in Paris at 2007 French Open on ICTA visioneering & foundation laying mission trip.

Blessings to you all!

My name is Emma Hustad and I am a college student at the University of North Dakota where I am active in Christian ministry through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes as President; Campus Crusade for Christ / Athletes In Action as a bible-study leader; and the World-Wide Student Network reaching international students; Grace Baptist Church and the Fighting Sioux Tennis Team.

Emma Hustad and Rachel Snelen with ICTA Founder, Scott Paschal, celebrating the 63rd Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France during ICTA Global Mission Trip to 2007 French Open.

But what’s more… I am a summer missionary on court serving hard through the International Christian Tennis Association in Florida. What an amazing few months it’s been!

It’s beyond me- to look back and see how God in his faithfulness brought me here.

Emma and Rachel at a castle Bed & Breakfast near Normandy, France.

Well, why don’t we go back! Summer break was almost here and the dilemma began… How does God want to use Emma this summer? With so many great opportunities I felt challenged discerning through God’s plans for my summer in comparison to my plans and ideas for my summer.

Emma Hustad Training With Scotty

If it were up to me, I would have worked around home… maybe taught some tennis… enjoyed vacation with my friends… and placed God in a neat, little comfort zone box on a 2 week Athlete’s in Action missions trip to Kazakhstan. This all was within my comfort zone.

The whole total-summer-commitment Florida / ICTA thing wasn’t something I felt comfortable doing since it didn't quite fit into Emma's little box.

Dilemma almost solved… right?!

Not Quite! God had other plans.

Rachel Snelen and Emma Hustad Visiting Notre Dame in Beautiful Paris.

In challenging me through His word, He revealed to me a couple of examples that made biblical history. He showed me His will for living life in a way outside of my comfort zone that made less of me and more of Him.

Esther, for example, had a selfless attitude of “If I perish, oh well, I perish!” much like Paul’s sacrificial heart “to live as Christ – dying is gain!”

God really challenged me to lose much of me and my self-security, comfort, control, safety… to gain, thrive, and live abundantly in trusting and depending on His plan.

Emma and ICTA Christian Tennis Academy Students Playing a Board Game in Scott Paschal's House.

So I took a leap of faith being comfortable in my uncomfortable-ness because my comfort was in God! Got that?!

I now find myself in Florida with Scott Paschal and the International Christian Tennis Association seeking, seeing, knowing more of Christ each day through the work- Eternal work, through ICTA missions to professional tennis tournaments in Texas, South Carolina, and Washington DC: people finding Jesus!

To ICTA amazing missions foundational work in Paris and Normandy, France during the 2007 French Open; to eye-opening experiences in Israel yet to come in August-

To daily training with WTA players up to three workouts a day! 2 on 1 tennis training, early morning footwork, strength training! To being daily discipled by ICTA founder, Scott Paschal, in his own home! To attending Student Life in Daytona, Florida as a special guest of David Nasser who speaks to over 700,000 people a year, and having the privilege to sit next to David’s wife.

To meeting people who came to know Christ through ICTA! To learning everything about ICTA and seeing God working faithfully through His servants! God is faithful!

ICTA Women's Pro Tennis Team at Christian Event. Emma (3rd left)

All of which being His plans through the International Christian Tennis Association to make Himself known.

So, in some of the many dilemmas God has in your life right now… as a sister in Christ I’d like to challenge you to lose yourself, your plans –Be weak and be God's!

For when you are weak, then He is strong!

Emma

Rachel Snelen WTA Christian Tennis Player Skydiving

2007-07-13T17:11:00.000-05:00

Rachel Snelen, the captain of ICTA's Women's Pro Tennis Team which travels worldwide competing on the pro tour while sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ despite persecution, took a weekend off from her crazy busy schedule to celebrate her 24th birthday with her twin sister, Melody Snelen; her mother, Joy Snelen; fellow WTA player and fellow team member, Shantel Tavita; and 8 year ICTA friend, Sue Beck, whose son Joe trained with me for over 5 years.

Rachel, you rock! You've selflessly dedicated your life to following Christ. God has used your life to bring other WTA players and top juniors to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. You are a blessed amazing person that shines as an example worldwide as to what a young person can do when she follows God's call into ministry.

I thank God for your mentors starting with your amazing mom, Joy Snelen. I am thankful for Sue Beck, a former Mormon who is now forever Christian because of your never ending devotion and dedication to your unwavering faith that Jesus Christ is Lord. I am thankful for Jen Nasser, the wife of my friend David Nasser, whose big sister love for you and your potential in this world and her incredible advice and wisdom has made such a huge impact on your life. I thank God for your twin, Melody, who will always have your back and is your best friend in this world.

Happy Birthday, Rachel.

We LOVE you!

Scott

A Blessed Life: Why I Am Thankful

2007-07-08T22:48:00.000-05:00

So much goes on around International Christian Tennis Association headquarters in just a week. This picture collage represents a small portion of the activities, but they do give an idea of the awesome time my students are having as they grow in their faith and in tennis! Every one of my students feels loved and cared about. They are all very happy and feel great about the positive growth occurring within. I am so glad to have the opportunity to be a part of their life story in this season of their lives.

When a student comes to train with me, my main discipleship focus is off the tennis court. These kids are not tennis academy students! They are disciples of Jesus Christ who happen to play tennis. Sure these kids hit for 4 to 5 hours a day!! Sure, the WTA ranked players I coach hit crazy hard! Of course every member of my junior guy's 15-17 team basically tries to destroy the tennis ball every day twice a day!

And then there is 7am footwork training... mountain biking... flexibility... hours of ping pong working hand/eye coordination... balance training... massive core training... plyometrics... strength training in the hot Florida sun... and strong Florida tournaments on the weekend!!!

But, more important than the 5-7 hours a day, 5-6 days a week of world class tennis training is the hours and hours of they spend off court diving deeper into Christ! Bibles studies... Christian concerts... Christian leadership seminars... Sunday church... mission trips to famous professional tournaments... mission trips to their own junior tournaments where they compete... Christian videos... public speaking opportunities... Christian books studies... learning how to prepare a sermon... teamwork... accountability... transparency... and fellowship.

These Christian tennis missionaries serve as an example to you that God can use all of us to reach others! You are important and special.

Let's take these pictures of my tennis missionary students & friends from the top left first row and go right as I explain a little about each pic...

Rachel and Melody Snelen with a friend in Atlanta who works in the Christian music industry.... Melody with a former 2003 ICTA academy student now competing on the pro tour, and a college girl the ICTA pro team helped lead to Christ...Melody Snelen and Emma with a Church youth group they spoke to Wednesday evening... 3 members of the Women's Pro Tennis Team with Breck Henderson, my friend of 8 years, and a Jewish girl who recently accepted Christ through God working through the pro team and two special tennis missionaries in Israel...... Mel playing pro tennis.

Second row... my special Ukrainian unofficially adopted daughter, Anastasia Kharchenko, and me... Shantel Tavita ready for Church... 13 year old Adam whose Dad is my friend and whose family have been my neighbors for the last 3+ years... pros and juniors I coach hanging out at my kitchen table... Newbs and Ana riding mountain bikes.

Third row... Mark from Mexico, who I have coached for a year, with Ana (almost 1 year) and Newb (3 years)... me and Ana by my Jeep after practice... Mark forehand... my boy's 11-14 tennis team... Shantel with WTA player friend.

Fourth row... Rachel Snelen and Melody Snelen with their 94 year old grandmother... Ana and Mel giving Bearby a bath in my front yard... Rach donating my Chevy Suburban to a pastor in Texas who will take it to Mexico and give it to a pastor without a car... amazing Emma working on a scrapbook... David from Australia smiling during practice.

Bottom row... Anastasia doing bookkeeping for me... Ana forehand... David and Newbs... Rachel Snelen forehand... Ana and Newbs.

I am so thankful for the many blessings God has given me. Just look at these terrific people! I am honored to call them my friends. Life truly is so short and I have come to cherish every moment I have with the students God has placed in my life. I've coached for over half of my life! I've coached kids who now have kids! Jordan, Justin, Toby, Elaine... they are all in their mid-20s now! Wow... and ouch.

A couple of quick notes... my book is coming along nicely. This book will become ICTA's gift book and is packed full of tennis related stories of faith and hope. Today, I finished a chapter totally dedicated to Ruth! I think junior and pro tennis girls will love that chapter.

Also, ICTA is welcoming a new ICTA Women's Pro Tennis Team member beginning July 27! A neat gal who wanted to come train and intern with me 1.5 years ago, but was warned not to by her non-Christian parents, is finally on her way! This special soon to be 26 year old kid will be so great to have around. She has felt driven to come here in spite of the oppression and God has finally opened the doors. God is so good!

And finally, to the anonymous "Christian" person who sent me hate email claiming I'm not qualified to minister, have a ridiculous ministry, am not worthy to share the Gospel, and many other things I can't write here... thanks for your opinion... and you're right! I am not worthy... I'm an idiot. I am absolutely not worthy to share anything God has created and I'm the first to say I'm worth less than pig poo without Jesus in my life... I'm just an idiot!!

But, my anonymous blogger friend, I'm God's idiot.

And when He called me into ministry, I'm pretty sure He didn't ask your opinion first! He called, I followed, He has blessed my life, Satan has attacked, God blesses more for my faithfulness... and there you go.

My life is such a blessed life. God has given so many special and wonderful opportunities to me to serve Him. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else doing anything else!

God bless!!

Scott Paschal
ballboy4jesus@yahoo.com
386 793 0557

"Me...the most high profile Christian in tennis ....!??"

2007-07-04T13:11:00.001-05:00

Hello there! This is Scott Paschal. That's me in the middle up there having a picture taken with my tennis academy students. For those of you new to the International Christian Tennis Association, ICTA, this blog is our online magazine designed to keep you up to date and informed on the happenings of our ministry. It's a free resource for you!

Our goal with our magazine is to offer an insider's point of view to help our readers feel included, even if they're secretly logged in from as far away as Tehran, Iran or Istanbul, Turkey. All are welcome!

The pics I've placed on this blog are from recent Christian event my wonderful Christian tennis academy students attended with me! We enjoyed a tremendous time at the event!

I'd like introduce you to these fine Christian tennis players who have a heart to serve Jesus and a massive passion for top junior or pro tennis.

From right to left... Shantel Tavita (1 year) , Rachel Snelen (7 years), Melody Snelen (7 years), Jon (3 years), Emma (summer 07), Josh (summer 07), Anastasia Kharchenko (1 year), Mark (1 year), David (summer 07), Rand (summer 07). Countries represented are Samoa, USA, Ukraine, and Mexico. Not pictured, Brendan from Trinidad. Other students coming in during July and August not pictured.

This last week has been so blessed. Doors are opening for ICTA that only God can open. I am learning so much about Christian ministry, life, empathy for others, letting go and letting God take over.

I'd like to share a phone call with you. A guy called me recently for an interview. Honestly, at first I didn't trust him, so I agreed to just 5 minutes. His first question was a shocker! He asked point blank... "Are you aware you are the most high profile Christian in tennis right now?"

The way he said "the" echoed in my brain for what seemed like an hour. I politely disagreed in my own unique Italian way, which possibly sounded like a cat getting a bath, mentioned I am just a pretty stubborn behind the scenes type of guy and am nothing at all more than a happy donkey being ridden by Christ's purpose for my life... and I quickly changed the subject.

Me...??... the... NOT!

We spoke for longer than 5 minutes and I believe the fella is now an advocate for our ministry. I talk to a lot of folks each week, but that phone call stood out.

I'd also like to mention a friend of mine came to stay with us for a couple days. Like me, he's a tennis/ministry type of guy. I enjoyed having him around and look forward to God's purpose for our friendship. The kids enjoyed him also... though Mark probably didn't enjoy getting destroyed 21-9 by him in ping-pong last night!

God bless each of you reading today. Thank you for your soo many phone calls and emails of support as ICTA reaches for Christ into the tennis industry and beyond.

Wherever you are and whatever your situation, know Jesus loves you even when it seems like no one else does.

Scott Paschal
ballboy4jesus@yahoo.com

Thanks for Asking

2007-06-22T21:54:00.000-05:00

Hope you like these recent pics! Most are from yesterday. I'm really enjoying watching God work in the lives of these tennis missionaries which are invading my house, blessing my life, and claiming a spot in my heart here in beautiful Palm Coast, Florida!

Each young person has a really unique personality and each has come to really bond with the others, which is so rare in today's world! From these close bonds they learn trust and are willing to let others into their worlds.

Where are the students I'm working with this summer from?

Ukraine... Australia... USA... Trinidad... Samoa... and Mexico. The majority of my wonderful kids I've been blessed to coach and mentor have parents who are in ministry... pastors, worship leaders, church planting missionaries.

I am always amazed at the incredible difference between secular parents and Christian parents in ministry. The respect given to me, to their children, and to the other students by these rare individuals is so special and different. I'm blessed and my little Christian tennis academy is blessed.

God is blessing my upcoming plans as well. This is an important time in my life. When I began ICTA back in 1999, I gave myself 10 years to learn about ministry. To see if I could be used by God to make any kind of positive difference for the Kingdom. 8 years later I'm still in ministry and God has blessed every step.

I didn't know if I would last this long as I'm just like most of you, full of faults and have never been to seminary. I was pretty much an ignorant moron my first few years in ministry and spent a lot of time with my foot in my mouth as I battled my pride and my need to do it all on my own. Well, I lived through the first 8 years and have 2 years left.

As I said, this is an important time in my personal ministry. I've put off having a family, I've put off making $, I've really sacrificed everything that most people don't sacrifice... and now I'm heading into the home stretch.

What's the next 24 months going to bring? God willing some neat stuff. I'll keep quiet about it now but I would like to ask you to keep me in your prayers. Please also keep my family and my friends in your prayers. Satan seems to be somewhat concerned about me and has used his people for several years to attack my family and friends, and members of the ICTA Women's Pro Tennis Team. Your prayers are much welcomed in this battle.

For your prayers for me, I'd like you to focus on praying for me to remain effective in slowing down and letting God direct my steps. Satan's people attacking me doesn't affect me any more... my most pressing prayer need is for you to pray I continue to walk with Him with my eyes shut and my mouth closed, and to be able to continuously hear Him in my life and respond to His commands... especially when He leads me down paths that make no sense to my fish-in-a-bowl brain.

To wrap this up...I receive email near daily from people sharing how ICTA has made a positive difference in their lives... sometimes just knowing we're out there sharing our Christian faith in tennis makes some people really inspired to do the same. Well, you people inspire me as well!

People have been led to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior from hearing the Gospel through ICTA's mission trips to famous tennis tournaments, my small tennis academy, our women's missionary pro tennis team. This is powerful and special and awe-inspiring. This tennis ministry is effective and is God-blessed and is God-driven and is God-inspired.

So for those of you who have wondered what I've been up to this summer and who want to know how I am doing... well, I am doing well and have 2 more years left and am more in love with Jesus than ever from going to war with Him... so, thanks for asking!

God bless,

Scott Paschal
www.christiantennis.net
ballboy4jesus@yahoo.com
386 793 0557

French Open Mission Trip: Day One

2007-06-14T13:28:00.002-05:00

Emma and Rachel visiting a french castle B&B on their way back to Paris from touring Normandy.

God has opened doors of opportunity in France for the International Christian Tennis Association. Answered prayers have brought a plan and a purpose for our tennis ministry. And through the dedication of a few people willing to walk in faith, a new ministry is growing towards not only the French Open, but to people in Paris, France.

Rachel, Emma, and I are in awe of the opportunity God has placed before us as Christian missionaries and tireless workers for the Kingdom. Rachel, such a special person who has dedicated her life, not to playing tennis professionally though she reached her lifelong dream of being WTA ranked, but to reaching and discipling WTA players and top juniors for Christ.

And Emma, awesome... an intern with me who is dedicating her summer to helping me grow ministry worldwide, and an amazingly bright, kind person full of hope and faith. She has brought a strong maturity to strengthen those around her and has reminded me of the standards I need to keep and why when choosing students and interns.

An amazing tour guide and photographer and ourselves spent 5 days following God's lead as we discovered a plan God has placed in our paths. A kind, loving French pastor and his family showed among the most brutally honest Christian witness I have ever seen. And Rach and Emma blew me away by their ability to go and grow and watch and learn and share...

These few pics are from the beginning of our journey to Paris and Roland Garros. I hope you enjoy them. They show our trip to Orlando Int'l Airport to JFK to Paris... and at the end of the gallery you will see a glimpse of what was yet to come.

God bless, Scotty

Inside-Out Christian Tennis Shots

2007-06-01T17:29:00.000-05:00

I've received emails lately from people asking for more pics and inquiring about what it's like around here with the International Christian Tennis Association over the summer! We decided to take pictures of the last few days to help bring you along with us around here!

This summer heaps of good stuff is happening! To start with, I will host between 11-19 fulltime tennis missionary students in my home who are participating in my tennis academy programs. With students from Australia to Trinidad to Ukraine and beyond, this is an exciting "international" summer.

I have a wonderful new junior boy's team for ages 11-14! Rand, Adam, and Josh are awesome and I am having a GREAT time working with them on and off court. So refreshing to work with some "pups" after working for so many years with only "big dog" pro players! From tennis to fitness to piano to filming their sermons they make... one word... satisying.

My new boy's junior team for ages 15-17 will have 6 guys blasting the ball at each other often twice-daily, plus traveling to tournaments together, enjoying mission trips together, attending Christian concerts, studying cutting-edge discipleship training materials....

The ICTA Women's Pro Team is at 6 players and is traveling worldwide! Mexico, Paris, USA, and possibly Thailand and Rome....

Basically, having everyone here is amazing. The energy, the fun, the curiosity, the anticipation!
Enjoy the pics and thank you so much for your prayers, emails and phone calls of support!

God bless,

Scott Paschal

Coach Scotty is Going to Paris...

2007-05-19T07:56:00.000-05:00

I have a sense of excitement as we prepare to journey to Europe.

I generally like traveling and meeting new people and seeing new things, but for me this trip has bit of extra mystery and sense of anticipation. I feel this trip will be special....

Why are we going to France?

We're traveling specifically to lay the foundation for a potential large-scale International Christian Tennis Association, ICTA, Mission Trip to the 2008 French Open, and to possibly establish an ICTA homebase in Europe.

On the way to Paris and back to Florida, we'll have some fun visiting other locations. Two places I want to check out are Rome and Athens. We'll shoot some video footage for upcoming shows and take lots of pics. While in France, we'll hang out at Rolland Garros and travel with our host church family.

Please keep our trip in your prayers as we seek to expand ICTA tennis ministry to Europe by establishing an International Christian Tennis Association homebase and laying the foundation for a potential future 2008 or 2009 large-scale mission trip in cooperation with our ministry partners and churches in France supportive of our purpose.

God bless,

Scott Paschal
www.christiantennis.net
ballboy4jesus@yahoo.com

ICTA Women's Pro Tennis Team: 3- Week Mission Tour of Mexico

2007-04-28T09:56:00.000-05:00

Anastasia Kharchenko (lt) #5 Europe Jr and Rachel Snelen (Rt),WTA ranked tour player,
training with Coach Scott Paschal in Florida in preparation for their Mexico tour.

Theme of 3-Week Tour of ICTA Women's Pro Tennis Team:

"Exposing the Modern-Day Sex Slave Trade Industry"

" The ICTA Women's Pro Tennis Team travels worldwide to share the Good News of Salvation through Christ. In addition, each mission tour is a specific opportunity to bring awareness to an important cause. For this 3-week missions tour, ICTA has chose to shine the light of His love into the evil that is the modern-day sex slave trade industry.

Slavery has not left the world. Literally hundreds of thousands of young girls and boys worldwide are held in slavery through the horrific sex slave trade industry. The movie, Amazing Grace, has helped to open eyes globally to the reality that slavery still exists.

ICTA supports the cause to bring awareness to the sex slave trade industry. For 3 weeks ICTA's Women's Pro Tennis Team will travel throughout Mexico as a shining beacon of hope for those less fortunate.

Please post this article in your local newspaper, local church bulletin board, local Christian academy, your tennis club, have it read live on the local radio, or make copies and give them out at tournaments"
Scott Paschal, Head Coach ICTA Pro Teams

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ICTA 3-Week Missions Tour

Location: Los Mochis, Mexico
Tournament: VI Copa Casablanca
Date: April 28-May 6, 2007
Venue Hotel: Best Western
Team Members: Rachel Snelen, Shantel Tavita, Anastasia Kharchenko

Location: Mazatlan, Mexico
Tournament: III Copa Cid
Date: May 6-13, 2007
Venue Resort Hotel: El Cid Granada
Team Members: Rachel Snelen, Shantel Tavita, Anastasia Kharchenko

Location: Irapuato, Mexico
Tournament: I Tourneo Internacional Feminil Irapuato
Date: May 13-20, 2007
Venue Hotel: TBD
Team Members: Rachel Snelen, Shantel Tavita, Anastasia Kharchenko, Melody Snelen

Speaking Opportunities: The ICTA Women's Pro Tennis Team is available to speak at your Christian youth event, youth group, or church. Contact Rachel Snelen at 386 793 0557 or send an email to TeamICTA@Yahoo.com (attn: Rachel) for more information.

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While I type this at 11:51 am on Saturday morning at my home in Palm Coast, Florida, the ICTA Women's Pro Tennis Team is training on red clay in Los Mochis, Mexico in preparation for competition the VI Copa Casablanco, an ITF pro tennis tournament.

From the beautiful red clay courts this rare Christian group of missionaries will seek to establish friendships with other WTA ranked pro players and top juniors. This often leads to opportunities to serve others.

While on tour these young ladies have led several WTA & top junior players on tour to the Lord, and through International Christian Tennis Association connections have offered assistance in the form of money, flights, food, and housing to many, many others.

At the conclusion of the VI Copa Casablanco, the ICTA Women's Pro Tennis Team will journey back to the beautiful beach resort town of Mazatlan, Mexico, where they first arrived on Thursday afternoon. Mazatlan is home of the III Copa Cid, an ITF pro tournament held at an exclusive resort.

From Mazatlan the girls will travel to Irapuato, Mexico, which is located just northwest of Mexico City, to compete in the I Tourneo Internacional Feminil Irapuato.

Melody Snelen will fly to Mexico City from Orlando, Florida to then meet the team in Irapuato. Mel has been invited to travel with the family of Christian speaker, David Nasser, on the sold-out Music Boat Cruise to Jamaica. David's wife, Jen, is a wonderful friend and mentor to not only Rachel and Melody Snelen, but every girl I coach! So grateful for their many years of support.

Why is the ICTA Pro Tennis Team concept so successful? Each team member is passionate about how God has worked/is working in her life and she wants to share her faith because she realizes a sense of purpose as God works through each of their lives to reach others.

How does a tour happen? We pray about possible locations, then begin planning to make each location possible. We go where the doors open.

In the picture above and to the left, Rachel Snelen, an ITF junior & pro tour veteran of 5+ years and ICTA Pro Team Captain, discusses the daily plan she has developed to help make their 3 week tour a success.

From going over all airline flight plans to hotel reservations to bus routes, Rachel is a precision planner and loves to get her team organized for a successful trip.

Visas are prepared in advance and passports are packed!

Rachel knows enough clothing, strings, nutritional supplements, etc. must be carefully prepared and packed to last the full 3 weeks. Bibles & tracts & ICTA T-shirts are packed to be given away as gifts to players.

Brittiny and Emma are scheduled to join the ICTA Women's Pro Tennis Team this summer semester. I've coached Britty fulltime off and on since she was just 11 or 12 years old and now she is going to be a senior in high school next year.

Wow, how time flies... and wow, am I thrilled my seemingly impossible big dream of forming a pro tennis team to travel worldwide to share their faith has become a reality that Brittiny, and other girls worldwide, can participate in!

The 6-member ICTA Women's Pro Tennis Team, along with their fantastic parents, grandparents, friends, and supporters, are all such a rare and special group of people.

Though the travel team consists of 6 teammates, and sometimes me, there are truly many more people involved. To the several dozen people involved in sending these girls on Christian mission trips worldwide, I'd like to say thanks. Parents, friends, ministry partners, prayer partners, family members... each of you is a valuable string in the racket.

Please keep the safety and success of this mission tour deep into Mexico in your prayers. If you would like to sponsor a missionary for a day or for an entire mission trip, contact Rachel Snelen or myself at 386 793 0557 and/or TeamICTA@yahoo.com.

I see a day when ICTA sends several different teams on mission tours to different continents at the same time. I see a day when 6 girls on one team has become 36 girls placed on 6 teams. Can you imagine that!?

I can see players worldwide competing for CHRIST! Coaches, tournament directors, officials, media... lives changing! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is being boldly shared!

Can you imagine what would happen if souls were won for Christ on the WTA tour... and then those new Christians became among the top 20 WTA players in the world, maybe even #1 WTA.

The largest trees begin as a tiny seed. Our little 2-member pro team has grown to 6 team members within one year. Tournaments attended in 2007 will more than quadruple from 2006.

Since last summer, top 100 WTA players have already been reached and top junior players have been led to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Please share this journal entry via email, or any venue you legally can, in support of the mission of the ICTA Women's Pro Tennis Team as they share their faith, and as they shine His light on the evil which is harming children worldwide.

God bless,

Scott Paschal
www.christiantennis.net
ballboy4jesus@yahoo.com
386 793 0557

Glory Revealed Concert

2007-04-25T18:54:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is the big day! The Glory Revealed Tour is in our area and we're heading out to Ocala, Florida to have a great time! We'll hit some tennis balls with Nasser around 3pm, shower, eat something, then head to the concert venue, First Baptist Church of Ocala!

Watching Newbie and Nasser play a match is always fun! I think this is Newbie vs Nasser V. Right now, I think Newbs has the advantage 3-2. The funnest match was when they played in Atlanta just over a year ago... split sets and a tie break in the third. That match took so long that we were all late getting to the concert venue.

Chris and his mom, Susie, are driving in to meet us. I coached Chris last summer. His Mom and Dad have been my friends and ICTA supporters for 5 years. Susie is a Pediatrician and her husband, Chuck, is a shrink. Will be fun to spend time with everyone. Chris and I have a strong coach/player bond for sure. One of those bonds that will last a lifetime. Same with Newbie, whose real name is Jon by the way.

This morning Rachel, Anastasia, Shantel, and Melody drove to Orlando to spend the night. Tomorrow, this amazing ICTA Women's Pro Tennis Team flies to Mazatlan, Mexico via LA. The team will do missions activites while competing in two ITF pro tournaments... Los Mochis, Mexico and Mazatlan, Mexico.

Melody isn't going with the team as she has been invited by Nasser's family to go with them on the Music Boat Cruise to Jamaica. Rach went last year on the cruise that went from California down to Mexico. Mel will have a blast spending time with Nasser's family and meeting so many Christian music artists. She's really excited! I'm excited for her!

Me... I'm sitting here on the couch with the dog typing this to you... kinda boring, huh? I think I'll go make some homemade Fettuccine Alfredo and watch The Incredibles. Not exactly missions work in Mazatlan, but it'll do...

I hope you have had the opportunity to attend Glory Revealed!

If not, be sure to check out the book and CD at the Glory Revealed web site... www.GloryRevealed.com

Please keep the safety of the girls in your prayers. They are traveling deep into Mexico specifically to share the Gospel of Jesus to WTA players and others God brings to their path. These amazing girls are selflessly giving of their time, money, safety to follow the Great Commission as commanded by Jesus and recorded by Mathew (28). These girls, and the mission of their team, are very rare and special.

God bless,

Scott Paschal
International Christian Tennis Association
www.christiantennis.net
386 793 0557
ballboy4jesus@yahoo.com

Scotty and Peppers... Christian Tennis Nuts!

2007-04-22T07:18:00.000-05:00

This morning as the sun rises I keep thinking about the many blessings God has placed in my life.

Even though the TV and the Internet remind me how fallen this world is, even though there is so much heartache, I keep hearing God's voice through it all.

The senseless massacre at Virginia Tech, the daily murders in Baghdad, starvation and poverty and disease worldwide, kids with AIDS... the world pounds us with such pain and sometimes I just sit and stare, not quite knowing what to do, where I fit in, or even what to think of it all.

Then, as it all begins to seem a bit hopeless, God sends me a sign. Maybe an olive branch in a way. A sign to say He is in control. A sign to say He is creator of all and I am just a little nobody who isn't supposed to have all the answers. Yet, though a little nobody, I am His.

In a small way I can understand this because I have a fish tank and I take care of my fish.

And as I am His I have a job to accomplish. I've been set on this planet to share His word and to disciple others. Plus, I teach tennis. Oh, and there's this little ministry I run.

Peppers is one of the reminders God is in control. He is someone God sent to show me how I fit into His greater plan. God has big things in store for Peppers. My job with Peppers was to point him in a more focused direction, which I did.

A couple days ago, Pepper's Dad flew in from the South Pacific to fly home with Peppers. We enjoyed a 4 hr visit at Chic Fil A discussing lots of thoughts about Church, Christianity, Restoration, his family, and Peppers.

The Dad says Peppers is an improved kid from the one he dropped off with me in January. That's nice.

In the middle of all the pain and suffering of the world, it's nice to know I have a purpose. It's good to know there is some good inside of me. When the world constantly says "bad," it's nice to know God is good and His goodness wants to flow through you and me.

As it flows through us, it reaches others. While we can't snap our fingers and make the pain of the world go away, we can open our eyes and our ears to hear his voice and see His face. Then we can answer Him when He calls...

and for better or for worse we can know He is in control.

Friends4Ever,

Scott Paschal
www.christiantennis.net
International Christian Tennis Association
386 793 0557

Christian Tennis Academy Red...

2007-04-14T18:55:00.001-05:00

Sunny and beautiful! That's what yesterday was all about. Perfect Florida weather. Great for tennis, great for shopping, great for driving... just perfect.

Speaking of tennis, what a terrific workout the kids enjoyed. For Mark and Joseph, they spent 6 hours improving their fitness and their doubles skills. They played 3 different WTA ranked pro tennis players in 2 on 1 matches. These two junior guys were ready for battle, even wearing matching outfits!!

Mark serving while Joe waits to poach!

Both boys had a great time improving their specialty shots and doubles skills. Plus, they got to hit with 3 gorgeous Christian WTA ranked pro tennis players for 6 hours! Who gets to do that!!?

Melody Snelen blasting a forehand.

Mark and Joe lost all their sets, including some bagels! But they also had some close sets, maybe 7-5 or 6-4 twice, and learned so much from hitting with such smart and powerful players.

Melody is recently recovering from a serious wrist injury she suffered early last year when training with one of the WTA ranked players I formerly trained full time, Julia Vakulenko. While Julia, after training with me for just 2 months, went on to immediately reach her highest career WTA ranking of #51 WTA, Melody had to stop playing tennis for 4 months, then rehab for 8 months.

The good news for Melody Snelen is she is healing and is close to 100%.

Next month, Melody Snelen is going on a cruise with David Nasser's family aboard the Music Boat before she competes in several ITF Pro Circuit tournaments in the USA and Mexico. The Music Boat Cruise is sailing to Jamaica! She is incredibly excited about time with friends on the cruise (David is a speaker for the cruise), meeting new people on the cruise, and journeying on several ICTA Pro Team mission trips after the cruise ends! In fact, Mel will fly directly from Miami to a pro tournament in Mazatlan, Mexico.

Joe preparing to ride his bike after his workout.

This was a fun day hitting and coaching. I really love coaching.

My time is becoming a bit limited as I am heavily into developing my new ministry, preparing for my tennis tour company's first tour to the 2007 US OPEN with ICTA members, and developing the business plan and blueprints for my upcoming tennis facility.

But, though these new responsibilities are highly important, even life changing, my students are my #1 priority.

I coach not because I have to, but because I want to. In fact, my goal is to offer completely free training to all students I bring in full time for my ICTA Junior Teams. A new tennis facility, free tennis training, cutting edge missions training programs, world class leadership seminars, tennis teams... good stuff! God is blessing!

God bless,

Scott Paschal
www.christiantennis.net

A Fun Parent Visit to the International Christian Tennis Association

2007-04-12T13:49:00.000-05:00

Shantel, Joseph, Rand, Melissa, Edwin, Caroline, Coach Scotty, Anastasia, Adam, Mel, Mark

Yesterday was a fun day. I really enjoy meeting new people whether it is during an ICTA Christian tennis mission trip to a famous tennis event, such as the Pacific Life Open, or simply parents of prospective full time students coming over my house!

Before I write further, though, I'd like to greet our Christiantennis.net and blog guests! This blog and ICTA's web site get read! And I mean read by 1000s and 1000s worldwide... up to 20,000 page views a week!

Even right now, people are visiting from Sha Alam, Malasia; Santiago, Chile; Singapore, Singapore; Lima, Puru; Caracas, Venazuela; Guadaljara, Mexico; Brooklyn, New York; Tehran, Iran; Central, Fiji; Hyogo, Japan; Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany; Utrecht, Netherlands; Sicilia, Italy; Misto- Kyyiv, Ukraine; Makkah, Saudi Arabia; London, England; Valais, Switzerland; Dehli, India... and so many more... right now. ICTA is truly reaching worldwide! So exciting! A big welcome to all of you for sure and God bless you.

I think one of the most special parts of my day, yesterday, was meeting Caroline. Caroline is one neat kid. Definitely blessed. She is one of those kids who can light up a room with her presence. I met Caroline because her brother, Rand, came in to hit with the gang. Before I agree to train a new student, I schedule a time to visit the student and his/her family. So, that's what yesterday was about. And from this day I had the opportunity to meet Caroline!

Coach Scotty, Bearby, and Caroline

Here's a pic of me and her! With Bearby in the middle. Something special about Caroline is she has been blessed to be able to view the world from a different prospective. See, her legs operate differently than mine. They do all the things that my legs do, but they don't hold her body weight. Thus, Caroline has the opportunity to be unique! From her unique prospective of life, her personality is tremendously positive. And that has been such a blessing for me and an inspiration for all of us! Because, you know, so many people are unhappy no matter their health... and here Caroline is as happy as can be!

Rand came in the night before and spent the night with us. He had fun hanging out with the guys while they all got to know each other. In the morning after a big breakfast of ham, egg, and cheese sandwiches, everyone headed upstairs to watch two Way of the Master videos. Once the videos completed, the gang headed downstairs where I led ICTA Discipleship Training. I spoke on the Great Commission.

From there the girls drove out to the tennis courts and started their workouts in preparation for their 6 city pro tennis tour in May. The guys and I drove my Jeep Wrangler to Walmart to get a leak in the tire fixed. While waiting we walked to Taco Bell and downed some early lunch. After learning Walmart can't fix that particular leak, we drove to the courts and began pounding tennis balls.

Shantel Tavita: WTA Ranked 2007!

Here's a pic of Shantel Tavita (above) and Anastasia Kharchenko (below) as we worked on changing the direction of the ball. While training with me, Shantel has recently earned her WTA ranking. She is the first female in the modern era of tennis from her country to earn a WTA ranking.

Anastasia Kharchenko (below) is a new Christian! She accepted Christ last October, a month after she came here to train with me! Ana earned #1 G16 in Ukraine and and #5 in Europe. She has top WTA potential, yet her focus is on learning more about Jesus and gaining a top education via the Abeka Christian Curriculum ICTA offers.

I'm proud of them both and glad they're members of the ICTA Pro Tennis Team. This pro tennis team travels internationally to compete in pro tennis tournaments while reaching the WTA players with the Gospel. This is the only team of its kind in the world. They are getting international recognition from top Christian ministries for their outstanding dedication to excellence both on and off the tennis court.

Anastasia Kharchenko: New Christian 10/06!

Once practice ended, we drove to the house where everyone took showers and played ping-pong. Mark strung a racket or two. Adam and Rand are evenly matched in ping pong! Lotsa fun watching them battle. Joseph stung a racket and played ping pong as well. I cooked a big pasta dinner to refuel these hard working players!

Daily ping pong wars!

Adam, Mark, Rand, Joseph posing for a pic!

Soon after dinner Rand's parents & Caroline came by my house to pick him up. Mom and Dad had enjoyed spending a day in St. Augustine, Florida.

Here's a pic of Mom and Dad hanging out with the gang at my house while Rand sets up to nail a forehand!

One of the greatest aspects of coaching is the interaction, love, and support from the parents of my students.

It means the world to be specifically chosen by these parents to guide and mentor their kids. As the founder of ICTA (and a new ministry) and the owner of a long-standing, successful tennis academy, my schedule is tight. I travel a lot and always have something going on. As such, I've learned the importance of having the right people around me. I have learned through trial and error which types of students and parents I need to have a successful, faith-filled tennis academy.

Through my experiences over the years, I've learned to make a dedicated effort to locate parents who understand Christian ministry. Often, they have founded ministries or have worked in ministry themselves. They have a great understanding of what I do and a great appreciation I'm willing to invest my life in mentoring others.

I've learned I'd rather work full time with a 12 year old boy who is passionate and hungry to learn about Jesus, than to coach the #1 B18 junior in the country. The first asks what can I do for others, the second asks what can others do for me.

I've learned I'd rather offer a full scholarship to a no-name female player who loaded with top WTA potential who has fallen in love with Jesus because of our 24/7 efforts in her life, than to offer a full scholarship to a top 100 WTA player who has learned place Jesus in a box while she uses others for her own personal and professional gain.

I've learned that a player's ranking in tennis means nothing in comparison to Christ working in their hearts.

And in all of my experiences as a 21 year coach, I could take every "top ranked" player I've invested my life and finances into and they can't hold a candle to a 10 year old girl with passion for Jesus!

I can look back to so many players I've coached who, by the world's standards, deem themselves special and important, bordering on total self-centeredness, and claiming Christ as the centerpiece in their lives, though little in the way they live their lives bears witness to the claim.

It is embarrassing for me to think about their actions at times.

Especially when I see the passion and love for God that radiates from the heart of a 10 year old kid named Caroline. Top 100 WTA, top 50 WTA, #1 WTA... means nothing. I don't think Jesus is impressed with rankings. From what I understand, He is impressed with what is important.

I really enjoyed meeting Caroline. She is a special kid from a special family. I've agreed to coach Rand. He and Adam will be a great fit. They will be a tremendous team and I will pour my heart into developing them to be both passionate Christians and passionate tennis players. Both of which my current students will say God has blessed me with the ability to do well.

And I look forward to visits from Caroline. You just know God has something big for her life.

She is something special.

God bless,

Scott Paschal
www.christiantennis.net

Scotty's Big Date!!!??

2007-04-09T19:49:00.000-05:00

Ok, ok... I'll talk. Enough with the emails and phone calls already!

Yes, yes, yes. To answer all of you at once YES. It was me at the restaurant with one of the top WTA players in the world.

Ok, there. Are you happy? I hope so.

And yes, I look forward to getting to know her better. And yes, we talked about the future.

Ok, nosey!? Is that enough to settle you down?

Listen, that's about all I'm going to say for now.

What about the rumor I might want to coach her? Nope. You couldn't pay me enough. Most of these pro tour coaches don't coach, they manage. I dislike managing. I love coaching. Thus, I wouldn't agree to work with someone even Federer's level as a coach/manager! I don't manage. Managing stinks for guys with ADHD like me. Coaching good, managing bad.

What about the rumor I'm her father? Ok, smart guy, how about I meet you out back and we discuss my age in an old-school Italian style type of way. If you had half my energy....

What about the rumor I am her agent or want to become her agent? Nope. Though we did talk about her modeling and potential clients. I don't have time or interest to be an agent of a tennis player.

What about the rumor she is becoming involved with ICTA? Ok, we did somewhat talk along those lines at one point. What player wouldn't want to get involved with ICTA!? This organization leads people to Christ, plain and simple. If you believe in Jesus, you want to help ICTA. But, that's not why we have seen each other.

What about the rumor she is obviously blind? Thanks. How about you meet me out back with the other guy? Know what I'm talkin' about pal?

Any other questions out there?

To wrap this up... yes, I was at the restaraunt with her. It was me. We hung out inside the place, then we hung out outside the place. I've introduced her to some people I know. We made plans to see each other later. We saw each other later. So, we'll see what goes from here.

For those of you who have no idea what 'm talking about or who she is, good! Do you know of her? I'd say 90% of you do. Unless you've been in a cave somewhere.

Am I going to tell you who she is? Nope.

Am I going to give you a hint who she is? Nope.

Am I writing about this any more? Nope. :)

Scotty

Easter

2007-04-07T21:53:00.000-05:00

I haven't been to church in nearly 2 months.

Can I say that? I'm a ministry founder and director... am I supposed to admit I haven't been to church? Why didn't I go?

First, a 2 week mission trip to reach 70,000+ in Memphis. Then, a 3.5 week mission trip to reach 300,000+ in Indian Wells, California. Throw in long car rides, flights on Delta, a junior tournament or two....

One of the most difficult aspects to being a full time missionary and ministry director is I do lots of traveling. Thus, I can't attend my church like I'd like.

Well, I'll be there tomorrow! Easter Sunday is special. Christ's resurrection radically changed everything. The old is gone and the new begins. For everyone reading this blog, you can begin new as well!

My church is up around Jacksonville, Florida. I love attending and have felt at home since Day 1. A long time friend is a pastor there. One thing I really enjoy about this church is how welcoming the congregation is.

In fact, upon arrival everyone receives lots of friendly smiles and handshakes. Everyone also enjoys fresh pastries & delicious bagels, Starbucks coffee and specialty teas, fresh orange juice and apple juice... you can even bring your hot coffee in to the church service without receiving dirty looks!

The pastor loves to preach and is skilled at making God's word make sense. The music minister is skilled as well, even having done the junior camp circuits.

That said, my whole tennis academy loves the church as well!

Sometimes, as a full time missionary, I have a difficult time visiting churches where faith is forgotten and Jesus is simply a word. My church really loves to walk in faith and I look forward to Sundays.

And I'm really excited about the Easter Service.

A few ministry notes to catch you up to date...

*The main ICTA Women's Pro Tennis Team roster has filled up for the summer. 6 tremendous missionaries will hit the ITF pro circuit competing for their countries and sharing their faith. Tournaments are scheduled for USA and Mexico. Possibility for Japan & Europe. I may begin a 2nd team as this program is wildly successful and demand is high.

*I've been in wonderful talks with a person who could be a chaplain on the WTA and ATP tours. He has a heart for players and a love for Jesus, 10+ years of chaplain experience, decades of tennis experience, and contacts & relationships with among the most famous people in tennis.

*A tennis chaplain credentialing process is in the works at the genesis stages to take to both the ATP and WTA Tours for approval. Led by an ICTA member who is also a PHD University professor, talks have began not only to provide tennis chaplaincy certification, but also to provide a Seminary Masters or Doctorate Degree in Sports Chaplaincy.

*The ICTA Women's Pro Tennis Team is back from their mission trip to Birmingham, Alabama where they competed in an ITF $25,000 tournament. The team worked smoothly together sharing their faith and offering support to players. They hit with and developed friendships with about a dozen WTA ranked players, one near 200 WTA. One player they met stayed with the team at David Nasser's house. The Nasser's are special people and the girls were so cared for.

*I've lost the 7lbs of belly I gained while on the road for a couple of months! :) As I plan to preach a lot this summer, I'm working to get back into shape so I can fit into my clothes a bit better. I've enjoyed being home and getting back into a normal schedule.

*Summer camps are shaping up! With 12 students this summer, I am looking forward to the excitement of challenging my students to dive deeper into Christ while learning to make others 1st. Plus, we'll hit balls twice daily, get the darkest tans in Florida, travel to junior tournaments for mission trips on the weekends, engage in ping-pong wars, and eat like Vikings! Did I mention our untouched beaches!!?

**And last but not at all least... CONGRATULATIONS go to our own Rachel Snelen for becoming one of America's top 100 WTA ranked professional tennis players. According to the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour's 2007 Official Guide To Professional Tennis, Rachel comes in right at #100!

From the advanced beginner level of junior tennis (Champs/Texas) in 1999 to one of the top 100 WTA players in America! Rachel Snelen is a special person with a heart to reach players with the Gospel. It is amazing how she can handle balancing her full time+ job with ICTA and her missionary travel as the Captain & leader of an entire pro tennis team while competing on the pro tour and leading people to Christ. Great job, Rach! Your friends are so proud of the life you have chosen.

I guess that's about all for now. I don't really have time to mention my plans for building our tennis facility, our tennis tour to the US OPEN, the 2008 ICTA Conference to be held during the Pacific Life Open, or my upcoming book. So, I'll save that stuff for later!

Until we meet again, know I do have you in my prayers. Friends & enemies, I pray for you all. The life we live is simply a training ground for what is to come. I thank God for each of you. My life is so blessed and I know where the blessings come from.

There has been no greater event in history than the defeat Jesus gave death the moment he was resurrected. I thank God for my life and for my hope in Him. I can't imagine what I would do if I had no hope.

God bless!

Scott Paschal

My life ROCKS!

2007-04-04T23:03:00.000-05:00

What a great week! Man, I love my life!

Who else gets to tell so many people about the Creator of the universe and how He wants to have a personal relationship with each of them, and while I do that I get to live in gorgeous Palm Coast, Florida and smack the tennis ball around with a bunch of juniors and WTA pro tennis players who want to hit the ball all day long?

Who else, I ask!? Nobody! Just me! My life rocks...

Wanna know what's been going on around here lately? Ok, I'll tell you.

My junior guys are working on an in-depth study of A Case for Christ by Lee Stroebel and The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. Cool, huh!? They are learning at just 14-15 years of age the incredible facts and proof of Christ, and learning world-class habits from the world's leading expert. Who does that at 14-15 years!? Cool, huh!

Plus, these guys are learning how to preach.

They take each chapter of each book and break them down on paper, then write an in-depth narrative of what they've learned. From there they head to the edge of the wooded area in the back of the yard of my house... where they take turns reading out loud what they're learning. And I mean out loud!! Really loud because I'm in the house and they have to speak loud enough for me to hear them clearly.

So fun! Their voices are getting stronger and their words more confident. So fun to build pastors!

Plus, did I mention we hit balls like 5 hours yesterday? That was awesome. What is better than tennis and Jesus... and Italian pasta :).

Speaking of tennis and Jesus, my girls are coming back from their mission trip to Alabama. Rachel and Melody Snelen, Shantel Tavita, and Anastasia Kharchenko spent the last week telling top WTA players and others about Jesus at an ITF $25,000 tournament.

So fun and productive! They had an absolute blast staying at David Nasser's house with his family for the week. Nasser is getting ready to head out on his tour, Glory Revealed, www.gloryrevealed.com with Mac Powell of Third Day and so many others! (And be sure to check out this awesome Glory Revealed Video)

Nasser has an amazing guest house and the girls packed into it. His wife is a tremendous mentor and friend to Rach and Mel, and the other girls I coach full time or who travel with us, and Nasser loves playing tennis with everyone. So blessed for them to be in such a loving, faith-filled, family environment. David has been a great friend, mentor, and supporter of mine for years.

Tomorrow nite, the girls will be here after a long drive from Alabam and I'm excited to hear all the wonderful stories of people they met and ministry that happened!

The girls are preparing for a huge 8-week road tour. This will be a time of speaking, prayer, building relationships, seeking God's will on the pro tour.... Touring throughout Mexico and the USA with sites set on Japan as well, the ICTA Women's Pro Tennis Team is so special and rare and blessed.

I thank God for these girls and their hearts to share their faith.

I thank God for those who would support them and care about them such as tremendous friends like Jim B. who is there in Birmingham and beyond whenever we need him. I thank God for continuously protecting them from those who would do harm to them (who hasn't heard my stories of the ridiculous antics of their Chinese-American tennis pro stalker I call "Rev." Kraft!?). I thank God for these selfless teens and young adults who stay focused on Jesus and have led others on the WTA tour to Christ while developing relationships to last a lifetime.

What an absolute joy I have in my heart when I think about my life!!

My junior guys are being forged into passionate preachers who are brilliantly able to share their faith! I get to plan and attend mission trips to famous tennis events! My pro player girls travel internationally helping others and sharing their faith in such a way that others have been led to know Christ as their personal Lord and Savior!

I have so many blessings in my life! I live in a safe, beautiful town in a wonderful 2 year old home. My health is tremendous, my Jeep runs like a champ, my Mom called today to check in with unyeilding support for my work, my brother is a successful youth pastor and we talk often, I'm founding a new ministry and two new secular Christian-owned businesses, my tennis academy will be full again this summer as we pack the place with a bunch of junior guys ages 14-16 and hit the fuzz off of boxes and boxes of new tennis balls.

Wow, I'm a fortunate person. So blessed! Thank you God for taking this idiot and creating me as you need me to be. I remember my old life and I thank God for the new creation you have made in me. The last 15 years have been wonderful as you took the old self-centered and replaced him with a Christ-centered one.

Life is so good! Yet, as good as it is right now, when I begin to share my upcoming plans for my life and my ministry with you... WOW!!!

God bless and know Jesus loves you and cares about you even when it seems no one else does!

Coach Scotty

Into Christ...

2007-04-02T19:00:00.000-05:00

I meet a lot of people when I travel.

In the last 2 months I've been across America and back. I've talked with people in Georgia, Tennessee, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, California, Alabama.

I've met literally thousands of people this year.

I always wonder how things are going for the people I meet. What their lives are truly like? Will they be with me in Heaven?

Lately, I've been thinking about a friend.

I remember around 1999 when a friend of mine felt led to share her faith. Her faith was different than mine. I appreciated the attempt, but had a few basic questions for her. I told her I would be glad to take her faith, Mormonism, seriously if she could offer good answers.

She gladly accepted the invitation. In researching my basic questions, her life changed. Permanently. Within a short time she felt her faith was not in agreement with the Christian faith. The next year was painful for her. When she accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior, everything she knew was turned upside down. Everything.

I had began coaching her son full time. Great kid, hard worker. After a couple of years, he asked questions about my faith as he worked to share his faith with me. I asked him just a few basic questions. I explained if he could show me some good answers I would consider seriously looking at his faith.

He gladly accepted the offer. One night he called me from the BYU library. Apparently, one of my questions has seriously stumped him and he flew to Utah to see the correct answer for himself. The correct answer was hidden deep inside the library. When he found the answer, his life was forever changed. He realized he had no choice but to accept Christ, the Christ of the Bible with nothing added or taken away, as his personal Lord and savior.

Both he and his mother have paid a great price for their new belief in Jesus Christ, the Jesus of the Bible. I will keep this information private. Suffice to say the last 5 years have been difficult and I am amazed at the strength they both show.

I don't claim to have all the answers. I was like most of you, didn't have much of an idea about Mormonism and was willing to listen. In listening I came up with a few reasonable questions. I did some research. Found some answers. Asked my Mormon friends if the answers were right or wrong.

Their personal research showed the answers I found were correct. Thus, their lives changed.

Here is something I found. I would like your answers, too.

Back in the 1800s, Brigham Young claimed to be a prophet of God. He was among the greatest Mormon leader in history. Certainly a visionary. He preached for many years that Adam was God. The Mormon church later took the stance that Adam was not God.

Well, one question to my friend and to my student was, "How can a man claim to speak with God and be God's prophet, yet preach for years that God told him God was Adam... because the current LDS church says God was not Adam?"

I went on to say, "To me, that makes him a false prophet and I have a problem with a founding member, prophet, and leader of a religion being a false prophet."

Their answer to me was that Brigham Young would never have claimed Adam was God. That a prophet could never be wrong about something so serious. That there was no way a prophet who talked with God daily would make such a claim.

I agreed a true prophet would never make such a claim, then showed them where Mormons recorded his claim. To find the writings I had located and to verify their origins, my student went to locate either authentic copies or the original manuscripts deep inside of the BYU library.

His life forever changed.

They then went on to find many, many other aspects of their religion they had never known.

As for me, I don't have all the answers. When asked to join a religion, I listen and ask questions. Nowadays, I get asked a lot of questions. As such, I have more answers than I had when I first answered my call to ministry back in 1999.

Why do I write about this now? Memories. Thoughts. Looking to the future. Both my former student and his Mom are both active in my life. I love them both tremendously.

Can I tell you something? I pray for you. I pray you can see Jesus, nothing added or taken away. The proof of his life, death, and resurrection is so complete. The answers to the tough questions of faith in Him are easily found. God's DNA is planted throughout the universe from the tiniest flagella to the amazing location of the earth in the galaxy.

I pray for God to reveal himself to you. He will. Simply ask.

God bless,

Scott Paschal
www.christiantennis.net
386 793 0557

Dallas

2007-03-28T19:25:00.000-05:00

Ok, I thought I was going to get a couple days rest. I mean, I did travel nationwide for over 6 weeks straight. Nope, God says go... so I go. To Big D.

Dallas, Texas. Home of the world famous Dallas Cowboys and the greatest team in the NBA, the Dallas Mavericks.

I love Big D. I was raised in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. Staubach and Dorsett... Aikman and Emmitt. Sport is Dallas is second to none in America. The Texas Rangers baseball team rocks and the Dallas Stars NHL team is always challenging for the Stanley Cup.

Sport in Texas is big stuff. Maybe that's why I love sports so much.

So, the day after we did the TV show at the Sony Ericsson Open (formerly the Nasdaq 100 Open), God set up a phone call that led me to fly to Big D the next morning... early. Way too early for my sleepy self. But, I've been in ministry for a while so I know when God says to go and I do just that.

I met with a guy. For now, I'll keep the purpose quiet. But, I will say this is the exact right guy for the situation... actually two situations. Two God-blessed, God-ordained situations and I think he can handle what is to come.

That said, let me change gears and roll down the windows. God's perfect timing has much in store for my walk with Him.

I'm founding a new ministry. A sports ministry.

My time of God carefully developing my personal and spiritual growth through following Him as He worked through me to envision and create and grow to fruition the International Christian Tennis Association has led to the main purpose.

What does all this mean? Well, first let me say I will still be as actively involved in ICTA as my new schedule allows. Next, let me say ICTA will soon rock the tennis world. And I mean ROCK THE TENNIS WORLD. Those of you who think you might have an idea about my intentions... you don't. You can't see that big. Take your wildest dream and it is probably not even close.

That said, I like to build things and when they are built I get bored and look for something new and challenging.

I look forward to the next few months, then I look forward to the next phase in my personal and spiritual development.

Yep, I was tired when I woke up at 5:30am after a short 3 hr nap. The drive, flight, layover, flight, drive, 4hr nap the next night, 7am flight, and drive was good. Coming home was great. Getting to the tennis courts and working with my WTA players was great. Having my junior guys hit for 5 hrs in the awesome Florida sun was great.

I'm cooking Enchillada's tonite. The weather is perfect. ICTA missions has reached over 370,000 in just over a month. My friends love and support me. My mom is doing better after breaking 2 bones in her leg in a fall. Grampa is well at 88 years of age. My brother and I are building a great relationship. My mentors are always a phone call away. My Pro Tennis Team is playing in a pro tournament on a mission trip in Alabama this week coming up and staying at Nasser's house. I have a full week+ to hit balls in the warm Florida sun and lose the 7 lbs of belly I gained on the road....

Life is so good. God is so good. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else doing anything else. I love every single aspect of my life. There is nothing I would add or take away.

Spike, Chris, Robert, Eric, David, David, Dax (look for a call soon, I'm excited about SOAR)... so many friends, so many supporters... I am such a fortunate guy!

God is Good,

Scott

PS... Don't forget to call your local radio stations and ask them to play the Glory Revealed Worship CD! It's currently #3 on the charts. You can check it out at ITUNES, also.

We're heading to the Glory Revealed Tour in Ocala, Florida on April 26! Come with us... and bring your tennis racket as we will all hit before the event begins!

www.gloryrevealed.com

International Christian Tennis Association: Miami TV Show Production

2007-03-26T11:01:00.000-05:00

The video production crew was outstanding and taping the TV show during the Sony Ericsson Open down in the Miami area was a breeze. Look for the show to air in 2 weeks.

More on that in a minute. First, let me say it is soo good to be home after well over a month on the road during an ICTA mission tour. It's good to go to my church, sleep in my bed, cook in my kitchen...

For those of you just tuning in, International Christian Tennis Association missions has spent weeks journeying across America and back, and way down into Mexico.

We've traveled from our home base in Palm Coast, Florida north to Memphis, Tennessee where we hosted a week+ large-scale mission outreach. Check out my blog: ICTA Tennessee

From there we drove back home, took a few days to rest, unpack, and repack... then we flew to Phoenix, Arizona and drove to Indian Wells, California for a 2 week mission trip during the 6th largest pro tournament in the world, the Pacific Life Open. At this same time our ICTA Women's Pro Tennis Team flew to Mexico for an outreach.

Check out my ICTA California blog & pics

After ICTA gained 1000+ members and gave out hundreds of Christian Bibles, tracks, and gift books in Indian Wells during the tournament, we drove to Las Vegas, Nevada for a few days of street missions. Our stay at the Excaliber Hotel and Casino was a blast and everyone realized an intense need for ministry work on the famous Las Vegas Strip.

From Vegas we visited the Hoover Dam and drove to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Words can't describe the Grand Canyon. After sharing our witness at that amazing place, we drove to the gorgeous mountain town of Flagstaff, Arizona. From there we drove one of the most beautiful drives ever south to Phoenix where we caught a flight to Atlanta. (I'll write more about all of this soon... and add some pics for you.)

Then, because of airline bunk, we ended up renting a car and driving the 400+ miles from Atlanta to Palm Coast where we enjoyed a brief but restful day before driving down to Miami to tape a TV Show and watch some tennis.

So, back to the show. The camera crew and photographer were first rate. I enjoyed their professionalism and could quickly see their passion for their work. The interviewer was high quality. She has "been here done that" and it showed! The PR gal was a joy to work with.

In fact the whole experience was great. I look forward to working with this crew over the upcoming years! They have a tremendous ministry and calling. I'll share more and more about them as time goes by. They totally rock and I see a strong partnership developing between us all!

My favorite part was watching Melody Snelen and Rachel Snelen shine in their interviews. They were outstanding, beautiful, Christ-like, and captured the hearts of everyone working and watching. Anastasia Kharchenko settled her nerves and her bubbly personality took over during her film time. I was proud of all three of them! We have lots of pics coming as the professional photographer sends them to us. In addition, I look forward to gaining a DVD of the show to possibly give to all new ICTA members & to add to our upcoming new web sites.

As for me, I enjoyed sharing my life and experiences which brought me face to face with my call to ministry. The ICTA is just the tip of the iceberg for what I have been working on for the last several years in preparing for my walk into fulltime ministry for Him.

My call to ministry was not the International Christian Tennis Association! The ICTA has been what God has used to grow and develop me. To show me my strengths and weaknesses. To teach me the importance of persecution. To show me that to be the greatest you must learn to be the weakest and servant of all.

A tennis analogy would be ICTA for me has been like a series of tennis lessons, practice matches, and local tournaments as a new tennis player learns the fundamentals of strokes and strategies.

What's coming up in my life!? Well, stay tuned and I'll try to keep you posted.

For now... thank you for all of your prayers. Your phone calls and emails mean the word to us. Your ICTA boldly declares His name and Good News throughout the richest sport in the world. What we do is not easy, nor is it supposed to be. That said, those of you who take your time to contact us, we really appreciate you and thank God for your support.

God bless,

Scott Paschal

ICTA Large Scale Mission Trip: Pacific Life Open

2007-03-08T20:04:00.000-05:00

Hello there!

This is Scott Paschal. We are currently on an ICTA Mission Trip to California!

To see my daily blog of this amazing mission trip, click here!

Right now as I type I am sitting in ICTA's Exhibitor's booth directly inside the world's 6th largest pro tournament. The trip has been amazing.

In a few moments we will close our booth for the day and go watch some world class tennis. I love pro tennis. And the tournament site here in Indian Wells is gorgeous. Easily one of the most beautiful places we've been. Like Hawaii.

I'm excited to bring a yearly tennis tour group here with my tennis tour company.

And right now I'm really excited to go see ICTA alumni Julia Vakulenko play tennis in her first round main draw match. It's been really great seeing Julia here at the tournament. She has come a long way from the girl she was just one year ago.

I am still to this day so grateful that God used me to intervene in Julia's suicide just over a year ago. Then, she came to my tennis academy in Florida where God used me to let Julia know he does love her and care for her! Now, here she is still alive... and playing the best tennis of her life!!

From Julia wanting to commit suicide from the culmination of years of physical, sexual, mental, and spiritual abuse... to Julia getting healthy and playing pro tennis again!

Speaking of tennis... I'm also excited to have been able to help her with her tennis! So great! I enjoyed rebuilding Julia spiritually... and physically. And I completely overhauled her tennis game! Footwork, forehand, fitness, core strength, strategies & tactics. So much fun!

Hey, before training with me Julia needed 33 tournaments to reach top 100 WTA...

Then, after just 2 months training with me she needed just 13! Not too bad, huh!?

Keep Julia in your prayers as she fights a difficult fight to learn who is and who isn't truly her friend, and to help her continue to seek God in all she does.

Gotta go watch her match!

God bless,

Scotty
386 793 0557

Glory Revealed

2007-03-03T22:04:00.000-05:00

I had just walked up a driveway that went up a hill. A long driveway and a steep hill.

Long enough and steep enough for me to make sure I took the trailer off the Suburban next time so I could avoid the up and down pain by parking at the top.

The trailer would have been fine down there and the Suburban fine up there, and neither would have missed each other much seeing as how they just traveled over 600 miles together, and seeing as how neither can think.

I had parked at the bottom of the long driveway, thus the bottom of the steep hill, and after already walking the hill many times that morning I was seriously considering taking a swim with a goose called Mr. Bubbles, but that's another story and something that probably wouldn't make much sense at this moment.

Suffice to say that after the last journey to the top of the hill, possibly after I'd traveled 400 yards seemingly straight up, I was relieved to discover my last trip would be down the hill to leave for the tennis club.

As I arrived at the top of the hill, Nasser gave me a box full of books. At first a bit skeptical of carrying a box of books back down the hill thus having to again walk up the hill, I quickly forgot about my burning thigh muscles as I looked into the box and saw his new book, Glory Revealed!

I couldn't have been more excited! He said the books had arrived just 4 days earlier and that we were the first ones to get them!

Glory Revealed is something he had been working on for a long time. Glory Revealed, the book, is a fantastic read. I've loved reading it the last two days. My tennis academy students are devouring it as well. But, Glory Revealed is so much more than a book.

There is also a Glory Revealed CD. Nasser has spent at least two years that I can remember bringing the CD to reality. The songs are amazing and I've already been hearing them on the radio.

Who is singing in this incredible CD...?

How about Michael W. Smith, Mac Powell of Third Day, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Mark Hall of Casting Crowns, David Crowder, Brian Littrell, Shane and Shane (can the names get any bigger on one CD!!?) & more.

But, Glory Revealed is so much more than a fantastic read and hit CD.

There is also a Glory Revealed Tour. David Nasser, Mac Powell of Third Day, and many others are hitting the road for a 3 week, 16 city tour!

But, as amazing as the book, CD, and tour are... there is more...

Glory Revealed is both the culmination and the beginning of a friendship journey between a couple of guys, Nasser & Powell, flipping burgers during a vacation to the beach in Florida. Both of these guys are the real deal... and Glory Revealed is the real deal.

Friends joining together for Him.

After loading the last box, and all the luggage, and all my tennis academy kids, the dog, and an amazing health-enhancing, not, food called Sticky Buns, we left Nasser's house and headed to the tennis club mainly so Mark could get some revenge on Nasser and Bozeman could get schooled by Ana. Both of which came to pass.

Our mission trip to Memphis had been incredible. Wrapping it up with Glory Revealed and tennis fun tennis with friends made it all the better.

Check out www.gloryrevealed.com. And check out www.davidnasser.com.

The International Christian Tennis Association staff and academy will most likely attend the Glory Revealed tour in either Ocala or Lakeland here in sunny Florida. Would love for you to attend with us. Bring your youth group, friends, and family... and your tennis rackets!

God bless!

Scotty

Amazing Grace

2007-03-02T19:28:00.000-05:00

There comes a point in time when we all have to stand. Not just stand, but stand for something. And, as we stand, we have to face a certain direction. The direction we choose to stand in determines where we go, and what we stand for determines who we go with and why.

The question then becomes not just will we stand and what direction we will face and who we will stand with, but how long will we stand and how long will it take for us to begin walking. Walking requires more than standing. Walking is a bold step forward from a simple upright position. Standing for a sitting person is a bold move, yet standing soon becomes routine. Walking from standing is bold.

We walk and we encounter trials. Trials make us stop and stand, maybe sit, or make us walk more firmly as we grow in experience. While walking is bold, it is nothing compared to breaking out into a jog.

A steady, methodical jog toward the direction we face is a powerful, bold endeavor which will be witnessed by those who sit, stand, or walk. It will be recognized either kindly or poorly depending on the lenses viewed from and the direction taken by those sitting, standing, or walking and determined, as well, by their direction or lack of.

There comes a point when jogging has developed the boldness to the point one begins to run and in running one learns to sprint, thus propelling oneself forward in the direction taken for the choices one faces. And in the boldness of not sitting, nor standing, nor jogging, one finds a view others have to the vantage point not to see.

All people have the ability to sprint. Gods amazing grace frees each of us and takes the chains off. You do not have to sit, you can stand. You can stand right now. Satan will make you believe you are not worthy. You are worthy. So stand.

Get up. Stand up and once standing face in a direction. Choose with boldness shown by standing a direction that is God-honoring. While standing you will become stronger. Others will attempt to make you sit back down, but stand strong. Their lack will develop your endurance and God's grace will strengthen your faith.

Others will say you have no right to stand, you are a sinner, you are not perfect, you are unworthy... and they're right. Yet, God has called you His child and has wrapped His loving grace around you. Stand. Get up and stand. Not just stand, but stand tall and face Him.

Then take a step towards Him, however small. As others scoff, take another step. Listen to Him and follow the direction you are facing. Some of those sitting will become your biggest obstacles, conviction is powerful, yet walk around them one step after the other. Focus on His amazing grace. Then, begin jogging. Yes, its bold. Yes, you are unequipped. Yes, you are not worthy. But, He has called and you are answering His call.

Now run, run to Him. Run in the direction He has called you until you begin sprinting. Sprint to Him. Let your lungs explode inside of you, he will give you air to breathe. Let your legs burn, He will take your pain away. Just run.

Jesus was clear that the road is wide but the gate is narrow. He boldly declared that even those performing miracles in His name will not be recognized. So, run. Not just run. Sprint.

And not just sprint, sprint to Him. Stand, find the direction, and sprint to Him.

His grace is amazing.

Scott Paschal

PS. Everyone who knows me knows how much I love the song Amazing Grace. Check out the following link: http://amazinggracemovie.com/index.php

And, check out Chris Tomlin's newest CD where Tomlin sings his rendition of Amazing Grace, which is also on the movie soundtrack. http://www.christomlin.com

Thank you Memphis!

2007-02-27T22:29:00.000-05:00

Memphis, you guys are tremendous.

Our entire staff felt loved and completely cared for.

I, personally, would like to tell each of you how special my time in Memphis was to me. Mike, thank you for being you and allowing God to use you to reach deep inside of me. Kasha, you are simply awesome. God is in and all over you and you are a very special person.

There are so many people I was honored to meet and am thrilled to have the opportunity to develop transparent, God-honoring relationships with. All of us have hard times in our lives, all of us make mistakes. As Christians, we can be there to support, guide, love, and mentor each other.

Ryan, thank you for feeding us, bro. May God bless your kindness and the kindness of the staff at your restaurant. We will stay in touch and prepare for 2008, which will be here so fast. Tell your pastor I said hello.

500+ new ICTA members in Memphis. Fantastic.

Rachel Snelen and Melody Snelen, ICTA Staff & Pro Team, were simply unbelievable in the quality of their work. Caring for our academy students, working our booth, meeting and speaking with 100's of people... you two are incredible and I am so grateful God is blessing you both so immensely.

Mark, Joseph, Ana, and 'Tel each were a tremendous asset to ICTA's mission trip to Memphis.

Mark and Joseph had their own ministry they worked at the tournament in addition to helping ICTA and I am so proud of their efforts. Both young men have grown so much in their maturity and faith. Ana and 'Tel basically took over the booth the last 3 days when Rach and Mel were called to California.

And, Sue. Man, the #1 volunteer mom in the world! Sue has been with ICTA since our beginning in 1999. I coached her son, Joe, till 2005. He is now playing college tennis. Sue and Joe were Mormon when I met them. Now, they are Christian and God is growing them both in so many tremendous ways. Sue is amazing and we all feel very fortunate to have her as our official academy "mom."

The International Christian Tennis Association completed an incredible 13 day large-scale mission trip to Memphis during the Kroger St. Jude. What an amazing task. God-led, God-inspired, God-blessed.

For my daily blog/pics of Memphis, click here.

What now? A lot. God is incredibly blessing the International Christian Tennis Association. Doors are being thrown open for ICTA to pursue ministry opportunities worldwide.

Thank you so much for your emails and calls of support! That truly means more than you know. Thank you.

Growing the game and sharing His fame,

scott paschal

Ana's Valentine to Me

2007-02-16T19:44:00.000-05:00

This is the end of a fantastic day of missions planning and preparation. Tomorrow, we drive to the big Memphis ATP/WTA tournament for a large-scale mission trip. I'm excited. God is blessing the International Christian Tennis Association.

Today has been great. Great weather... fun with my academy students as we packed... excitement everywhere about our mission trip tour! Paid for a couple of exhibitor's booths, one at an incredibly famous tournament I'll write about later. Partnered with a company/friend for our booth at the 2008 Australian Open. Spent some time on the phone building a relationship with a new friend.

And, I received this awesome Valentine's Day card from Anastasia.

Don't know Ana? She one of my tennis academy students. Ana is 17 years old. Her tennis is pretty good... she is #1 Ukraine junior and has top 100 WTA potential. More importantly, Ana accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior recently.

Here's what Ana wrote to me in her card...

Dear Scotty!

When I saw this card I knew that is especially for you! Because you are teacher! And not only teacher but coach, father, friend, listener, helper... and so many things just in you!!! For me you are Blessing from God!

I thank Lord for you being in my life and I thank you so much for everything you did and doing in my life! If there is anything I need help with I know that I can be confident about you. And thank you so much for opening my eyes and found God as my Savior.

This gift of Salvation are very expensive and none of us on earth can pay back the same price for that, but we can do our best in everything we do & serve as hard as we can!

:) Love You!!! Anastasia 2/14/07

Christian Tennis Association Mission Trips 2007

2007-02-05T22:10:00.000-05:00

ICTA Missions is about to get into full swing.

The International Christian Tennis Association has three main types of mission trips.

1. Large scale, short term mission trips to world famous professional tennis tournaments where ICTA leases a vendor booth for the entire duration of the event and reaches tens of thousands, and sometimes hundreds of thousands, of people.

2. ICTA Pro Tennis Team mission trips to ITF pro tournament where ICTA missionaries compete in the events while building relationships with the players, coaches, umpires, volunteers, and tournament staff.

3. ICTA Junior Tennis Team mission trips where ICTA junior academy students learn to share their faith by passing out tracks at their tournaments.

For 2007, ICTA will:

1. ICTA Global Missions will seek to attend 12 WTA or ATP tournaments; including a Grand Slam, several International Series, and two to three Masters-Series.

In total, the International Christian Tennis Association will seek to reach well over 1,400,000 attendees, give out tens of thousands of Bibles, Christian books, tracks, DVDs & CDs, ICTA Tshirts, and other ICTA product... and gain tens of thousands of new ICTA members from countries worldwide.

We will also plan to travel to Wimbledon on an exploratory mission trips designed to lay a foundation for a yearly tennis tour with the Scott Paschal Tennis Tour Co., and prepare the groundwork for a yearly ICTA Mission Trip, Tennis Camp, and ICTA Tennis Show.

2. ICTA Pro Tennis Teams will seek to attend and compete in 25 ITF & WTA Pro Tournaments worldwide while sharing the Gospel with those they meet, speaking in churches, and building lasting relationships with players on tour.

3. ICTA Junior Tennis Teams will compete in tournaments throughout Florida while learning to share their faith to those they meet.

For me, I love mission trips. There is nothing more fulfilling than knowing I am being obedient to the Great Commission as commanded by Jesus in Mathew 28... if you've never heard of the Great Commission, check this out--->

"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.' "

Don't you just love Jesus!? Isn't it great having a reason to live! I really can't imagine what life would be like without the hope I have through my faith in Christ. That thought drives me to share my faith with others as much as I can.

Before I sign off, I'd like to ask you to keep our own Rachel Snelen in your prayers as she leads a mission trips to Canada this weekend to a $50,000 ITF tournament. And please keep her twin Melody Snelen in your prayers as she leads a mission trip to a junior tennis tournament in Florida this weekend.

Melody Snelen will also lead a mission trip to a Wild Card tournament for an ITF $25,000 tournament beginning the following Monday... and a 3rd Mission Trips to a $25,000 in Florida the following weekend.

Thank you for your prayers, emails, phone calls, and ecards of support. I can't say enough how appreciated each of our friends are to us.

God bless you,

Scott Paschal
www.christiantennis.net
386 793 0557

PS. The cute gal with me is our academy dog, Bearby! She's been sitting in my lap each morning for nearly 4 years, since she was a puppy, as I study and/or write. Bearby often goes on mission trips with us.

Christian Tennis Expansion in 2007

2007-01-28T19:03:00.000-05:00

The flight to Dallas, Texas on Friday was smooth. I've enjoyed a tremendously productive weekend working on highly specific aspects of taking the International Christian Tennis Association, ICTA, to the next level in terms of ministry reach, depth, and scope.

For those of you just tuning in for the first time, ICTA is poised for a breakout year in 2007. After 7+ years of establishing tremendous credibility and ministry programs, I am adding two new ministry programs to the ICTA arsenal.

First, the International Christian Tennis Association will build a tennis facility in 2007.

Second, the International Christian Tennis Association will offer professional tennis tours in 2007 for our ICTA members and guests.

In addition, 2007 will see ICTA is entering 6 new markets in the United States, including New York as ICTA attends the US OPEN on a large-scale, short term mission trip for the first time in our brief history.

The work and planning involved in ICTA's newest ministry objectives is intense. I am grateful to have two amazing full time staff members, Melody Snelen and Rachel Snelen, handle many of the ICTA's administrative and academy duties, which frees my time up to grow my dreams and visions of worldwide ministry. Without their incredible dedication to excellence in their work for the ICTA, this ministry would not be successful.

On a personal note, I was fortunate to be able to visit my grandfather on Friday. Grampa is turning 88 years of age in March. I tremendously appreciate him.

Looks like I might be extending my stay in DFW for an extra day and will fly home to Florida on Tuesday. The work has been gratifyingly productive and I have enjoyed staying with my longtime friend, Breck.

The plan is for me to fly back to DFW next weekend to wrap things up, then off to Charlotte, NC to meet with a friend as we discuss housing during an exploratory ICTA mission trip to 2007 Wimbledon, look back on his 12+ years as a sports chaplain, and enjoy spending time together.

Thank you for your prayers, emails, and phone calls this week.

God bless,

Scott Paschal
www.christiantennis.net
386 793 0557

Over 5000 Hits on Christiantennis.net in 7 Days!

2007-01-22T18:56:00.000-05:00

The International Christian Tennis Association website, www.christiantennis.net, has undergone a major renovation in concert with a highly strategic marketing and internet partnership program.

What's the results of this multi-thousand dollar effort which included hundreds of highly specific planning/work hours?

Drum roll, please...

ICTA is pleased to announce our first 5000+ unique homepage hits week which included over 20,000 page views!

To put this in perspective, the majority of sports ministries we've contacted receive between 75 and 500 unique homepage hits a month. Christiantennis.net received 5000+ in one week.

5000+ unique hits in only 7 days more than doubles the weekly web site production we had in 2006. I remember around 2002 when we first started our web site we were excited to have 5 hits in a week! Now, we've received those five 1000 times! God is good and ICTA is so blessed.

Our record breaking 5000+ homepage hit week leads to a 20,000 to 25,000 web site hit week as visitors and ICTA members flip around our site enjoying pictures and articles.!

20,000 to 25,000 web site hits a month is what we expected for a whole month in 2006, not 7 days!! Fantastic.

The average visitor flips through 4 to 6 areas of our site before moving on... this quadruples weekly production from our site in 2006!

5000+ homepage hits in 7 days...
20,000 to 25,000 web site page views in 7 days...
AWESOME.

Want to hear something even more cool!? I hope so 'cause I can't wait to tell you.

Worldwide, our ICTA marketing/partnership effort generated over 1,634,165 internet impressions on computers worldwide during those 7 days.

That's...
One Million
Six Hundred and Thirty Four Thousand
One Hundred and Sixty Five!

1,634, 165!!!!!

One internet impression is when our ministry name/slogan/etc appears on a computer screen as the person surf's the internet.

Through highly specific and strategic partnerships, the International Christian Tennis Association ministry is appearing worldwide at a rate we NEVER could have imagined possible. Not even in my dreams. NEVER!

7 days
5000+ homepage hits
20,000 to 25, 000 web site page views
1,634, 165 impressions

I pretty much freaked out when I saw the numbers. Though as the new ICTA Memberships and Academy Interest Forms rolled in to our email account, I new something big was happening!

Based on this new data the International Christian Tennis Association is now on pace for a 250,000 homepage hit year with over 1,000,000 web site page views.

And over 75,000,000 internet impressions.

I can't believe I just typed this... pinch me.

God is Good!

Scott Paschal

Christian Tennis Association on TV!

2007-01-15T19:40:00.000-05:00

Hey There! This is Scott Paschal, Ministry Director of the International Christian Tennis Association. We're going to be on TV!

See the fella in the blue shirt, he owns a Christian TV show. His show is broadcast to over 5 million homes in Florida, alone!

He wants to come out and film ICTA in a "reality" type show. I hope he has a lot of film for taping because the ICTA is one busy sports ministry!!

World class, high performance tennis training every day... cutting edge discipleship training classes at the academy... large scale mission trips to the most famous tennis tournaments in the world... pro tennis travel teams sharing the Gospel worldwide... as I said, he's going to need a ton of film!!

Awesome! He has great ideas for the show he wants to do on ICTA. His company is based out of Hawaii and Florida. I've send you more info on the show as things progress!

I met him through the two people to the right, Marjorie and Ricky, who are my friends and own the Christian TV and radio station in the Pacific Islands. I coach their son, Joseph (top of stairs), full time here at my Christian tennis academy.

We all had a great visit and he was impressed with our program. Should be a neat TV show. It will be great to have our ministry broadcast nationwide. He is even allowing me to ask for donations and support! Would be great to receive such donations... then all of my students could train at no cost and their parents $ could go straight to tournament mission trips!!

We'll keep you informed on when the show will be filmed and aired so you can follow along.

In addition, would be great to have you come out to ICTA and visit us while the show is being filmed. We could do a Christian Tennis Celebration weekend event here in Palm Coast.

God bless,

Scott Paschal

A South Pacific Island Hello!

2007-01-10T14:55:00.000-05:00

I'm pretty excited to have this picture. For the last couple of years, God has been moving the young man to my right towards fulltime training with me at my Christian tennis academy. Well, he's here now fulltime and I'm really glad.

His parents, Ricky and Marjorie, own the Christian TV and radio station in their area and are tremendous people. Marjorie and I have been friends for 2 years now.

Joseph is a neat kid. I've enjoyed getting to know him and he is settling into the place really well. Will be neat taking him to Clarity this weekend. I don't think he has ever attended anything like it before!

'Tel just arrived this morning! So great to see here. 'Tel is awesome and I feel really special to have her call me her coach. Ana arrived from Ukraine just a few days ago and is adjusting to the time change. Ana is so great. I'm not sure I've ever seen anyone appreciate becoming a Christian as much as Ana. She is a sponge right now and that is exciting. Mark has been here for a week and is getting back on track. He and Joseph will have a great time training hard. Newbie will be here tonite. Newbs is awesome.

Please keep these tremendous kids in your prayers as God works with them during this season of their lives. The older I get the more I appreciate the time I have to spend with our next generation.

God bless,

Scott Paschal

Student Life's Clarity Conference-Orlando

2007-01-06T10:40:00.000-05:00

Hello there! This is Scott Paschal.

The International Christian Tennis Association's Spring 2007 Semester is kicking off with a bang as we head to Orlando, Florida to attend Clarity, a Christian youth conference from Student Life.

The focus of Clarity is to make God's Word more clear. Our students will be challenged to let God's Word become a more real and useful part of their lives... help them know what they believe.

I'm excited to attend Clairity. David Nasser, a speaker for the event, mentioned it to me when we were in Gatlinburg last week. This is a tremendous way to begin a semester with a Christ- centered focus.

I'd like to ask you something... what is your child doing that is Christ-centered on MLK weekend at his or her tennis academy? Even more than that, is there anything Christ-centered at any time where your kids are being raised at their tennis academy?

If not, you are invited to contact me at any time to discuss your child attending an ICTA Mission Trip or a Youth Conference or Discipleship Training or a Christian Concert, or even training for a week or longer in our Christ-centered environment.

Clarity

Student Life

Here's the schedule:

Orlando, FL - Jan. 13 - 15

Day 1:
12:00 - 2:00 PM	Registration at First Baptist Church
2:00 PM	Session 1 - David Nasser & Kristian Stanfill
4:00 PM	Dismiss
5:00 PM	Youth Worker Training Session
7:00 PM	Session 2 - David Platt & Kristian Stanfill
8:30 PM	Casting Crowns in Concert
10:00 PM	Dismiss

Day 2:
8:00 PM	Session 3 - David Platt & Kristian Stanfill
10:00 PM	Leeland in Concert
10:45 PM	Dismiss

Day 3:
8:00 - 9:00 AM	Check-Out of Hotels
9:00 AM	Session 4 - David Platt & Kristian Stanfill
11:00 AM	Dismiss

Here's the Theme to Clarity from their web site...

Clarity is...

An experience in God's Word.

It’s that simple and that essential.

We are being faced with generations increasingly less familiar with the living and active Word of God. This problem is vital for us today.

“How, then, can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” How will they know?

Clarity is not a solution, but a challenge to you, your workers and your students.

A challenge to develop a passion for God’s Word.

A challenge to understand and engage the Bible as the complete story of God’s redemptive plan.

A challenge to live out daily the mission for your life presented in God’s Word.

You will hear God’s Word.
You will see God’s Word.
You will sing God’s Word.
You will speak God’s Word.
You will experience God’s Word.

And the Word will bring Clarity to your life.

Hawk Nelson and David Crowder

2007-01-03T22:52:00.000-05:00

Here are a few of the pics you asked to see. I'll post more in the coming week. Right now, I'm slammed designing our tennis center, welcoming in the Spring 2007 Semester academy students, planning Rally to Win TM events, and finishing up the Summer 2007 Missions schedule... and a host of other Christian tennis ministry duties.

This is a pic of the back of the log home I stayed in. Two patios with amazing views. I also enjoyed my hot tub which was located on the first balcony. One nite it snowed while I sat in the hot tub . So great!Here we are packing up my stuff before I drove home yesterday morning.

The upstairs of the log home was awesome! Pool table, stand alone Galaga, Pac Man, Donkey Kong video game machine, air hockey, table w/ chairs, bunk beds, 42' flat screen TV, patio, Jacuzzi tub, leather couch, amazing views. Nasser slept in the bunk while I took the room downstairs since he was flying out early in the AM. I totally recommend everyone rent one of these places when they travel to Gatlinburg. The name of the resort is called Gatlinburg Falls.

This is my living room! Awesome, huh? My bedroom was to the right and I'm pretty much standing in the kitchen. The balcony w/ hot tub and rustic chairs is to the left.

As I drove home I thought about the fantastic concerts I'd seen. Hawk Nelson, though he's not my style, did a great job and the tweeners loved him. I think I saw his band 4 times at the conferences. David Crowder Band lit up Liberty's Winterfest in Lynchburg. So talented. He's definitely kind of funny looking. It took me a while to get used to his look! Sure makes him stand out in a huge crowd of bands. I hope you have a chance to check out his music.

During my break today I drove to Daytona to pick Mark up after his flight from Mexico. Mark is training with me for 3 years and is one heck of an amazing kid. Mark is the type of person who makes everyone around him feel good about themselves. Joseph arrived to Daytona today, also. He flew in with his Mom and Dad, who own a Christian TV station in the South Pacific. They will all come over on Sunday. Joseph will train for this semester, possibly longer. His Mom is amazing and a big supporter of ICTA.

I have a prayer request for you guys. My mom has advanced Pneumonia. It's pretty bad and could end her life. Please keep her in your prayers.

God bless,

Scott Paschal

Casting Crowns & Jeremy Camp

2007-01-02T22:48:00.000-05:00

We're back home now in Palm Coast. What an amazing week and a great time of growth.

One of the highlights for me was driving back to Gatlinburg from Lynchburg with Nasser. We had a great time just hanging out in the car talking about everything, yet nothing. Kinda like sitting at a campfire.

Rach and Mel went to a conference, too! Actually 3, but they were all in the same place on different days. They ran Nasser's merchandise table for a week. They had a great time, plus made some $ to help cover tournament expenses.

This past week I was able to attend 3 Christian youth conferences in 2 different states, watch 12 different Christian bands, and listen to 5 world class speakers. This was better than any pro tournament I've ever attended. I had a great time and learned so much.

Casting Crowns is a Christian band I want to make sure I mention. I know 99% of you reading this have never heard of them. They led worship New Year's Eve at Winterfest. Mark Hall did an amazing job. Everything Hall did was so sincere and caring. The event was broadcast live on TV. What a great way to ring in the New Year.

The next day after David Nasser spoke, Jeremy Camp led worship. He was really fun. I hadn't heard of Jeremy Camp before. The 6000+ kids there sure had and really loved his music.

I hope you guys google these two bands and check out their sites.

I'll post some pics tomorrow, right now I'm kinda wiped from the drive home and lack of sleep, plus I've been sick all week, so after some rest I'll come back and show you the cabin and some neat pics.

Hope your New Year has been good. Checked out Passion '07 online, yet? Go to www.268generation.com. Follow the links to the video. I think each session is online for 24 hours. ICTA has a small group there. Chris D called today to check in with me and said he is having an amazing time.

Big Spring 2007 coming up! Huge, actually!

Please keep us in your prayers as we work to push back the darkness in the sport of tennis and shine His light.

God bless,

Scott Paschal

Welcome 2007

2007-01-01T07:24:00.000-05:00

I'm writing to you from the campus of the finest, boldest, most forward-thinking Christian college campus in the world. Liberty University.

I drove in from Gatlinburg, Tennessee a couple of days ago to participate in Winterfest. My role is to manage David Nasser's booth and product during the event. David will speak this morning to the 7000+ high school and college students, then we'll pack up the remaining supplies and drive to Gatlinburg to spend the nite. Then, we'll both head home. I've really enjoyed spending time with my friend. To learn more about Nasser, visit his web site, www.davidnasser.com.

Last nite was pretty awesome. I was able to ring in the New Year with Casting Crowns, Kutlass, and Dr. Ergun Canor... and 7000+ excited kids. Casting Crowns is a tremendous Christian band. They have a heart for worship. I'm not sure what their web site is, google it and check them out. So special to have the opportunity to gather together with so many Christians. Today is the final day of the event. I'm looking forward to this morning's session.

Also today, in Atlanta, Passion '07 begins! ICTA has a small group attending Passion '07 and I couldn't be more excited for them. Be sure to watch everything on their web cast. 268generation.com. Each main session will be online for 24 hours. I'll be able to attend Passion '07 online. I had wanted to attend in person, but God called me elsewhere, so the online option is such a blessing for me and for others.

Happy New Year,

Scott Paschal

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

2006-12-29T15:58:00.000-05:00

Hello there! This is Scott Paschal, Ministry Director of the International Christian Tennis Association, writing to you today from beautiful Gatlinburg, Tennessee, right in the heart of the amazing Great Smoky Mountains.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the last few days in this outstanding mountain resort town. The place I'm staying at is amazing, too. I am so blessed to have a 2-story log cabin... think log home... in a place called Gatlinburg Falls to stay in.

The log cabin is fully loaded, including a pool table, hot tub, stand alone video game machines (85,000 high score on Galaga, which you can't do...deal with it), full kitchen, amazing balconies with views of the Smokies.

I hadn't been planning to be here, just kinda happened, which is nice. I'm writing a book, fiction based on spiritual armour, and had planned on writing in Florida while all of my tennis students are home for Christmas.

My friend, David Nasser, invited me here to Gatlinburg. He is one of the speakers at the conference. Nasser was here just the first day, then flew to Ft. Worth, Tx... then Chattanooga, Branson, Knoxville... I'll meet up with him in Lynchburg, TN at Liberty University where he will speak at their event. So great of him to invite me here. Tremendous to spend time with him, then enjoy the log home/town/conference. I've met so many wonderful people and have enjoyed the sites.

Today, I went to Ripley's Aquarium. What a cool place. Also headed over to the homemade candy place and watched the guy make different flavors of taffy. What a great place to spend the holidays for sure.

The speakers at the conference have been outstanding... Tony Nolan, Johnny Hunt, Josh McDowell, and David Nasser. The bands are Third Day, Newsong, Kutless, Hawk Nelson... awesome.

Most of you reading this have most likely never heard of any of these people. My hope is that God can use this blog to connect you with them in some way. Some of them I'll know, most I won't, but either way as I travel neat places I'll work to find internet access and take you along with me.

Before I sign off, I'd like to say a special hello to our visitors from the Middle East. We've noticed an amazing amount of visitors from Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, India, Turkey, Pakistan... and I am really grateful to have you here.

So amazing ICTA is known in places that seem so anti-Christian to most Americans, yet when you write to me I realize how loving and kind people from these countries really are.

So many of you thank me for this ministry, though you are of a different faith. One Mom from Syria is negotiating with me to train her son, who is a top ITF junior. So amazing and wonderful.

God bless you.

Scott Paschal

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

2006-12-25T18:56:00.000-05:00

But when the fullnes of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under them law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!'" Galations 4:4-6

I went walking last night, kinda late. I looked up after a mile or so. Man, the sky was clear. I could see a few billion miles. You know, it can be areally powerful thought to know you are a child of the God who created all that is up there. There's a lot of stuff up there, too.

Today, as I drove to pick up a rental car, I saw a teen walking by the side of the road in the rain. Just a t-shirt, no jacket. He was walking slow and looked pretty sad this Christmas. I was him when I was a teen. He brought back some memories. But, my problem back then is no one taught me to look up. I needed someone to take the time and teach me why I needed to look up and not look down.

I know not many people have that great family we all think others have. Yet, we do have a great Father. No matter how rough 2006 was, start looking up. Read your Bible and do what it says. Have you been doing that? If not, get started. And pray, everyday talk to your Dad in heaven. Tell him everything and ask him to help you. It works. I know, I actually did it and my life changed.

The birth of Jesus is the most powerful event in human history.

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

More Christmas Cards & Letters...!!

2006-12-24T10:57:00.000-05:00

Scotty and the ICTA staff,


MERRY CHRISTMAS from Canada

Continue In God's leading and remember you are not alone- never.

I just got back from a tennis holiday in Mexico with three tennis
buddies from home.

I have had an opportunity to witness to two of them!!  They wanted to
know why- I believe the way I do.  What I think about the crazy world
events, global warming, earthquakes, etc.

Anyways these guys are hard core tennis players and I ask for your
prayers during my walk and leading of them to the Saviour.

I hope to talk to you during one of the big events and maybe even
eventually bring the boys to clinic someday.

Richard (Rick) B

----------------------------------

Merry Christmas to all of you.

I am so very thankfull for your ministry to the tennis community. You are on the list of ministries I pray for regularly. I pray the Lord will give you a very fruitful ministry and keep you in the center of His perfect will.

God Bless.

Jack

-------------------------------------

dear icta. we have not had the pleasure of meeting but is so great what you are doing and I would love to be a part of it. my name is Liz. I live in Cincinnati Ohio that was my first exposure to the group. I am getting ready to move to Las vegas, so I would love to stay in touch with someone. Thanks, Liz

-------------------------------------

hey scotty,thnx for the e_mail and i wish u and all the stuff a happy
and wonderful christmas,and i will look forward coach from you to send me
all the news about the academy,for now have a nice day.

best regards

hussein mohammed hamade
malaysia
                -------------------------------------

Hi Scott and Staff,

My name is Sarah ---- and I am currently a 21-year old senior on the ---- women's tennis team. I'll graduate in August and I'm very excited! (I played 2 years at the University of ---- and then transferred to ----)

My mom came across your website a year or so ago, and I am happy to finally get in touch with y'all. Basically, I have always wanted to play professional tennis, and with my college career coming to an end I know I still have more left in me.

I am in the process of making tennis plans for the future and I wanted to look into your program as a possiblity of a training, working, or in some way fitting in with my tennis ambitions. I would love to hear more about your program as y'all continuously serve the Lord while playing a sport you love.

I was so shocked to hear about your place a year ago, but now I'm even more excited to see what the future holds for y'all and how I may be able to be a part of it.

Thanks for your time.

Merry Christmas !

Sarah
-------------------------------------

Hi Scotty, Nice to see a note from you. Wishing you and the fam there a good one as well. All the best. Great tennis and good living. JB

-------------------------------------

Hey Scotty

I think you changed your email, not sure if this is the good one, but Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, we have to meet in 2007 for sure..
Juan
-------------------------------------

Dear ICTA staff

I live in Australia and will be in Melbourne for the Australian Open, I was just wondering if you will have people from ICTA down under this year

Cheers

Marcos

-------------------------------------

Hi Scott,

I received your mail and i'm happy about what is happening in the sport ministry (International Christian Tennis Association) and being a partaker of this golden opportunity to be a member of this highly esteem association.

I want to use this opportunity yo inform you that whenever you 're having any tournament i will like to be in your midst by God's grace so as to know each other very well.

My prayer is that may the good Lord help, bless, empower, strenghten, energize, equip you and every member for the great task ahead of you in the year 2007.

May this season bring you joy, blessings, promotion, and good things. I wish you a merry christmas and prosperous new year.

Thanks.

Yours in His Service,

Araotanlaye Ayodele O
-------------------------------------

Merry Christmas!! Isn't God so good sending his Son to earth? I know you are reaching alot of people and pray that your ministry continues to be blessed as you bless others. See you at The Tennis Channel Open in Vegas.

In Christ,

Susan S

-------------------------------------

Hi Coach Scotty:

We're a Christian Tennis family in Arkansas.  We enjoy your
newsletters.  Since you asked for CHRISTmas cards to be sent, we thought we'd
share ours with you!

Blessings,
The Matises

-------------------------------------

Thanks for the Christmas note,

Will you all be coming back to Las Vegas for the Tennis Channel Open in Feb? I had co-chaired one of the volunteer commitees last year but am free this year, if there is anyway I can help, please let me know.

Annette

-------------------------------------

I am looking for a Director of Tennis for a major Tennis and Fitness Club. 20 acres 16 courts, Indoor racquetball, fitness etc. Merry Christmas to you and your organization.

Charlie



               -------------------------------------


Please pray for the health of my mom, Mary, who has Parkinson's and
for my brother, Chris, who faces a daily battle to remain clean and
sober.

             -------------------------------------

Dear brother Scottie:

I wish you and you staff a Merry Christmas and a whole lot of blessing from Our Lord next year. May the Lord continue to bless you ministry and cause a lot of people to pour themselves out in help and support (materially and spiritually) of this worthy ministry. Yours in Christ, Carlos
-------------------------------------

Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas and a Very Happy and Successful New Year 2007
Wishes you Kimmo from the Land of Santa Claus.

The first time I came across with ICTA my heard was filled with joy. I
share your vision of spreading the Good News through tennis in this
world. All the best. God bless your work.
PS. I am in service as a pastor- and also have a calling from God to
spread the Best News through tennis.  Take care Kimmo

-------------------------------------

Scotty, Melody, and Rachel

Merry Christmas from the Dinell family ( Ray-Schwans Man, Ali, Rachel, and Andie) !!

Thank you for the newsletter. It is exciting to see how your ministry is growing.

Here is an update on our family. We have made some significant changes this year.

First, we decided to homeschool. Several reasons motivated us to this decision....Christian education, flexible schedule around tennis tournaments, etc.. Even though homeschooling is more work for Ali and I, the benefits have been a more manageable lifestyle and I believe a better education. Andie (9) is in the fourth grade. Rachel (13) is in the 8th grade. The girls really are enjoying it.

Second, we have made some coaching changes with the girls, or I guess a more accurate description is "coaching additions". Even though ----- is probably the best city in the country in regards to tennis opportunities, the west side of town, where we live, doesn't have a lot of tennis. Ali is driving the kids 40-50 miles one way for their lessons and drills. This year we finally found a coach on our side of town that is EXCELLENT. Both his sons played college tennis. One played for Georgia and the other for Stanford. His philosophy toward the game/life is very balanced ( contrary to other coaches who think kids need to be on the court 5 to 8 hours a day ). We are still taking from our original (long distance) coaches, but are supplementing with the new (close to home) coach.

The results so far this year have been great. Andie will finish the year as the number one player in the state of ---- and the Southern Region in the 10's. Rachel is top ten in the state, and top 40 in the South in the 14's. More importantly, I see both their games improving.

Prayer Requests:

1. Pray that we keep tennis in perspective. Honestly, I struggle with the fact that we often miss church for tennis tournaments. It's not good. Andie is starting to attract a lot of attention from the USTA which is great, but also means more weekends away from church. I want my kids to be the best tennis players they can be, but not at the cost of making tennis their "god".

2. We are traveling to the Arizona after Christmas for the Super National and Copper Bowl. Please pray for our safety and that the experience would be a time for us to grow closer as a family. This will be the first time I have taken two consecutive weeks off work, since I started my job in 1984. I can definitely use the break.

Thank you guys for your ministry. Hopefully, I will see you this Spring down at the NASQAQ ( or whatever they are callin it this year).

Yours In Christ,

Ray D
-------------------------------------

ICTA
To Scotty, Melody, and Rachel

Merry Christmas!!!! I am ALWAYS blessed to hear about your ministry... I love what you are doing there and will always remember you in my prayers.

Jesus is smiling guys... and always remember that He is not coming back until every person has heard the Gospel... and boy do I want Him to come soon so we'll do our jobs, yeah? Uh-huh. I'll do my sarin' here, you do your sharin' there and we'll see each other if not in this lifetime, then definitely in heaven. =)

God bless you and your ministry. Have a wonderful Christmas.=)

Your sister in Christ, Kai =)

-------------------------------------

Please pray that I might bring Glory to the Lord by allowing God's
word to soak in to my life and allow the Lord to prune that which is not
of Him and truly be His loving disciple, whether playing tennis or any
othe sport, in season and out of season to love the Lord with all my
heart mind, soul, and strength.

               -------------------------------------

Hello staff,
I am always inspired by your news.  Is there anything  we can do from Atlanta
to help support and spread the word about your great organization ?  I
hope to visit someday in the near future.  Have a safe and blessed
holiday.

Coach Jarvie
                 -------------------------------------

Dear Scotty,

This past year has been full of opportunities for blessings.....and the Lord sure has come through....as recently as this past week....all Glory to God.....grace and peace to all ...continued blessings in this upcoming year.......Vuyos con Dios.......(God be with you).....

Your fellow tennis brother

and brother in Christ........

From sunny so.California

Dennis N

Christmas Cards

2006-12-23T10:48:00.000-05:00

Hello there!

I've received so many special Christmas cards, calls, letters, and emails!

Thank you so much for taking the time to contact me. Every time you contact me with your testimony, a letter of thanks, a holiday greeting, a neat story of something that happened... I get excited! Every time! Your life inspires me.

You are a child of God temporarily placed on earth to learn and grow and become everything He calls for you to be for all of eternity. Knowing He has placed our paths together is amazing and I truly appreciate each opportunity with you. Here are a few letters I'd like to share...

Scotty

----------------------------------------------

Dear Scotty,

I came to ICTA's booth in Key Biscayne about 3 years
ago... I got a gift of a bible. I gave it to my 6
year old boy. He did not read to much, but he
always treasure it. Now he reads it every day and
love it...

Merry Christmas, Amelia, Jacob 9, Adriana

Dear Scott & the ICTA

Merry Christmas! My name is James A. Im a player from London, we met
briefly during the ATP in Vegas & I have been
receiving your newsletters since I joined back in
March.

Just wanted to say keep up God's good work, its inspiring
to see & hear what you guys do, especially as
evangelism is not my strong point - so it encourages
me to keep trying push outside my comfort zone &
talk about Jesus. I will pray for next years mission
& may bump into you in the Spring.

God Bless, James A.

Dear Scott and ICTA staff,

God has certainly bless
you all and keep up the good work. Blessed are the
feet of those who brings good news!

May the Lord continue to bless you, may He enlarge
your territory, may His hands be upon you and keep
you from pain.

May there be more juniors coming from your
organisation competing and being successful in the
pro tour.

Have a wonderful blessed Christmas!
YY, Singapore

Hey Scotty!

I just read your newsletter. Great
news about the potential ICTA site donation!!!!!!!!!
Go God! ...I have been picked up by S. News and
also M. News so I am writing articles that
touch a lot of people nationally.

I have also formed
a writing partnership with a friend and we are
working on a motivational / inspirational book.
Drop me a line sometime soon, my friend.

Merry Christmas! Steve S.

Just to wish you all a Merry Christmas and
congratulate you on your years' achievements.

God bless you from Australia, Rubin , Oliver and Robin S.

Hi, Scott!

How are you doing? Thanks for the
newsletter. I just wanted to give you an update on
Jakub and where things stand with him regards to him
coming to train with you in Florida.

I spoke with
his father last week, and he told me that they are
still very, very keen on Jakub coming to Florida to
train with you. We will be in touch in the spring at
some point...

Thanks so much, and I wish you a very
blessed Christmas!

In Christ, Aaron S.Director, A
S, Czech Republic

Hi Scott,

How are you? Its great to hear from you
with newsletter. I am going to Australia soon and I
hope to see you there.

Merry Christmas and Happy New
Year.

Ciao, Taormina, Sicily

Merry Christmas and God Bless you Scott & ICTA staff.
We will be at the Tennis Open Channel in Las Vegas
working as ushers in Feb and March 2007.

Don & Barb A. Bozeman, Montana

Thank you for your newsletter and ministry to the
world.

Thanks, Lee Canning

Hi Scott & staff,

I praise the Lord for your
ministry in tennis...
We just started a tennis ministry at our church near
San Jose. What a blessing, we have 4 courts with
lights and have a great witness in the neighborhood
with free tennis and clinics. I really enjoyed
reading about the girl from Ukraine....

We will pray
for you and pray for us, if you are ever in the area
maybe when the ATP or WTA tour comes through we
could do a gospel presentation.
Keep shining His light, thanks for your newsletter.
Hope to hear from you, let's pool some resources,
little becomes much in the Master's hands. Run the
race to win the prize, and all glory and praises to
our glorious Lord.

God bless you with love, Peter K.

Scotty,

The newsletter is great and it is wonderful
to see so many exciting things happening with ICTA.
Are you planning on coming to Houston again this
year? I would love to help out again if you are
coming.

Please keep me up to date on your plans and
have a fantastic Christmas! George, Mitzie & George,
Clark & Emma

Alina

2006-12-18T23:22:00.000-05:00

Alina... if you are able to read this know Coach Scotty loves you and has you in his prayers. We all miss you. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

To everyone else...

Hey there! See the pic on the left? That's Alina. Alina is from Russia. She came to train with me several years ago. When Alina was 14 she was #5 in Russia. She was an amazing player! Currently, she is in her junior year of college in Moscow.

Alina's life has not always been easy. Like many Russians, she had been abused by a coach. Alina also had an eating disorder. In this picture she looks fantastic... very healthy and strong. Yet, when she went back home to Russia her eating disorder took over. Did you know many Russian coaches instruct their players to regurgitate their food after eating. I think the abuse Alina suffered helped lead her to become addicted to her "coached" eating disorder.

Isaiah 53:4 says, "Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows." Why did Jesus live on earth as long as he did? Couldn't he have just stayed for a few hours, days, or weeks? Yet, he chose to lead a sinless life. He wanted to live through all of life's sorrows. This Jesus did so you would trust him.

Alina is very special to me. I still remember the day Rachel and I picked her up from the airport in Dallas. She trained with me and we traveled to pro tournaments. I worked very hard to guide Alina both on and off the tennis court. She improved so much and we bonded very well!

I've been through hard times, also. Those hard times helped me understand Alina's struggles. I gained her trust by my compassion, guidance, and understanding.

Jesus lived a sinless life on earth. He went through all trials and temptations. He understands your difficulties. Jesus loves you and is always waiting for you to turn to him. Give your life to Jesus. Whatever troubles have come your way, know the creator of the universe made you in his image for his purposes.

He is in total control and he is waiting for you to run to him!

God bless,

Scotty

An Expo Hello!

2006-12-13T12:53:00.000-05:00

Verse and Thought of the Day:

"I know those I have chosen." John 13:18

Would you choose a wanted murderer to lead a nation out of bondage? Would you call upon a fugitive to carry the Ten commandments? God did... Called his name through a burning bush. Scared old Moses out of his shoes!...

The reassuring lesson is clear. God... uses people to change the world. People! Not saints or superhumans... or geniouses, but people.

I don't know about you, but some people in this world like tell me what I am not qualified to do as I work to develop this ministry to more effectively follow the Great Commission. My answer to them is they are right!

Glory to God!

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Melody Snelen (lt) and Rachel Snelen (rt) taking a pic with a neat Missions Expo helper!

Hey there! This is Scott Paschal. I am the Ministry Director of the International Christian Tennis Association, a Christian sports ministry recognized by the ISC on MSNBC.com as one of the top 100 sports ministries in the world.

Makes us sound kinda fancy and important, huh? The reality is ICTA has a little bitty staff of 3 and we work really hard inventing ministry programs in tennis.

And I really don't know how we were rated as a top 100 or what it actually takes to be recognized by the IOC. It's not like I filled out a form or anything to enter the contest. And no one called me. Oh well, we could be called worse...

Hope you enjoyed the verse of the day! Thanks for stopping by!

I'd like to update you on our Mission Expo event this past Sunday at a tremendous church in Jacksonville.

What a great time we enjoyed! The Expo lasted from 9am till 1pm. Our table area stayed busy and we made some great friends and ministry contacts. In fact, God introduced us to one lady who wants to help ICTA gain a booth into a famous pro tennis tournament that I have been trying to get ICTA into for years!

The people of the church were wonderful. ICTA gained many new members, gave away dozens and dozens of ICTA tshirts for $5 donations.

Rach, Mel, and I really enjoyed our time at the Missions Expo. I can't say enough how well directed the entire Expo was and how tremendously appreciated mission organizations are in the church. Definitely a Sunday morning well spent.

In fact, I enjoyed the church, the people, the preaching, the atmosphere so much that I'm going back this Sunday and am seriously looking at the possibility of making this church my new church home. It's really everything I've been looking for in a church, but haven't been able to locate.

God bless!

Scotty

Church Missions Expo!

2006-12-09T22:39:00.000-05:00

Verse and Thought for the Day:

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1:14 NIV

The One to whom we pray knows our feelings. He knows temptation. He has felt discouraged. He has been hungry and sleepy and tired... He nods in understanding when we pray in anger... He smiles when we confess our weariness.

He, too, knew the drone of the humdrum and the weariness that comes with long days.... God became flesh and dwelt among us.
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Hello there! This is Scott Paschal, Ministry Director of the International Christian Tennis Association. Hope you enjoyed the verse today.

We're busily packing ICTA supplies for a special church missions expo tomorrow morning at a large church in Jacksonville, Florida. A pastor at the main church is bringing us in. He is a really special guy who has been a big reason for the success of ICTA mission trips for the last 4+ years.

Should be such a neat day being around all the other missions organizations and meeting so many new people from our area!

This has been such a great week of following where God leads.

Our recent trip to look at land and evaluate the potential of a city as ICTA's international headquarters base was completely God-blessed. I'm in love with the town and the location of the available land.

Actually, there are two land locations and I'd like to put courts on them both! One location has about 13 acres and rests on a hillside plateau overlooking the town. There is enough room for plenty of courts, player housing, ICTA offices, parking....

The other is in a mountainous, heavily forested church camp setting complete with cabins, a small lake, horse stalls... all the neat stuff you want kids and adults to have during camps and retreats.

I'll keep you updated on the progress acquiring our land. And, as usual, God know exactly where He needs us. This may or may not be the location. I'm just following along like a puppy on a string enjoying the walk!

God bless!

Scotty
www.christiantennis.net
386 793 0557

Land Ho'

2006-12-06T22:40:00.000-05:00

Hello there!

This is Scott Paschal with the International Christian Tennis Association. Thanks for stopping by to stay up to date on ICTA happenings.

Well, all of my Christian tennis academy students are home for the Christmas holiday and it's pretty much just me and the dog. This was the best semester ever. I really like this group of students. They are each loving and kind, selfless, considerate... and they can crank the ball. I've noticed it is pretty quiet around here now.

A little too quiet!

I look forward to everyone coming in for the Spring semester, which for us begins Dec. 29! Why so early? Because I'm taking all of my students to Passion'07 in Atlanta on Jan. 1-4, 2007! Right after that we'll be down near Miami as our ICTA Women's Pro Tennis Team competes in an ITF Pro Tournament on their mission trip. Will be a fantastic start to a another great semester.

Tomorrow will be a neat day for me. We're meeting with a ministry I greatly respect and admire at 3pm to discuss a partnership for ICTA building a tennis facility. I have received offers on several great land opportunities, but this one is really intriguing.

This ministry in particular is recognized as one of the top in the world. Personally, I would love to have ICTA headquartered with them and I feel my own walk with Christ would strengthen simply by being surrounded by such Godly men and women for mentors.

I'll be flying there with my tennis tour company partner, Russty. Please keep us both in your prayers as we seek to discover where God will base one of my big dreams, the ICTA Tennis Center .

God bless,

Scott Paschal
www.christiantennis.net

Family of Missionaries Serves WTA Tour

2006-11-19T17:41:00.000-05:00

Rachel and Melody (Fulltime ICTA Staff), and their mother, Joy Snelen, are a family of missionaries working together to reach WTA Tour players with the Gospel message.

Advanced beginners in 1999 at 16 years of age, Rachel and Melody, twin sisters, had a dream to hold WTA rankings and share their Christian faith.

Seven years later these talented twins are WTA ranked players with a full 2007 schedule of mission trips to WTA and ITF tournaments, many in which they will compete. Their ministry blossomed in 2006!

"I think it is exciting to work alongside my sister and mother to reach these players with the Gospel message which will change their lives!" Melody Snelen

The Snelen twins are currently training with the International Christian Tennis Association.

Rachel Snelen backhand

Their mother and father, Tommy and Joyce Snelen, were music missionaries singing in churches and at events nationwide. Rachel and Melody, along with their brother, went with them.

Thus, these WTA Tour twins are missionaries at heart!

It hasn't been an easy road. Both girls have had serious obstacles to overcome such as the emotional death of their father to cancer in 2001, and a devastating drug addiction by their brother after he was sexually molested for years by a pedophile.

In addition, as very young girls the Snelen twins were abused by a pastor who also served as a President of a Florida Baptist Association.

"The majority of girls we have reached on the WTA tour have been sexually abused at some point in their life. It can harden their hearts towards God and cause them to go down the wrong paths. We want to show them the abuse was not their fault, explain how sin originally entered the world, and offer them a new life in Jesus and a new reason for living that comes from accepting Him as their Lord and Savior. " Melody Snelen

Bringing their Gospel message to the WTA Tour players has been well received. The WTA players they meet respect the twin's playing ability and determination on court, which has proven influential in some cases.

Melody Snelen (lt) and Rachel Snelen (rt) on 2006 ICTA Pro Tennis Team mission trip to ITF $75,000.

For instance, Rachel practiced at one pro tournament with a world class player who is ranked top 120 WTA. Their workout was strong as both ladies pounded the ball at each other. Then, after practice when Rachel offered her an ICTA Tract Pack, the girl literally convulsed, as she was an atheist from the Czech Republic.

Yet, though the first girl was not a Christian, a seed was planted as she and Rach did develop a friendship and parted ways on good terms. Rachel was able to use her high level of tennis play to gain the respect of the Czech player, gain even more respect by standing up for her faith, then earn her friendship by staying kind and understanding.

Another world class player, a top 110 WTA, was glad to know Rachel and was excited for her ICTA Tract Pack gift she received from Rachel after their workout in Canada. They developed a strong bond which will only strengthen over time. It is will be exciting to see this girl's faith grow as she moves into the elite tennis levels of Grand Slam competition.

Twins and team members at Palm Coast, Florida fair

Yet, whenever a ministry has much potential, there will always be attacks from satanic forces. This is a Biblical promise. Shining the light of His word in a fallen world begs for trouble from the forces of eveil.

Rachel and Melody Snelen have a cutting edge ministry that is powerfully influencing the lives of among the top WTA players in the world. Not only them, but top ITF juniors, parents, coaches, tournament directors and staff.

In addition, the twins mentor other members of the ICTA Women's Pro Tennis Team. People worldwide are being influenced by the evangelistic missionary passion God has instilled and developed inside of the Snelen twins.

Rachel Snelen (rt) and Melody Snelen (lt) distributing Bibles, fans, Christian books & more at ICTA's booth in the stadium at the 2006 Cincinnati Masters.

Coach Scott Paschal, who is also ICTA's founder, says, "It is an exciting time for a lot of us to see how far they have come. They both could be doing so many other things with their lives, but have decided to follow their passion.

At 23 years of age the sky is the limit for their ministry potential.

2007-2008 will be special for Melody and Rachel's ministry to the WTA Tour players. They have had and continue to have the mentoring and support of some of the finest Christian men and women in the world.

Through their work, female tennis players are finding Christ as their Lord and Savior."

Kara, Rachel, and Tel trying on 1920's style tennis clothing for upcoming ICTA Video

From the death of their father, to overcoming a late start in tennis, to recovering from serious injuries, and more; God has strengthened and developed both of these 23 year old twins into really special Christian women who know what their ministry is and why they have been called.

The joy of seeing the results of the last 7 years of hard work on and off the court has been an amazing ride.

Melody Snelen hitting a forehand in an ITF Women's Challenger in Mexico

2006 has been a special year for Rachel and Melody Snelen. They both earned their WTA rankings, a dream come true, and established a successful ministry on the pro tour. Rachel was the first to gain her WTA ranking this April. Melody followed closely behind.

Though they are improving their tennis everyday, both girl's feel the pressure is off as they did reach their dream of gaining their WTA rankings. Anything else is just fun!

There are 1497 WTA rankings shared by over 1800 WTA players. Some players in the lower 1/3 have the same amount of points and tournaments played, thus many players share a ranking.

Rachel earned her ranking and within 6 months rose over 250 spots to WTA # 1139, which placed her ahead of 600+ WTA players. Very few players in the world ever gain a WTA ranking, much less are ranked higher than over 600 WTA players! Great job, twin!

Melody earned her ranking and quickly rose over 150 spots to WTA 1211, which places her ahead of 500+ WTA players. Great job, twin!

Both girls overcame tremendous injuries this year, even playing injured at times. Now, they are strong and healthy and ready to compete.

Rachel Snelen serve

2007 will be their first year to play a full tournament schedule in over 5 years.

"Neither girl lacks skill or ability. They lack tournament experience. The decision was made to invest money in training, equipment, nutritional supplements, etc. so they could increase their playing skills. Now in 2007-2008 they will travel fulltime on the tour. Both will break into the top 1000 WTA in 2007 and by this time next year will be brimming with confidence riding the momentum into 2008." Scott Paschal, Coach

Adding to the mix is the fact that all of their tennis training and travels provides the platform for their ministry to WTA players on and off court.

Both Rachel and Melody Snelen are building a network of WTA ranked players. From top 50 WTA on down to their peer level, the twins are gaining quite a network and positively impacting professional women's tennis.

Players have received an ICTA Tract Pack from the twins, emails and phone numbers have been exchanged, and relationships have been established.

The life of a world class tennis player is difficult. The Christian influences are minimal. Rachel, Melody, and Joy Snelen will have a tremendous impact of the lives of WTA players as these evangelistic missionaries work together to travel the globe sharing the Gospel of Jesus to the girls of the WTA Tour.

A snapshot taken by Rachel Snelen during her mission trip to Puebla, Mexico in 11/06

Crushing Satan, and Smacking a Winner

2006-11-16T11:58:00.000-05:00

Hello from Atlanta's Airport. Nice shirt, huh? LOL

Romans 16:17-20

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Up till now in the book of Romans, Paul has never mentioned the devil (except indirectly in passing in Romans 8:38 where he said that neither “angels nor rulers” can separate us from the love of God in Christ). In view of how much he treats the truth of justification in chapters 3-5 and the Christian life in chapters 6-8, that silence about Satan should caution us against making too much of the devil in how we fight the fight of faith.

Satan’s One Mention in Romans: He’s Doomed

Those who think of all struggles in terms of conflicts with the devil to be fought in face-to-face combat must wonder how Paul could write fifteen chapters about salvation and Christian living and not mention the Satan. Paul’s silence till now does not mean that Satan is insignificant, or that he can be trifled with. But it does mean that we deal with Satan mainly indirectly rather than keeping him in our mind and going toe to toe (see in addition 2 Timothy 2:24-26).

But now, finally, near the end, Paul does mention Satan in Romans 16:20. And that’s the main thing I want to talk about. When Paul finally mentions the devil, he has one thing to say about him. To use the words of Martin Luther, “His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure.” Paul has one sentence to say about Satan in sixteen chapters. Verse 20: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” That’s all. He get’s one mention. And the mention is: He’s doomed. You will crush him under your feet.

Avoid Horny, Gluttonous Smooth-Talkers

Now before we talk about that, let’s see how that fits into the flow of Paul’s thought. In verse 18, Paul said we should watch out for people who depart from the apostle’s doctrine and try to take others with them. Avoid them, Paul says. Verse 19 gives the reasons for this vigilance: Because the false teachers are not always easy to spot with their smooth talk and their words of blessing. And so the danger is greater that they will sweep away the innocent and unsuspecting. And beneath is all is not an innocent intellectual mistake but deep bondage to the appetites of the flesh. The smooth talkers in their private lives, it appears, turn out to be horny and gluttonous.

The Well-Known Obedience of the Romans

That’s what we saw last week. Now in verse 19, Paul commends the Romans for their obedience and mentions this as a reason why they need to be vigilant over error and why he is so happy about them. He says, “For your obedience is known to all.” In other words, if false teachers get the upper hand among you, then all the more reproach will come to the name of Christ because your obedience is know everywhere. The greater your reputation for obedience, the more damage can be done if you get sucked into false teaching. So be vigilant “for your obedience is know to all.” You have a great responsibility.

And, he says, I want you to know that your obedience brings me great joy. Verse 19: “Your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you.” Paul had not founded this church. He had never been there. He was simply joyful over the reputation of a church that walked in obedience to Jesus. When you rejoice in churches, is it because they are big or have good music or because they are obedient to the radical demands of Jesus?

Experts in Good; Not Even Beginners in Evil

Then Paul gives one more warning like he did in verse 17. Even though you are a basically obedient people and even though I have great joy in your obedience, I want to be sure to caution you one more time. Verse 19b: “I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.” Paul said something like this to the Corinthians. He said, “Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature” (1 Corinthians 14:20). He got this way of talking from Jesus. Jesus had said, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

Sheep in the midst of wolves. That makes an interesting link with the context in Romans. Here Paul is warning against wolves in sheep’s clothing—people departing from the doctrine who talk like sheep and bless like sheep but “do not serve our Lord Christ.” They are wolves ready to devour the naïve. When it comes to wisdom—the discerning of false teaching and destructive behaviors—don’t be naïve. Be wise; be mature. But when it comes to evil—erroneous destructive doctrines and appetite-worship that goes with them—be innocent. Be like a child in the sense that you don’t even make a beginning in evil. J. B. Phillips paraphrases Romans 16:19, “I want to see you experts in good, and not even beginners in evil.”

So, Bethlehem, let’s be that way: “Wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.” You don’t even need to be a beginner in evil. O how many pangs you young people will spare yourselves if you don’t make any beginning in evil. There is evil enough in your own heart for Christ to deal with. You don’t need to burden him with more.

Satan, the Head of Evil, Is Coming Off

Finally, we come then to verse 20 and the point seems to be this: Do not be tricked or lured into any evil—false teaching or bondage to appetite—because the great head of evil, Satan, is going to be crushed. Be warned not to get involved with the works of Satan, because “lo, his doom is sure.” And be encouraged to press on in your battle against all that is false and destructive because the Father of all lies and destruction will be destroyed.

I take verse 20a to be a broad, general, glorious promise about the triumph of the church over the Satan. “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” I don’t take it mainly as a reference to any current event in the Roman church because Paul hasn’t described any crisis that appears to be coming to a head like that. The troubles he describes are of an ongoing kind. We will have to be vigilant for false teachers till the last day. I don’t think it’s a reference to a current event but to the last great events of history when Satan is finally crushed and put in the pit (Revelation 20:2-3) and in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10). It’s a warning not to be friends with evil because evil will loose. And it’s an encouragement to stay vigilant against the false teaching because the fountain of all error will one day be destroyed.

The Larger Picture of Satan’s Defeat

So let’s step back here and get the larger picture of what the New Testament says about the defeat of Satan. In Genesis 3:15, God promised that the seed of the woman would crush the head of the serpent: “He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” Jesus comes to fulfill that promise. First John 3:8 says, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” So we can sum up the work of Christ as destroying Satan in three stages.

1) Satan has been decisively defeated in the death and resurrection of Christ; 2) he is being defeated now by Christ through Christians who speak the word of God and put on the whole armor of God; and 3) he will finally be vanquished and thrown into the lake of fire never to deceive or torment the world again.

1. Satan Has Been Decisively Defeated in the Death and Resurrection of Christ.

Paul puts it like this in Colossians 2:14-15, “[Christ cancelled] the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” By nailing our sins to the cross he took all the damning weapons out of the devil’s hands. Now he can rage against us, but he cannot condemn. It is God who justifies, who is to condemn (Romans 8:33-34)? (See also Hebrews 2:14-15; 1 John 3:8; Ephesians 1:22; John 12:21; 16:11.)

2. Satan Is Being Defeated Now by Christ Through Christians Who Believe and Speak the Word of God and Put on the Whole Armor of God.

Ephesians 6:12-13, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (See also Revelation 12:11; 2 Corinthians 4:4-6). So we today embrace and apply the victory of Christ by faith in our battles against the devil—mainly by believing and wielding the word of God (cf. 2 Timothy 2:24-26).

3. Satan Will Finally Be Vanquished and Thrown into the Lake of Fire Never to Deceive or Torment the World Again.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:25, “[Christ] must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.” The defeat was decisive in the cross and resurrection, but the final blow will be delivered in the future when Christ puts all things manifestly under his feet. There’s the link with Romans 16:20—“under his feet.” Only here it’s under your feet: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” And the reason it’s your feet is that we are in Christ and his triumphs will be our triumphs.

This is as certain to happen as the fact that Christ already came and died and rose again. That’s why Ephesians 1:22 speaks of all things as already under Christ’s feet. “God put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church.” Romans 16:20 is a glorious promise to beleaguered saints in times and places where it seems as if evil has the upper hand and Satan is devouring the world. And it is a warning not to give up and change sides. It is an encouragement to keep on being vigilant against falsehood and idolatry and to “be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.”

Grace for the Battle

And in the meantime—till the final victory comes and Satan is vanquished—there will be grace for long battle. Verse 20b: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” It arrives every day in just the right amount for the battles we face. It is new every morning. Great is his faithfulness.

How Long, O Lord?

Which leaves one last question. How long, O Lord? How long till the victory comes? “How long, O God, is the foe to scoff? Is the enemy to revile your name forever?” (Psalm 74 10).

And Paul answers, “Soon.” Verse 20: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” What does that mean? He said that two thousand years ago. Two thousand years ago he said in Romans 13:12, “The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” How are we today to understand the statements in the New Testament that the coming Christ and the triumphs of his appearing will be soon, and yet two thousand years have gone by?

There is one book in the New Testament that addresses this issue directly, 2 Peter.

Scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. 4 They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” . . . 8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:3-4)

Peter’s way of handling the delay of Jesus’ second coming when people began to ask this question is to draw attention to God’s peculiar relationship to time. “With the Lord . . . a thousand years [is] as one day.” So taking my cue from Peter, I want to close this morning by imagining a conversation between Paul and the Lord who is guiding what he writes. It goes like this:

Paul: O Lord, how long? How long till this great enemy is finally removed and the troubles of the church come to an end?

The Lord: It is not for you to know. My Father has the time fixed in his secret councils. And he is infinitely wise and infinitely good.

Paul: Lord, could it be long—hundreds or even thousands of years?

The Lord: And if it were a thousand years—or two thousand? Would that be long? A thousand years is like a day with me.

Paul: Lord, how then should I speak of this coming triumph? What should I say about the time?

The Lord: Be true to me the way I really am, and say what will help people be ready at my coming. They must not think that they can presume upon my delay. For if they do, they will drift into patterns of indifference and be snatched away to destruction in a moment.

Paul: So do you mean, Lord, that I should say that you are coming soon even though I don’t know that from our side whether it will be soon? That would not be a mistake to say that?

The Lord: No that would not be a mistake. Say that. It will cause some to stumble, like many other things that I say. Scoffers will come and ridicule my promise. I know that. But if you give the impression that it will not be not soon, you will do far more damage to the truth and to the souls of men than if you stay true to my timeless haste and help the people be always ready and full of hope.

Paul: Lord, if a thousand years or two thousand should pass and you do not come, what should your people think who read these words in those days? Will they not think, So many hundreds of years have come and gone, there is no reason to think it will be soon any more or that our lives will be interrupted by his appearing?

The Lord: They should remember that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. It will be sudden and unexpected by almost everyone. The world will be going on as usual (Luke 17:26-31). And sudden destruction will come upon them. Pray for them, Paul, that they not stumble over the word soon. Pray that they will know that for me it will be soon, and for them it will be sudden. Pray that they will understand that expecting it to be soon is the best way not to drift into indifference and be snatched away in destruction.

Paul: Thank you, Lord. You know that I would love for you to come back while I am still alive. I would love to be clothed with life rather than stripped of my body in death. Come, Lord Jesus. Come quickly.

The Lord: Paul, my dear servant, your desire for me and my quick return is a great honor to me. I would not want you to desire anything less. Finish this letter to the Romans and pray that those who come after you will have your same desire. And until then, never forget—and don’t let the people forget—when I come I will crush Satan under your feet. My grace be with you.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.
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I hope you have been blessed by this sermon from John Piper. I was led to it today by a person who understands the work I do and the relentless satanic attacks I come under from both "friend and foe" as God develops the International Christian Tennis Association well past my wildest dreams.
This has truly been the biggest week in the history of our young ministry. And those of you in ministry know of the satanic attacks which come with such breakthroughs.
Yet, anyone who knows me at all knows I tend to get really excited when Satan coaches his students from the sidelines during the match. It tells me I am completely on track for God's plan with my life! Satan is already defeated.

I refuse to focus on his students moon balls, and instead I focus every minute and every fiber of my body on cranking my serve to the corners and coming in to smack a winner
God is blessing the ICTA. Please keep our staff, students, and supporters in your prayers. Prayer is powerful.
God bless,

Scott Paschal

Discipleship Training & Swords?

2006-11-11T21:46:00.000-05:00

Welcome to our online Journal. This is Scott Paschal. I'm the President and current Director of the International Christian Tennis Association, a sports ministry with members in over 1500 cities in 50+ countries worldwide.

I'd like to share with you a few pics from Discipleship Training here at our tennis missionary training center and tennis academy in Palm Coast, Fl.

Our focus for the week was Ephesians 6: 10-20.

The students first memorized the verse, then recited it to each other. That was fun, kind of the old fashioned fun that's missing in this My Spaced addicted generation! The academy students paired up and each pair invented a skit to perform. The goal of the week was to prepare students to stand strong against satanic attacks by learning how to pray.

The goal of each skit was to effectively explain Spiritual Armour.

We had a great time. I learned a lot, and the kids seemed to as well. But, I guess the real test will be how they respond out in the real world, you know, like when they are writing messages on My Space or when they feel the need to fill their head with stolen music on their IPOD or in other areas where their integity is being tested.

Before we get started, here's a few pics of the gang preparing their armour in the kitchen of my house...

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Skit #1
Effectiveness of Tracts

Here's a skit with Mel and Mark. In this skit Mark is a down and out guy who received a tract from a person. God works through the tract and Mark becomes a Christian. Mel plays the role of an angel (purple robe) who brings Mark the spiritual armour he prays for, and a demon (red jacket) sent to cause Mark to sin. Loads of fun and a great idea! We have given out literally 1000's of tracts, books, and Bibles. Each is a powerful weapon for Christ.

If anyone in your life ever ridicules you for giving out tracts, run from them. You are staring Satan in the face. But, before you run... give them a tract.

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Skit #2

Christian Kid at Party

In this skit Kara and Tel play the role of a Christian (Kara) and a tempter (Tel). Kara is pretending to be a Christian girl at a party who uses her armor to fend of Satan's fiery darts. We laughed a lot as this skit was a blast.

Unfortunately, spiritual armour is rendered basically ineffective when we choose to go follow the world. Kara should never have been at the party. Properly worn, her spiritual armor would have protected her from going.

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Skit #3
God's Gift on Our Doorstep

In this skit Rachel and Ana are two people who receive and unexpected gift on their doorstep. They bring it in the house and open the box. Inside the box is a letter telling them of the urgency to put on their spiritual armour in preparation upcoming trouble. They do. Then they get in their battle stance... which is kneeling down to pray.

This was an amazing, creative skit which shows God's gift are right on our doorstep, and that the purpose of spiritual armour is to strengthen our prayer life.

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Ephesians 6:10-18

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Great time by all in a God-blessed Discipleship training week.

Branson in 24 Hours!

2006-10-31T20:17:00.000-05:00

Me and my neice!

I flew out to Springfield, Missouri early on Sunday morning. Flew back Monday.

The 24 hrs in between was awesome!

I saw my big brother for the first time in around 5 years. That was so great. We're both in ministry and have much in common. Yet, we're both busy and 5 years passed by before we knew it.

My big bro is a youth pastor. He's the kind of guy you just plain want your kids to be around. He loves the Lord, trusts God's promises, and takes his call to youth ministry very seriously. In fact, he turned down an opportunity to be an executive pastor at a church. He feels called right now to focus on the youth in Springtown.

These two pics are of me and my niece. It is pretty hard to describe how special my niece is to me so I won't try. Suffice to say that being Uncle Scotty is one of the proudest titles in my life.

Two of the hardest aspects of fulltime ministry are not being able to see my brother and my neice as much as I'd like. Few people will ever appreciate what I have given up to develop this tennis ministry.

I've missed out on a lot. I've sacrificed a lot.

My neice had worked a double shift at the hospital. She went to work at 2:30pm and didn't get off work till 7am the next day. She had to be at her Chemistry lab at 9am. So on this day she took a quick shower and met me and my bro at McDonalds around 8am. I wish I had a week with her, but I guess my short time with her at McD's will have to be enough.

Awesome!

Seeing her was so great!

To me, she looks just like she did when she was in preschool... just a little taller I guess.

I'm not sure if she will ever seem old enough to drive, work, and go to college! But, she is, so I'd better get with the program. I sure love my niece.

I was able to talk with my brother and sister-in-law a bunch. I've known my sister-in-law for about 24 years or so. That's a long time. Someone asked me what my brother was like. I told them to picture a mix between John Wayne and Tim the Toolman Taylor... ministry style.

After spending the day together, Sunday nite I was really excited to take them to see Chris Tomlin's concert in Branson.

I hope everybody reading this has the opportunity to see Chris sing in person. From beginning to end, Tomlin's concert was THE best I have ever seen from any music artist... except maybe Bryan Adams back in '88, but that's another story.

Every song Tomlin sang was a hit. The energy on stage, the lighting, the screen graphics, the sound... unbelievable!! The band sang some new songs fromtheir new album, See the Morning. Wait till you here the new stuff! Wow! My favorite was his take on Amazing Grace....

My big brother had the opportunity to meet Chris after the concert. He is a big Tomlin fan, so that was great!

Seeing my brother was wonderful.

And it was so good to be Uncle Scotty again, if only for a short time. I sure missed everybody and hope we can see each other again soon.

While I don't have any family here in Florida, I am fortunate to have my students. They are a lot like family. In fact, I missed them even though I was just gone a day!

Look for a new post soon about a Leadership conference. We had a big Friday/Saturday around here as I took the entire gang to a Leadership Conference down in Miami.

I'll fill you in on that incredible and inspirational event that changed lives in amazing ways!

God bless!

Uncle Scotty

I 75 North to Atlanta

2006-10-20T21:18:00.000-05:00

The gang stretchin' their legs after arriving in Atlanta

God is so good!

Hello, this is Scott Paschal. Great to have you stop by and stay up to date on some of the blessed happenings in our ministry!

Here's a neat story about why we headed out to Atlanta recently!

I was in a situation where I needed one of my ministry buddies to do what he does best, and I needed it pretty quickly.

My buddy is a Christian speaker and has an amazing testimony. I really felt his testimony would bless the life of one of my new students, who has come from a difficult past, yet is now a new Christian.

I'll explain...

God brought me a student this semester. Well, better yet, through Him working through our tennis missionaries, He rescued her from a very difficult situation in life. God brought her here and she is learning more and more about Jesus each day. You can see her growing closer to Him.

I've been pouring into her daily. She has made massive growth! Yet, I needed something. I needed her to hear about Jesus from someone other than me.

And I needed her to hear about Him from someone who also came from a difficult background.

And you know what! God already had the wheels in motion for this to happen!

Fortunately, what I needed was going to be next door in Atlanta!

Road trip!

After a couple of quick phone calls, and some rescheduling of my work schedule, our gang loaded up the 'ol Suburban and headed up I 75 North to Atlanta. You could sense the excitement in the group.

The drive from Palm Coast, Florida to First Baptist Church-Atlanta was about 400+ miles and 8 hours long. We all woke up early... and some slept on the way!

We're here!

We finally arrived at First Baptist Church-Atlanta, which is where amazing, 74 year old Dr. Charles Stanley preaches!

Why did we go to FBA-Atlanta?

On Wednesday nites for the next few weeks FBA is bringing in people to speak about the Middle East. On this Wednesday, FBA brought in David Nasser, a former Muslim from Iran, to give his testimony.

After everyone changed their clothes and freshened up a bit, we spent some time with friends at FBA and excitedly waited for David Nasser's testimony.

If you haven't heard it, I highly recommend you purchase a copy as well as buy his books. As a speaker/communicator, Nasser is one of the best you will ever hear. And his testimony is amazing.

The ICTA gang hanging with a local friend of mine from Atlanta who has been involved with us for years.

It was exactly what my student needed to hear. Exactly. You see, Nasser is real. He speaks his mind openly and honestly. He is hip, funny, direct. Your emotions will go with him as he takes you through the miracle that is his testimony.

God was able to use David to reach inside my student and give her heart a big hug.

I wish everyone could have a chance to hear God work through Nasser. For me, this was a really special time because someone I care about was giving his testimony and his life story was directly impacting a special student God brought to me.

It is at these moments you can really appreciate someone using the talent God gave him and entrusted him with.

David has probably given his testimony 1000+ times. Yet, here he was after a long, long day... after a long week... just after a monthlong+ tour of Canada... sharing his story and letting God pour into my student.

The impact has been incredible since. I wish you all could see her now. Wow. When she arrives at the top of the WTA, I believe the entire world will hear her story!

When God is truly working in your heart... it is obvious to all

This is an exciting season for me and for our ministry. God is blessing. When you can visibly see fruit being produced from your labors of love, you know you are on the right track for Him.

Young people tend to have the attention span of a nat. Their moods tend to sway to and fro like a Palm tree in the wind. Yet, when God visibly works inside and through them for His will to be done, it pretty much demands the young kid's attention.

That teen knows God is real.

How many teens really understand this? Well, how many adults for that matter?

Very few in our soft culture.

I am involved daily in real, authentic, transparent Christian ministry. Anyone who truly knows me knows I wear my heart for Christ on my sleeve, much like Agassi wears his emotions during a match on his sleeve.

The fruit God is producing through ICTA, our tennis missionaries, and our staff is real. When God uses His people for His purposes, lives change. Ministry, real ministry, begins.

So many kids sitting around doing nothing with their lives. IM, Ipods, cell phones, computer games, television... the lives of this generation have been sucked down into a pit of me, me, me.

You want to know what fun really is? Get rid of your electronic addictions, walk out your door, and start telling people about Jesus.

Your life will change in an instant and the voids you are trying to fill in your heart will finally be filled with what God intended.

And maybe someday you will truly be able to understand why we headed up I75 North to Atlanta.

God bless!

Scotty
www.christiantennis.net
386 793 0557

Luke 15:4 Comes Alive...

2006-10-14T19:53:00.000-05:00

Newgy and me at a top Florida junior tournament. Her grandmother, brother, and aunt all came to watch! Great time! Learn how God worked through her life to help a fellow player in crisis.

Hey there! This is Scott Paschal.

God has truly blessed my life with very special students this semester.

There is a lot I'd like to write about this pic and this ICTA missionary girl. Yet, nothing I could write would do justice to what God has been able to accomplish recently through her life, and through the ICTA Women's Pro Tennis Team, as they participated in an ICTA Mission Trip to an ITF pro tournament.

This neat kid is just 15 years old. She has a knack of making everyone's day brighter, and could even make an old, unused rake in the garage feel special and important.

I call her Newgy, since she's the youngest squirt around the the academy.

I currently won't mention her real name, as there is a strange man in Greece by the name of Naisen, or Mr. Sonic Boomer as he likes to call himself, who actually stalks my female students, attempts to slander them, and leaves threatening voice messages on our ICTA phone system. He reminds me of the issues Monica Seles had with her stalker & stabbing several years ago. So, that said, we'll just call her Newgy on this blog entry.

That said, let's now talk about a recent Bible promise coming true in real life as God worked through her!

Robin (Mark's mom and fulltime missionary in Mexico City), Newgy, and Mel during an ICTA Women's Pro Team Mission Trip to San Luis Potosi, Mexico during an ITF $25,000 Challenger.

Just before I met Newgy, she was wrapped up heavily in junior tennis and had gotten to the point where she was ready to quit. Junior tennis at the highest levels in America can be bigtime stress. Families implode, dreams vanish, lives can be forever altered negatively.

Newgy's mom contacted me out of the blue one day.

She and I talked and decided together I'd take a look at her daughter to see if she and I would be a good player/coach fit. My academy was full, but I invited them to come for a visit. They did and I really liked Newgy... but I had some concerns about the mother.

Let me tell you something, the worst part of junior sports is the parents. Baseball, football, basketball... coaches worldwide in all sports cringe when a dysfunctional parent shows up with a talented kid.

I definitely had my reservations about the mom. I spoke honestly and openly about her controlling and possessive personality. She agreed she has issues with being too controlling and promised to be on her best behavior. Yet, let me say she really loves her daughter and has worked hard to give her daughter a better life than what she had.

The fact she could recognize she had issues helped. Some. I work really, really hard as a coach... and my days of being pushed around by parents is over. I have way too many kids who want to train with me to go back to the days of being bounced around by a goofball parent.

And Newgy, wow, one of the most amazing 15 year old kids ever. Definitely a coach's player.

But, I wanted to pray about it before I committed to being her fulltime coach. Coaching to me is a bigtime decision.

If I'm going to be involved in helping guide a child of God through some very important times in their young lives, I have to know God brought them to me.

For me, it's never about the money. It is about God's will for my life. Sure, I need to make money. I have bills that must be paid or there will not be an ICTA ministry!

Ministry isn't free! Booths at tournaments, Bibles I give away, gas, electricity, housing, tennis balls, water bill, car repairs, insurance... it's expensive.

But, God takes care of my bills as He sees fit, so I am free to view my students as children of God, not dollar signs.

Though I did not really much trust the mom, as I've dealt with her type before and it is always painful , I agreed with her that this would be a great experience for her daughter. The mother agreed again to stay sane and not go off the deep end. So, I took the chance and agreed to coach Newgy fulltime for a semester.

I'm not sure how it will turn our for Newgy here fulltime, we'll have to wait and see as there are very real issues with the mom, but I knew God was bringing this girl in for a reason, and now that reason has been rescued!

I felt 100% God was in this, and soon Newgy was running around my house with my other students, and I learned even more of what a complete joy she is and wonderful blessing.

I truly feel priviledged to know this young lady.

'Tel, Mel, Rach, and Newgy having breakfast at their hotel in Mexico. They had no idea of the huge way in which God was about to use them to rescue one of His lost sheep!

Ok, on with the story... after a couple of months of hardcore tennis training, it was time for Newgy to play ITF Pro Tournaments on ICTA Pro Team Mission Trips.

I'm working hard to help her gain a WTA ranking this semester, and I want it to happen for her in a Christ-like environment and on a team with people who love and care about her. As I mentioned earlier, it has not been easy... near daily crying and arguments with her mom... definitely a major stress for a coach and an academy!

I think almost every high performance tennis coach worldwide realizes junior tennis development in America has been poorly designed for many, many years. It has been ruining kid's dreams while helping to destroy their families, and not producing champions.

Newgy's game was definitely a complete product of American tennis... all baseline, no footwork, no focus... poor parent relationships and weak goals.

But, that's another story. Suffice to say if I can put up with Newgy's mom long enough, Newgy will gain the bulk of her tournament experience internationally in ITF professional and junior events, while supplementing with USTA stuff.

We had developed our ICTA Women's Pro Team schedule in the summer and it was a good one. Tournaments in USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Then, later on, I suddenly felt God leading the team to play in an ITF pro tournament that was not on our schedule.

Everyone agreed to go, and off they went.

This ballkid is watching Newgy serve hard... and in more ways than just tennis!

This ICTA Pro Tennis Team is a very special group. Each is loving and kind.

In preparation for mission trips, I had been busy teaching Newgy many things, but the week before the tournament I was teaching her and the team that tennis is not about them.

It is about what God can do through them.

We focused a good amount of time on this important "radical in today's world" concept.

So, let's move forward and discover the main point of this story.

The ultimate match is about to be played on a higher court.

Newgy lost in the first round to a pretty amazing 16 year old from Europe. That girl is top 10 in Europe and #1 in 16's in her country.

The match was close at the beginning as Newgy's opponent started off unfocused, but the more advanced player completely took over and quickly won 11 out of 14 games to win the match.

There were many reasons her opponent was unfocused...

There is much, much more I could write here about Newgy and her opponent and how/why of different situations, but I'll save it for a video, and move on in this story...

The short of it is that God had planned for them to meet and purposefully used the opportunity to change both of their lives.

Their match was never meant to be about tennis, though tennis was the vehicle God used.

It was about God working through the life of a 15 year old missionary girl He needed to be at that tournament at that exact time.

To wrap this up without going into too much detail, as much here is of a personal nature, Newgy's opponent was forced to live in a terrible way in her "offcourt" life. She was caught in a destructive satanic web and had no place to turn.

You never know how or why or when God will need you for His plans, so be the best you can be to all you meet.

Yet, as bad as life was for this 16 year old top player, God had a rescue plan! In her darkest days, God had His plan in motion!

The Bible says, "What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it.

When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' Luke 15:4

Well, God did go search for His lost sheep. Through Newgy specifically He led His entire missionary team to rescue one of His children from a Godless situation.

Newgy's team having lunch with an atheist friend.

The girl, whom I'll call Enne, is here in Florida with us now.

In agreement with her parents, we flew her in to our Christian tennis academy here in Florida and have offered her shelter.

God has been unbelievably busy in her life since she arrived!

Enne is pouring herself into her Bible studies, watching amazing Christian videos from guys like Louie Giglio, praying, listening to fantastic Christian music (her favorite is Casting Crowns!), reading Christian books, hanging out with awesome Christian girls, keeping a Christian journal, participating in ICTA's Discipleship Training, attending powerful Christian youth conferences, and going to church!

Right now, she is learning about Jesus, Salvation, Grace, memorizing scripture (specifically Ephesian 6:10-18 from this week's Discipleship Training!), and praying.

And Enne is also seeing an older guy, me, model Christian behavior.

For a girl who has lived through difficult situations due to terrible behavior from men in her life, I am grateful to be used by God to help reflect Him to her in a healthy way!

Playing against one of the best in the world is a great experience.

For me, personally, this has all been a good experience as well.

I've been able to watch God bring me a new student, Newgy, at a critical season in her young life.

I've witnessed her life's focus change.

I've witnessed God working through Newgy to reach one of His lost children whom He also has big plans for.

I've witnessed Luke 15:4 come to life.

I've witnessed both of their families be impacted.

I've witnessed both girls grow spiritually.

And I've witnessed an even stronger sense of purpose growing inside myself as to the importance of ICTA sending out missionary teams.

You know, as Christians we all should work daily to walk in obedience to Christ. He should be the center of our thoughts, our lives, our worlds.

Yet, is He?

In your life, in your little world, where does Christ reign?

God has a special plan and purpose for your uniqueness. He created you and has a life for you.

My prayer is for this story to hopefully touch you in some way.

My prayer is for God to reach out to you through the obedience of a 15 year old girl who is learning to find her way in this world, not by her own strength and smarts and manipulations, but by her committment to let her small life become something big for Christ.

Our time here on earth is so short. Our time in eternity is forever.

Let God develop you as He needs. Let Him produce through your life....

If this inspirational story could touch your life or the life of someone you know that would be really awesome. If somehow this story could continue through you, wow that would be amazing!

God bless, stay close to Him, and I can't wait to hear about your miracle!

Scott Paschal

2 Week Missions Tour of Mexico

2006-10-05T15:05:00.000-05:00

ICTA Women's Pro Team
Mexico Missions Tour

Rach and Mel's flight delayed in Atlanta 10 hrs! Still smiling, though!

Hello! And welcome to the International Christian Tennis Association. Great to have you visit us. Recently our 4 member ICTA Women's Pro Team journied through Mexico on a 13-day missions tour to ITF Pro Tournaments.

This missions tour was amazing! A highlight for sure was God using His tennis missionaries to rescue a 16 year old girl from a sexually abusive situation with her married tennis coach. In addition hundreds of Christian tracts and New Testament Bibles written in Spanish were handed out! This was such a God-blessed time for our 4 member missionary team!

A 10 hr flight delay means lets visit downtown Atlanta to hand out Christian tracts!

The journey began with the ICTA Women's Pro Team splitting into two groups. One group flew from Daytona Beach to El Paso, the other from Orlando to El Paso. They all stayed with a great friend and supporter of ICTA named Andy. His son, Rob, trained with me and went on a large-scale ICTA mission trip to the Int'l Tennis Hall of Fame last summer.

Atlanta's airport is huge. Much work and travel is involved in pro tennis and missions.

Breakfast at Andy's house. Already tired from the time change and flight delays, the girls prepare to drive to Juarez w/ Andy!

This Christian missions journey will take the girls from El Paso, Texas to Juarez, Mexico. Then from Juarez to Mexico City. From Mexico City they will take a bus to San Luis Potosi. Plans had to change, though! Bigtime! You'll see what I mean in a bit.

Neat dog living next door to Andy. Click on the pic to see it enlarged!

The gang saying hi, and the dog slobbering

Andy (in front) leading the group to the Rio Grande River, which seperates the USA and Mexico and is right next to his house.

Mosquitos in the grass... ouch!

Diving into the Rio Grande... not.

Andy drove the team of tennis missionaries to their hotel in Juarez. Here is a view from their room.

The main missionary work of the ICTA Women's Pro Team tour began in Juarez, Mexico at an ITF $10,000 tournament. Juarez, Mexico is 10 miles away from El Paso, Texas. Juarez can be a dangerous place. It is known worldwide for the 342 women who have been murdered there in the last 12 years.

Our missionaries were safe the entire trip. The tournament is in a nice location. I prayed and fasted for their work to be effective in letting people worldwide know Juarez is a place in need of Jesus. They were amazing examples of women standing up for Christ.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Finishing breakfast before their first match at the International Tennis Federation $10,000 Tournament, the Copa Blues in Juarez.

The tournament was held at a beautiful tennis club in a really nice section of Juarez. The girls safely walked from the hotel to the club each day!

Our mission trip to Juarez was a last minute addition to the schedule. Honestly, mission trips are expensive and though we wish we could go to every tournament in the world, we can't. But, I felt we were called to go to Juarez. Sure there were tennis benefits, but I felt something bigger was in store! Though I could not have ever know just how big it was. Even as I type I am in amazement at how incredible our God is and how He uses His people for His purposes. Want to know what happened? You'll have to wait...

A quick pic upon arrival!

Winning a main draw match and serving hard for Jesus!

Taking a break!

Tennis missionaries and friends hanging out. God is working in the life of one of these girls in an amazing way.

Awesome experience to see the sights in other countries.

The girls gave this bus driver a Christian tract. Notice he placed it on his dashboard just to the right of the stering wheel!

Lunch with an atheist friend

Nice match!

The girl in the middle is now here with ICTA fulltime after being rescued from an abusive situation with her tennis coach.

This is the beginning of a life changing experience. More later in ICTA Video!

Rach & Mel lost a close doubs match to the #1 seeds.

Go get em Rachie!

You get em too, Newgy!

Nice match Mel

Newgy and rach seeing the sights.

On to Mexico City!

The missionary family in Mexico City (mark's parents) own this 1991 Beetle, which are still being made just like the originals!

Mark's dad, Jim, who lives in Mexico City as a missionary who helps plant churches, driving the girls! Jim has been to our place in Palm Coast, though I was preaching in a church in Alabama when he visited.

Really amazing stuff to see in other countries!

Rach and Robin, Mark's mom and Jim's wife, passing out tracts on the streets of San Luis Potosi...

Rach getting a back treatment by the trainer while the chair umpire flirts with her opponent... but that's another story!

Newgy and Mel sharing Jesus with local girls

Tennis and missions... awesome!

Street missions in San Luis Potosi

A random pic from the bus ride from San Luis Potosi to Mexico City

Nice shot Mel

Robin, Newgy, and Mel

Downtown San Luis Potosi

Nice shot, Newgy Jo who has braces no mo'!

ICTA Women's Pro Team & Friends having dinner at the La Loma tennis club during the $25,000 tournament.

A view from the hotel room

Mel and Newg on the bus

Robin and Rach. So great to have someone like Robin be so heavily involved in the girl's mission trip!

The La Loma tennis club had an amazing fitness center.

Rach and Newgy napping at Jim and Robin's house.

In Jim and Robin's office, Rach is planning missions schedules while Newgy is talking to me!

A winning trio!

Some beautiful countryside in Mexico!

A pic of Rach in the plane flying home after a successful Christian tennis missions tour of Mexico.

Insane, huh?

2006-10-04T16:30:00.000-05:00

Cool pic, huh!? I found it on Hubble.com.

Looking at the stars, along with occaisionally walking through a cemetery, always helps me remember my priorities, and my place in this world.

This pic then began to remind me of the super-intelligent, scientific folks we all tend to always hear from whenever an important question is being answered.

I am always amazed when I read stories from our geniuses (sp?) here on earth. You know the ones I'm talking about, right?

The super brains in our world who know everything. They have all the answers.

I often think about them when I feed my fish.

You see, in my house I have a big 120 gallon fish tank where I raise some rare species of Cichlids, which are an African fish.

As they swim around you can see them fighting, eating, pooping, defending territory, mating, sleeping. There is one in particular who is the boss. His name is Kujo. He is a Bumblebee Cichlid.

Under Kujo is the rest of the pecking order.

They have their own little world that I enjoy watching and taking care of. In their own little world I wonder if some of them think they know everything, too, like our geniuses.

Yet, no matter what they are all doing... each one of them always watches me when I am in the room. I take care of them. You know, feed them and stuff.

Whether they know everything or not, they are smart enough to know that I am important to them.

A few days ago, I received an evolution/creation debate email from a friend. To me, it's a non issue. Slugs to humans or poof we're here or both, who really cares?

I don't.

Jesus didn't tell me to focus on that. So when someone brings it up, well, I'm not too interested. I'll let the geniuses debate all of that. They have all the answers.

Me, I'm too busy looking at the One who takes care of me.

Wondering about the pics?

Well, the one right above this sentence is a little snapshot taken by the Hubble telescope. It's a pic of an area of a galaxy next to ours. See the bright clusters... there's about a million stars in each one. Supposed to be billions of stars somewhere in this snapshot.

Supposed to be billions of billions of stars in each galaxy. That number is to big for me. I understand supersize from McDonalds, though.

Also supposed to be trillions of trillions of galaxies. Insane, huh?

You know, that's a lot.

I don't have the answers to all the questions, but I know that's a lot.

I also know I had some fun with a genius recently! I asked him that since he "proves" evolution explains everything, then how did everything start in the first place?

He looked at me funny.

Reminded me of when a fish sort of of just sits in the corner of my fish tank staring out through the glass into my living room.

So anyway, back to the pics!

I thought I'd just share with you a few pics sent by our Creator. Kind of a neat reminder of how big and powerful He is, and how small and stupid we are in comparison, as we stare out into His universe from our itty, bitty fishbowl world.

Which, I guess may not be something our geniuses want to hear...

But, makes me feel special knowing He is caring for me!

God bless!

Scott Paschal

Mexico Tour: Part One

2006-10-03T21:53:00.000-05:00

Hello there!

Scott Paschal here... Ministry Director of the International Christian Tennis Association, a Christ-centered, Bible based sports ministry sharing the Good News of Jesus through the sport of tennis.

A quick welcome to our internet visitors today from 114 cities in 44 countries. So great to have you stop by and see the fantastic things God is doing with our sports ministry.

Guess what!?

Our group of wonderful Christian tennis missionaries will be home tomorrow!

So good to have them back.

I've really missed them around here.

These tremendous girls that make up the ICTA Women’s Pro Team have done a tremendous job. Their two week missions tour in Mexico was full of the expected, unexpected twists and turns.

Bible stories exploded into real life right in front of their eyes. There is one God-blessed, life altering story in particular I can't wait to share with you! But, you will have to wait because it will be released on ICTA Video.

These Christian tennis missionaries had an extraordinary experience compared to the average secular tennis academy player for sure!!

From rescuing a 16 year old female player at the tournament in Juarez, Mexico, a former #1 in her country and certain top 100 WTA potential, from her sexually abusive situation with her married tennis coach…

to journeying to San Luis Potosi via airplane, friend, bus, and taxi; and handing out over 290 Christian tracts and 60 New Testament Bibles in Spanish… these gals did an amazing job!

Oh, and by the way, they also played some pro tennis and everyone came back with WTA points! Rachel, with an injured back, even barely lost a close, nail biter of a match to a girl who just recently beat the #6 ITF junior in the world!

Was it all easy and fun!

Nope, not at all!

With God involved you know it's time to be ready to work for Him while being coached, shaped, and developed by Him for His will!

From delayed planes...

to complete flight schedule changes as they kept winning matches...

to rescuing an abused teen player from her abusive married tennis pro...

to Mel unfortunately drinking the water in Juarez causing her to have stomach cramps so bad she couldn’t hardly play...

to ‘Tell being refused entry in Mexico and being deported (hilarious story there!)...

to Rachel playing her heart out even with a back injury...

to a really amazing teen-aged Newgy playing her heart out in a 3 hr match and gaining valuable experience and WTA pointage...

to Mark’s mom, Robin, traveling with everyone and helping everything stay safe and smooth...

to sharing Jesus on the streets in San Luis Potosi...

to safe travel back home…

this has been a successful warmup missions tour to help prepare this amazing ICTA Women's Pro Team for the journies ahead!

Wow! And this really doesn’t even touch on all that happened. I can’t wait to share the pictures with you!

So exciting to see God working in and through the lives of young people! So rare in todays world to see world class athletes giving of themselves for Him. What a fantastic example for other Christian tennis players and coaches around the globe.

I’m really, really proud of these priceless tennis missionaries learning to reflect Christ to the world. God used them in incredible ways.

As this team gels into a stronger and stronger team, I can't hardly imagine what they will accomplish.

They’ve got a couple of days to rest before they start pounding the tennis balls and preparing their supplies for their mission trip next week… this time to Victoria, Mexico!

Please keep them in your prayers!

Scott Paschal

God's High Performance Instruction Manual

2006-09-25T10:31:00.000-05:00

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
-Mark Twain

Hello!

God led me into fulltime Christian ministry back in 1999. My passion is to share my love of Jesus through speaking, writing, coaching, and directing the daily aspects of the ICTA.

Feel free to use this article as a Christian tract to give to people at tennis tournaments. Together we can make a difference for Him!

After feeling God's call... I founded the ICTA in 1999, and have enjoyed watching God bless this tennis ministry indeed.

How did I go from an ordinary guy to the founder of a sports ministry? Well, it started when a friend bought me a really sharp looking Bible.

I began reading it, and my life began changing.

So,what is the Bible and how do you study it?

Well, God gave His Word through 40 different men over a period of 1500 years. They wrote down what He guided them to write. The Bible is God's words for you and for me. It's His advice for living.

40 guys focused on getting the job done. 40 guys like you and me being used by God for His will. 40 guys guided by Him to prepare the world for Salvation through Jesus.

I find that pretty neat.

He did this in three different languages as well. Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. God preserved the Bible down through the centuries by dedicated copyists who meticulously copied it by hand.

40 guys, 1500 years, 3 languages. Awesome.

And I thought the 2006 US Open this year was impressive.

F.B Meyer wrote… “Read the Bible, not as a newspaper, but as a home letter. If a cluster of heavenly fruit hangs within reach, gather it. If a promise lies upon the page as a blank check, cash it.

If a prayer is recorded, appropriate it, and launch it as a feathered arrow from the bow of your desire. If an example of holiness gleams before you, ask God to do as much for you. If the truth is revealed in its entire intrinsic splendor, entreat that its brilliance may ever irradiate the hemisphere of your life.”

That’s a lot to chew on, huh? He starts of pretty easy with the newspaper thing, then gets really cool with the whole… intrinsic… brilliance… irradiate…thing!

As a tennis coach, I know I always work hard when working with my students to make things sound easy for them. When I begin teaching a new technique for their game, we go slowly and I make sure they have a really solid grasp of what we’re going to work on.

Then, we begin adding more and more until the have mastered their new stroke!

Same goes for Bible study…

Let’s start with some mini tennis…

When reading the Bible for study and interpretation, I’d like to give you a few important definitions to think about:

Revelation- God’s disclosing to man things about Himself that man could not know otherwise.

Inspiration- God’s unique “breathing” of His words into the human writers of Scripture.

Illumination- God’s teaching the Christian truths of His Word.

Not too hard to understand, eh?

Although we have the Holy Spirit as our teacher, He cannot guide us if we don’t read God’s Word. Your tennis pro can’t do much if you don’t practice, either. See the connection there.

The Bible is simple enough so all Christians can understand it.

If you want to really be a good tennis player, you pretty much have to practice hitting tennis balls. There is no way around it. In my Christian Tennis & Missionary Academy here in beautiful Palm Coast, Florida, my students hit a large amount of tennis balls in different drills usually twice a day!

Makes sense doesn’t it? Yet, they don’t just practice. They practice with a purpose, smart with perfect technique, focusing intently… and having fun.

Learning to read and study your Bible is just the same. Read it. A lot. Yet, read it with a purpose. The Bible is God’s high performance instruction manual. My life has been completely changed through my focused Bible studies over the last 10 years.

And hey, I’m not the sharpest tool in the shed either. When I have to learn something by reading, it can take me a while. Yet, I love a challenge. Joshua J. Marine said, “Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” That is so right on.

In Bible study, let me give you a few thoughts as advice…

1. Be persistent
2. Make it personal
3. Let it purify you.

What do these three things mean for you? Well, apply it to tennis to help you understand.

1. Be persistent… work hard… work daily… be consistent… work when others wouldn’t.

That’s what I had to do when I decided to take the International Christian Tennis Association from a far-fetched dream in my heart to a solid international sports ministry which was named a top 100 recognized sports ministry last year by the International Sports Coalition on MSNBC.

2. Make it personal… find the way that works for you… your style… your way.

Listen, this is your relationship with God, not mine or someone else’s. You need to discover what type of Bible study works for you. Everyone who is successful with their Bible study has a plan.

Martin Luther said, “I study my Bible as I gather apples. First, I shake the whole tree that the ripest fruit might fall. then I shake each limb, and when I have shaken each limb, I shake each branch and every twig. Then I look under every leaf.”

At a normal rate of reading it will take the average person 3 hours to read the Gospel of Luke, 4.5 hours to read Psalms, 52 hours to read the Old Testament, and 19 hours to read the New Testament, and less than 72 hours to read the whole Bible.

Do it your own way, but do it in a planned way. Let God seep into your being through His word as you daily allow it to marinate in your life.

3. Let it purify you… like a water filter cleanses water… restructuring the way you view life.

The Bible has a wonderful way of cleansing our minds and motivating us to think like God Himself.

You know, my life has grown deeper and deeper in Him since I became a minister of the Gospel. First, I spent a lot of time in personal ministry with myself as God cared for my old wounds and extended His grace over my life.

Then as I felt stronger I stepped out in faith taking God at His word as written in the Bible.

It worked! Now I’m here writing this to you!

“Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.” Thomas Jefferson

Let God help bring you the right mental attitude through the daily study of His Word.

40 guys, 1500 years, 3 languages!

God’s high performance instruction manual designed specifically for you and me.

Wow!

May God bless and keep you,

Scott Paschal
www.christiantennis.net

"I h a v e been c r u c ified with Christ. It i s no lon ger I who live, but Christ who li ves in me. And t h e life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Paul in Galations 2:20