International Christian Tennis Association: Miami TV Show Production

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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!

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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...!!

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

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

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!

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!

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

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!

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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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'

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