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

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

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!!

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!

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

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

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

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

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 ....!??"

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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!

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...

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

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