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

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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