I was thrilled when an email arrived asking me to speak at Summit Christian Academy for their end of school year festivities. With a little coordination, things were set and we were a go.

I arrived and was assisted by a great AV volunteer. In no time the video and audio was ready and we only needed to wait for show time.

As has become standard operating procedure, after the six minute racing video, I rode my thundering race bike into the schoolís small but efficient gymnasium. The 100+ kids, who ranged from 1st to 8th grade, went wild at our rambunctious behavior. My wife Denise held the door and Cecilia pitted the bike on the rear stand both in CSBRacing shirts. We looked quite the part. What would I ever do without my girls? They are so supportive and a great help with the ministry. Well, I could write pages about that, maybe later.

With some help from one of the teachers, I removed my ěstuckî helmet and proceeded to speak with the kids about their upcoming summer.

I talked to them about how they would have to take on a bit more personal responsibility over the summer because they would not be in their familiar school environment. This environment with the love, attention and constant guidance of their teachers and school admin staff, provides them with a guardrail every day of the week. I reminded them how they will still have their parents and pastor to go to with questions and concerns.

We discussed how they have an awesome opportunity this summer. They will have more time to interact with the unsaved kids in their neighborhood and at events that they may attend over the summer. Also, I reminded them how everyone will be looking at them and watching everything they do. With my analogy of getting back up after crashing in a race, we talked about how sin is a crash to a Christian. They need to get back up, ask forgiveness and move on. They canít just give up because they made a mistake and sinned. We all do. Jesus was the only perfect, sinless human.

After giving away a ton of team posters with autographs, the kids had a bunch of questions. They seemed to have a great time. I hope some of what I discussed with them sinks in.

I really love this part of our ministry. The time and energy we expend at the track is great too. But, I am really in my element speaking to groups like this. If you have a group that would enjoy a CSBRacing Team motivational engagement, please contact me at: JCotterino@CSBRacing.com. I would love to work something out with you. With some advance notice, I can tailor my subject matter to coincide with a Bible study or lesson you are currently covering with your group.

Joe