Laurie and Jan Vidal

I want to share something that I wrote in my NOTES TO MY GRAND CHILDREN book on
2/6/2000. We had been talking about church. The discussion was about how we act
in church and outside the church. My inspiration for this part of the book was
LAURIE AND JAN VIDAL.

We go to church, or read our Bible and pray to be spiritually fed, but we help feed others outside the church doors by what we say and do to give help and show love to them. THAT is at HOME, WORK, SCHOOL, and even at SPORTING EVENTS.

At the boat races, we have chapel services every Sunday morning at 11am - before the
races. The minister, Laurie Vidal, and his wife Jan are from an organization called
MRO (Motor Racing Outreach). I think it was founded by NASCAR. They send ministers to all kinds of racing events. At first, there weren't many in attendance. Some may have thought it wasn't COOL. The racers and crews had probably rather REV their engines than to be called on to read a scripture. After a few races, the racers were each volunteering their pit areas and tents for the service rather than having it under a shade tree. Laurie and Jan did not give up and go home because very few were there at first. They just kept encouraging the racers, crews, families and officials in all that they had to do. If someone was injured, they were there to pray and hold their hand, or ride in an ambulance if they were needed.

Eventually, they had the respect of all the racers. They never judged anyone. They never said "You should come to the church service" Now, probably at least 90% of the racing participants and their families attend.

One of the racers, crew, officials, or family members read a Bible scripture at each service. The service is for them, and they participate. Some may have never gone to church, but now they have a relationship with God and better relationships with each other. SO - if these people were away from home, unable to attend church - why
not bring church to them. Thanks to someone at MRO for sending Laurie and Jan Vidal to us.
They have blessed us all with their God given talents and patience. They have truly been an inspiration and good friends to us, and many more.

I told the grand children I wrote that to them to make a point. If we have no prior
experiences, such as attending church, reading the Bible, listening to other Christian's experiences, we have learned nothing and we will not have the tools to make a contribution to our own or other's lives. Any way you look at it, we must
RECEIVE something before we can GIVE something, and GIVING makes one VERY HAPPY!

That was the year 2000. This is 2010. Laurie and Jan are still an inspiration to
probably thousands. Ron and I had not seen them for about 5 years when Grandpa Seebold died.
They were there to love and support the friends and family. Who is there for them?
I hope they know WE ALL ARE if they ever need us.

Laurie and Jan: Thanks for all your love, guidance and caring. We all love you.

Check out Laurie and Jan's website www.legacyministry.com