Mon, 12 May 2003, 07:51 AM A (Renaissance) Man of God

By Norm Froscher Photo copyright 2003

He could probably give you a very inspirational message before a basketball shot clock would go off.

We’d like to say before a Top Fuel run is completed, but that’s perhaps stretching it a bit, even for this very unusual and incisive man of God.

Pastor Ken

Indeed, Pastor Ken Owen of Racers For Christ, can capsule a thought, a prayer or inspiration into a virtual nutshell, as the saying goes, either verbally or with the written word.

Oh, that we who work with words should be half as blessed.

Next year Owen will celebrate his 25th year with RFC (the non-denominational group which has its silver anniversary this go around).

And this is also a big year for Pastor Ken, because he now has two books published, one dealing with cars “Crazy About Cars” and the other with “Faith in the Fast Lane”. We’ll look at that later, but allow me to describe my very first meeting with Pastor Ken back in 1983.

Pastor Ken, or P.K. He readily answers to either today, but back at Gainesville Raceway that day, I remember formally addressing him as Pastor Owen.

At the raceway those days there were no VIP suites, no hospitality tents, just a skinny timing tower. A squat, two-room building behind the tower served as NHRA and raceway offices in one room and a “press room” on the other side. No, the press room didn’t have a TV, because apparently the NHRA powers that be wanted the scribes to come out and watch the racing in person.

Maybe that was the first time somebody said “you can’t really appreciate drag racing by just watching it on TV”.

Well, it was Sunday morning of race weekend and we early birds had a treat. Just step next door to the raceway office and we’ll have a Church service. Yes, it was right in that office, for seven persons -- I counted ‘em, seven -- on hand for Pastor Ken’s first service here in Gainesville at the Gatornationals. I remember Steve Earwood, now President of Rockingham Dragway was there and also Laura South, now an executive with Moroso Motorsports Park.

And I’ve been Pastor Ken’s friend and fan ever since. Through the years, from those seven to the over 300 he draws to his Chapel services today.

Also, I look forward to those weeks when his column appears in the National Dragster because it’s always right on target.

For instance, a recent Dragster offering was headed: “Praying to Win”.

That raised the question, if you pray to God to win a race, what about the driver in the other lane. Doesn’t God love that driver, too? Briefly, Pastor Ken offers five thoughts for prayer in such a situation:

    * A driver’s safety and protection
    * Wisdom in decision making
    * Alertness and clear thinking
    * God’s help for team members to do their very best
	* That God will be honored, regardless of the results

And lastly the lesson that God is often more greatly honored in our losing than in our winning.

Now, as promised, to that book:

It’s billed as A Spiritual Pit Stop from the World of Racing. And it’s just that.

If you’re at all familiar with Owen’s thoughts, you know and treasure it. If not, you’re in for a super treat.

Just as his column in the Dragster, he touches on a variety of subjects, under the headings Actions, Relationships, Attitudes and Inspiration.

In all, there are 31 very short subjects, most of which will take only a couple of minutes to read, enjoy and digest. We told you he was quick.

And as always, Pastor Ken has a powerful message for us.

For instance, there is the offering “Rev Limiters and Idiot lights” and what we can learn through maturity, how we can think about what we want to become, put the pedal to the metal and thus become a winner. Just check the owner manual, from Genesis to Revelation

There are many other intriguing offerings, some with an entertaining heading or theme, such as: Murphy Was a Racer, Promises, Promises, Changes in the Whether, Coping with Tragedy and Old Mules, Mud and Dandelions. That last one is a wonderful story concerning coping with adversity or problems and how we view different situations.

Also, in that chapter, Murphy Was a Racer, P.K. quotes my very favorite Bible verse, Romans 8:28: “And we know all that happens to us is working for good if we love God and are fitting into his plans.”

Amen to that, Pastor Ken. Amen to that and a Happy Silver Anniversary in advance.

(Editor’s Note: Froscher says Pastor Ken has told him all major bookstore chains carry both the books “Crazy About Cars” and “Faith in the Fast Lane”. Crazy About Cars is a hard cover book that illustrates mankind’s love affair with the automobile. Christian and secular, along with Barnes & Noble's website, etc. Fans can also order the books through RFC at: TeamRFC@AOL.org).

Froscher says that before he had the pleasure of meeting Pastor Ken, the RFC CEO had obtained his Master’s Degree in counseling from Santa Clara University in California and attended his first drag race in 1959 and has been a supporter ever since.

Froscher adds When PK isn’t on hand for a service at divisional and other NHRA sanctioned events, probably you’ll see one of RFC’s many other chaplains on the grounds. Feel free to say Hi and God Bless to them and Happy Upcoming Silver Anniversary to Pastor Ken.)