February 2, 2010
Egyptian-Muslim Pleads for International Christian Tennis Association to Help!
ICTA Founder, Scott Paschal, and his wife, Mel, in St. Augustine, Florida.
Morning!
It’s early…about 5am. I don’t really do early. This morning my “God alarm clock” woke me and led me to connect you to a couple of emails I received recently.
One is from an Egyptian-Muslim. The other is from a Hindu.
Not sure why God wants you guys to connect with these emails, but here they are. I feel led to write to you about each one, as well.
Hopefully, my Hawaiian Kona coffee kicks in so you guys don’t have to call or email me more than usual about mistpelled wurds! 🙂
I pray God’s purpose in my life this morning will be accomplished….
Please, note that one particular link in this article will lead to shocking pictures and a powerful story of Muslim extremists burning Christians alive in Egypt. I feel it’s important to add this link…to help you see the reality others may be facing around us.
And, if you would like, please share a comment/prayer for Hassan to read and be inspired. There is a comment posting section at the end of this article.
God bless!
Scott Paschal (Coach Scotty) Read Bio
International Christian Tennis Association, President
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Let’s begin with Hassan’s first email to me…
I’m an Egyptian -Muslim religion. I am 28 years old and I have a lot of faith in Christ and I want to become a Christian. I am right now in Kuwait, but I fear for myself of murder and injustice. Please help urgent.
Hassan
Kuwait
Hassan contacted me through International Christian Tennis Association’s online home, Christiantennis.net.
(Click here for pictures and articles to quickly gain a better understanding of situation in Egypt. Warning, very graphic.)
Hassan, please know…”He paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.” 1 Peter 1:19 (NLT) “The Father gives me my people. Every one of them will come to me, and I will always accept them.” John 6:37 (NCV)
I would like to ask each Christian reading this to please pray for Hassan…that He discovers an eternal relationship with Jesus. And, please post a prayer or a comment for Hassan, and others like him worldwide, in the comment section at the end of this article.
“May you have the power to understand as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how tall, and how deep God’s love really is.” Ephesians 3:18 (NLT)
Hassan’s email really reached me…deep inside near where God planted the original vision/dream of global ministry through tennis.
I was Hassan’s age when I felt a need to begin a search for my purpose. I felt a need to know the reason why I was created. I, too, felt a need to know Jesus, but didn’t know what to do.
ICTA full time academy students, Ana & Mark. Have coached Mark for 3.5+ yrs and Ana for 3+ yrs. Ana Kharchenko plays tennis professionally now. Mark is transitioning from juniors to pro qualifiers/college this year. Proud of both for such incredible dedication and effort to develop into Champions for Christ and shine for Him through tennis in Godless countries worldwide...
Fourteen years later, I am blessed to see my purpose to strive daily to connect people to a living God, and disciple them.
The journey to reach this point has been a difficult, yet amazing one.
Let me say that seeing and realizing my purpose doesn’t mean I am perfect, or better than you.
Like a tennis player who double faults, hits the ball out or into the net, swears under his breath, loses a match…I’ve made plenty of mistakes.
Having discovered my purpose in life simply means that I now understand the “game”, the situation for which I’ve been uniquely created.
After teaching all levels of tennis for nearly a quarter of a century, after coaching players from 21 nations and 15 USA states full time at my tennis academy, after studying the game from among the best tennis mentors in the world…I understand how to build world class junior and professional tennis players.
I understand players and I understand the game. Combining the two creates a world class opportunity for success for those I choose to coach.
Yet, my purpose isn’t to teach tennis. That was just an analogy, an example.
The “game” I’m talking about is actually a war…a spiritual war we all live in and are surrounded by every minute of every day. Some are aware of the battle, most are not. Yet, all are in the war whether they see it or not…
It is a war for eternal souls. Heaven or Hell. Hassan accepting Christ and facing persecution on earth…or denying Christ and facing an eternity without Him.
The reason God uniquely created me was to connect people of different faiths worldwide with Him. Tennis is simply a tool God has gifted me in.
Scott Paschal sharing Christian faith, Christian Bibles & books...in ICTA Outreach Booth at world's 5th largest pro tennis tournament, the 2009 Sony Ericsson Open in Florida. Over 300,000 people from 130+ countries attend...
Some people sing, and through song they share their faith. Me, tennis is my song….
Hassan, like me and you, has a purpose through God.
Unlike me, Hassan lives in Egypt, and travels to Kuwait.
He is Muslim. And, because he wants to know about Jesus and become a follower of Jesus, he is concerned about his safety. (Click here for pictures and articles to quickly gain a better understanding of situation in Egypt. Warning, very graphic.)
What about your situation? What is your religion/faith/belief? When you die, will you spend eternity in Heaven…?
Hassan has a choice. He can choose to follow Christ…to make Jesus his personal Lord and Savior. Or, not. Like all of us, he can worship a false idol or he can surrender his life to Jesus.
I know men who were Muslim and are now Christian. Yet, these men live in the safety of America. They are free to worship. Would these men be able to live in Egypt with their families and still maintain their faith in the face of torture and death? It’s a very real question.
John 3:16 in the Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, and whoever believes in this will never die, but will have eternal life in Heaven.”
That’s a bold statement. It’s also an eternal one.
I will continue writing to Hassan and we work together to bring Him to an eternal relationship with Jesus. This morning, I would like to ask you to keep Hassan in your prayers. He has much to consider and learn.
I’d also like you to dive deep inside of yourself.
Have you discovered your purpose for existing? If not, first ask yourself if you truly have an eternal relationship with Jesus.
I’m firmly convinced that true happiness and a true understanding of love is not possible unless we are united with our Creator and are walking step for step in the unique path He designed for each of us
Imagine the global impact if Roger Federer had courage to stand up for Christ with the boldness & love of Jesus' original disciples, Michael Chang, Chris Tomlin, or Billy Graham! I fully believe my tennis academy will one day develop top 10 ATP & WTA players w the courage to SHINE!
Your purpose in life is waiting for you. It is very real….
Will post a really special email from a Hindu man as soon as possible..probably in my next article.
Now, I have to do some office work…phone calls, emails, organizing…and coaching of my wonderful, Christian, international students who are here full time at my Florida based, high performance tennis academy program!
If you feel God leading…please post a comment and/or prayer for Hassan….
God bless each of you!
Coach Scotty
Galations 2:20
June 5, 2008
Roger Almighty: The Worship of Roger Federer
Roger Federer is arguably the best tennis player in tennis history.
Without question, Federer has been the best player over the last 4 years. Not only has he been an amazing player, but he is someone who seems in his own way to work hard to be a positive ambassador for the sport.
Ask junior tennis players who they want to be like when they grow up, and you often hear them reply, “Roger Federer!”
As kids, most of us probably had our sports idols. Me, I thought Roger Staubach, the Super Bowl winning quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys was amazing.
But, as I grew older, and hopefully wiser, I’ve come to realize people who compete at a high level in their sport, while achieving fame and fortune, are not necessarily worthy of being role models.
We tend to treat celebrities with a type of reverence. I guess it’s human nature. For some reason we readily give these sports idols the reigns to our life, and the ability to influence our history.
Do you want to know how many top 100 ATP players regularly have sex with multiple partners… nightly!? I can name a couple. Should these men advise your son… or daughter… on life lessons?
Chris is leaving soon to play college and is embarking in a life of Christian ministry. What a treasure and a joy to have had Chris as a part-time academy student, and full time friend, these last 6 years.
I remember a few years ago when Federer split with his coach. He said he didn’t need one. So, kids worldwide decided they, too, didn’t need coaches. To be “cool” they decided they were experienced and aware enough to develop themselves into top 10 ATP or WTA players.
Unfortunately, the kids, and the parents who supported their decision, were wrong. And we have an entire generation of junior tennis players coming up who are woefully underdeveloped.
In addition, this generation of junior player learned to believe they were superior in knowledge to tennis coaches.
As incomes dried up, and reputations were damaged… how many good coaches did we lose to this, both now and in the future?
And from this how many kids were robbed of the mentorship and accountability structure provided by a caring coach? Among the most influential people in my life have been the men of God placed in my life who have taught me not just sports, but have taught me about life.
Sure Federer gave several coaches select roles at certain tournaments for short periods of time, and even had coaches here and there for weeks at a time. But, that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m concerned that his overall public theme about coaches and mentorship is damaging.
I don’t know where I would have been without my coaches.
Those coaches in and of themselves by their examples and deeds have taught me how to have a relationship with my Creator, and how to live within an accountability structure, and how to plan and achieve goals, and so much more…
So, to the kid who worshiped Roger Federer and dumped his or her coach, I have to ask if they can see now their choice wasn’t such a good one. And to Roger Federer I would ask if he realizes the difficult impact his choice has had on junior tennis development and beyond….
In addition, kids are highly aware Federer isn’t married, yet travels with his girlfriend worldwide, shacking up in hotels and playing married? Thus, kids believe it’s cool to do the same….
Honestly, I find it hard to believe she is the one who wants to stay unmarried. She has helped him earn millions of $ for years, and obviously loves him. And Fed probably doesn’t want a huge, public breakup where she is left with nothing. Or a “forced” marriage from pregnancy….
Just get married, Fed.
What are your thoughts on this? Is this the message you believe should dominate the hearts and minds of your sons and daughters?
Should sex outside the bonds of marriage be promoted so outspokenly by one of the world’s highest profile athletes? Does this undermine God’s plan for marriage?
Do you feel good about Roger Federer’s highly publicized actions possibly guiding your children away from God’s views on marriage and sex and family?
Sure, he has his foundation which helps people. And without question, he strives to remain humble and approachable. I think we all really, really like him, right?
That said, I’m not questioning his likableness. Nor am I judging him. I make mistakes and am the first to say I am not a good person. I am simply asking you if Roger Federer should be an object of your child’s worship.
Or should you work to replace Roger with Jesus in your child’s heart?
Now, as Roger Federer sees his amazing career slowing, what will be his legacy? Sure, he will be known as among the tennis’ best. But, I’m asking what his real legacy will be.
What will be the Kingdom impact he will have for Christ?
If you are an atheist reading this… you probably want to puke. Understandable. This may seem ridiculous to you. That’s ok, your belief that nothing created everything seems ridiculous to me, too
Fellowship of Christian Athletes Campus President, Emma Hustad, in Normandy, France w/ ICTA Founder, Scott Paschal, and ICTA Women's Pro Team Captain, Rachel Snelen, during 2007 ICTA foundation-laying outreach to Roland Garros
That said, a big question comes up when I talk with kids. I ask, “Who is your idol?”
I listen to what they have to say. Then, I ask them if they understand their choices in life have a huge impact on the direction and growth and quality of not just their tennis, but their lives. And not just their lives, but the lives of others?
Instead of giving my opinion on who they should idolize, I ask them to look at the Bible for guidance.
Like Roger Federer, Scott Paschal is flawed. I have my daily struggles, and I’m the first to say if God hadn’t guided me into Christian ministry, I have no business being here with my life story.
Additionally, I’m not an expert on what every kid should do. But, I am someone who looks to God’s word when I see something I need to improve in my life. Especially when organizing my life priorities!
That said, a question I ask myself is, “Who or what rules my life?” Is it tennis, family, career, ministry friends…?
What about you?
Who sits on the throne of your life?
Is it Roger Federer or Maria Sharapova? Or someone or something else? If so, let’s take a look at what God’s word says.
Jump Down… Off of Your Throne
“(The people of Tyre and Sidon who had sought an audience with Herod because they had been quarreling with him). On the appointed day King Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, ‘This is the voice of a god, not of a man.’ Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an Angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.” Acts 12:21-23 (NIV)
(Pretty gross, huh? Eaten by worms and died! Notice the order here. First eaten, then died. Not too pretty for a King….)
KEY QUESTIONS: “Who or What sits on the throne of your life? What is my priority?”
1. Is it self?
2. Is it success?
3. Is it stuff?
*A Man Called Doubting Thomas
“Jesus said he was going to Bethany and be with Lazarus even though the disciples warned him that some of the Jews tried to take his life the last time He was there). Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of disciples, let us also go that we may die with him’ .” John 11:16 (NIV)
“Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it’.” John 20:24-25 (NIV)
1. Didymus means twin.
“Thomas (called Didymus)….”
2. Thomas had the courage to go and die with Jesus.
“…let us go that we may die with him.”
3. Yet Thomas lacked the faith to believe in Jesus. ”
…I will not believe it.”
*Our Personal Struggles with Duplicity
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify you hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8
1. In some ways all Christians are two different persons
“I love to do God’s will so far as my new nature is concerned; but there is something else deep within me, in my lower nature, that is at war with my mind and wins the fight and makes me a slave to sin that is still within me. In my mind I want to be God’s willing servant, but instead I find myself still enslaved to sin.” Romans 7:22-23 (LB)
2. Our greatest struggle is within
“So you see how it is: my new life tells me o do right, but the old nature that is still inside me loves to sin.” Romans 7:24a (LB)
3. The danger is falling back to our selfish, carnal nature.
“Oh, what a terrible predicament I’m in! Who will free me from my slavery to this deadly lower nature?” Romans 7:24b (LB)
*Hopping Off of the Throne
“Oh, what a terrible predicament I’m in! Who will free me from my slavery to this deadly nature? Thank God! It has been done by Jesus Christ our Lord. He has set me free.” Romans 7:24-25 (LB)
1. First, I must determine who or what sits on the throne of my life.
“So why do you call me ‘Lord’, when you won’t obey me?” Luke 6:46 (NLT)
2. Then, I must replace whatever is sitting on my throne with Jesus.
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of man who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
3. Third, I must determine that Jesus Christ will be all of all of my life.
” Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus first appeared to them. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hands into his side, I will not believe it’. A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ Then He said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’ Thomas said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God! Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed.” John 20:24-29
Closing Thoughts: A Wise Person Once Said…
“If Jesus Christ is not your LORD of ALL He is not your LORD at ALL!!
Can I say something that I think Roger Federer would be the first to agree with?
Federer is just a man, a regular guy with regular struggles. A guy who happens to be a celebrity. He isn’t in any way, shape, or form an answer to or a replacement for… Jesus.
Junior tennis players are a solitary bunch. They seldom benefit from a team atmosphere. Mom and Dad dedicate weekends to tournament travel. Attending church is forgotten. Sunday’s are dedicated for tournament semifinals and finals.
My student, Anastasia Kharchenko, and I spoke to the media/TV daily about Jesus while in Africa. Ana won 11 matches in a row to win 2 ITF Pro Circuit events in 2 weeks, which gave us a large platform to share our faith in Christ.
The family bond is filled with discouragement and pain and envy and emptiness….
I have seen so many divorces, eating disorders, heartaches, etc. caused from Christian families who believe in Jesus, but do not follow Jesus, and have placed tennis as their purpose of worship.
I am well aware of the spiritual battle parents and junior players are entrenched within. As I’m contacted from people worldwide, I work to bring them back to a singular focus on Jesus, the Jesus of the Bible, with nothing added or taken away. Just Jesus.
Invading my life/house right now, and eating all of my food :), are my amazing tennis and missions academy students representing 7 countries. My heartbeat is to teach them to focus on Jesus as their source of purpose.
These kids, and their parents, are a point of encouragement for me as I seek His Kingdom. I treasure this time in my life. Yet, the kids and their families are not what I ground myself in. I strive to base my life in God’s word, to gain Kingdom principles.
Sure, tennis is important. But, tennis is simply the tool God has given us to share our faith and resources. Tennis is not the source of life or happiness. Tennis is just a tool, a Kingdom tool for following the Great Commission as written in Mathew 28 of your Bible.
My prayer is tennis fans and players worldwide would begin to understand the importance of placing Jesus on the throne of their lives. Tennis worshiped is destructive. Tennis as a Kingdom tool is constructive. Jesus must be clearly placed in view and made known as the source of life within your world view.
ICTA Women's Pro Team member, WTA ranked Anastasia Kharchenko, in Africa after winning match. Each precious child received free Christian gifts from ICTA.
When this happens, life begins to come into focus. And you will see your reason.
Roger Federer will soon be gone from the pro tennis scene. Another generation of kids will flock to worship another tennis great.
Federer will be old news to them. His ways, on and off the tennis court, will no longer be relevant.
That said, today please consider who and/or what is guiding your life. Consider the eternal consequences of your choices. Are you choosing to follow a trend? A sports legend? Or Jesus?
On the tennis court, Federer is mighty.
Yet, as amazing as he is as a tennis player, he is simply a person like you and me.
Jesus Christ is the only One worthy of worship.
He is the One that it is an honor to serve.
God bless,
Scott Paschal
April 28, 2008
How to Kick Satanic Tail 101: Scott Paschal’s Rediculously Raw Look @ What Should Be Obvious to Every Christian
As a teen, I had a few pretty straightforward questions…
“Why did my Christian parents divorce?”
“Why did my Christian dad commit suicide in my car during the weekend of my 17th birthday?”
“If God is so good, why is my dad dead?”
“Why do Christians talk about how great Heaven is… but no one wants to die!?”
“Why do Church kids treat me like crap?”
As my young life was being pounded, I asked these questions to people at my church.
(pic of me in Benin City, Nigeria w/ friends during ICTA Africa Outreach)
I quickly learned church people had no idea what to say. Mainly, they would give me blank, troubled, or dirty looks.
I was hurting and needed someone to step up to the plate and go to bat for me. I needed real, authentic answers.
Unfortunately, the people I spoke with had not been educated in spiritual warfare or the defense of Christianity in any substantial way, thus were at a loss to know how to guide me.
I was a lost, confused, hurting kid doing what he could to find answers… I didn’t turn to drugs, sex, alcohol… I turned to the church, and I was terribly let down.
I thought the church could help me uncover the answers, instead the church helped me uncover its own lack….
Can I say something raw here?
Do you, personally, have any idea why you are Christian?
I mean, do you have any real facts about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, or; are you simply a “believer” because your parents, friends, or pastor basically led you down that road without giving you the opportunity to question anything?
If that was the case, what if your parents had taught you to howl to a full moon and drink gopher blood to celebrate the birth of the Goomba god? See my point here, right?
If you are a follower of Christ, thank God! I am so glad and thankful.
But, honestly, just being a “follower” isn’t enough, and it’s not getting the job of advancing His Kingdom done. You’re in the middle of a spiritual war…
By knowing Jesus, you will understand the spiritual battle you are in, whether you currently see it or not.
And that is what this blog is all about… learning powerful aspects of how Jesus teaches us to advance His Kingdom on earth.
Most of you who know me have a clear understanding that I tend to wear my thoughts and emotions on my sleeve.
Much as it was easy to read Andre Agassi’s emotions as he played tennis, so it is with me in ministry….
In 20+ years as a tennis coach and nearly 10 years as the founder of a sports ministry, I’ve seen a lot of bad stuff, really bad stuff.
Basically, I’ve seen Satan running unchecked in tennis worldwide, and, as I began preaching and speaking to churches and groups, I’ve seen Satan masterfully taking control of the church as well.
That said, this fool, without a formal seminary education, or really any formal ministry schooling at all, is going Martin Luther on some satanic “Christian habits” which are trying to keep your eyes shut, ears closed, and hearts cold.
With the tenacity of Nadal, the raw honesty of Agassi, and the serve of Sampras, I hope to wake and shake up those people God places in my path. If you don’t like what I’m writing and teaching, honestly, I don’t care. I’m not doing this for your approval. And, honestly, you might be part of the problem….
The following is a summary of what I’m going to try to explain in How to Kick Satanic Tail 101. The full scoop will be laid out in its entirety over at ICTADevo2008 , when I’m finished writing The Spooky Naked Guy Chronicles.
For now, tell your friends that I’m beyond sick and tired of Christians who have no idea, first of all, of why they are even Christian; second of all, they aren’t being taught squat about how to not get blown to bits in the spiritual war; and thirdly, refuse to take their heads out of the trendy “Christian sand” in fear of offending someone heading straight to hell.
Below is the outline I’ve created to help get those interested in advancing His Kingdom and being successful in the Spiritual War better prepared to follow the Great Commission as written by Mathew in chapter 28.
How to Kick Satanic Tail 101:
The Nature of the War
Two Opposing Kingdoms
Satan’s Headquarters
Battle of Angels
The Weapons and the Battlefield
The Basis of Our Victory
Our Defensive Armour
The Full Armour of God
The Girdle of Truth
The Breastplate of Righteousness
The Shoes of the Preparation of the Gospel
The Shield of Faith
The Helmet of Salvation
The Sword of the Spirit
The Unprotected Area
Weapons of Attack
Taking the Offensive
The Weapon of Prayer
The Weapon of Praise
The Weapon of Preaching
The Weapon of Testimony
Preparing for the Battle
The Leader
The Passion
The Strategy and Tactics
The Plan
The Wounded
War Zone
Clarity
Purpose
Focus and Intensity
Defections
Injury & Death
MASH Units
Victory & Defeat
My hope is someone somewhere will benefit from my efforts to bring this outline to life. The longer I’m in ministry, the more I see the vast need to equip Christians to understand spiritual warfare, or what I tend to call it… the Battle of the Great Commission.
God bless,
Scott Paschal
International Christian Tennis Association
International Christian Tennis Association 2012 