[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 149 (Thursday, October 30, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2138-E2139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   A TRIBUTE TO FRANK AND BETTY STARK

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ROY BLUNT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 30, 1997

  Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Frank and Betty Stark 
of Stafford, MO, who Roseann and I have known for many years. Frank and 
Betty are the founders of Raceway Ministries a unique ministry designed 
to share the Gospel with race car drivers, their families, crew members 
and fans. Just as someone is called to the mission field in another 
country, I believe that the Starks were called to minister to those in 
auto car racing.
  Race car driving is one of American most popular and competitive 
sports. Racing demands much of its participants the drivers, the crew 
members and members of the driver's family. As with any sport everyone 
goes out to win and expends a tremendous amount of effort to make it 
happen. Given the tension created in preparing for a race and the 
enormous disappointment for those who do not win, it is easy to see why 
there is a need here to talk about faith based in Christ.
  Frank and Betty have helped to organize worship services at 13 of the 
19 NASCAR Winston Cup racing events. Full-time ministries have been 
established at the Talladega Super Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway, 
and at Daytona. Frank's efforts inspired others to establish similar 
ministries at other race car tracks. In southwest Missouri alone he has 
helped to place six chaplains at three area race tracks. He served as 
the chaplain for the Automobile Racing Club of America [ARCA] for a 
decade and, in 1996, they awarded him the Bondo Mar-Hyde Spirit Award. 
The Southern Baptist Convention, Home Mission Board recognized him as 
well with the Ken Prickett Award for creative and innovative 
ministries.
  Roseann and I have been grateful for Frank and Betty and their 
friendship through the years. They have been a model of selfless 
service to others in the spirit of Christ. Thanks Frank and Betty for 
setting a great example.

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