Chapel Service
Evergreen Speedway, Monroe WA
August 15, 2015
“Rick Allison Memories”
With Bob & Kathy Butcher
All of us have lost a special friend when Rick left us. If you are like Kathy and me you realize it more day by day as time goes by.
Let me quote this article in the newspaper:
Richard S. “Rick” Allison passed away at home June 4, 2015. Affectionately known as “The Farmer”, Rick was a long time grape farmer in Mesa, WA.
Although Rick enjoyed being on the farm, where he was truly happy was at the race track. A driver himself for many years, his most recent years were spent as a successful car owner, his car & driver winning numerous races and three NASCAR championships.
Rick sometimes shared that he had seen the world, but what truly meant the world to him were his friends.
Whether celebrating after a race or sharing a belly laugh at the bar, those were the moments Rick lived for.
His big heart & friendship will be missed by all who knew him.
If you stop and think about that a half a second or less you smile big, feel a tear coming, and quickly agree without any reservation. I know Kathy and I do. Rick was precious in our hearts and Kathy and I have many special memories of our grape farmer friend and NASCAR family member. Those will never change or fade away.
So today, in celebration of Rick let’s take a few minutes and share either right here and now, or with someone later your favorite Rick story. And, yes, …it is okay to stretch the truth and remember the belly laugh that you would get doing just that with him too!
▼Since as humans we like to fanaticize about fun in Eternity & meeting up with friends there before us, we say: …Rick, if you are listening take a few minutes from swapping yarns with Gib, John King, the Halls, Ken Kieffer and the rest of the NASCAR gang and have a huge laugh together with us as we celebrate you my friend!
Note from above at ▼: Our Chapel message for today fits with that eternal subject I mentioned above about being known in Heaven and know others as we are here let me share what God says about the subject:
There are several indications in Scripture that we will maintain our identity in heaven and, thus, be recognizable to our loved ones (and they to us). For example, Jesus makes it a point in Matthew 22:31-32 that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were alive and existing as individuals by those names: “Now as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, Himself? I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. He is not the God of the dead but of the living!”
In Matthew 17:1-8, Peter, James and John recognized Moses and Elijah: “Six days later Jesus took Peter, James and his brother John with Him. He led them up to a high mountain by themselves. He was changed in looks before them. His face was as bright as the sun. His clothes looked as white as light. Moses and Elijah were seen talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If You will let us, we will build three altars here. One will be for You and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” While Peter was speaking, a bright cloud came over them. A voice from the cloud said, “This is My much-loved Son, I am very happy with Him. Listen to Him!” When Peter, James, and John heard this, they got down on the ground on their faces and were very much afraid. Jesus came and put His hand on them. He said, “Get up! Do not be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one there but Jesus only.”
In 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 Paul expected to recognize in heaven the Thessalonian Christians to whom he had ministered on earth: “After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! Yes, indeed, you are our pride and joy!”
Note: see a similar situation in 2 Corinthians 1:14: “even if you don’t understand us now. Then on the day when the Lord Jesus returns, you will be proud of us in the same way we are proud of you.”
In addition, Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:12, “For now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror. But then face to face we will see everything with perfect clarity. Right now everything is partial and incomplete, but then I shall know just as I also am known; completely; just as God knows me completely already” That last phrase, “I shall know just as I also am known” would indicate that we shall know others as well as be known by others.
As I say this let me remind us all that this obviously is pending on a personal relationship with Jesus by believing in Him as John 3:16 so vividly speaks to us: “God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, Jesus for us, so that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal and everlasting life with Him.”
And may I say that is extremely important because the only other option isn’t pretty as John 3:36 bluntly points out: “The one who believes in the Son has eternal life. The one who rejects the Son will not see life, but is condemned to God’s eternal wrath.”
As for Kathy and me and our girl’s family we stand with the mighty Joshua when he told the fledgling nation Israel in Joshua 24:15: “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, …But as for me and my family; we will serve and worship the Lord.”
Kathy & I pray for all of you to have a safe and prosperous race today! …and go Win one for Rick!
Bob ♥ Kathy Butcher
Chaplains / Pastors to:
NASCAR K & N Pro Series West