Taking the Word of God to the world of golf
Logos Golf Ministries
Logos Golf Ministries, PO Box 1071, St. Albans, Herts AL1 9RE U.K.
Tel: +44 (0)7794-003608
E-mail: office@logosgolfministries.com
Company reg. No: 5016651 Charity reg. No: 1104777
Logos Golf Ministry on Tour 2012
Jan 02-13 [Africa Open in East London & Johannesburg Open]
The 2011 season ended on December 11 and the 2012 took up on January 5, off season for the golfers? No more ….
We had two meetings, the first was held [this is just to get you jealous] outdoors on January 3rd, anytime I felt like complaining about the heat I paused to recall the temperatures back home, always a leveller ….. During that first meeting I had a tinge of godly jealousy in that there are around 15/20 South African believers on the Sunshine tour, and back in Europe there is the 3 or 4 SAs plus me, no Europeans …. I mentioned on my last update from SA that the Sunshine tour were starting up their own tournament get together and this was another step along the way … 10 people were there and the following week there were 9, four of whom were different from the East London event …
I talked on sowing seeds from 1 Cor 3 and it was good to see the appetite of these players, caddies and one official … augers well …
After my tinge of jealousy it was such a joy to see one European come along on the second week, as always with God it was the last person I’d have thought of, a real jack the lad …. he makes no profession and it was marvellous to have him along, and he listened intently …. [Eccles 3:11, is ever true] …
Please add to this year’s prayer list and another player I had good contact with. Both these players I met two years ago on the Challenge tour, so although I felt that time was a little hollow, God always know best ….
(2Ti 1:7) “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
Deliberations in the Desert
Tiger, Rory, Luke and Lee …. They were all out in force in the first tournament of the desert swing …. Not so much for the prize money, as the appearance purse!
I noticed Abu Dhabi advertises itself as a place of “Understated Luxury” … to me the phrase “Flagrant Opulence” would be more appropriate …. All 129 players were given a complementary room for the week at the Emirates Palace [to call it a hotel would be slur] so it’s known as the Palace, I believe you can fit three Buckingham Palace’s into it, it has a seven star rating and breakfast is £50 ….. Understated?
Anyway in room 2121 of the West Wing at the Palace we had our weekly meeting and we state 6-7pm as the timing, well it was way after 8.30pm this time as one of the players a non-believer came along and asked question after question, which was terrific …. It is always good to see one of two unsaved players/caddies coming along, this stems from the familiarity the players have with one another and the openness of the Christians to invite the unsaved …. Do add them to this year’s list along with those from the Sth Africa trip ….
With a few from the US and other world tours playing this week I was able to make contact with KJ Choi [Sth Korean] and one or two others from the world tours whom I don’t see much of as they are able to play where and whenever they like which is one of the perks of being in the world’s top 50 …. KJ is known as a Christian and we’ll make contact again no doubt … The situation with the non believer mentioned above, was such, I first came across him on the Challenge Tour two years ago and then met him personally in Kenya last year, every little step leads somewhere ….
1 Cor 3:5-9 …. Planting …. Watering …. Growing
Season Starts in Sunny Spain – Andalucía Open Marbella 14 – 16 March
No wonder so many Brits winter in the Costa del Sol; sunshine, heat, fresh fish, real coffee, croissants and all the rest …
The week started quietly and as I anticipated arranging a get together the first week back proved elusive but we are set up for Tuesday of next week in Agadir, Morocco.
I had three good one to one chats; with a coach on the circuit, I bumped into when following round a group on the course, it was good to have a chat with him and he is reading a golf book written by a believer, a topic which he brought up. Please also remember, younger pro on the tour, I met him and his girlfriend in SA and he is very approachable. It was good to re-acquaint myself with the tour in general and the familiarity from simply being there season by season is beginning to show …..
I also had a chat with one of our meeting attendees and lovely quiet believer, before God. He is at something of a watershed on tour; in his forties, has always hated travelling, has a teenage family back in SA and clearly wanted to be somewhere else, even though his golf game is in good shape. Never easy knowing the “time” for change …. We had a chat and the verse of that great chapter in Ecclesiastes (3:2) “a time to plant and a time to uproot,” was what we parted dwelling on … Do bring these three men before God.
Next Week; the road to Morocco ….
The King’s Palace
When they said this would be played on the king’s course in Agadir, that wasn’t just the name given to the course [like the King’s course at Gleneagles] it does really belong to him, and nobody else gets to play on it unless the king gives permission. There are no members or any green fees, just the king’s say so … The 126 players this week were on an immaculately kept, rarely played, mantelpiece of a golf course.
This was one of those weeks when the 15 minute bus trip to and from the event was the place for a chat … I had two of these; one with an official for that particular tournament whom I won’t see again and the other with one of the caddies. It is great to think that at 5.45am on a bus in downtown Agadir you can have a full scale conversation about the things of God …. After a long chat it emerged that he see’s himself as a spiritualist person and he said his wife was a devout pagan, he reckoned this made them opposite’s, really makes them exactly the same, lost, but I will see him again so do pray for that ….
We had our Tuesday meeting and it was good to chat over the topic from Colossians Ch 3. on “what are you feeding on?” It is interesting to realise that as we can see very clearly how the world has become desensitised to the state of, anything goes. And we as believers need to see that this sneaks up on us also, to the extent that we tolerate things that we once would have recognised quickly to be of the world …. The verse (Col 3:2) “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Was very relevant ….
Sicilian Open Palermo March 26 – 30
Springtime in Sicily
This was a bit of a quiet week, at least that is how it seemed to me, but it did start well with several golfers/caddies on the flight out to Palermo and I was sitting beside one of the caddies. The old question of “what do you do here?” Has been turning into “how did you get this job?” yet the opportunity still leads to full disclosure, so that was a good start.
I also met a physio and is a friend of a physio I met previously. He got the full story also.
Once again I came across a couple, both of whom I first made contact with in South Africa and the relationship is growing there.
With none of the SAs playing I generally went around and reacquainted myself with a fellow Scot, who as ever was very forthcoming and a Swedish pro who came along to one of our meetings recently, so perhaps it wasn’t too quiet a week.
There are times on tour when those words of (James 1:3) “because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Are very comforting when things seem to be plodding, the positive side of that verse is that faithfulness is what God calls us to, not success, for Jesus asks, (Luke 18:8) “when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
Many thanks for all your support and encouragement.
Seville’s Sunny [& Stormy] Spanish Open April 30 – May 04
This was one of those rare [and joyous] weeks when I kept bumping into people in; buses, planes, media centre, range, around the course and generally at every turn …. The chats ranged far and wide but every little connection creates another step along the journey in the building of a particular relationship …. Another noticeable trait is that the scope of contacts goes right through the tournament’s array of participants from; players to caddies to coaches to physios to media people, right across the spectrum ….
Just two too keep in your prayers; the caddie I met in Morocco with whom I had a good spiritual talk with another professional again, the player that I have come alongside several times and who is always very open ….
Could I also ask you to pray that our get together’s amongst the believers on tour takes place on a regular basis, I am of course always available for these wherever and whenever and that will also be seen as an important part of the others’ week on tour …
Next week is a co-sanctioned event between the Challenge and main tour in Madeira, so I will be able to renew friendships with some players from my time on the Challenge tour, in particular the professional who came along to one of the studies in the Middle East and asked many questions ….
(1Co 9:22) “ …..I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.”
Ministry in the Mountains of Madeira
I was unaware just how mountainous the island is and to find yourself walking around above the clouds is quite something, then to be engulfed by said clouds is a strange experience, the saying “you are up in the clouds” is a literal one in Madeira …
We had a really interesting week [David Lewis who’s first week this was on the Challenge Tour, this was a joint main and Challenge tourney, was there also] and the reception from some of the players I had seen in my initial season with Logos three years ago reminded me of how important persistence is …. You may recall a group of players from that time; who I described then as scoffers … They found the thought of chaplain ministry work derisive but I have to say they were happy to entertain an extended chat and were very forthcoming …. I do feel this reception owes much to the ongoing nature of the work, the perseverance, persistence … These players; caddies etc are used to seeing people come and go regularly on tour and to see the same person three years later, still there, has an affect upon them ….
Reminds me of the parable of the persistent widow and Jesus’ question, “when the son of man comes will he find faith on earth” [Lk 18:8] … in this day and age of the instant, the temporary it is good to dwell on that description of God in [James 1:17] saying that He does not change as a shifting shadow …. This week was a confirmation of the effect of continuity ….
The recent Logos conference had Malcolm Gregson speaking; he is a past Ryder cup player and Order of Merit winner in 1969 who found faith in his later years ….. Malcolm asked me to look out for his son who is working this season in the media tent and it was good to meet up with him, so please keep him in your prayers …
Do remember David as he embarks on the Challenge tour also …. As the tour, I always say, follows the sun so the weather is due to change for the better, but don’t hold me to that prediction.
As always your faithful prayers are appreciated beyond words …
Warm and Windy Wentworth
I was told that along with the Open Championship this was a tournament which was ultra busy with; players meetings, sponsor hype, company parties etc …. They were right …. A big event with distractions for the player’s aplenty due to their association with the business world who supply much of their income ….
Despite the goings on I had lots of contacts with the players and caddies and we have a get together set up for next week in Wales …
The meeting we are setting up at Portrush for the Irish Open seems to have struck a cord and the thought that we may look to do similar events at each of the home venues has reared up, those to come after Wales are; Inverness, Gleneagles, Lytham [where one is in the process of being organised] and St. Andrews for the Dunhill … All that is required is a venue of reasonable size, the speaker and players etc would be my responsibility .. With Logos having supporters throughout the country and the world being a small place perhaps you know of people in these areas or you may well be in one of them …. Do set this before God prayerfully and contact me should you be so led …
We are now on an uninterrupted run of tournaments through to the first week in August and as always I thank you for your prayers and encouragement … You will no doubt have in your prayers those players, caddies and others who God has laid on your heart from previous updates …. Next few events are …
John 17:20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,”
Windy Wentworth to Windier Wales – Wales Open May 29 –June 01
Apparently it rains more in Wales than in NI, seems hard to believe but it certainly is just a windy …. The host of the last Ryder Cup is a tough course without being wet and windy, as the scoring suggests …
Came across another believer this week … works for a long established golf company, and he is there promoting their goods as well as looking to bring some pro’s into his putting coach stable … so it was good to spend time with him, and he will be at most events up until the end of August at least ..
Had some time with a couple I’ve met previously, so do please continue to pray for them as they are always very open and friendly …
The three SAs had a bad week with none of them managing the windy conditions and missing the cut, JB has gone home for a two week break, after 8 weeks on the road and that’ll be followed with another 6 week run, you can tell he is only 21 years old!
Sadly the mother of the SMS chap I work with died on Thursday evening, she had a cancerous tumour which appeared to be well under control until just the last few days, when she deteriorated quite suddenly … She was only in her fifties so do please keep John and his family in your prayers this week ..
(Ps 25:12) Who, then, are those who fear the LORD? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.
Scandinavian Masters Stockholm June 4 – 6
Taking Stock in Stockholm
Three interesting happenings last week in Sweden …
- The initial newness of my being on the tour is gradually turning into me now being an integral part of the general infrastructure …. No more the questions of “what do you do here?” although there is still the odd “how did you get this role?” but being a part of the workforce is absolutely fine and the realisation of this has become clearer.
- The Logos prayer letter goes out quarterly and Mark was keen to have an input from one of the three Christian pro’s on tour so I had a long interview/chat with Hennie [Otto] which was terrific, in that he had given the questions I had previously sent him great thought and was very honest in his answers and from it all it became clear his mind was on loftier places than this earthly life.
- I have mentioned a Christian professional, to you before and we had a good long chat last week … His stumbling block was the diversity of denominations … He couldn’t really get his head around the difference between; Presbyterian, Methodist etc, even to the extent that he thought Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, Hindus and all the rest were just offshoots of the diversity of ways to God … This said two things; one, that we need to show more unity in Christ regardless of denominations [1 Cor 1:9-13] and of course the need to bring everything that the non-Christian throws up to deflect the conversation away from the fact that it is Jesus and the cross that has to be dealt with ….
So it was a good week and ended with an excellent day at Edenmore for the Logos Golf Day which despite the inclement weather had 27 players plus a few more who came along later and/or sent in a donation... Many thanks to all who participated and contributed …
The French Connection [I’ve avoided it for 3 years but had to use it eventually]
This was the same format as the Madeira event whereby it is co-sanctioned between the Challenge and European tour so once again some old faces were seen …. And that was where the most surprising of connections came ….
You will remember an old scoffer from the past who was friendlier in Madeira, which I put down to the constancy of still being there week in week out after three years …. On Wednesday he was leaving the course after practice and seemed to be lingering, I thought he was just waiting on someone else but he was waiting on me .. and started to chat about this book he had read on Bear Grylls [the adventurer] and how he was a believer and how he used scripture to keep him going when climbing Everest, something from Matthew he thought, I was wondering just who this person was that was telling me all this! I have to confess I’m not an adventurer fanatic so the internet came in handy and I had a quick brush up on Mr Grylls, finding out he was a Christian and had recently spoken at an Alpha gathering at Holy Trinity, Nicky Gumbel’s church in London …
I happened to meet him again at the hotel an we continued on the “Bear” chat, with me a little more informed and mentioned the Alpha angle etc … So that was quite a surprise for me last week, really this was the last person I’d have been expecting to talk about the things of God to … but as we know His ways are not ours …
I also came across a professional again and met one of the caddies, who has a brother in law who is a lay preacher, so it was a positive week …
'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. (Zec 4:6)
BMW International June 18 – 22
Chats & Contacts in Cologne
The Tuesday of the week was one of those days that you are delighted to have, when every corner you turn you bump into someone else who is willing to chat … I met several caddies …. And all were good long in depth chats … To have one of those days once a year would be great, so let’s pray that there will be more …
I was able to make touch with Bernhard Langer who was home for the week.
The weekly meeting went well and all in all the week was terrific …
An interesting piece of news I received from Hennie was that the wife of a professional whom I first met on the Challenge Tour three seasons ago and I have mentioned often before for prayer, approached him when seeing the verse Joshua 24:15 (But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, the choose yourselves this day whom you will serve…….but as for me and my household we will serve the Lord) on his shirt and it appears she was saved recently, so that’ll be worth following up on …
With three of the next four weeks in Britain everyone is packing up with; brollies, woolly hats, extra sweaters, two sets of waterproofs etc …. If you are up at Portrush next week give me a call …..
Ken Revie Logos Golf Ministries Chaplain to the European Tour
Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1Ti 4:16)
Irish Open - Royal Portrush GC June 25 – July 01
There’s no place like home
The build up is over, the event was a resounding success and the aftermath will tell a tale that this event produced the biggest aggregate crowd at a Tour event ever, second only to the Open Championship itself … And that the tournament had a major “feel” to it which was backed up by every player, official and spectator ….
The Open in 2020?
Portrush Golf Club was transformed for the week, the grandstands, hospitality tents, tented village, Television compound, Park and ride, the area a buzz with visitors .. The only thing to stay the same was the weather!
I always dwell on that portion of scripture when thinking on the temporary nature of a big golf tournament, where the essence of the event is the tented village, in other words, business. ”For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. (2Co 5:1) …
If you go back to Portrush GC in the next week or so all will have returned to its normal state and will look desolate, empty …. We live in our tent, our body, which will one day perish but that is where the similarity ends, for after that the believer has an eternal house [home] in heaven … Many were guests at Portrush for a day, some came for the week, but as it says in Psalm 23:6, we are not guests for a day or a week, but will dwell in the house of the Lord forever ….
Hallelujah! Ken
Portrush to Paris
The report on last week at Portrush was full of praise, everyone was full of positives and amazingly no negative comments at all … so who knows? Open Championship next!
A quiet week this one, I thought I was due one … Although, Hennie was informed by a couple of caddies that they had been witnessed to on one of the courtesy buses last week in Portrush, by the driver, not surprising of course considering the amount of believers around the country … I had a good chat with a caddie and once again came across one of the pro’s who is ever ready to talk, do keep praying for him ..
The study was attended by only Hennie and me and it was a really good time of one to one bible reading and godly talk … I know we are moving more and more into this one to one type of relationship to get into Gods word, I can see why …
You could pray for Hennie who has had a recurring back condition this season and withdrew after the first round in Paris …. He was meant to have an MRI scan next week in London but he has decided to go home to SA and have it there and look to find a lasting remedy … Best course really ….
I’m off to Scotland for three weeks and shall be travelling to Inverness, Lytham [The Open] and the Austria from there …
“Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees.” (Job 4:4)
Ken
Scottish Open Inverness July 10 – 12
View from the Highlands
I’m over in Scotland for this three week spell of Inverness, Lytham and then I’m going to the Austrian open from Scotland, as well as going around and seeing a few Logos supporters ….
A good week in Inverness, no freak storms this time, and lots of low scores …. This is a time when several players come over from the USA and I was able to say hello to Louis Oosthuizen and Aaron Baddley, both of whom know Mark well … I also had a terrific one to one bible and sharing time with one of the South African Pro’s. There is no doubt these are invaluable times when thoughts and plans are laid out openly …
There are quite a few Christian golfers coming to the Open and we are having a get together at a local church in Lytham on the Tuesday evening, a few hundred yards from the Lytham clubhouse, and it’ll be good to meet up with some folks there ….
Please do pray for opportunities with these one-off visitors, not always easy to get them on their own as with success comes the entourage, so do ask God to lead me where He will this coming week .. Please pray that I will come across all or some of them.
Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road--the desert road--that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." (Act 8:26) ….
May I hear such direction from the Holy Spirit ….
Ken
Logos at Lytham
Three distinct things came out of Open week ….
1. We had a super meeting in St Anne’s church in Lytham with several local folk attending … This was the church where Bill Ferguson one of our Senior Tour chaplain’s was based as pastor so there is a good history …. The gathering was very well received ….. a couple of testimonies were given and a general chat about the Logos ministry.
2. I was pre-warned by Mark [Pinney] that the Open was more than a little hectic and getting to players was tricky … How true … Everyone attends the Open; sponsors, manufacturers, managers and family .. I don’t think I seen a player with less than six people surrounding them on the practice areas! I did manage on the SMS day to at least say hello to several on the list from last week …. But not the best of weeks to have a ‘quiet chat’ ….
3. On a golfing note; after the roaring success of Portrush I had a good look around the general size and layout of the Lytham Open with an eye to what Portrush might have to do to house the event … Although I have been to many championships it has been a few years since the last one and I have to say it is around three times the size of the Irish Open at Portrush! The R&A were non-committal at there press conference saying they were “considering” Portrush, “but a lot of money needed to be invested to bring to the level of meeting Open requirements.” A little disappointing, but true.
This coming week brings to conclusion what has been a 13-week run of events for me, this week it is Vienna …. One thing’s for certain, it’ll be a stark contrast to the Lytham week … a quiet meal for two compared to a beach party barbeque ….
“… after the fire came a gentle whisper.” (1Ki 19:12)
Ken
A Capital time in Vienna
I mentioned how last week at the Open there was an entourage around every player, well this week, as suspected, was the opposite … I was literally falling over players/caddies and officials … one of those weeks where no matter where I turned there was someone in my path, and they were all on their own at the time and all stopped for a lengthy chat … Terrific!
There was an interesting moment when a caddie, [he is the “spiritualist” and his wife the vegan, whom I’ve mentioned before] came wandering up asking “What does the Lord say about stealing?” He was quite serious as he reckoned a club had been taken from his players bag, that was an easy one to answer and a good lead in, also as it turned out he was right the club had been stolen … I once again came across other professionals whom I’ve mentioned before, so do keep praying for them … I got to say hello to Alan Dunbar the new amateur champion from Portrush and came across at least half a dozen others in a meaningful way, so many thanks for all your prayers and also for all your encouragements through e-mails and texts …
The day after Vienna I went over to St Andrews to meet up with our US counterparts, “Links” Golf Ministries, who were having a golf event, named after the late Payne Stewart, and it was good to see them and many good initial contacts were made …. There were folks from 20 countries in attendance so my fluidity in several languages came in really handy!
There is no event in Europe until the 21st of August so I have a bit of a break and do remember the Logos Golf Day at Ballymena GC next Friday the 3rd of August, no need to book a time, just come along, the cost is only £10 per player ….
“… Encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2Co 13:11)
Ken
Gleanings from Gleneagles - August 21-23
After the two weeks off when the tour took to the USA, this week was the start of a four week run up to the Ryder Cup, where coincidentally, the next Ryder Cup will be played in 2014, and you couldn’t miss that fact as it was plastered everywhere, and why not!
The week started with a little meeting in Edinburgh where we were mulling over a possible connection with some people and courses in China, this was a dipping of the toe and I’ll keep you posted … It was also really good to meet up with a few long time Logos supporters for lunch and a chat there too …
One of the overwhelming senses I always have when reaching a venue is the freedom to wait on the Spirit to lead …. Freedom is the privilege of being there solely to seek out who He leads too … Resting in the knowledge that Jesus knows exactly what he is doing and I need only listen, remain ready and alert …
A good week was had where I came across many; a believer, whom I seen at the Open and who is seeking to get back on tour, Anders Forsbrand an ex-Ryder cup player who is now on the Senior Tour was there in his capacity as the coach to the Austrian team so it was good too see him again, he is of the Bernhard Langer generation of Logos meetings with Mark Pinney, but is ever willing to get together ….
An eventful time with a wide variety this week …. Terrific to be able to tell a young player about Logos work who represents Banchory GC, where I started as an assistant Pro. long before he was even born, the common ground is ever important and gives opportunities …
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1Peter 3:15)
Musing’s in the Mountains- Swiss Masters - Aug 28 – 31
Our topic at the Bible Study this week was prayer and the opening for it is clear when you walk to the course in Crans-sur-Sierre, the mountains are stunning!
Isaiah 40:12 says “Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?” …. The child of God has free access to Him who made them, and everything else in existence, the wonder of it all!
The week got off to a good start with a car journey alongside John Paramore who is the chief rules official and he asked that old question, “what do you do here?” and he got the full spiel …. This was a week of coming across officials, media folk and lots of caddies …. With almost everyone condensed into accommodation a mile or so of the venue you are ever bumping into someone around each corner, this is the favourite tournament of the season, even though the weather was better suited to the ski season …..
Do continue to pray for the six of the caddies I came across this week, God knows them all, so please leave them before Him ….
With the European part of the season only having four tournaments left before the long haul events where many players lower in the order of merit struggle to get into, I am looking to get alongside some of the players who are striving to keep their playing rights for next year … Do ask the Holy Spirit to lead here ….
God has no limitations; prayer therefore has no limits ….
Next week; Dutch open in Amsterdam
Ken
Amsterdam Accounts - Dutch Open Sept 4 – 6
Accounts is a apt thought at this time of the season as players are looking to the order of merit money count and seeing whether they are in and around the top 60 for the end of season money spinner in Dubai or are accumulating enough money to get in the top 115 and keep their playing rights on the tour for next season, in other words keep their job! Tensions are mounting …..
Interesting week where I had three great encounters; One I have been meeting regularly and established an ongoing relationship with a pro and this week his caddie, was around to chat for a while and he got the full account of what I was doing there and all the rest …. Please remember them both … I had two one-off meetings with a photographer on the course and then the courtesy car driver who took me back to the airport, both Dutchmen and both needless to say well versed in the English language, it is always interesting to think what happens in these situations where I am very unlikely to ever come across either of them again, but I guess that’s where we leave things in Gods hands, which is really where we should leave everyone, no matter whether we come across them daily of only once ….
Coming to the end of my second full season on the full tour it is noticeable that there is much more familiarity between me, the players, caddies, media and officials all due to the weekly ongoingness of being around …. The SMS role plays a big part in this as instead of being seen as a Chaplain/Pastor/Religious person or however one is perceived by others mind set towards God, I am part of the general workforce and also known as a Christian, a good combination …
Please continue to pray for the salvation of the lost souls out here ….
“So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” (Rom 14:12)
Ken Revie
Logos Golf Ministries Chaplain to the European Tour
The event was held on the wonderful links of Caernarfonshire (Conwy) Golf Club in sunny, if at times blustery, weather. The event was sponsored by Speedy Services, the same couldn’t be said of my journey to North Wales from Swansea which was frequently interrupted by stops for extensive road works. This meant, unfortunately, that I missed the opportunity of a get together and inevitable coffee with Malcolm Gregson who was at Conwy for the run up to the competition proper. Those who did meet up with Malcolm reported that he was in good health and equally good humour.
I did however manage to contact all four of the Christian ‘regulars’ on the Tour. Anders Forsbrand of course was there on the back of his victory the previous week at the Scottish Seniors Open (Anders was to finish 3rd in Conwy). South African Chris Williams was accompanied by his wife Carol and also his parents who live just ‘across the border’ in nearly Birkenhead – his father was a professional footballer who began life as an apprentice with Liverpool before moving on to Everton and Plymouth Argyle. Meanwhile, Bertus Smit was indulging in very fond memories of the Wales Seniors Open, having won the event in Royal Porthcawl in 2009. The fourth member of the group, Steve Van Vuuren, had sadly not qualified to play in the event, but stayed on to practice and along with Bertus participated in a golfing clinic for 50 enthusiastic youngsters.
We all managed to meet on Friday evening and held a study based on the opening verses on the letter to the Hebrews, focussing on the pre-eminence of Christ.
I also had an interesting conversation with a spectator who had travelled from Leicester and had spotted me chatting with Anders and Chris on the practice ground. He wanted to know whether I was their manager (now there’s an interesting thought!) but I went on to explain my role and the Christian faith to him.
Bill Ferguson will catch up with the players in Nice in mid-September and he and I will liaise in the ‘close-season’ to plan our activities in 2013. So I’ll update you next when there’s a plan for next season.
Allan Gray, Logos Golf Ministries, Chaplain to the European Tour
Tête-à-Têtes in Turin – Italian Open Sept 11 – 13
I have to admit it seemed to be a very quiet week in Turin, then …. There was a good long tête-à-tête with Kevin, one of the long time caddies on tour, the one to one bible time with Hennie and then the out of the blue chat about the things of God and man with our old friend Gary the caddie ….
Gary opened up the subject with the news of the video just released that had brought a violent response from the Islamic people …. Gary couldn’t get the difference in “religions” and why they were all so violent, I did explain that Jesus is the Prince of Peace and we went on from there, so do keep him in your prayers …
It was in Turin last season [played in June in 2012] when Hennie and I first started the little study meetings and it was good to see his maturing in that time, the old self continues to decrease and Jesus is increasing in his life …
Kevin I have come across often before and has to be one of the most polite people you’ll ever meet, this time on the practice range we had a good 15 minutes to chat about all sorts, so it gives some common ground to move on from …
The European based part of the tour has only two events left this season with the Dunhill at St Andrews and then the Portuguese Open the first two weeks of October, so I have a couple of weeks at home …. I value all your prayers, support and encouragements from week to week throughout the season and the presence of Jesus with me is the reality of them … Thank you all.
Ken Revie Logos Golf Ministries Chaplain to the European Tour
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11)
Dunhill Links Championship Oct 2-4
Sharing in St Andrews
This week’s event is always a tricky one for Logos with there being three separate centres; Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and St Andrews and over 600 competitors and caddies spread around the fife area, there’s a lot of people to see and lots to miss …. We did have a best of the season turnout at the bible study with seven there [one non believer], the South African contingent were out in force and we had a terrific time of sharing as we mulled over; Saul, David, Paul’s letter to the Philippians 3v12 and generally dwelling on God’s presence …. There was a real opening up between everyone there and the statement of “when you make time for God, he always turns up” was what touched hearts ….
I would ask you to seek God in your own prayer time and ask him for openings with the European players/caddies so that we might see some beginning to attend the weekly bible group ….
Next week in Portugal is the last event on the European part of the season, I shall be attending three events in South Africa during November/December and the equivalent bible group on the Sunshine Tour has around fifteen attending so there should be plenty of potential for invites to the European contingent of players …
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (Phil 3:12)
Final Flourish in Faro – Portugal Masters - Oct 9 – 12
A good week in Vilamoura …. Reminded me of the time recently in Austria where every corner I turned I bumped into someone on their own and ready to chat … I lost count of how many encounters the Spirit opened up this week but I revelled in the numerous opportunities that arose …
An old friend, the caddie, was one, he was surprised too hear that Jesus dying on the cross was a fact and just not some notion that the church had made up! I was once the same, so I wasn’t overly surprised by this … He does believe in the existence of angels, as his wife who is a clairvoyant speaks to them? This gave an opening to introduce Hebrews chapter one and so I had it printed out for him; do pray he will read it, his wife also ….
We had a super time at the weekly bible study with an open time of sharing as last week where those present aired their thoughts and fears … We dwelt on that astounding verse, 1 Peter 4:11 … “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” Makes you stand back in awe doesn’t it …
A terrific final week in Europe …. The tour takes off to Australia, the Far-East and South Africa over the next seven weeks, I’m out too South Africa for three weeks of this period … Many thanks to all of you for your meaningful support over the year, your prayers, encouragement and interest are greatly appreciated.
Ken
South Africa Open – Johannesburg Nov 12 – 16
This was the final event of the 2012 season with many players on the brink of retaining their playing rights for next season, although there was a definite lack of tension due to the hot summery weather and general ambience of the country, plus there is always qualifying school as a safety net to fall back on …
It has been around four weeks since most players/caddies had a tournament, due to the big purses available at this time of year where the higher ranked competitors have first preference so it was a bit like a meeting of old friends again, four weeks is a very long time in the life of the tournament golfer and caddie …
The Bible Study has a possible twenty or so attendees in SA and although they held the study at 7am [that’s right 7am] on the Wednesday there were a dozen turned up .. There is a lot of hunger among the SA pro’s and it was good to share for over an hour from the Word …
I came across a raft of people through the week and as I shall be back in SA for another six events over the winter the continuity will be invaluable … I met up with caddie some of you may recall from the past, from SA, whom I often asked you to pray for, was back for a one off week having been away since last March and he has always threatened to get together when I visit SA ..
By the way, 27 degrees and constant sunshine is a lot to put up with in November!
“In search of Jesus.” (John 6:24)
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. “ (Jer 29:13)
Ken Revie. Logos Golf Ministries Chaplain to the European Tour
Nelson Mandela Championship South Africa Dec 6 – 9
Delays in Durban
You might recall my teasing thoughts about having to go to a country where it would be 30 degrees and incessant sunshine whilst Britain froze, and not being able to get out of it … Well new records set this week in that play didn’t get underway until the Saturday, waterlogged golf course … First time this has happened! My consolation that at least the rain was warm wore off after a couple of days …
This meant that I had three 4am rises this week instead of one, plus the Bible Study which was at 7am on the Wednesday, so four early dawn calls in succession … Feeling sorry for me yet … I went along to a nearby local church on the Sunday, Grace Family Church, terrific new modern building and service, they have their first of four services at 8am [and it was full], these SAs don’t sleep …
Unfortunately, my hoped for meeting with one of the caddies didn’t materialise. I think of him a bit like that phrase in Jude, “cloud without rain” promises but doesn’t deliver … I did expect as much and was in touch with him, but he’d has a “hectic” week …. Never mind I’m back in Durban in January again, so we shall see how that works out …
Had a good encounter with another the caddie … He’d read Hebrews chapter 1 on angels, he as a spiritualist sees them often? but hadn’t grasped Hebrews, he then furnished me with a card of “wise” sayings from some guru or other he lives by, so I have appropriate bible portions looked out for him next time around …
One of the things delays doesn’t upset is Logos-ing, the milling around players/cadies/officials have to do allows you to come across more people than normal so one mingles, and you come across a few more folks as we continue to take the “Word of God to the World of Golf”
This week we go over to Leopards Creek which is on the fringes of the Kruger national park, you’ll see much wild life in their natural habitat this week on TV... Do pray for further encounters …
The LORD Almighty has sworn, "Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen. (Isa 14:24)
Ken
Alfred Dunhill Tournament - Leopards Creek South Africa Dec 13 – 16
With around 30 new players coming onto the main tour at these two opening events, through the Challenge Tour and Qualifying school, it gives a slightly different balance than previous years … As these new faces appear they will think that most of those they encounter on the Euro tour scene have been around a long time … Many of them will not have played anymore than one or two tournaments on the main tour over recent years … In other words, I’m not the new face anymore, they are … It gives you the opportunity to explain to them what you do there, so that’s always an opening to take advantage of …
We had [7am again!] a terrific bible study this week … Still around 10 or so turning up at that time and there was some real soul searching amongst a few of the players .. Real concern from them on where they were with God, so it was good too be involved there … The topic the Sunshine tour study has been following is “Faith” and it was good to share that passage in 2 Peter 1:5-7 where you “add” …. And it all begins with faith, ending in love, for it takes a while to fall in love with Jesus to get to the place where you just give in and let Him do what He wills for you … for as we know, love gives … Glad too say some of them realised that’s where they were, others not so yet … Got a bit of heckling this week from a few bystanders after the study, I remember when I thought those Christians were fools, misguided etc .., let’s pray that this becomes the case with them …
Been a good couple of weeks and as I always say, another little bit along the way and journey for some ….. It all comes in small steps of faith, just like the mustard seed you can hardly even see, for as we know ….
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews 11:1
As always, many thanks to all of you for your invaluable; prayers, encouragement and support throughout the year … the power of them is beyond measure, let me assure you, for I know as I am the glad receiver of His presence through them ..
Ken
