International Christian Tennis Association Tennis Team Explores Galilee and Mt. of Beatitudes!

WOW! Here we go again on yet another fabulously adventurous day through the astonishing land of Israel. 101_3468.jpg

We were all so eager to get the day started that we easily overlooked our complete lack of sleep.

God gave us each plenty of restful rejuvenation as we went about our 4th full day.

Our adventure throughout the Galilee region started at Tabgha.

img_1859.jpg This was the area where Jesus fed the multitudes of people with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish.

We visited a local monastery located on the mountainside where this remarkable miracle took place.

A friendly priest took us to a peaceful section of the monastery and shared some insight about the outstanding events that took place here. img_1862.jpg

We read from the Bible, shared our thoughts and sang old hymns.

It was such a pleasant, inspirational morning.

As morning turned to afternoon, we headed to the Mt. of Beatitudes.

This is where Jesus gave the illustrious sermon known as the Beatitudes.

“1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them saying:
img_1875.jpg3“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.101_3489.jpg
7Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

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11“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:1-12.

As our minds and hearts were expanding with new revelations, we lost track of time.

We totally forgot it was lunch time, so it’s a good thing we brought some snacks.img_1908.jpg

We munched on some nutritional bars and a package of tuna that we brought from home…yummy!

There was a small fruit stand by the side of the road where we bought some delicious bananas also.

They were tiny, but very sweet and tasty.

I recommend you try some when you’re in Israel. 101_3465.jpg

We also made sure to stay hydrated with plenty of fluids during our trip.

No one likes to be around a cranking, dehydrated person.

Well, our day continued and we explored more and more.

Just driving around was a pleasure.

Seeing the majestic mountains and scenery made my appreciation for God’s handy work intensify even more.img_1854.jpg

After seeing so much of God’s beauty in His chosen land, I can’t agree more with Psalms 14:1 where it states–The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”

It’s absolute folly to believe in anything other than our Intelligent Designer!

So, with a deep assurance of the one true God, we drove along with smiles on our faces and laughter in our hearts!

img_1921.jpgMore Soon!  Rach

ICTA Christian Tennis Team Arrives in Israel

dscf2437.jpgShalom Y’all, this is Rachel. You’re invited to join me and my twin sister, Melody, on our phenomenal journey through the mysteriously marvelous land of ISRAEL!

After much prayer, God’s gracious provision, many changes in scheduling, and intense preparations, our—God ordained—trip to the Holy Land became a reality!

We departed from Daytona Beach, FL with a connection flight in Atlanta going on to Tel Aviv. Here we are boarding the plane in Daytona! We are so excited! We love to FLY!

dscf2439.jpgIn Atlanta we re-connected with our good friend and missions buddy, Emma (arriving from Minnesota), along with our jubilant mom, Joy (flying in from Dallas), to complete our team!

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During our layover we got to spend a lot of time talking and catching up on what God’s been doing in each of our lives.

We each read some scriptures and shared our thoughts about this amazing opportunity to visit the land where the God of the Universe decided to send His son, Yeshua, to save the world!!!!

So much to grasp- yet absolutely exhilarating!

Boarding the plane to Tel Aviv!!! dscf2452.jpgWent through an additional full security screening before being allowed to board.


Took our time getting settled in our seats, as we had a 13 hour flight ahead of us!

We slept most of the trip, but also listened to music, read, and ate every chance we had!!!

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The 13 hour flight went faster than I expected and next thing I knew we were exiting the plane in ISRAEL! dscf2474.jpg


We were overflowing with adrenaline and excitement!!!

After getting our luggage, we boarded a “Sharrut” (aka: Shuttle) and headed to JERUSALEM!


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During our stay in Jerusalem, God provided a precious little flat for us to stay in, which belongs to a fellow Believer (the term given for people who believe that Jesus/Yeshua is Messiah).dscf2484.jpg

I was full of gratitude to have such a cozy place to lay my head at night, despite the fact that the tiny, enclosed quarters and high white walls made me a bit dizzy! dscf2494.jpg


The shower was rather small and ran mostly COLD water…but it got the job done!

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With our hearts racing with eagerness to get the day started–plus EXTREME jet lag–our first morning in Israel began at 4:30am. Sleeping isn’t much of a priority when your in Israel…so much to see and take in! With far too much to comprehend, sleep becomes an afterthought.

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Waiting for a bus at 6:30am to meet up with a friend, before beginning our extensive tour of Jerusalem!!! Did you know there was an “Old” Jerusalem and “New” Jersusalem? Well, I didn’t find out until we got there!

We had no idea of the spontaneous adventures God had in store…Old Jerusalem, New Jerusalem, Mount of Olives, and so much more!!! I’ll have more for you later! Bye for now!

Day 1: Flight to Israel for Christian Pro Tennis Team

dscf2426.jpgRachel and Melody Snelen have just called me from Atlanta International Airport.

(a pic this morning of Rach working on her serve)

They are on their flight to Tel Aviv, Israel. The current time is 10:37 pm, and though they have had a long day, I could sense the excitement and anticipation in Melody Snelen’s voice as she embarks on this very special ICTA Women’s Pro Tennis Team outreach.

Joining Rachel and Melody is their mother, Joy Snelen, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes Campus President and Athletes in Action leader, Emma Hustad. dscf2363.jpg

(A pic of Rach, Ana, and Mel after church on Sunday. Ana will go to Mexico with me and a second ICTA Pro Team this month.)

Each missionary will keep a daily journal, some of which they have generously offered to share with our readers.

Yet, they have asked for privacy for much of their ministry activities as they do not seek applause. They simply want to provide outreach to hurting female pro tennis players, and whoever God brings to them.

dscf2392.jpgMe, my name is Scott Paschal. I am the Founder of the International Christian Tennis Association.

(A pic of me adding pop to Mel’s backhand this morning.)

My role in this is I have been Rachel and Melody Snelen’s tennis coach since they were basically beginning tennis players at 16 years of age in 1999. Within 6.5 years both had earned their WTA rankings. Many girls train for tennis for 15-20 years and never earn a WTA ranking.

These Texas twins have done something special and both believe God has a purpose for their tennis games.dscf2382.jpg

I do, too.

Neither player seeks fame or fortune. They do seek to help others on tour.

Thus far their pro tennis tour ministry has reached many, many players and beyond.

About a dozen top 100 WTA players have been reached in a meaningful way, a way they will not forget. And literally dozens of players ranked from 100 to 1500 WTA, plus world class juniors, have been reached.

One of my favorite stories is of a Canadian WTA player who accepted Christ at a pro tournament!

Another is of an abused National Junior Champion from Eastern Europe who was assisted in fleeing her abuser to come heredscf2376.jpg to ICTA Headquarters in Florida where she became a Christian within 1 month of arrival!

And another is of a suicidal WTA player who God worked a miracle in her life and now she has a new start!

We have yet to mention the impact the ICTA Women’s Pro Tennis Team has had on pro tournament staff, umpires, host homes, volunteers, coaches, player’s parents, airline personel, bus and taxi drivers, grocery store and restaurant workers, newspaper journalists, dscf2414.jpgphotographers, and hotel staff.

The impact has been profound.

As I close this entry, I would like to ask each of you to bring this small team to God in prayer.

If you would like to send them an email of support, please send to teamicta@yahoo.com. Or to PO Box 350505, Palm Coast, Florida, USA, 32135. I can be reached at 386 793 0557 and can pass along messages, as well.

I would also like to hear from you with any prayer requests needs you might have for your life or someone you love.

God bless each of you.

Scott Paschal

International Christian Tennis Association