Caesarea & Tel Aviv Explored by International Christian Tennis Association Pro Team!

Welcome back!

It’s been a pleasure having you come along on our excursion through the Holy Land.

After finishing up our fabulous days in Galilee, we (me-Rachel Snelen, my twin- Melody Snelen, Emma Hustad-our Fellowship of Christian Athletes mission partner, and my mom- Joy) made our way to Tel Aviv, where our ITF Pro circuit tennis tournament was being held.

Our big stop on the way to Tel Aviv was Caesarea.

This place is mentioned many times in Acts- one of my favorite books of the Bible.

In fact, the apostle Paul was actually imprisoned here.

We stopped at an excavated palace built by King Herod.

It was an enormous palace located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

We arrived in Caeserea early afternoon while the sun was shining brightly over the sea.

The suns rays projected a comfortable warmth.

Once we entered the palace, we started running around, trying to fathom how big it was.

For a moment we knelt down in a grotto and thought about what it must have been like to be a incapacitated prisoner…just because you were a Christian.

How brave and courageous the apostles had to be!

Their life examples are truly extraordinary!

We thank God that they were willing to sacrifice earthly comforts and conveniences to spread the Gospel…for the sake of you and me!

We walked in the sand along the beach shore and collected some rocks and seashells.

As we continued walking further, we came upon some large rocks that led out to the palace wall remains.

We climbed barefoot over the boulders until we made it to a section of the wall where we could sit for awhile.

It was such a special experience.

Openly talking with each other about our lives and our individual, undeniable Faith in Jesus was simply amazing.

The Mediterranean Sea was so calm and peaceful.

I truly savored this moment.

Not many people get the blessed opportunity to visit the land where God chose to send His son to save the world.(John 3:16)

I will always be highly appreciative for all the outstanding blessings God’s granted me…this journey being one of them.

Just spending quality time with my sis and mom was splendid.

Now add to the backdrop; a sparkling sea, the sound of the gentle waves brushing the rocks, the glistening sun as it prepares to set and a peace in your heart that passes all understanding…now that’s a blessing!

The splendor of God is seen in his beautiful creation.

Not in the old dilapidated buildings and man made structures…but in His abundant creation which he made for you and me to enjoy, together!

We finally managed to continue driving on toward Tel Aviv as the evening was setting in.

When we arrived in Tel Aviv we found an empty tennis court (which is very rare) at the Israel Tennis Center and got some hitting in.

Our matches are tomorrow!

Be sure to check back for more postings…see you then!

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.

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.

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.

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:
3“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.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

More Soon!  Rach

Day 1: Flight to Israel for Christian Pro Tennis Team

Rachel 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.

(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.

Me, 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.

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 here 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, photographers, 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