Short Summary
Hi! I am Tim Burleson and I am Chaplain for AMA Motorcycle Pro road racing and the WERA National motorcycle road racing series. The reason I do this work, is, to quote St. Augustine, "to preach the Gospel by all means, and use words if necessary." I am 59 years old, college and divinity school trained with 40 years experience in ordained ministry. I have served as a racing chaplain since 2002. In this role I act as chaplain-pastor for a group of highly skilled athletes who race motorcycles at speeds up to and over 200 MPH. As their chaplain, I provide religious services, social work services, crisis ministry during times of injury and recovery and often just listening. I build relationships with people in our racing paddock so when needs arise in their lives I can help meet those needs. I work through an organization called Motor Racing Outreach (MRO) a 501 c 3 not for profit ministry. In addition I have a five member Board of Accountability to whom I report on my activities at the track.
What We Need & What You Get
To do this ministry effectively, I need $50,000. Our athletes race twenty weeks per year all around the country and it takes funding to get to the tracks to do my work. The money also goes to provide living expenses as I do this job full time. My family and I do not live, nor do I travel, expensively. We live in 1700 square foot house in central South Carolina. I go to races by car when I can. I only fly if races are more than a two day drive away. Away from the race track, I continue to work with the race community in a variety of ways, from performing weddings, baptisms and during our Winter off season, I like to visit racers in their homes. If you contribute $25 to my ministry, you will receive an email report of my monthly work at the track. If you can give $50, I can send you some SWAG donated by the racers themselves. For a gift of $100 or more I can provide tickets for you to an event near your home so you can see for yourself the impact of this ministry.
The Impact
Stories from this ministry are many. One I can share with you involves a racer who had no faith background, who attended one of our race track chapel services. She came because another racer invited her. After chapel she approached me and said "The last place I thought I would find God is the racetrack." She has since made a commitment to Christ and joined a local church in her community. She is also a leader in our race track ministry.
Another story is about one of our vendors---people who sell racing supplies at the track---who lost her adult child to a tragic accident. This happened several ago, yet this commuity still ministers to her as she works through this horrible loss.
A third story is about one of our racers who commites his racing as a testimony to his faith in Jesus Christ. He is 18 years old and has given his racing talent back to God for His glory.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you can provide financial gifts you will be thanked by me, MRO and the racers who benefit from this ministry. You will also receive a receipt for tax reporting purposes. If you cannot give money, then your prayers are requested. If you have frequent flyer miles you can donate miles from or a motel loyalty program you can donate nights from those would be appreciated as well.
