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CRA Hot Rod Camps, Int'l

Camp #4

July 14, 2008

CRA Family and Friends,

CRA Hot Rod Camp #4 is now a memory in the minds of six young men, the eight CRA Leader/Instructors and many others. This camp was a complete change from previous camps. We started the build on Monday morning at Sam Shriver’s shop (Paintz by Sam) in Hillard, Ohio. We worked on the car at Sam’s shop through Wednesday. Thursday morning we loaded up our tools and the 1932 Ford Roadster project and headed across town to the Ohio State Fair Grounds to set up for the completion of the project at the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association’s 11th Annual Nationals. With the challenge of moving in the middle of the project we were still able, by God’s grace, to complete the car and fire-up the engine at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. As it has been said before, each camp is unique; the only similarity in the camps is the presence of the Lord. Without His presence the camps would not be the success they have been. We were blessed again with six terrific young men from across the United States. The time spent with them during the build and the “shop talks” will have a lasting impact on all involved.

As we started CRA Hot Rod Camp #4 many were skeptical about how it would all come together. The Lord had impressed upon me the need to have the camp in conjunction with the Columbus Goodguys event. This would allow the ministry of CRA Hot Rod Camps, Int’l to be exposed to thousands of people. I have watched the positive impact that the camps have made in the lives of the young men that have been able to attend. This ministry needs to grow and reach more lives and with the national exposure our prayer is that it will. As I watched and listened during our “shop talks”, I knew lives were being touched and changed. We want to show the love of our Savior through working side by side with these kids. Additionally we want to expose them to an industry where families can be involved in a hobby together. On Saturday evening the CRA leaders and members along with their families went to the home of Randy & Judy Scott just south of Columbus for an evening of food and fellowship. The six campers and their families were also invited. During the evening we presented each of the campers with a baton. The purpose is to pass along the tradition but more important to give them something to remind them of the week they spent at CRA Hot Rod Camp. As six of the instructors passed the baton to the six young men our hearts were filled with joy as each of teens had positive comments about the camp. One that still rings in my mind was “I came to this camp to build a car, I didn’t need that other stuff”. I believe he left with a different understanding about the other “STUFF”. The other stuff is what building the foundation of a good life is made of. These are the tools to be a good husband, father, grandfather and a Christ-like example to others. The mission will never change “Building Cars and Changing Lives” by teaching Christian values as a foundation on which to build a good life.

Sunday…WOW! We started with a great CRA Chapel service at the Goodguys event. Then we were invited to drive the completed ’32 roadster through the awards ceremony. I drove the car with one of the young men with me. The rest of the campers and instructors walked along side the car as we entered the awards building. As they introduced the Christian Rodders & Racers Association faith based ministry and them doing the CRA Hot Rod Camp project build at the show, the awards building came alive. The crowd stood, cheered, whistled and clapped. It was an emotional time for all the supporters and instructors. The kids were very proud of their completed project. As I listened to the crowd I knew they were actually giving God the applause. We know that without Him none of this would have been possible. What a conclusion to a week filled with the blessing of getting to know these six young men.

I want to thank Donavin for his leadership and for sharing the God birthed vision of Hot Rod Camp. Without people like him being obedient to God’s calling these camps would not exist. I want to also thank all the CRA builders/instructors that helped with the project. Randy, Rick, Doug, Larry, Kevin and Bob, your prayers, support and hands on leadership was a true blessing. What a team!! Also I want to thank Randy and Judy for their help in organizing the housing for the campers. And the ladies that were responsible for feeding the group, Miriam, Ida, Jenny and Dee. You ladies are second to none, thanks for your support of the camp. To all of the vendors and individuals that contributed to the support of the Camp, we extend our heart felt thanks to you. Without the financial support, donated parts, and supplies the camps would not be possible. And a special thanks to Goodguys Rod & Custom and their staff that made it possible to have the camp at the Columbus event.

Look for one of the ‘32 Ford Roadsters (Camp #3 or Camp #4) at an up coming Goodguys event. You can see one of the projects at the CRA booth in Kansas City, Joliet, Charlotte and possible other Goodguys events. Also, don’t forget to check out the photo gallery in the CRA website to see both builds progression. Allow me to end with this thought. "This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace." Colossians 1:6 NLT

Let’s continue to spread the good news and change lives.

“Building Cars—Changing Lives”

May God’s blessing be with you,

Dan Jeffries
Ohio Leader
CRA Hot Rod Camps, Int’l