Running the Race for 35 Years!

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ and faithful servants of the RTCA-
I want to bring you greetings and BIG thank yous for all those involved in contributing to the success of the just concluded RTCA 2007 Conference held in Louisville, Kentucky!

Words are not enough to describe the appreciation and pride Dr. Torres have in all of you especially as we constantly heard people telling us that this may well have been the best conference held by the RTCA- and that is on the heels of people telling us that last year when it was held in Houston!

Glory to God!

As President of the RTCA Executive Board I have talked about much I appreciate and treasure all of the people who have gone ahead of me for the past 35 years. This fact again stirred my heart and soul as I watched the video special that highlighted the last 35 years of RTCA history presented at the banquet on Monday night. We have been blessed by the awesome vision that was given to Brother Salty and picked up by the Dawson's and so many others that God sent in to help plant the seeds and grow the ministry.

I think of the Marino's and the Salios, the past executive boards and committee members and the incredible chaplains that walk our race tracks and barns and the race industry supporters, horse owners, trainers and jockeys that have responded to call to serve those who serve the horse. To many for me to name- but God knows who you are.

Glory to God!

And those with great discernment from God have called into action our Executive Director- Dr. Torres- whom I believe God will bless even more incredible growth in the future for the RTCA.
The more I work with Dr. Torres, Ed Donnelly in Development, The Home Office, The Executive Committee and interact with all the chaplains who serve both in the field and on committees along with our councils and directors- the more I see that the vision given to Salty has not changed- only expanded!

Glory to God!

Every where I go, Salty seems to have been there- and that means God was there before him. This ministry is blessed 35 years with a living and on going vision. Today we have the addition of new ministry tools- aircraft that can get us quickly to our Global Racing Community locations, cell phones, internet, powerpoints, teleconference capabilities, the list can go on and on- but without a one on one relationship with those who serve the horse- it means nothing!

Thank you so much to all those who served for the last 35 years. For those that served on countless committees and councils, served as officers and directors, gave it their all as chaplains and to combine together and rooted in love- help plant the seeds that are showing fields ripe for harvest.

Glory to God!

And as I serve one more year as president I know I am part of the legacy of the next 35 years of RTCA ministry.

Glory to God!
Edward Smith
President of the RTCA

2007 Annual Meeting Photos

Dr. Torres showing off his Australian Hat.