ICTA California: The Vision

ICTA California will host an annual conference designed to bring America’s most passionate & authentic Christian leaders together with a specific mission to collide with the world views suffocating today’s youth, while also providing a clear, concise answer to the question, “What does it mean to be an authentic follower of Christ in a lost culture?”

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As ICTA’s large-scale mission trip to the Pacific Life Open ended, I could only kneel and pray. God is so good. I am so fortunate to live a life in worship of Him. I am living proof God can use anyone for His will to be done.

What’s coming up for ICTA California?

I will now work to bring a core group of ICTA California members together as an accountability group, a board of advisors designed to assist in the growth and development of the vision for ICTA California.

Sure, we’ll plan tennis camps and retreats for Southern California. And yes, we will host a fantastic tennis tour to the 2008 Pacific Life Open. But, the vision I have is to do more, be more. More than just tennis.

My vision is for ICTA California to host a conference for Church youth groups and Christian academies from across Southern California and our over 1000 ICTA California members to be able to listen to and interact with the nation’s foremost Christian leaders.

Look for more information to be posted on the new ICTA California site. Each ICTA California member will receive an email with more information on how you can participate.

God bless and thank you all so much for your prayers and support,

Scott Paschal
Founder & President
International Christian Tennis Association

How many people attending the Pac Life Open will go to Heaven?

I’ve been dreaming of being here on a mission trip for years. Right now, one of my dreams has come true. The International Christian Tennis Association is at the world’s 6th largest professional tennis tournament on a large-scale mission trip. God has opened every door necessary… and closed others… to make my dream come true.

ICTA has hosted large scale mission trips to among the most attended tennis tournaments in the world. Davis Cup… Nasdaq 100 Open… US Men’s Clay Court Championships… International Hall of Fame Championships… Pacific Life Open… and others. I am in awe of God. He has taken the big dreams He planted in my heart and is making them come true.

God has blessed me with a faith-based tennis academy in Florida. It’s small… a mom and pop type operation typical of Europe… but it’s blessed. Soon, God will bless us with our own full service tennis facility. Our faithfulness with the small things has led to bigger responsibilities and opportunities to serve Him.

My small tennis tour company is likewise blessed. What was once a dream of bringing ICTA members to Grand Slam event together as a tennis tour group is coming true during the 2007 US OPEN. Our mission trips are designed to serve others. Our tennis tours are designed to feed our members with His spiritual food.

My friends, mentors, and ministry partners… wow, am I blessed. At anytime I can simply pick up a phone and call among the most authentic founders of Christian ministries in the world. First and foremost, David Nasser has stuck by my side through any and every mistake I have made and patiently guided me as I work to build a relevant Christ-honoring ministry.

My amazing staff is second to none. Rachel Snelen and Melody Snelen have put up with me for 7 years. How and why I don’t know. I don’t deserve to have such talented people working beside me. Lord only knows how many times my bull-in-a-china-shop, get it done personality has caused them headaches. I make the mess, then they work to clean it up. Without them I am totally useless and should simply quit ministry and sell cars. Their belief in me has meant the world.

ICTA California is a real dream come true, now. 1000+ coming together these last couple of weeks in honor of Him. 1000+ preparing now a mission to do more, be more. God’s love has flowed throughout this event. Everywhere you can see signs people have been touched by our little sports ministry, by God’s dream he planted in my heart and nurtured to fruition.

Now ICTA California has a purpose! To serve Him!

I will contact you all to prepare for our yearly ICTA California Convention. Over the next 4 weeks we’ll call you to set an accountability team to build the infrastructure of ICTA California, and of our 2008 ICTA California Convention. In partnership with other ICTA sections and our partner churches, we will move forward with a vision….

ICTA California has a purpose, a vision. The vision I have for ICTA California is spectacular! People all over the western USA coming together for His purposes, working together to share His love…

Right now, we are packing our outreach booth and preparing for our drive to Las Vegas, then the Grand Canyon as we reach the final stage of our nearly 7 week missions tour which has taken ICTA across the country. As soon as I can I will write the vision I have for ICTA California and share with you what God has placed on my heart.

What an amazing mission trip this has been to the world’s 6th largest pro tournament! God is so awesome! Thank you to everyone who has supported and loved on us! You have each meant so much! God bless you.

Growing the game and sharing His fame,

Scott Paschal
Founder

Tennis Missionaries Melody Snelen and ShantelMark signing up new ICTA California members

Joseph and Shantel with Mr. Stilts

Welcome to ICTA California

That’s me surrounded by a neat group of gals interested in our tennis tours.

300,000 people is a lot of people.

Neat shot from the Grandstand.

Howdy, new members!

In the stadium people are talking about their faith! ICTAand faith are being discussed all over the place, and it’s ok! Word of our ministry is spreading like wildfire. One volunteer told me we are one of the most talked about aspects of the tournament! Awesome! I like that. I even like those people who can’t stand us! Positive or negative, it’s good faith is being discussed and our ministry is getting noticed!  Our Christian tennis academy, camps, mission trips, pro players, members, newsletter!

Emboldened by our presence and tireless passion for Him, people are saying such wonderful things to me about our ministry work, and I’ve gotten more hugs today than in all our mission trips combined since our beginning! To say God has us in the “zone” right now would be accurate.

Retired senior citizens are grasping hope for a life that is still useful. They feel they have a purpose! Wow, we have so many new members who are senior citizens! Today, a coach shared with me how pro players speak about the impact International Christian Tennis Association has made on the tour. Apparently, more than just tennis fans are counting on ICTA to keep on truckin‘.

This has been an incredibly God-blessed large scale mission trip to the Pacific Life Open, the world’s 6th largest pro tournament.

Melody Snelen flew back to Florida last nite and this morning. She’s worn out from being on our missions tour for nearly 5 weeks straight. Tonite, she and Rachel Snelen, her twin sister, are taking a much needed break and attending Chris Tomlin’s How Great is Our God tour in Jacksonville. I know that will really feed them spiritually, and they are having a great time.

She will fly back in a couple of days with Shantel to help wrap up this mission trips and prepare for our journies to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.

Scott Paschal

This tennis venue is truly one of the most beautiful I’ve ever experienced.

Mark, Joseph, and the twins taking a break from watching matches!

Robin, Mark’s mom who is a church planting missionary from Mexico City, talking with new ICTA California members.

This amazing person loves Jesus with all his heart and is down on his knees while talking to Mark about the importance of sharing his faith. What a tremendous example!

I knew today was going to be amazing by the way it started out. During my Tennis Missionary Training Class today during breakfast, we focused on serving God faithfully with what He gives. I could see the impact it had on everyone. I enjoyed preaching and teaching. We could see others, who were not part of our group, being impacted as well as they walked by or listened in.

The highlight of the day for me was spending time sharing my testimony and my faith to a young man with a strong drug addiction. I really hurt when I see how much potential is lost through drugs. Our time together was effective, and he later introduced me to his father and his sister, then his mom. I look forward to him visiting my tennis academy in Florida.

Another highlight of my wonderful day was spending time on the phone setting up an accountability group for our upcoming ICTA Missions Tour, SERVING OUR GOD!. What this accountability group means for me is that a strong group of my main supporters are coming together to help take a big load of work off of my shoulders.  So great!  Rachel Snelen and Melody Snelen will appreciate these supporters.

These tremendous guys are going to work together to bring the International Christian Tennis Association to pro tournaments worldwide. An attorney, an accountant, a businessman, a fundraiser, a preacher… these 5 guys will be such a tremendous blessing for me. Their group will do all the leg work I’ve been having to do!

This will free my time up so I can build my tennis facility… which is next on my agenda!

A tennis facility!? Yep. After several years of prayer and planning, the International Christian Tennis Association is ready to step out in faith in a big way and build a tennis facility to serve as a beacon for Christ worldwide within the sport of tennis.

Finally, a huge thank you to my Day 12 gang! This group of ICTA California members was so much fun. Everybody is a comedian, eh!? God was reaching deep inside so many people at the tournament today. To see God’s presence filling one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world is exciting. To see God moving in the hearts of the retired people we meet is so special. Connecting them to each other is really amazing for me.

God bless you and enjoy the pics!

Scott Paschal

A neat family signing up for an ICTA California membership!

This group of kids each received free gifts from ICTA!

Melody Snelen and Robin, Mark’s Mom who flew in from Mexico City, talking to visitors.

A wonderful retired physician joining ICTA California membership

Me signing up new ICTA California members.
Great to meet you!

This was the most amazing day of the entire mission trip so far!

God’s presence is blowing us away. I really don’t know where to start, and lots of stuff I won’t really be able to explain in a blog entry. Doors are opening that only God can get to move. I’m growing stronger in my faith as well. Our first mission trip to Indian Wells for the 6th largest pro tournament in the world has been INCREDIBLE!

There is something inspiring about being here with an outreach booth passing out Bibles and tracks. Our 1000 new ICTA California members are a passionate, unique bunch for sure. And this Day 11 group has been a blast. I’ve loved meeting you!

How do you like this goofball pic of me and Bill!? Bill is an amazing person. God uses Bill and his ministry in special ways. Bill invests his life in youth discipleship. I’ve truly enjoyed hanging out with him these last few days. Bill not only has an amazing ministry reaching youth nationwide, but he is also the official photographer of a famous tennis player. Bill is connected with my strongest supporters and is a tremendous resource and friend.

For me this picture of me and Bill in a fun way represents other ministries boldly standing strong with me as God builds the International Christian Tennis Association. Our ministry is pretty young so it’s so great to have mentors and friends who have my back.

Today was full of long awaited meetings. I met with several pastors, tennis players, an attorney, several physicians, teachers, and so many others. Planning for the future is special. Seeing people get involved is special. Seeing people realize they do matter in this world is special.

And the impact our missions tour is having makes the hard work worthwhile. Being on the road for 31 or 35 days can be pretty grueling. But, that’s what it takes to pave roads that hopefully one day others can follow, and it is so great to see God’s presence flowing. I truly can’t begin to describe how special mission work is.

Our missions team is a fine tuned machine right now. We’ve traveled over 4500 miles and have met literally thousands of people. We are “in the zone” and can feel the excitement we’re creating throughout the Pacific Life Open. It’s fun to spend time with people planning ICTA activities for the summer. The tennis industry is starving for Jesus. God sized holes in the hearts of those we meet are being filled.

This morning at breakfast at Ralph’s grocery store in their eating area we enjoyed a wonderful Bible study. As we were finishing a lady came up and thanked us. She said it was wonderful to listen to us, and was so glad to see teens being guided in God’s word.

We have a new tennis camp starting in the morning. I look forward to hitting when we are on the road. Touring for 16 days straight is hard work. I love taking some time off and working out. And let me tell you ho excited I am to head to the Grand Canyon and give out Bibles & Christian tracks.

As we enter the last days of this mission trip I am busily preparing for our next! So exciting to follow the Great Commission. What a way to live a life. I am a fortunate person. I feel very blessed to live the life God has made for me.

Before I go, just wanted to mention this incredible video… you’ll want to see this music video by Chris Tomlin on Yahoo music. Click here.

Growing the game and sharing His fame,

Scotty

Nadal

Joe volunteering in the ICTA booth!

Mark and Joe in between matches.

So many new ICTA California members!

Definitely the cutest new member of the day!

Mel and I were given some box seats for the evening matches. As the sun settles on the horizon and the evening coolness settles in, and as I type this blog for you, I just feel so grateful to have such a loving, caring God who is taking care of me and this ministry.

As much as I love this town and this tournament, let me tell you something… the people here are in desperate need of hearing God’s word. They are hungry for God’s truth, not some watered down sermon or some fake religion.

This entire valley is a mission field. Each day God brings someone who really bonds to ICTA. You can see their emptiness and their need for fulfillment in life. It’s hard for me to see such empty zombies walking around. I want to take each of them on mission trips with us and let them see firsthand how God truly cares for His people.

But, so many of the people I meet are locked into their purposeless lives, they have little sense of how special they really are. If they only knew. Hopefully, as the International Christian Tennis Association gains a 1000 or so members here in ICTA California then we can really do some amazing outreaches.

ICTA is a tennis association, not a church. We have tennis association members, not followers. Think USTA when it began, but ICTA is faith based. That said, we have the ability to gather people together and help them network. I can bring them together and take them worldwide.

They build friendships and strengthen lives. So special.

One more week, then I head back to Florida for more missions… and to prepare to build a tennis facility! God is so good. Thank you soo much for your many calls! Your prayers and worlds of encouragement are important to me!

Enjoy the pics…! God bless, Scotty

Let me give you some numbers of what God is doing here…

29 new ICTA California members want to come with me to the 2008 Australian Open.
24 want to journey to the French Open with me.
30 are in for Wimbledon!
43 will be rocking in New York with me at the 2007 US Open!
38 coming with me next year to the Pacific Life Open!
25 are Davis Cuppers!

Here are a few of our new ICTA California members from today’s membership drive…

Robert H, Georgia, Tile Installations
Scott C, Colorado, Tennis Pro
Greg K, Irvine, Engineer
Jennifer K, Brawley, Student
Arion L, Colorado, Sales Manager
Vern L, Washington, Retired
Jim D, Teacher, Redlands
Hollie G, Alpine, Housewife
Barbara B, Arizona, Medical Billing
Mike D, Ca, Demolition
Jack C, Newport Beach, Accountant
Jan W, Costa Mesa, Director of Rehab
Robert C, Southgate, Carpenter
Michael S, Lynwood, District Attorney
Henry S, Valley Village, Programmer
Diedre F, Ca, Tennis Pro
John S, Malibu, Banking
Kathy R, Redodondo, Gemologist
Jeff G, California, Tennis Pro

Enjoy the pics…!

God bless, Scotty

Right now, Melody is working as a missionary for us in Indian Wells. So great to have someone of her integrity and caliber heavily involved with our ministry.

Since 1999, Mel and her twin, Rachel, have used their sport in a big way to share their faith. Even many years before meeting me, Joy Snelen, their mother, had these tremendous twins sharing their faith through the family music ministry and they all traveled around the country together.

Rachel is currently leading a missionary team deep into the heart of Mexico. Her team is traveling not only to share the Gospel to those they meet, but also to bring awareness to something very evil in the world… the sex slave trade industry where children worldwide are being abused.

Both Rachel and Melody Snelen are very special people. I’m glad to introduce you to them, if only via this blog. Please keep them both in your prayers as God continues to grow and develop them for His purposes.

Now, about today! WWWOOOOOWWWWWWW!!! What a huge day!!

This had to have been a record breaking day for gaining new memberships! Awesome. I am having a blast! Meeting new people, sharing information about my ministry, gaining new friends and partners, laughing… and watching fantastic tennis.

This group of ladies pictured was been a blast! They’re coming with me on my tennis tour to the 2007 US Open. In fact, my tennis tour company signed up 19 new ICTA California members today to come with us to the 2007 US Open!

Our new ICTA California members will have a blast with our new ICTA Memphis members during the 2007 US Open!!

Enjoy some pics and I’ll see you in a minute…

Mark and Guga

Mel speaking w/ new ICTA California members

Me sharing my testimony and signing up a new ICTA California member

Great job Mel!

Three amigos and new ICTA California members!

Near record breaking numbers!!!

Dads, sons, daughters… we were swamped all day.

This guy was a lot of fun.

Great to meet you folks!

To say this has been an amazing day would do no justice to the actual day.

One really fun aspect of today was that it started out with a phone call from a guy who let me know a ministry from China just sent out a mass email about ICTA! I thought that was awesome! He forwarded me the email he received and I really enjoyed reading it.

God has a way of using all situations for his good. Good or bad, all situations can glorify Him. Have you ever heard the phrase…”There is no such thing as bad press.” That is so true. God is revealed in all situations if you know how to see Him. David Nasser’s new book, Glory Revealed, really hits home on that subject. www.gloryrevealed.com.

Bill K from Atlanta, so awesome to see you again and catch up. Bob K from Hong Kong, thank you for the extra advertising and motivation you have brought to me and my supporters. Seth, so wonderful to meet you and get your company involved. Joy S, thank you for raising such incredible kids. Sue B, today is your birthday!

Growing the game and sharing His fame,

Scott Paschal

When we arrived at the Pacific Life Open site and were walked to our exhibitor’s booth, I just about cried. I knew how much work had had to happen to acquire this little booth, and I knew the ministry that God was about to provide through it.

To everyone who helped create this entire situation for me, thank you. Thank you to our ministry friends and partners. Each of you have played an important role in our attending the 6th largest pro tournament in the world!

And, in maybe an odd sounding way, thank you to those who would try and harm our ability to gain this booth. I nearly canceled the whole trip, but your anger, frustration, and manipulative habits galvanized my resolve and made my focus more strongly on God’s plan. You also strengthened my friendships my my ministry partners and supporters. It is so great to see how God uses you to grow and develop my ministry well past my own abilities and into His.

As we arrived to our booth, I saw so much… myself a few years ago as God began working through me to reach others… my staff, Rachel and Melody Snelen, who were tennis beginners in 1999 at 16 years of age, but now travel the world on mission trips competing in pro tournaments as WTA ranked players… the International Christian Tennis Association as God placed big dreams in my heart then taught me how to make them come true.

As we already begin to close in on 100 new ICTA members in just the 2nd day, thank you so much to God’s

Melody Snelen, Mark, and Joseph quickly began setting up our outreach. Mark’s parents, Robin and Jim, plant churches in Mexico.

Our ICTA Women’s Pro Tennis Team really appreciates Robin as she helps them navigate Mexico. Robin is really a wonderful person. She is always helpful. Her and Jim came to our place in Palm Coast, Florida last year.

Joseph’s parents, Marjorie and Ricky, own the Christian TV and radio station for the Pacific Islands. They also own a bunch of secular companies. I really enjoyed meeting them when they came to my house in Palm Coast a couple of months ago. Marjorie is an amazing prayer warrior and a huge advocate for ICTA. They have asked me to come to their country this summer. If my schedule permits, I would love it!

Our first new ICTA member (two pics above) and new ICTA members signing up! Right now, we are swarmed with tremendous people offering to help grow our ministry. So many plans are being made even as I type! Pastors, tennis pros, ministry founders & workers… God’s people coming together!

Susan D. San Diego, Teacher
Pat D. La Quinta, Tennis Pro
Bob A. Arcadia, Financial Planner
Audrey C, La Mesa, Scientist
Bruce W, California, Exercise Physiologist
Susan S, Murietta, Teacher
Joe S, St Louis, Mo, Retired
Simon M, Costa Mesa, Tennis Pro
Rose G, Santa Ana, Nurse
Sam G, Santa Ana, Aerospace
Gale H, Indian Wells, Artist
Amy F, Indo, Junior Player
Gerald G, Monterey, Structural Engineer
Robert O, Washington, Real Estate
Gerri S, Murietta, Retired
Elise O, Portland, Oregon, Wife & Mother

So fantastic to have sooo many wonderful people join our faith-based tennis association!

God bless!

Scott