Thank You Jim Black
 

A Man on a Mission: Meet Jim Black


Date: 03 April 2007
In the extreme world of offshore, there are many inconsistencies; speed, performance, class competition. However, at Offshore Super Series races, there is a constant in the way of Jim Black.






The mornings of race days are filled with hurried crew members, stressed drivers and throttle men, and the usual scurrying about of staff. This all changes when 8:30 a.m. comes. It is then that conversations cease and the world of offshore waits patiently for the words of wisdom from Jim. For the next half hour, Jim Black takes excerpts from the bible, tales from his past, and a plethora of metaphors; then somehow turns all of that into a life lesson which goes beyond racing.



Black is a source of stability in a world that chooses to test the limits and rules of speed.

Offshore writing constant, Terry Tomalin of Powerboat Magazine, was quoted saying: "Every Sunday, before the races, Jim Black holds a nondenominational service before the drivers meeting. It is very well attended, a virtual who's who of offshore racing," he said "In a sport where death looms just over your shoulder at every turn, Jim Black is a reassuring presence.

Jim and his wife Sandy created Racing Performance Ministries (RPM) in 2003. Its mission is to introduce the racing community (racers and fans) to a personal faith in Christ, growth in Christ likeness, and active involvement in a local church, through relationships that provide care, sharing knowledge of God's word, and assistance in developing their leadership skills.



A big task for a man whose witnessed the best and worst in the wild world of offshore.

Jim Black earned a bachelor's degree from Hyles-Anderson College and was honored with a doctor of divinity degree from the same school. Black then pastored for 24 years on the East and West coasts and in the South. He resigned as senior pastor of Open Door in mid-2000. Jim and Sandy choose to begin, with faith, their work with the racing community, especially in offshore racing, and the Unlimited-hydroplane circuit. The Blacks live in Clearwater , Fla. , and have three children. The Blacks previously served with Motor Racing Outreach Christian ministry, which provides chaplains for major U.S. motor sports events, including NASCAR.



Jim Black’s much beloved mission program runs purely on donations. Anyone who is interested in supporting RPM can contact Jim Black at (727) 460-1700 and [email protected] or you can send donations to:



Racing Performance Ministries

1750 Opal Lane

Belleair, FL 33756

AMEN!
-Hollywood

Jim is always there. He is truly a man of God and has communication skills like no other. I am honored to know him as a friend and a minister. This team prayer picture was taken moments before Johnny and I climbed into my boat for the Biloxi race.

Jim makes are Sundays complete!

Jim is very much a part of Offshore racing, motorsports in general and even more in life. He is a GREAT asset to anyone... Keep up the GREAT work.

Ben

Jim also takes time at every race to come and have a word of prayer with the Medical / Safety staff. We are blessed to have such a man that knows no politics only heartfelt, sincere thoughts and blessings. It's nice to know someone is watching over us while we're watching over the racers.


-sammy

over the boat, around the bouy, over the boat, around the bouy...and they think racing boats is fun

Racers give generously when the collection envelopes are distributed. If you want to help even more, set up RPM as an automatic deduction from your checking account or as an automatic electronic check from your online bill paying service each month. Jim is then provided with guaranteed income, even in the off season. It's quick and easy to set up and once it's done there's nothing else you need to do.

There's a commercial on TV with the tagline "Don't almost give." Help support Jim and his wonderful ministry.

Jim and his wife Sandy are truly gifts from God. I'll never forget when we first meet them, it was one of the worst days in the wild world of offshore racing. If you are reading this post, and you have never been to one of Jim's Sunday service on race day you should make the time. He has this amazing way of sharing God word and makes it fit into race day. The Offshore Super Series is blessed to have him as a part of their organization.

Howard and Marie Richardson

In Memory of Jack Storerrle
April 12, 2003

I can't explain it. It's like squaring yourself before stepping into the raceboat. This is one OSS team that is very thankful we have Jim..and family at the races.

Marc

Jim Black always gives us peace of mind, when he prays for us he prays for a safe race and hopefully a win, but he is always there for our entire oss family, he's a wonderful guy and we're VERY fortunate to have him at every race.......