Highlights from the Chaplains and Ministry Team |
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Turfway Park and Belterra Park |
Because of you, our donors, The Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy (KRTC) experienced incredible growth in its ministry at all the Kentucky tracks this summer. Your financial support allowed us to bring Chaplain Maykel to serve at Belterra Park and to assist Turfway Park Chaplain Steve. Thanks to you, the ministry experienced strong growth at Turfway and Belterra Parks, with Steve connecting with hundreds of horsemen. |
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Chaplain Steve, along with dedicated volunteers, successfully hosted monthly cookouts at Belterra and one at the new trailer at Turfway. Belterra Cookout
At Belterra, the Knights of Columbus and the HBPA have been taking turns serving. Each time they are serving 250 burgers and hotdogs or chicken. Their support of these two organizations truly embodies the spirit of the community at the track, and we couldn’t have done it without you.
Turfway Cookout
The cookout at Turfway, held during a Monday night service at the new trailer (photo below), was particularly memorable. The event was a true celebration, featuring music, games, and more, creating a joyous and festive atmosphere. Thanks to the generous support of donations, the ministry served over 160 hamburgers and hotdogs, making it a delightful evening for everyone involved. |
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In Chaplain Maykel’s first few weeks, he had many personal encounters with workers. He listened to them and learned that many wanted to grow spiritually with God. He feels he can help many of the backside who are distant from God find what it means to follow Him. |
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This summer, Chaplain Steve has been blessed to foster relationships with several key organizations that have brought a meaningful impact to the racetrack community. One partnership that truly stands out is with FIESTA, an organization dedicated to supporting the Hispanic community by providing food, clothing, and essential resources. Together, we were able to host two major events that not only met physical needs but touched hearts.
The first was a memorable event at YMCA Camp Ernst, where over 150 Hispanic families gathered to enjoy a full day of activities. From ziplining and rock climbing to fishing, soccer games, and archery, families were able to spend quality time together in a beautiful outdoor setting. A community cookout followed, and Chaplain Steve had the honor of praying over the meal and sharing a brief yet powerful gospel message.
The second event was the Hispanic Heritage Day baseball game at the local AAA team. Through God’s provision and grace, we were able to secure an abundance of tickets, ensuring that families from the racetrack could come together for a night of fun and fellowship. Each child received a voucher for popcorn, slushies, drinks, and unlimited access to the bounce houses and play areas. The evening ended with a spectacular fireworks display, but what shone even brighter was the joy on the faces of the children and their families.
We are planning to make them annual traditions for the racetrack community. |
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Ellis Park and Kentucky Downs |
KRTC is excited to introduce our new Chaplain for Ellis Park and Kentucky Downs, Miguel Romero. Miguel has been married to his wife Gabriela for 27 years and they have three sons. Originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, they moved to the US in 2006.
Miguel will be at Ellis Park Mondays-Saturdays. He has a deep passion for meeting new people and understanding their cultures, interests, and needs.
Miguel began his ministry with children in Sunday School, Vacation Bible Schools, and mission trips. He holds a diploma in Theological Education from the Kentucky Hispanic Baptist Bible Institute. Welcome aboard, Miguel! |
Miguel walks through the barns daily, offering a listening ear, guidance, and prayer to the workers, sharing their joys and struggles, and on hot days, he provides bottles of water to help them cool off.
Ellis Park worship services are held on Tuesdays, starting with dinner provided by the Henderson Baptist Women. The service includes prayer, singing, and a message.. Attendance has ranged from 32 to 52. The most exciting news is that three people have decided to get baptized thanks to Miguel’s visits to the barns! This incredible transformation is a testament to the power of faith and community, and it wouldn’t have been possible without your unwavering support.
Miguel thanks God for leading him to this role and expresses gratitude to the board and our supporters. Your support is invaluable to this ministry. |
Under the leadership of Chaplain Pavel, who has been promoted to the role of Senior Chaplain by the KRTC Board, our teams will operate as a unified force. Pavel will oversee all the tracks we serve, playing a pivotal role in leading and managing the Christ Chapel staff at Churchill Downs and the chaplains at Turfway, Belterra, Kentucky Downs, and Ellis Park. His goal is to ensure that all our teams are supported and guided effectively, with a shared commitment to reflecting a deep love for God and the horseman community in all our endeavors.
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It’s heartening to note that at Churchill Downs, Chaplain Pavel continues to see steady attendance at the Monday night chapel service, with an average of 60-70 people. Many have found that our chapel is the place where they can encounter the living God.
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Pavel is also grateful that Christ Chapel is being used to be a place to bless our horsemen community in a tangible way. We were able to host the Horses for Hope health fair sponsored by Churchill Downs Recreation Center and the Guatemalan Embassy; almost 450 people were served in our building by the Guatemalan Embassy. During this time, I was able to reconnect with some workers who came from Turfway and Keenland and meet some new ones. |
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In June, the ministry team hosted the first cookout at Churchill Downs. Over 320 horsemen attended the event, enjoying a delicious meal and spending time together. The team is grateful to everyone involved for making the event a success, especially to Maddy, the ministry coordinators' assistant, who handled logistics and organization and even cooked during the event. |
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The KRTC staff played a pivotal role in the success of the Horsemens Picnic at the infield put on by the Churchill Downs Recreation Center. Their presence and dedicated efforts, particularly in building relationships with the workers, were appreciated and integral to strengthening the backside community. |
By playing and engaging with the soccer teams from the backside, Pavel has met new people and had some fun.Here he is with the winning women's team Please pray for Pavel to remain injury-free. |
KRTC is blessed to have Children's Ministry Director Elena, Women's Ministry Director Melanie, and Ministry Coordinator Drew |
We finished our summer activities by taking 26 children from the backside community to Vacation Bible Study at Highview Southside. The theme for the year was 'putting on the armor of God.' Joining with Highview to provide this VBS experience allowed us to create a meaningful connection with this local church which is one of our primary goals. |
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Melanie, our dedicated Women’s Ministry Director, has created an exceptional experience for the ladies associated with the Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy. Her efforts in the women’s Bible study, ladies’ luncheons, and overseeing sewing classes showcase her unwavering commitment.
Monday Chapel Gatherings
Throughout the summer, Melanie’s work has significantly grown the women’s faith at worship services. The ‘Monday chapel gatherings’ have provided a platform for women to share their faith and support each other. Connecting with Spanish-speaking church members from Southeast Christian Church, South Louisville Campus, has been a key factor in this growth. Ladies’ Sewing Class The sewing classes, a key initiative of our Women’s Ministry, have been a resounding success. It is a time of enjoying fellowship and learning a new skill. The class shares devotional time and prays for one another, fostering a strong sense of community. Melanie awarded one lady, who has become an expert, with her own sewing machine. Our volunteers provide the sewing instruction, and Melanie facilitates and provides translation. Home Visits and Bible Studies Melanie stays busy each week with home visits, Bible studies, and day-to-day interactions. We ask for your prayers and support to continue sharing boldly and for hearts to be open to the gospel. |
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Link your Kroger Card to Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy
Selecting the KRTC as the organization you wish to support is as simple as updating the Kroger Community Rewards selection on your digital account.
1. Sign in to your Kroger digital account from the Kroger app or at Kroger.com
2. Search for Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy in the list of organizations
3. Select Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy from the list and click “Enroll”.
KRTC will display in the Kroger Community Rewards section of your account. If you need to review or revisit your organization, you can always do so under your Account details.
If you have any questions, contact Sharilyn Unthank, KRTC Donor Relations 502-297-3508
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Meet KRTC Director Mike Ridge |
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For over five decades, Mike Ridge has been a dedicated figure in the real estate, engineering, and building design industries.
Mike Ridge's life is enriched by his family. He's married to JoAnn and together they have two children, one granddaughter, and three great-grandchildren. Their love and support have been the cornerstone of his life. They are active in Southeast Christian Church, where JoAnn is on staff. They are both involved in mission work and Bible studies. He was first introduced to KRTC, volunteering at various functions and joining the Board of Directors four years ago.
Mike's journey with saddlebred horses and his career in the horse racing community led him to KRTC. His involvement with KRTC has been a significant blessing for him and his family. |
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“I had many wonderful experiences during my 32 years as a thoroughbred jockey but my work with the chaplaincy is decidedly more rewarding and fulfilling. Thank you sponsors, partners, and supporters from every corner of this ministry. God bless!”
- Hall of Fame Jockey, Pat Day
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KRTC BOARD OF DIRECTORS/OFFICERS
Officers Tony Estes, President Jim Tye, Vice President Polly Dunlavy, Secretary
Gene Snowden, Jr., Treasurer Directors |
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Gary Churchman Pete Cline Vanessa Parker Ron Presser Mike Ridge |
| Keith Sorrels Stacy Murphy Craig Wiley Dan Fick Bruce Eyre |
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In closing, on behalf of the Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy and those we serve, I thank you for making our service to the backstretch possible. We value your friendship and support. |
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