KINGS MTN, NC (March 19, 2024): Two decades ago, God Speed Ministry first fired up its engines with the IHRA. The organization has since become a mainstay in drag race ministry, supporting various organizations and following the call of God to impact lives across the world.
Led by longtime racers Gary and Renee Bingham, the ministry started with a single 30 minute service at each IHRA event. The fledgling nonprofit quickly gained traction and grew to Saturday and Sunday services, kids and teen ministries and dozens of chaplains and volunteers.
“Bill Bader [then president of IHRA] wanted a ministry suited to the needs of IHRA racers,” storied Renee. “God Speed Ministry was founded to provide a fresh, new ministry built on racer trust. It came together much more quickly than any of us expected. It was easy to see God in all the details. It’s His ministry, and we’re honored to steward it. The name was actually suggested by IHRA Vice President, Aaron Polburn. It was really the perfect fit.”
The Binghams were obedient to the calling of God on their lives but ultimately could not fathom the extent of what they were in for as they launched a motorsports ministry.
“We had been praying for five or six years about what God wanted us to do,” added Gary. “Little did we know that God was preparing us for the future, and His timing is perfect. As we look back now, we can see things that were changed in our lives to prepare us for the future.”
From those beginnings, God Speed Ministry grew to certify 39 chaplains and 36 volunteers. Throughout the years, thousands have attended services across the United States, Canada and online. People of all ages have heard the Good News of Jesus Christ and Renee is thankful hundreds first began their walk with Christ at a GSM service.
“There have been so many beautiful stories of God’s love and power touching people throughout the years,” Renee continued. “One of my favorites is about a family who was able to attend church together for the first time ever at one of our services. The parents had different denominational backgrounds, so our non-denominational service provided the opportunity for them to worship together for the first time.”
The culture of God Speed Ministry is more than just family-friendly. The Binghams, as well as the GSM board and other chaplains, have a deep desire to see lives bettered by the truth of the Bible and the power of God’s Holy Spirit. The impact of this is clear when attending one of their services.
Hundreds of stories of God’s goodness color the history of God Speed Ministry, so much so that the organization is writing a book, to be released later this year. This effort is led by author and God Speed Ministry Chaplain, Rich Guy. The book will be available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target and more.
Since the singular focus of IHRA in the beginning, the ministry has grown substantially and now covers seven racing series: IHRA, PDRA, WDRA, Loose Rocker, SWJDA (Southwest Junior Dragster Association, CCRA (Carolina Class Racers Association), and Staging Light. Like most people and organizations across the globe, the 2020 pandemic disrupted the status quo for the mostly face-to-face ministry of GSM. GSM leadership, however, saw it as an opportunity to minister in a different way. “When the pandemic hit in 2020, we turned to digital ministry,” explained Renee. “In 2021 we reached over 250,000 people online and in person. In 2022, we reached over half a million in 11 countries.”
Renee and GSM chaplains continue to do weekly Bible studies that are live on the ministry’s Facebook page and YouTube channels.
“I’m grateful to God and all who have supported God Speed Ministry these past 20 years. The journey and growth of this ministry far exceeded my expectations. The prophet Isaiah said, ‘There will be no end to the increase of His government,’” Renee started and Gary added, “God is the God of growth and multiplication. Hold on. The best is yet to come.”
GSM continues to strive to better serve the racing community. This year they will launch a new website and giving platform. And in addition to the upcoming book, GSM will celebrate throughout their 20th anniversary with limited edition t-shirts.
The mission of the ministry, based on Isaiah 61:1-3, has been the heartbeat of the organization and Renee believes that what God has done so far is just a drop in the bucket. “This ministry is truly a testament to God’s faithfulness,” Renee confided. “I can’t wait to see what God will do next!”
Follow along:
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Rd9UkxWmoLCTjnNNDP9MA
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GodSpeedMinistry/
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