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remembering Eugene Wagoner

I have had the honor of being part of Raceway Ministries since our family moved to Virginia in 2001.  It has been a great blessing with so many opportunities for ministry and lives to be touched by what God is doing.

Today we celebrate one of those lives that has invested much in this ministry.  Eugene Wagoner was one of the first people I met.  Gene was there all the time and understood how ministry to race fans made a huge difference in their lives.  He gave willingly of his time and energy as well of his own resources.

Gene was an influencer. He encouraged others to get involved. It was often that you would hear him scheduling the youth group from his church and others to do hands on ministry at the speedway.  His desire was to see lives touched, and he didn’t just talk about it.  He got people involved.

Gene was an encourager. When he asked how you were doing, you knew he meant it.  When he was joke with you, it was a connecting of friends that ended with laughs and smiles and even more joy.  Gene brought fun and life to others.

Gene was a blessing. There have been many volunteers through the years in Martinsville with Raceway Ministries, but there are very few, like Eldred Davis and Gene Wagoner that were constant and committed always to seeing this work happen.

This man understood our mission, and his love for God and people were evident.  

Mark 6:7-9  MSG
Jesus called the Twelve to him, and sent them out in pairs. He gave them authority and power to deal with the evil opposition. He sent them off with these instructions: “Don’t think you need a lot of extra equipment for this. You are the equipment. No special appeals for funds. Keep it simple.

Gene knew that his life was a gift from God that helped others see God! Today we celebrate Eugene and will miss him greatly!

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