2006 Star & Domestique Awards

For the past two years, Tri4Him has presented the Star and Domestique Awards to members who have glorified the Lord through their competition and service to their teammates and community.

Star Award Recipient: Joey McElhaney – Frisco, TX

Just like the Star of Bethlehem that outshined the rest to light the night sky signifying the birth of our Lord Jesus, God can use our special passions, gifts and talents, and hard work to glorify to Himself.

Some people don’t merely allow this to happen, they make it their strategic goal.

Tri4Him®’s Star Award is presented to individuals who outshine others in the sport of triathlon and do so in a way that brings honor and glory to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The 2006 Star Award went to Joey McElhaney. For the second year in a row, Joey is ranked as both an Elite Triathlete and Elite Duathlete in the South Midwest USAT Region. Joey effectively balances his family, church life, running a dental practice in Frisco, Texas (north of Dallas), and training all to His glory.

Praise God that Joey is an encouraging example, has a quiet and humble spirit, and lets his light shine bright in the triathlon community.

Domestique Award Recipients:
Ken Bramble – Kansas City, MO
Amy Kappler – Austin, TX

A domestique is a cycling term used to identify the member of a competitive cycling team who’s job it is to ride in such a way to benefit another rider, usually riding in front of the other rider to reduce wind drag. The other rider is able to achieve an outcome much greater than if competing independently. The domestique rides sacrificially for the benefit of the other rider. Domestique is the French word for “servant.”

In Christianity, Jesus was the ultimate Domestique living a life for the sole purpose of dying on the cross for the benefit of those who will follow Him. Those who choose to follow Him should follow His lead and live lives that glorify Him and draw others to Him. Tri4Him® members encourage each other to lead such lives.

The Domestique Award is presented to individuals who engage resistance head on. They take the lead in triathlon and in life such that their draft draws others to greater performance and a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.

One of the 2006 Domestique Awards went to Ken Bramble.

Ken launched Tri4Him – Kansas City in 2006 and led the group through its first year of competition, relationship building, and ministry in the Kansas City area. He and his returning teammates from 2006, Eric Otte, Peter Paulin, Phil Kelsey, and Tucker Kelsey, expect 2007 to be even better as they continue to reach people for Christ through their competition and training. (left to right: Ken Bramble, Eric Otte, and Peter Paulin)

Thanks, Ken, for your leadership in this Tri4Him frontier. You’re a long way from were the Tri4Him group started, but before long, as your team continues to grow, you’ll be amazed at how God uses your consistent efforts to glorify Himself through your team.

The other 2006 Domestique Awards went to Amy Kappler. (pictured here with teammate Joe Ritz)

In 2006, Amy launched Tri4Him – Austin and quickly found a core group to help her organize, coordinate, and grow the group.

Mid year, she and fellow teammates, Joe Ritz and Tim Ruppert, formed a Tri4Him Delta Team. They used their participation in the South Padre Island Triathlon on October 8, 2006 as a fundraising opportunity to raise student sponsorship support for the Smart Start ministry of Community New Start in Austin. Through their efforts and His blessings, they were able to raise $4,200.

Community New Start's Mission: Practical transformation of communities through incarnational Christian ministries of Word and Deed by building relationships that address the economic, physical, social and spiritual needs of the individual, family, block and city.

More about CNS http://www.communitynewstart.org/about.jsp Amy and her teammates have formed another Delta Team for 2007 to benefit Tabitha House.