Tuesday, December 18, 2012

JOHN FORCE RACING'S MIKE NEFF STANDS OUT DURING SEASON OF GIVING

Mike Neff and Pastor Bill Wilson at the John Force Racing shop in Brownsburg, Ind.

BROWNSBURG, Ind. (December 18, 2012) - Mike Neff has had a lot on his plate this off-season; spending time with his children, Chase and Chloe, and riding herd over his Castrol GTX Funny Car team to prepare for the Mello Yello NHRA Drag Racing series in 2013, but even an oversized work load can’t stop him from continuing to be involved in one of the greatest charities for children around the world, Metro Ministries.

Metro Ministries is a global Christian, non-profit organization dedicated to serving inner-city children throughout New York City and various urban centers around the world. Metro Ministries serves nearly 100,000 children each week with after school programs, Sunday school services, child sponsorship, special programs and personal home visits.

Neff recently joined Pastor Bill Wilson, founder of Metro Ministries, for the annual “Operation Holiday Hope” television special, which aired live on the LeSea Broadcasting Network.

Pastor Bill Wilson and Neff have been personal friends for over two years. Last year, Neff and John Force Racing hosted several children that Metro Ministries serves at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ for an experience they will not soon forget.

“I met Pastor Bill Wilson a number of years ago and I have been involved with Metro Ministries since then. Englishtown was the first time we have hosted a big group of kids and it was amazing. I have to thank Castrol and Lori Anne Gola for going the extra mile with goodie bags and the tickets. They are a great sponsor and to help these kids like that means a lot,” said Neff.
For only a $10 gift to “Operation Holiday Hope” Metro Ministries provides a Christmas gift to over 100,000 needy children around the world including inner-city kids in New York City.

“It puts a lot in perspective when you talk with the kids, some who might never have had a chance to leave the city, and see that they are seeing a whole new world. You hope that this inspires them and encourages them to keep being good kids. It was an awesome experience for me personally and I feel lucky to have been able to help Metro Ministries. Being able to go and participate in the telethon was also a huge honor. These kids around the world need to know that they are loved and someone is thinking of them,” he added.

Donations are still being accepted throughout the holidays for Operation Holiday Hope at www.operationholidayhope.org

Founded by Pastor Bill Wilson in 1980, Metro World Child has worked to rescue hurting children and offer a message of salvation and love that encourages them to stay in school and away from gangs and other destructive or criminal behaviors so common in inner-city environments. Metro meets both spiritual and physical needs through long-term one-on-one relationships, mentorship, child sponsorship and visitation.