Difficult
1.  Microwave only cooking for meals.
2.  Currency - exchange rate from USD to Euro, the lowest ever.
3.  Restaurants that are not affordable for me, starting at $30USD per meal.
4.  Language - French to English; English to French.

Wonderful
1.  Walking in the evening - in deserted Parisian back street with unique buildings.
2.  Daylight until 10:30 pm.
3.  Grocery store food that is well priced and the best quality I have found in the world.
4.  Free Wi-Fi Internet connection in the neighborhood (16th District) that I stay in.
5.  A fifteen minute walk from my housing to the tournament site.

Most difficult:  The only place that I can truly afford to eat at in Paris is, McDonalds and can goods from the super market.  In 2007, the downside is I ate at a McDonalds nearest the tournament in 07 and got food poisoning and in bed for two days.

The best:  I love history and in the evening after the tennis, I can walk the streets nearest my church hostel and look at wonderful old buildings that have the date of completion on the side of the building and a few have historical plaques - understandably all in French.  Read Day One - French Open here

Websites:
http://dailyverse.multiply.com
http://www.tennisministry.org
http://bobkraft.multiply.com   (latest: Day One - French Open)

Pastor Bob Kraft and Tennis Ministry Prayer points.

1.  Manila, Philippines - May 21 to 24 Youth Conference.

a.  My housing with the host family.
b.  Relationship with Everynation church leadership.
c.  Discussion on future Gospel tennis camp to business and government leaders in Philippines.
d.  Discussion on future cooperation with youth conference and tennis ministry.

2.  Hong Kong - May 24

a.  Family time.

3.  Paris, France - May 25 to June 9

a.  Access to tournament site and players lounge.
b.  Wisdom and relationship for those against this ministry.
c.  May 31st - Fan outreach to French Open, pray for participating churches.  Bob and Mia's eleventh wedding anniversary.
d.  June 1st, Bob preaching in Paris church.
e.  June 6th - Fan outreach to French Open; Bob's fifty-first birthday.
f.  What Would Jesus Do bracelets to be given out to players - if I have them.
g.  Protection against physical sickness or illness.
h.  No back pain.
i.  Adjustment to jet lag.

4.  London, England - June 10 to July 9

a.  Housing with host family.  Pray for a smooth relationship.
b.  Access to tournament sites and access to the players lounge.
c.  Wisdom and relationship for those against this ministry.
e.  Food availability.
f.   'More than Gold'  spiritual booklets that will be received on time and passed out to the correct people.
g.  Transport to the tournaments sites.
h.  June 15,16 - Bob attending a weekend church retreat with host family.
i.   June 21st - Meeting with businessman and residents of London for discussion of future ministry events.
j.   No back pain.

5. Hong Kong - July 10 to 18

a.  Family time.
b.  Office time/tennis lessons.
c.  Adjustment to jet lag.

5.  Honolulu, Hawaii July 19 to August 10

a.  Family time.
b.  Relationship with various churches in Hawaii as I meet Pastors and church members.

French Open:
* <Fans, Players, Coaches>  Fan outreach is planned for Saturday, May 31st and June 6th during the tournament with several Parisian churches at Porte d'Auteuil metro stop. Google Map here.   This is the third year that this has taken place.  Everyone is welcome to join in as the fans are spoken to on their walk to the tournament.  No tournament tickets are required, just your willingness to speak to others about Christ.   See Photos from 2007 here.
* <Fans, Paris Residents, Players, Coaches>  Reverend Bob Kraft gives a June 1st message at Communaute Chretieanne du Point du Jour Church; a short ten minute walk from the tournament site.  Google Map here.
* <Players, Coaches>  Interested players at the tournament will receive a free WWJD bracelet. 
* <Fans, Players, Coaches>  May 24th 'March for Jesus' takes place in the Paris city centre.  This involves thousands of people who have a Parade through the streets of Paris.  In 2007, several from the tournament attended and you are welcome to go this year participate or just observe. See Photos from 2007 here.

Wimbledon:
* <Fans, Wimbledon Residents, Players, Coaches>:  Rev. Kraft will hold a fellowship, prayer meeting and gathering for all those interested in Wimbledon and UK outreach during the Championships.  The meeting will take place at Queens Road Church, Wimbledon.  Google Map here.  The date is Saturday June 21st from 7:30-8:15pm followed by dinner at a nearby restaurant for those who are interested in speaking further.  All are welcome to attend regardless of faith, denomination or even playing abilities.  Welcome!
* <Players, Coaches>:  'More Than Gold" booklets in English, Chinese and Spanish will be given to our friends who are players at the tournament free.  This is the same book that is being prepared for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and is a daily devotional with fantastic sports stories.  This is provided by RBC ministries who has worked alongside Rev. Bob Kraft for a number of years.  Thanks for the partnership!

US Open:
* <Players, Coaches> Kevin Singleton, music worship leader from the USA will be available to provide music in player hotel rooms free.  Each player can then invite him and then you can invite your friends.  This gives each person a opportunity to reach out to your tour friends in a private setting.  Kevin is a song writer and performs yearly around the world to stadiums and youth groups.  Interestingly enough Kevin was a former pro basketball player in Europe and his Father was the men's tennis coach at Santa Monica College in California.  His website: http://www.kevinsingleton.com

2007 Wimbledon player testimony:  "We had regular meetings in the evenings where we shared in worship songs and real life stories where we were able to encourage each other and build each other up.  As a retired player from the pro tour it is easy to feel like I no longer belong, but this was a wonderful opportunity to have people to "come home to"  and feel connected with (by my faith in Christ)." -  Rosalyn Fairbanks-Nideffer, Grand Slam Champion, 2007 Wimbledon Ladies' Invitation Doubles Finalist (used with permission)