This is the third year I have volunteered at "Backside of the Track" at Churchill Downs, an annual fund raiser for Christ Chapel, located on the grounds at Louisville's beloved Churchill Downs.  Volunteers from several area churches, (including my church, Crestwood Baptist Church), help organize a silent and live auction in a sold out gathering at the Downs.  Patrons, many dressed in their "Derby" best,  pay $100-a-plate for delicious Kentucky-style cuisine and hear the key note speaker share the "Good News" about lives being changed and hearts being won to Jesus Christ.

Often as many as 100 people in worship each Monday, meeting the spiritual needs of the people on the "back side" who stay on the grounds of Churchill Downs and who may not otherwise get a chance to attend a worship service.  These are the people you rarely see, the behind-the-scenes people who keep Churchill Downs running smoothly.  They're the groomers, the people who clean the stalls, the men and women you may see walking the horses. 

The interdenominational service is held on Monday nights when the track employees are off work.  The service begins with praise and worship.  After the lively music, Chaplain Ken Boehm preaches to the English-speaking members of the congregation while Spanish-speaking worshippers go next door to hear the sermon in their language. 

At the fund raiser a video highlighted several people who shared how much Christ Chapel meant to them.  People who have struggled with drugs and alcohol said they didn't know if they would be alive today if it weren't for the love of Christian people who have reached out to help them and show them the love of Christ.

Monies raised have built a beautiful chapel.  Before the chapel was built in 2007, church services were held in a small recreation building on site.

The Chapel also provides a food pantry and a clothes closet to help out the needy.

Christ Chapel at Churchill Downs is part of the ministry of Race Track Chaplaincy of America, which has been in existence for 35 years.

As we here in Louisville celebrate the 135th "Run For the Roses", I feel blessed to be a small part of "Backside of the Track."

Jacki and Jerry Shafer are "mega agents" with The Shafer Team and Keller Williams Realty Louisville East.