I started playing at age 10, and worked in a small room called Elsie's in Minonk, IL as a "rack boy" and general duty person. My early collegiate days were filled with all those social and secular things most college students are exposed to. I concentrated on bowling, billiards and other recreational pursuits at Eastern and enjoyed a "perfect game" in bowling and numerous victories in these endeavors. I put God on the back burner for five years and entered the corporate arena of sales with Brunswick for two more. In 1974 I entered the world of self-employment... with 2 different businesses. During the ten year personal exposure to being on "your own," I played "ping pong" with God. When things went right in business — I forgot him… when things went wrong or not what I wanted — I leaned on Him for answers. In 1984 I called it quits with my second business venture. I was depressed — financially, emotionally and physically. Spiritually, I was empty, but knew of a small voice in my head trying to direct my thoughts and eventual steps for freedom.
My pool game had reached a rather high level… when in 1982 the World Open Masters Tournament allowed me to embrace a victory among many of the top industry players in the field of Trick and/or Fancy Shots (now called "Artistic Pool"). In the short period following this competition my game suffered also. I sold the last business at a loss and I gave up "my" pool game (I thought). I discovered an open door one night next to my night stand. In a Bible I had carried with me for many years, I found a letter from a girl I had dated 10 years before in Cleveland, OH. I called her and a journey of intrigue and Christian development started once again. I went to Cleveland from Decatur, IL on seven different occasions. On the first of these trips, I attended a small church with her. The pastor uttered words that hit me right between the eyes and ears — "Don't be a dead Lutheran rock!" You see, I was dead — inside, or slowly moving every way but the "right" way toward Him. I had made a vow to myself when my low point came after the embedded depression in my life. That commitment to billiards and myself was to never come back to the cuesport arena… unless it was His way, not mine…as it had been since those early college days. The "His way" had started in December of 1984 at that small church. When I left Cleveland, I had a 7-8 hour road trip ahead of me. It started to rain shortly outside Cleveland city limits. And the most unusual thing I have ever had happen to me occurred. I started to cry and cry and cry… nonstop. During this time I could only remember speaking out to God in sorrow for past rebellion. I wanted a new life and a new start. I had to stop because it was raining harder inside the car than it was outside (with my tears). I was a basket case, you might say! Then I pulled into my drive in Decatur in what seemed only a short time or driving. I don't remember the long drive home. Only this experience of cleansing inside could I remember. A friend of mine I was visiting a few days later asked about my Cleveland visit. I told him the whole story, including the renewing of spirit. He looked at me and told me that if I wasn't his best friend, he would have me committed immediately. Since that time in December, he has found God in some special ways also, but I pray his complete surrender to Him will occur soon.
Now the next most unusual thing ever happened to me — I left this friend's house and had a 45 minute drive home. What I saw next I will never forget! In my windshield right before the wheel, I saw this triangle (RACK)… with a Christian Cross inside it. The word RACK appeared and the meaning next to it — Recreational Ambassadors to Christ's Kingdom. I didn't know what this all meant, but I knew God was revealing something to me special for the billiard journey I was eventually going to embark upon. I arrived home… once again not remembering the actual drive time. I went to the typewriter and prayed He show me written meaning to this vision. The RACK Vision was that typing experience. Now, I had to tell the world — right! I was a new energetic Christian wanting everyone to know of my vision and simple answer to any billiard and/or personal problem they might have. I took ads out in the billiard publications and received over 400 replies for the RACK solution in print. I sent them out (the 2-page statement), and only 1 person wanted to know more of this message from God. This person was named Homer Basom from guess where — Cleveland, OH. This spirit filled individual I met on my next trip to Cleveland. He lived only 15 minutes from the girl I was dating once again. We talked about RACK in depth. He also had a vision one night in bed, in which an image appeared telling him that when we get to heaven, we would play spiritual billiards and also spiritual basketball. This of course as a secondary joy to the joy of praising Him and being in His eternal Kingdom. He wanted to be a RACK member and tell his local billiard buddies of this concept. To shorten the story, a group of 7 superb elderly gentlemen, all with pool tables, when to bat for me — for a job and a place to stay in the Eastern part of Cleveland. In the summer of 1985 I moved to Cleveland and got a job at a golf course as a greenskeeper, mower man, and tree pruner. I lived on a horse farm free of charge. I became a new person in Him and had a spiritual journey I could write a book on. The "Master of Irony" put together all the pieces and showed me a new way to approach life and billiard once again. By the Fall of 1985, I was offered a job at an elderly housing complex in Springfield, OH which I took for 2 years. I proposed to the girl in Cleveland for the second time (1974 & 1985). She refused once again. Another miracle occurred after this — I met Marty "Ms. Cue." The Lord had worked out the "prefect" helpmate through prayer for me in her. In 1986 we were married, and in September of 1987, our new journey and crusade for positive pocket billiards began. It was His way from the beginning!! Thank you, Lord!!
You probably want to know what happened to RACK. Well, Homer was my only contact that expressed an extended interest in it. From 1986 to this past May (2000), RACK has laid dormant, except for an isolated step of boldness by me to bring it up. I now know that the meeting of Steve Lillis and Gospel Trick Shot Ministries (e-mail Steve) was no accident. I had yearned to see RACK promoted and see that vision reach literally thousands within the billiard industry. I know the open door with GTS and Steve was in His "perfect" timing. "Dr. Cue" Promotions has grown to new levels of reaching thousands of people in the billiard, college, corporate and other markets. The secular, yet positive presentation, with subtle witness therein to His touch and direction, has become very popular. GTS and Steve will now provide the "bonding" agent to reach these and others with the principles of RACK and his special message throughout the GTS Ministries. I pray now for a continued connection to those needing help in any way personally — their game and life alike. The seeds have been sown, and the field of harvest is plentiful. May we all make Recreational Ambassadors to Christ's Kingdom of each person we meet.
One final point I would like to make. I believe God has given me a special gift to instruct others in the stewardship of our time, talent, money and energy. We do not own any of what we have. It is His completely!! We are to be proper stewards over these assets, etc. Our billiard industry is extremely wealthy, but the money in it appears many times like it is only a toy to be used as — here today… gone tomorrow, with no merit or benefit in helping others less fortunate and in need. I have a personal crusade to communicate positive stewardship principles, primarily with the treatment of the game/sport and the money attachments to it. When we sow the proper seeds of this game, we will receive His beautiful abundance in return. That is His promise. We must be obedient to His Word and He will bless us accordingly.
Best Victories in Him, Tom "Dr. Cue" Rossman
RACK (Recreational Ambassadors for Christ's Kingdom) membership is free, once you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. There is no cost due in the Salvation Story. There is no card to identity with, since it is a conviction of the heart. God is the membership Creator, and Jesus is in charge of sign-ups, with the Holy Spirit as your guide throughout the member journey.
Best Victories In Him…Always!!! Tom "Dr. Cue" Rossman