Armed with a vision and desire to spread God's grace throughout this thirsty and hungry industry, our founder Salty Roberts, an exercise rider and backside worker from South Carolina, recognized the unique opportunity and need for a ministry within the horse racing industry.

 

In 1970, he managed to persuade Al Dawson, missions director for the Florida Southern Baptist Convention to walk Gulfstream Park shed rows with him. Al agreed that the need was great, and although church had never been held on the backside before, Track Manager Jack Blair gave his approval and a rickety old paint shop near the quarter pole was promoted to makeshift chapel. Twelve backside workers came to that first service. Church quickly became a regular part of the track routine and the ministry grew.