How I got started
Zoo Ministries Founder & History
STEVE SHIPPY – Founder & Executive Director, Zoo Ministries
You might assume that being born in Detroit in 1961 had something to do with Steve Shippy’s love of wheels, and it probably did. However, in this case we are not talking automobiles, but Motocross (MX), skateboarding and other extreme sports. At the age of seven, Shippy’s family moved to Southern California, where Steve’s older brother introduced him to MX racing. Steve soon won his first competition at El Toro Raceway, hooking him on motocross. The thrill of racing, competition and risk had him competing regularly after that. He raced five days a week, for over ten years; at California’s most infamous tracks like Saddleback and Carlsbad. He became a pro MX racer at 14, and by 16 was top rider in the National Motor Sport Association, (NMA). At the age of 16, Steve captured the #1 plate racing against top pros Jeff Ward, Rick Johnson and Jim Holley. Steve had the good fortune of training with international racer and champion Gary Semics.
From 1982 through ‘86, Steve struggled with serious physical injuries but still placed many times in the top 10 in World Class MX competition. He was back in form in late ’86. He was in the top ranks at the CMC Golden State Nationals when he suffered additional injuries. Since then, his focus on racing has changed from competing to training, although he still competes in ‘Vet Pro’ races.
Steve wanted to combine his love of extreme sports as well as his understanding of the sport and sponsors with a higher purpose. He wanted to take thirty-five years of experience in pro sports and team competition to show mechanics, trainers, parents and others how to relate to the professional rider and the youth. Extreme sports have proven to be an outlet that lets Steve combine this passion with an introduction to Christianity for those who might never have the exposure.
2010 ZooWorld / Warthog Racing
Warthog Racing Academy teams up with Zoo World ministries for 2010 AMA Supercross and AMA Outdoor series.
Our vision at Zoo World Ministries is a simple one. God’s word says to preach the Gospel and “make disciples of all nations”, and that is what we strive hardest to do. Because of the physical challenges and dangers associated with extreme sports, the athletes who are involved in such sports are often putting their lives on the line every time they go out to practice or compete. We believe that in order to do well mentally and physically, we first need to be athletes “in the spirit”. The armor of God is the most important form of protection any of us will ever need, and our goal is to get this mind set into all of the athletes we sponsor. We are a 501(c)3 non profit religious entity who raises money to support athletes of extreme sports. We help equip impressionable young athletes to be all they can be, to achieve all that God has created for them, and we need your help to extend our reach and mission.
In the past seven years we have seen major miracles happen in our ministry: We have seen athletes saved from injury, and broken athletes healed miraculously. We have seen the sick become well, we have helped drug addicts find balance, we have witnessed broken families become reunited, and we have seen hope returned to the lives of those who felt they were lost and alone in this world. We will continue with visiting the injured and the sick in the hospitals, offering support and prayer, encouraging an attitude of hope and resilience. We have plans to once again work with CHOC Hospital and also with the Make a Wish Foundation- helping kids have the ultimate sports experience by giving them side car rides at a professional track on an MX bike. We believe motocross can be a good tool, a positive alternative to the unhealthy lifestyle that so many young people are up against these days. We strive to make our riders responsible role models for the younger generations. Through the teaching of Biblical principles, we show how God is the ultimate protector, healer, and provider. In our Bible studies we teach our athletes how to stay spiritually focused by staying grounded in God's word.
There are few companies in this world who share our vision, few who truly care more about the athletes than they do making a buck. Motocross is an expensive sport and Scott Kendal of Wonder Warthog Academy has spent the past several years raising thousands of dollars for Supercross and Motocross athletes who do not have the monetary resources that are needed to help them achieve their dreams. Raising the funds needed to run the academy is no easy task and Zoo World Ministries would like to help Wonder Warthog Academy by teaming up with them as the title sponsor for the 2010 AMA Supercross and MX series. Our goal is to raise $500,000.00 in donations this year to assist the Warthog Academy. Over the next twelve months, 50 % of all Warthog Academy designated donations made to Zoo World Ministries, a non- profit 501(c)3, will go directly to the academy as sponsorship funds for riders and facility expenses. And 50% to Zoo World Ministries.We greatly need your help in changing the lives of impressionable young men and women. Help us make a positive impact on a young man or young woman’s life. The difference between hope and expectation is action. Please make your tax deductible donation to……….
May God richly bless us in this endeavor.
Stephen A. Shippy
President/ Founder Zoo World Ministries.
www.zooworldministries.com