Azusa StreetRiders International
The Apostolic Motorcycle Ministry of Jesus Christ ~ Official Site
I am pleased to welcome Bro. Jeff Keck to the ASR Board as our newly elected National Vice President, as well as Sis. Julie McGhghy as our newly elected National Secretary.
Bro. Keck and Sis. McGhghy have been invaluable assets to the ASR National Board serving in their interim positions. I am confident that they will continue to serve this ministry with excellence as they begin their full terms of office.
What a time we had at the 2024 National Rally! God surely met with us in a special way in Omaha, NE. The prayer was fervent, the worship was uninhibited, and the messages were powerful!
Thank you to Bishop Powell and The Church of Omaha for allowing ASR to host the National Rally in Omaha, NE. Your hospitality and generosity was overwhelming. Thank you!
Thank you Bro. Monte Showalter for bringing us the word during our missions service, and for giving us a desire and burden to support missions even more.
I want to also give a special thank you to Bro. David Showalter and family, for all of your hard work in making sure everything went smoothly, and your hours spent prior to the rally in planning and preparing meals. The meals were amazing!
In spite of the severe storms that hit the Omaha area late Wednesday, it did not stand in the way of awesome church!
With the storms, came some unique opportunities for ASR to do what we have been called to do. The membership of ASR, without hesitation, put aside the many scenic and awesome tourist sights to visit, and went out into the community to minister to those affected by the storms.
To God be the glory!! Thank you ASR for being the hands and feet of Jesus to this world!
Outreach is not an uncommon word. Many of our churches do outreach. There are community events throughout each year dedicated to reaching the community around them. Many of our ASR chapters facilitate Biker Weekends, with an outreach oriented goal of purposely making an impact on the souls in their immediate area of influence.
I fell in love with ASR, not because of being able to ride with others of like faith, but because of the unity of the Spirit, and the goal to reach the lost. We are unified in our mission, to reach the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ!
Out of curiosity, I decided to google the definition of outreach. There were 2 definitions found in the search.
When I read those definitions, something stirred in my spirit. I know that most of our outreach has been the noun version, to get involved with activity in our local community. I am not throwing stones, or trying to criticize the efforts and willingness to serve our communities. It is still needed!
But, as I read the definition of outreach in verb form, I began to understand that there is a shift that needs to take place. We are accustomed to being involved in our community. The church world in general has outreach in noun form down to a science. But, I believe God is calling us beyond what we’re accustomed to. I believe it is time to shift to the verb form of outreach, and begin to reach further!
Further than the world!
Further than addiction!
Further than idolatry!
Further than routine!
Further than our comfort zone!
We are being called to deeper waters, and to reach further than any other program, ministry, or endeavor has ever reached before!
Although riding with both hands on the handlebars is always recommended for safety reasons, there are times when only one hand is on the bars. Whether you are resting the other hand, taking a drink of water, or giving hand signals, there are moments when you have one hand on the throttle, and the other hand free.
However, the hour we live in, and the condition of the world around us, demands that we, as Apostolic bikers, filled with His Spirit, washed in His blood, wearing the Azusa Street Riders back patch, spiritually ride one handed throughout this world. One hand on the throttle, and one hand reaching out into the dismal darkness.
There are countless souls holding out their hand, hoping someone will come by in time, to pull them out of the fire. There are opportunities all around us. God forbid, that we get so focused on being so in tune with the ride, and seeing the scenery, that we roar past the dying souls lying in the gutter of sin and despair. It’s time to reach with everything in you! Lean out, grab a soul, and pull them to safety!
Jeremiah Hayes
President
Azusa StreetRiders International
By: Johnathon Mcguire
Vice President
Mid Michigan Chapter
A year ago I met Brother John Zerbe in Midland Michigan. Pentecostal Temple, the local UPCI Church, was preparing to participate in the Midland Memorial Day Parade 2023. Pastor Willis, Brother Zerbe and Sister Zerbe were going to ride their bikes in the Parade. I was to drive the Church van. As we prepared for the day, Brother Zerbe, or as I now with respect call Zerbz, talked to me about a motorcycle ministry. This thing was called Azusa Street Riders. He explained to me how it wasn’t a club but a ministry. That the bike and the patch were tools the LORD uses to start conversation with people and minister the Gospel of JESUS. He wanted to start a Chapter in Michigan. This caught my interest since I have a history on 2 wheels. I wanted to become part of it and do what I could to help. Shortly thereafter a Chapter was formed in Midland Michigan. At the 1st meeting of the Mid Michigan ASR Chapter with its humble beginning, I was voted in as its Vice President. With Brother Zerbe, as the President.
I hadn’t rode since receiving the HOLY GHOST. I was associated with people where that bike and I had existed unGODly and in darkness. Five years had passed without a ride because what it meant to me to be on my bike, the mindset, the lifestyle and what I was involved in had all ceased to exist. The old man was dead. Now that I was made new in CHRIST, coupled with the focus of a motorcycle ministry, well that gave new meaning to – lets ride.
Zerbz talked to me about how people would come up and start the conversation. I found out how true that is. Recently I was invited on a ride by Brother Thomas Newman from Yorkville Ohio UPCI Church where my dear Brother David Forsythe Pastors. Our destination was Gatlinburg Tennessee to meet up with several people who needed a witness. We rode through West Virginia. On our way, stopped in Jane Lew West Virginia and visited with Pastor Jeff Cochran of Buchannon UPCI Church. At breakfast that morning, us three Brothers ministered to the kind waitress GOD had put in our path. She felt a strong presence of the LORD as she let tears flow. Phone numbers were exchanged so that Sister Cochran could reach out to her and help that relationship with JESUS grow. After leaving Jane Lew, we rode to Charleston West Virginia and met up with the National ASR President Jeremiah Hayes for lunch. How refreshing, iron sharpens iron. Then on to Gatlinburg where I had the opportunity to give a lengthy version of my testimony to a married couple at the cabin where we stayed, and so a seed was planted. The man and Thomas work together. I’m sure Brother Thomas will do plenty of watering there. After the beautiful ride through parts of Tennessee and North Carolina, Thomas and I rode out. Heading to Glen Ferris West Virginia for Men’s Conference where Brother David Bounds spoke what GOD put on him and the place just came undone. Wonderful worship and what a move of GOD. So energized, and full of the HOLY GHOST, away we went. Back toward Yorkville Ohio. Just north of Flatwoods West Virginia we stopped at a rest area. A woman approached us and asked if she could take a picture of the patch on the back of my vest. A conversation began. As she talked to me about her walk with GOD, Brother Thomas received a word from the LORD for her and jumped in and spoke it. Immediately she broke out in tears. As we prayed for her and laid hands on her, GOD filled her with HIS SPIRIT! A day she will never forget. And all this happened in front of two tour busses of people. A witness of a move of GOD for all of them to see. I traveled on to Midland Michigan. Where I had some things to work out at my tax preparers office. On that Monday morning the owner was in and he noticed my vest. He said “Azusa Street! Charles Parham and William Seymore! Are you Pentecostal?” When I said yes he strolled around the tax office singing old hymns and praising GOD. Stopped in front of me and as the presence of GOD fell on that place he was filled with the HOLY GHOST and spoke in tongues!
I write all this to honor my ALMIGHTY LORD GOD JESUS! Understand people, this Azusa Street Riders thing is ordained of GOD! No matter where you ride and stop with this patch and the Anointing, GOD is with you. Angels are encompassed about to help prepare the way. This is a Missions work. In a field where most of the people you come in contact with have never met a Oneness Apostolic believer and been ministered to by one. This is to help the lost who are hungry and hurting. This is to impress upon them to yield their mind to the HOLY GHOST and not a substance! It is evident that GOD honors this because of HIS manifest presence. Because of HIS miracle working power evident at every stop. And because people come to you, GOD draws them by HIS SPIRIT.
A week after the Gatlinburg trip, Midland Michigan had its first ASR Biker Weekend. What a joyous time. Brother Hayes and his family came, along with other Brothers and Sisters from out of state. We raised funds for Motorcycles for Missions which purchases bikes for missionaries overseas. Great fellowship. Great food. Thank you Sisters of Pentecostal Temple Midland Michigan for preparing meals for us. Pastor Kevin Willis of Pentecostal Temple invited his brother who is also a Pastor to preach for us. He preached about “The Pulpit”. That got us stirred up! Great worship and Alter call followed. We rode Saturday and Sunday. A little rainy Saturday. Didn’t let the rain stop us. This is ministry, nothing can stop it. The gates of hell shall not prevail against the Church! We are the Church. We are GOD’s modern day remnant! Out into the highways and the byways. To the uttermost part of the earth – lets ride!
At this year’s National Rally, volunteers have been requested by the host church to help with clean-up after each meal. We would like to set up teams to be able to rotate these responsibilities, so the same people don’t have to pull double duty. If you are willing to volunteer for this, please email the board at asr.national@azusastreetriders. Thank you for your willingness to serve in the Kingdom of God!
Fundraising has been underway by multiple chapters across the country to raise funds for Motorcycles For Missionaries. There are several different ways to raise funds for this awesome program.
Some chapters take up designated offerings during their Biker Sunday services, while others host M4M Fundraiser runs, in which donations are collected.
Others host raffles by donation, in which proceeds benefit Motorcycles For Missionaries. There are several fundraiser giveaways going on right now. Reach out to a local chapter for tickets, and be a part of taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the foreign mission field by way of 2 wheels!
Maryville Chapter (TN)
Myrtle Beach Chapter (SC)
Appalachian Chapter (WV)
Wooster Chapter (OH)
AR-15 Diamondback
Drawing to be held on Aug 17 after ride
$10 per ticket, or 6 for $50.
Optional $600 cash payout.
At last year’s rally, we met with Chapter Presidents, Area Coordinators, and Chaplains in a separate Q&A session on Friday morning of the rally. This allowed a smaller group to meet with the board, and cover some specific questions and concerns without disrupting the annual business meeting. We plan to once again have a Q&A session at this years rally in Omaha. Details on the time and meeting location will be forthcoming. If you are a Chapter President, Area Coordinator, or Chaplain, please plan on attending this session.
I want to wish each of our ASR fathers a Happy Father’s Day!
In a society where the role of the father is minimized, I am honored to be part of a ministry where Godly men still raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
I also want to say a special Happy Father’s Day to the father of ASR, Bro Fred Beall. Thank you Bro Beall for your unwavering devotion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Every so often, I run across a heartwarming story of someone who has been reunited with a motorcycle they believed was gone forever.
“So although I get to ride it, it’s a good gift for everyone.”
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The bike was valued at $300 in 1967. Today, it’s worth about $9,000. DeVault’s first reaction? To hug the man who found the bike. His next move was naturally to take the motorcycle for a ride in the parking lot. DeVault had had the bike for only a year or two when it was taken from his fenced backyard. DeVault already has a Harley-Davidson and a Kawasaki motorcycle in his garage, so he plans to reserve the Triumph for special rides.
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I’m sure many days and nights are spent by those who have lost something, such as a motorcycle, thinking of the times when it was theirs. They reminisce on the rides taken, and the scenic vistas they had witnessed from two wheels. They no doubt, deal with sadness and despair about the loss of their prized possession.
How much more, does the King of Glory, who gave His life’s blood to purchase his most valuable possession, sorrow each time one of His children wander away? As a father, I can’t imagine how He must feel when He sees the ones who He gave everything for, simply turn, and walk away.
He remembers the times when the relationship was so special. Never a day went by that His child failed to talk with Him. And now, the thief, who comes to steal, kill, and destroy, has seemingly been victorious, and stolen the one He loves.
But, I am persuaded, that there is coming a day, when joy will spring forth from the portals of Heaven, as those thought to be gone forever, lost in a world of iniquity, once again find their way back to the Savior that gave everything for them.
Luke 15:20-24
And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
Do not lose heart, do not lose hope, but keep trusting, keep hoping, keep praying, and keep believing! The day is coming, when the Lost, will be Found!
Jeremiah Hayes
President
Azusa StreetRiders International
The Great Wall of China is a fascinating and opposing structure. It’s purpose was to deter incursions by nomads from Inner Asia. Stretching for more than 13,000 miles, it is possibly the most recognizable symbol of China.
On the top of the wall, an estimated 25,000 watchtowers were built every 200 yards, standing approximately 40 feet above the main wall. It was from these watchtowers, sentries would stand watch, scanning the countryside for any movement, or potential threat of an attack.
These towers were not simply used for observation, but were also signaling posts . Each tower had a storage of firewood, hay, and sulphur. If and when the sentries would spot a hostile force, they were instructed to to light a signal fire to let the other watchtowers know that the enemy had been spotted. If up to 100 enemies were spotted, they would light one signal fire. If up to 500 enemies were spotted, 2 signal fires were lit. 3 fires meant 1,000 of the enemy had been spotted. 4 fires meant 5,000 enemies, and 5 fires meant more than 10,000 of the enemy was approaching.
Although the threat was real, and the enemy was on the attack; the greater the attack of the enemy, the greater the light was broadcast.
We live in an ever darkening world, where sin is rampant. Evil is called good, and good is called evil. Wickedness is abounding. Society has reached new levels of sin. The enemy is on the prowl, seeking to steal, kill, and destroy.
The stronger the attack, the greater the light of the church will shine. The greater the ferocity of the forces of evil, the hotter the fires of revival will be. The attack of the enemy is nothing more than a call to action, so the fires of revival and the fire of the Holy Ghost will shine brighter than ever before.
The prophet Jeremiah, when he was struggling, and felt like giving up, would say “but His word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones!”
Don’t be disheartened and discouraged at the enemy’s advance, but use the opportunity presented by him, to light a fire in your life that cannot be extinguished. Use the enemy’s advance to shine brighter than ever before. Use the condition of society as a rallying cry, to move forward with the fire of the Holy Ghost leading you to someone who needs the Light!
As summer arrives, and events kick off, we embark into a mission field of souls that need to hear about the grace and mercy of God. Just as a sputtering, misfiring bike causes us to fall behind the pack, a smoldering ember will cause us to fall behind in our calling.
As you fire your bikes up this summer, and head out on the streets with the message of hope, make sure the fire of the Holy Ghost is kindled, and burning more brightly than ever before in your life, and you will start fires wherever you put your kickstand down.
Jeremiah Hayes
International President
Azusa StreetRiders