Running the Race

Jacqueline Gareau’s victory on April 21, 1980 would have been incredible just on its own merits. At the time, the 27-year-old Montrealer was by no means a professional athlete. She’d been an out-of-shape smoker until getting hooked on running six years earlier, and didn’t try a marathon until 1977. Gareau’s talent was undeniable from the start (she placed second in her first marathon), but in early 1980 she was still just training in her spare time while working at a hospital. When she made it to Boston for the first time that April, Gareau was taken so lightly that she wasn’t allowed to line up at the front with the elite runners, forcing her to zig-zag through the crowd to catch up.

So imagine everyone’s surprise — and Gareau’s joy — when she not only went toe-to-toe with the elites but pulled away from them and crossed the finish line in a record-breaking 2:34:28. Cinderella story! But then imagine her despair when she saw someone even more unknown than she was — some 27-year-old Cuban-American named Rosie Ruiz — being crowned with the laurel wreath for winning the women’s division.

A few of the top athletes immediately became suspicious when they went to talk to Ruiz and found that this person who had just shattered the Boston Marathon women’s record did not appear to be an actual runner. She didn’t have the body of one, didn’t dress like one, and didn’t even seem to know anything about the sport. Another red flag was that Ruiz didn’t appear all that tired for someone who had supposedly just run for two and half hours on an unseasonably warm day.

Eventually, Ruiz’s entire ruse was uncovered. As the other runners suspected, she was not one of them. She’d cheated her way to a Boston qualifying time by hopping on the subway during the 1979 New York City Marathon, where she “finished” 11th. In Boston, she managed to sneak her way onto the last mile of the course unnoticed a few minutes before Gareau got there. This was difficult but not impossible in an era when chip timing had yet to be introduced, the Boston Marathon attracted far smaller crowds, and fewer than 5,500 runners participated in the race (compared to 30,000 these days).

It took about a week for Ruiz’s Boston Marathon title to be handed to its rightful winner, and 25 years for Gareau to receive something else she deserved — the satisfaction of breaking the tape at the finish line in downtown Boston. Gareau was named the grand marshal of the 2005 race, where a pace car carried the 52-year-old to the end of the course and she ran the last 100m to finally get the first-place finish she’d earned a quarter century earlier.

Hebrews 12:1, says, Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

We are all striving for the prize. We are endeavoring to reach Heaven’s sweet shores some day. Some days, the road seems steep. Other days it seems easier. But, walking with the Lord every day is important.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, It’s not the destination, it’s the journey. I would counter that with, the destination is reliant upon the journey. There are no short cuts afforded, there is no substitution for running the race in full. We only make it to the finish line, by following the guidelines set forth in the inspired Word of God.

Ecclesiastes 9:11, states, “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.”

We are not running a race to get to a natural finish line faster than the rest of our brothers and sisters.

We are striving to make it home, hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder, step in step with each other, helping the collective body of Christ cross the finish line together.

 

 

UPCI General Conference

General Conference is finally here, and we are excited to have an exhibit for ASR! We are looking forward to what God is going to do in this conference, and the impact it will have on the Azusa StreetRiders ministry. If you are at conference, wear your vest, and stop by booth 812! Hope to see you there!

Motorcycles For Missionaries

Thank you to each chapter, church, and member who, through your dedication and commitment to fundraising for Motorcycles For Missionaries, has made it possible to meet every request from the mission field this year for motorcycles. You now have a direct part in a global harvest of souls! How marvelous it is to think of those people, who will hear the soul-saving Gospel of Jesus Christ because a member of ASR sacrificially gave to Motorcycles for Missionaries, and put wheels on the Gospel.

Azusa Street

My family and I had the privilege of visiting Azusa Street and Bonnie Brae house on our trip to General Conference. How inspiring it was to visit these locations, knowing the revival and outpouring of the Holy Ghost that happened there. If you ever have the opportunity to visit, it is an unforgettable experience.

 

Ride On

The dreaded nail.

No one wants to be out on the road, and find out something has punctured their tire. Unfortunately, it’s usually a pretty big hit to the wallet when you’re traveling, because you’re at the mercy of what shop can get you in and back on the road.

Something that I’ve started carrying in my bike, is a bottle of Ride On tire sealant. This product both seals and balances the tires. The manufacturer states that Ride On will seal a hole in a tubeless tire up to 1/4 in, and 1/8 in in a tubed tire. So far, I’ve never had to use it, but it’s there when I need it.

Just as a tire puncture can sideline us in our travels as we ride, there are things in our spiritual walk that can sideline us as well. Small, sometimes unnoticed things that we pick up along the way, that before long, cause a break down.

Things such as past hurts, past failures, trauma, and pain can cause small punctures in our life, that leaves us feeling like the only option is to pull over and give up. However, those things are not the defining moment that will end your journey! Within the pages of God’s Holy Word, we can find that encouragement that will begin to seal up the punctures of life.

Psalm 31:24  Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart

Jeremiah 29:11  For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end

Proverbs  3:5  Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding

Lamentations 3:22-24  It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul. Therefore, will I hope in Him.

Psalm 147:3  He health the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds

No matter the pain that comes, no matter the struggle that you go through, no matter how impossible the road may appear, trust in the Lord, read His word, spend time with Him in prayer, and

RIDE ON!

 

Election Results

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.

 

2024 National Rally

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!

 

One Hand On The Throttle, One Hand Held Out

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.

  1.  noun; an organization’s involvement with or activity in the community
  2. verb: reach further than

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

How Great Is My God

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!