Author: Mark Hardin

Traditionally, BTSM has been a fantastic kickoff to the yearly events. And, this year will be no different!!

We are excited to inform everyone that BTSM 2021 will be in three locations…Price TX, Jonesboro GA, and Whiteland IN…for your convenience! Please plan to be at one of these three locations as they all have been well planned out. You can find details on the Facebook ASR Friends page for the location you are closest to. This event is not limited to ASR members, or even motorcyclist. It is sponsored by Azusa StreetRiders, but open to all who desire to see God move in their lives, churches, and region. We cannot bind the enemy if we have not first been properly prepared…and this event is planned out to lead us into a closer walk with the Lord and empowered through the Holy Ghost to Bind The Strong Man!

All three locations will have the same theme and format and we have made every attempt to keep this unified as one event, just in multiple locations. The following is a short breakdown of the itinerary subjects addressed…

7:00pm – Welcome and Worship

7:30pm – Session #1 / “Repentance is Personal” (20min teaching/30min prayer)
We all need repentance. It’s a moment by moment conditioning of the heart.
Finding this place takes real searching of the Holy Ghost. Personal flaws and
Attitudes that keep us from being unified with others.

8:20pm – Session #2 / “Repentance for Others Sake” (20min teaching/30min prayer) There is a need for personal evaluation to find those things which cause dis-unity with others. Repentance is both vertical and horizontal. We tend to focus Only on our sins against God, but, we need the Spirit to illuminate those areas that break down unity within the body and repent (turn away) from them.

9:10pm – 10 minute break

9:20pm – Session #3 / “Under the Blood” (20min teaching/30min prayer)
As things, circumstances, situations have been revealed and brought to our
Attention, it is now time to be intentional with placing it under the Blood of
Jesus. Not only for forgiveness, but to fully turn away.

10:10pm – Session #4 / “Pleading the Blood” (20min teaching/30min prayer
Forgiving others and praying for those who have fallen away or even that
Persecute us is an absolute. Pleading the cause of others and invoking the
Blood of Jesus upon their lives can and will change.

11:00pm – 30 min fellowship break

11:30pm – Session #5 / “Be Filled!” (45min with evangelistic focus)
No matter how long we have been born again…and have received the Holy
Ghost, we cannot bind anything without our lamps being filled! This session
Has a focus of being renewed in the Holy Ghost!!

12:45pm – Session #6 / “Be Led” (20min preaching/30min of praying for others)
Now that we have repented (personally and for others sake), been covered by
The Blood and covered others with the Blood, and have been renewed and filled
With the Spirit in such a way that we are empowered by the Holy Ghost to go…
Now its time to be led to others and pray for them. The heart of ministry should
Overwhelm each participant. Pray in the Holy Ghost…Spirit intercession.

2pm – Departure Although…this is not a set in stone time. If the Holy Ghost is moving. That is our goal and we will allow it to move as long as needed.

Saturday Lunch…recommending a time of breaking bread together for the purpose of binding together in unity, and being of one mind and in one accord. Although, some of the warmer climates or weather permitting may have a ride included. If you have any questions about the location you plan to attend, please feel free to contact these coordinators…Chaplain Clarence Earp (Price TX), Chaplains Greg and Sheryl Pray (Jonesboro GA), or Chaplain Mark Hardin (Whiteland IN).

Everyone has “that friend”…you know, the one that when they call, you know they need something! When the cell phone goes off and you glance at who it is, you see a family member that never calls unless they need money or need you to pick them up with a broke down vehicle. I know…we all have had those instances when we have said “Why did I answer the phone?!”

We live in a fast paced society, which has been an excuse for an “easy out” when it comes to only calling when we need something from others. I’m guilty…and so are you! So, my goal today is to remind us of the brotherly (sisters included) love that we need for one another.

Will we always see eye to eye? NO! And…not everyone within this ministry lives in my region, so I really can’t say that I “know” all of you. And, neither do you really know me. (If you did, you likely wouldn’t be reading this article… hehe). But, as with any ministry, there will be those we have drawn close to because of time we’ve spent with each other (which makes the point of getting to as many events as we can), and there will be those that we have never had the opportunity to sit down for a piece of pie with. The difference between knowing someone and not knowing someone has everything to do with developing a relationship. And…a relationship takes effort.

There was a day when I didn’t know anyone within Azusa StreetRiders, other than three members that I had met two years before I joined. I met Extor and Lydia Diaz and Clarence Brownlow at a conference in Louisville KY and we had a kindred spirit, went out to eat together that week, and stayed in contact for quiet a while before I joined this ministry. When I went to my first rally, I didn’t hardly know anyone. I sort’a slid in and slid back out by meeting a couple more people and stayed in touch with them as well. I’m sure the majority there looked at me and wondered who that nut was! Since that time, I’ve made many acquaintances and even many friends that I cherish.

As I call around the constituency of ASR I hear a common theme…one that brings me to my title about “The Glue”. The theme is the same from new members as well as some that have been around for a long time. That theme is…”I never hear from anyone.” Now, I don’t mean to be negative, and I certainly do not wish to leave a sour note, nor do I wish to bring so much focus on the subject that it causes more folks to think about the same thing…”Ya know, no one has ever called me either…’ (The power of suggestion at its worst)

A few Scriptures should be helpful with this topic…

Proverbs 18:24 “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly…”

Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

Galatians 5:13 “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”

The common theme is “love”, but there are things that brotherhood and the love shown will do…it will be a witness to others….it will stand with another during times of adversity (trials, temptation, failures), and it also drives to serve others.

I restored an old chair recently. All the parts were there and I could have put nails in to hold it together, but, that would have been tacky. So, I used glue. I had all the parts and was ready to stain, but without the glue it would have fallen apart within days. So, I ask, what is the glue? Its (in most cases) a hidden ingredient that holds things together. Its not the beautiful wood grains, nor the stain that shines, but when applied, it is not always seen but its of the utmost importance.

The Glue to this ministry will be our ability to show love “one to another”. We have love one for another, but when you “have love one to another”, it is expressed. Love is a hidden ingredient that holds everything together because others feel loved when love is shown “to” them.

I am calling us all to pray and ask the Lord to lay a person on our mind and heart. Jesus may only whisper “Nebraska” or “Colorado” or “California” or “Michigan” into your mind and spirit, but take that and find someone in that region and make a call. If you know someone is struggling (see the article Culture of Caring in the Rumblings for a short list), call them and encourage them. Call someone and pray with them. Text, email, send a card, go by and see them…the glue to growing this ministry is loving others more than ourselves.

Let is not be said, “The only time he/she calls is when they need something…” May we be known to have a “brotherhood” greater than anything or any other in this world.

May the God of all Peace guide your hearts…to love.
Chaplain Hardin

BTSM 2021 will have some profound changes. It is our desire to grow this event in such a way that it can become even more affective within the ASR family, as well as reach further into our local church families and those around us. With this in mind two changes have been made…first, we will have multiple locations to provide greater opportunity for attendance. Secondly, though the date of the first Friday of March will remain in tact, our time will be from 7pm till 2am…or until the Lord has finished His work. Much prayer and seeking God’s will has went into these changes, and we are believing for a great outpouring of the Holy Ghost that will propel us into the future end time revival!

BTSM 2021 Theme, “Unity…In One Mind, One Place, One Accord”

The theme for BTSM 2021 has its roots in our fundamental ASR/Apostolic doctrine of sharing the Acts 2:38 message. Patterns are important throughout Scripture…Old and New Testament…we find patterns that lead to revelation, salvation, and power from the Throne of God. One of those patterns are Repentance, Baptism (the Blood of Jesus applied), and Spirit infilling. The need for unity is always a challenge for any believer, church, or ministry, so we tie the two together and we find a profound secret to really binding the strong man! We cannot bind until our flesh has been bound!

BTSM 2021 will impact many lives and will bring us together with bonds of unity and help us to navigate more clearly in the realm of the Spirit. It is our burden to see us bind the enemy that has attacked our health, churches, and society. We will come together for a time of repentance, a baptism of sorts by placing our situations under the Blood of Jesus, and being filled with the Holy Ghost that we in turn can be led of the Holy Ghost. It’s imperative that understand the need to say, “Not my will…Thine be done!”

It is imperative that all locations follow the same outline! The speakers and perhaps what they say may vary based on the leading of the Holy Ghost, but the basic message and agenda for the event will need to be followed, so show solidarity and unity throughout all locations. We are attempting to have five regional locations in the United States, and exploring a few satellite locations to accommodate those in more remote parts of the States and in other countries. Each location that hosts a BTSM 2021 will be required to provide a few pictures and a short report on how their event went, so that we can share and magnify God for what He has done around the world! 

Following is the outline that will be followed by all locations:

7:00pm – Welcome and Worship

7:30pm – Session #1 / “Repentance is Personal” (20-30min teaching/15-20min of prayer)  We all need repentance. It’s a moment by moment conditioning of the heart.  Finding this place takes real searching of the Holy Ghost. Personal flaws and attitudes that keep us from being unified with others.

8:20pm – Session #2 / “Repentance for Others Sake” (20-30min teaching/15-20min prayer) There is a need for personal evaluation to find those things which cause dis-Unity with others. Repentance is both vertical and horizontal. We tend to focus Only on our sins against God, but, we need the Spirit to
illuminate those areas that break down unity within the body and repent
(turn away) from them. Sins of the Nation and a repentance that includes forgiveness by bringing a spirit of repentance to such a degree that we can plead the cause of others.

9:10pm – 10 minute break

9:20pm – Session #3 / “Under the Blood” (20-30min teaching/15-20min prayer) As things, circumstances, situations have been revealed and brought to our attention, it is now time to be intentional with placing it under the Blood of Jesus. Not only for forgiveness, but to fully turn away and forgive others.

10:10pm – Session #4 / “Pleading the Blood” (20-30min teaching/15-20min prayer)  Forgiving others and praying for those who have fallen away or even that persecute us is an absolute. Pleading the cause of others and invoking the
Blood of Jesus upon their lives can and will change us, and them. 

11:00pm – 30 min fellowship break

11:30pm – Session #5 / “Be Filled!” (45min with evangelistic focus)
No matter how long we have been born again…and have received the Holy
Ghost, we cannot bind anything without our lamps being filled! This session
Has a focus of being renewed in the Holy Ghost!!

12:45pm – Session #6 / “Be Led” (20-30min preaching/15-20min of praying for others) Now that we have repented (personally and for others sake), been covered by the Blood and covered others with the Blood, and have been renewed and filled With the Spirit in such a way that we are empowered by the Holy Ghost to go…Now its time to be led to others and pray for them. The heart of ministry should overwhelm each participant. Pray in the Holy Ghost…Spirit intercession.

2pm – Departure Although…this is not a set in stone time. If the Holy Ghost is
moving that is our goal and we will allow it to move as long as needed.

Saturday Noon – Lunch…recommending a time of breaking bread together for the purpose of binding together in unity, being of one mind and in one accord.

“Unity – In One Mind, In One Place, In One Accord”…although we are in multiple locations, it is our intent to be unified by the leading of the Holy Ghost to Bind The Strong Man in 2021!

Chaplain Hardin
618-292-7415

It is with great anticipation that we look toward BTSM 2021! This annual event was birthed out of compassion and faith, and has been a mainstay event throughout the last several years for the ASR Ministry. Each year the focus of prayer and supplication, taking our needs before the Lord, and Binding the enemy of our soul and our communities has brought a tremendous amount of understanding within our ministry and beyond. Each year many have traveled great distances to participate, and each event has given great encouragement and strength. This coming year is no exception…and it is our desire to take BTSM to the next level!!

Mark your calendars and set March 5th and 6th aside and plan to participate in Bind The Strong Man 2021!!!

Much more information will be to come, but we have decided to make several changes…the first is that we will have, not only one location, but, five locations across the United States, and we are looking at locations internationally. All of these will be on the same dates with the same theme at each location. Our goal is to bring it close enough for everyone within ASR to participate….and, we do believe that it will impact your life in a great way.

Please set these dates aside and we will share more information in the upcoming months!!

September 3, 4, and 6th…downtown Indianapolis Indiana…the Azusa Streetriders have been requested to attend and participate in this milestone event! The local chapter (Southern Indiana) out of Whiteland Indiana, and led by Bro Larry Mahurin, is to lead us in this initiative. This event has been pulled together over the last few weeks and was birthed from a very negative situation where an Apostolic led group was having open air prayer downtown Indy when a group of Antifa rioters ran from police into the crowd of prayer warriors. The police pursued and began to pepper spray everyone, including the peaceful praying Apostolics. This opened the door for this event to take root, due to the way it was handled, and now it will bring all Apostolic organizations and churches together for one unified purpose….to see at least 1,000 souls baptized in Jesus Name!!

A meeting is planned for Monday August 10th at 6pm (est) to hammer out final details of times and speakers, but we wanted to have everyone be in prayer about attending, or at least be in fervent prayer leading up to the event and during its proceedings. We are believing for a Book of Acts outpouring of the Holy Ghost! We do not command these types of outpourings, we humble ourselves before a Holy God and seek Him to move among us. In our broken and humbled approach to His Throne, we are trusting that He will show up and show out!!

Keep an eye on our Facebook Friends ASR page as we post updates of accommodations and times for this Crusade. Azusa Streetriders is a Ministry…a ministry of seeking and seeing souls changed with the Acts chapter two message of salvation!! We are believing this will reap a great harvest of souls and the Kingdom of Heaven will rejoice with us!

Mark A Hardin
International Chaplain/Illinois Regional Coordinator

As the chaplaincy grows, I felt it necessary to publish those that are delving into the world of doing the work of the chaplain. Its not an easy role! It does not take the place of a Pastor, yet it is an Apostleship, of sorts, where it reaches beyond the walls of the Church. Being a Chaplain holds a tremendous responsibility. One must remain submitted to the local church leadership, while by the same token being a presence in the community…especially in the biker arena.

The following are those who have accepted this challenge:

Directors:
International Chaplain – Mark Hardin (618-292-7415)
Ladies Chaplain – Diane Beall (843-449-3651)

Regional:
Northeast Region Chaplain – Pastor Rick Perry (203-589-0893)
Southern Region Chaplain – Justo Saavedra (954-235-2442)
Midwest Region Chaplain – Laureen Theodore (330-720-4382)
Central Region Chaplain – Clarence Earp (682-229-6240)
West Coast Region Chaplain – Pastor Michael Moore (209-483-3381)

State:                                                                                                                                                  Missouri – Donald Hamby (573-258-9803)
Kentucky – Vicky Storey (502-257-3933)
Alabama – Krysta Markham (205-331-3446)                                                      Charlotte Dawes – East Texas (409-423-9823)

Local:
Henry Cherry – Texas (504-232-8103)
Joe Endicott – Ohio (330-277-3839)
Lisa Endicott – Ohio (330-277-3189)
Greg Pray – Georgia (770-468-9267)
Sheryl Pray – Georgia (770-313-4735)

As you can see, we have a lot of room to grow, so if this is an area that you feel led to delve into, please contact Chaplain Hardin (618-292-7415 or tennwalker1961@yahoo.com).

It is our goal to have a chaplain for every chapter as well as one for every state that ASR is represented in, and the same for our international locations by our next rally. We do have at least a half dozen that are currently working on the basic requirements to become an ASR Chaplain.  Those beginning requirements are to purchase and read a book called “The Work of a Chaplain” and complete a questionnaire that corresponds with the book, and fill out an application for chaplaincy (signed by the pastor). Once again, contact Chaplain Hardin for details and forms.

We welcome you to grow with us!

Mark A Hardin
International Chaplain/Illinois Regional Coordinator

Praise God for His loving kindness!!

What an amazing turn out we had at the Chaplain Training Session on Wednesday morning, prior to the National Rally. I personally want to thank all that were in attendance, whether you are an ASR Chaplain or not. It was a springboard that provided encouragement for all to go deeper into the Kingdom.

Chaplain Hardin provided an overview of ASR Chaplaincy requirements and vision for the future. Chaplain Laureen Theodore share her heart with some words of encouragement to care for those that are hurting. Chaplain/Pastor Perry gave insights on being a presence and how affective it can be when one has patience by allowing the Spirit to do It’s work. Chaplain/Pastor Hennigan challenged us to do all that we do with all our might and never take a lazy approach in the Kingdom. Jesus was in the house, and the material was superb!!

For those who could not attend and would desire to be a part of the ASR Chaplaincy, please contact Chaplain Mark Hardin (618-292-7415 or tennwalker1961@yahoo.com) for more info.

Our goal in the upcoming months is to have a chaplain for every chapter, an overseer for every state that we are represented in, and strong leadership regionally, nationally, and internationally. The network of Chaplains will help bring stability and positive visibility within Azusa StreetRiders in the future by working hand in hand with the chapters, Regional Coordinators, and National Board. I truly believe the success of this ministry depends on it.

Mark A Hardin
International Chaplain/Illinois Regional Coordinator

After all the planning, sacrifices by many to travel, the efforts of so many to pull it together, the preparations were made by worship teams, singers, preachers, and so many more to make it all a success…2020 National Rally is behind us!

So many friendships renewed and new ones made. We wept in the alter together. We danced before the Lord together, while singing the praises unto our King of kings and Lord of lords!! The Pentecostals of Nashville worship team did a fantastic job of ushering us into the Throne Room of God. The preaching by Missionary Scotty Grihm (East Africa and beyond) and Pastor Shine Doughty (Mattoon IL) was over the top! Challenging us to greater heights. “The Cost of Pentecost” will stick with me for a long while!! The Leadership of Azusa StreetRiders did an exemplary job of guiding us through another Rally.

The week started out with a Tuesday “pre-ride” to Madison Indiana for some fish and shrimp on the Ohio River. Wednesday had a Chaplain’s training session that was well attended, several speakers from our own ASR Chaplaincy initiative. Followed by a shorter scenic ride, and an outreach singing with Potters Clay, The Pentecostals Worship Team, and Upper Room Experience that was well attended under a tent!!

Thursday had a soaking rain blow in, but we rallied the troops and had enough vehicles to transport all to our reserved eating location for lunch. A fantastic pasta meal was prepared that evening at the church, and missions focus service that saw this ministry raise over $21,000 for Motorcycles for Missionaries!!!

Friday was a fantastic day for a ride through the scenic hills of southern Indiana, with a stop at the Bloomington Harley Shop and lunch served at a local park. Supper again at the church that evening and the evangelistic service was a blowout!! Each night, after the services, we had an “Afterburner” of pie, ice cream, and a ton of fellowship!

If there was one take away from this rally, it would be just as so many before…we did not want to leave the fellowship of our ASR Family. The feedback that I have received from those that attended for the first time was that they were blown away by how accepting the members are, and how that within a few days you feel as though you have known everyone for 20 years. It is important that we do not loose the newness…the freshness…the spirit of brotherly love. Let us all determine that we will continue to connect with one another in the upcoming year, and Lord willing, we will all meet together in October 2021 in Bossier City, LA for another chapter of building the bond of fellowship within Azusa StreetRiders!

Mark A. Hardin
International Chaplain/Illinois Regional Coordinator

Many have ask…”How is Indiana doing with the Covid situation?”  I just checked again today (July 3rd) and they have moved the entire state to above 4.5 stage in opening.  So, though there are some restrictions in various areas, I wanted to let everyone know that, as a state, they are doing well so far.

As you will see by the following information, we have tried to fill up the week!  No pressure to be early or stay late…but, for those who are coming in and do not know the region, we wanted to help make the experience as great as possible…we like to call it, “Hoosier Hospitality!”

The following will be the daily breakdown of events that you all are welcome to participate in:

Tuesday (28th) – 9am ride to scenic Madison Indiana and Clifty Falls. We will meet at the corner of hwy 135 and 40, at the Speedway Gas Station.  Lunch will be at the Key West Shrimp House in Madison as close to noon as we can make it.  Contact Mark Wever (812-325-8983) or Mark Hardin (618-292-7415) to let us know if you have any questions about the ride.  For those coming into the area on Tuesday and coming from the south or east, if you wish to meet us for lunch, you would be able to ride back with our group as well.

Wednesday (29th) – 8:30am ASR Chaplain training will be held at the host church (Pentecostals of Nashville…address: 60 Mount Liberty Rd, Nashville IN). Then, at 11:30am short ride is planned to begin from the host church (Pentecostals of Nashville) parking lot,  and time will be reserved to explore scenic Nashville Indiana. At 5:30pm, there is an outreach initiative at the church with special singing groups from the area…Potters Clay, Upper Room Experience, Sharp Family Bluegrass, and Pentecostals of Nashville Worship Team.  We encourage all the ASR/ASR Friends to come to this event…you will enjoy the groups, and we want to be a witness to all that drop in to listen.

Thursday (30th) – 9am-3pm ride…Ride will begin directly across from the Seasons Lodge along Maple Leaf Blvd, bikes facing north.  Please be fueled and ready to roll.  Lunch (see meal plan) will be at Golden Corral in Bedford Indiana.  At 5pm supper (see meal plan) will be served at the host church.  Our annual missions focused service will begin at 7pm. (Don’t forget to bring your Motorcycle For Missionaries offering to this service)  An “Afterburner” fellowship and snacks will follow, compliments of members from the region.

Friday (31st) – 9am-3pm ride…The ride will begin at the same location as Thursday, across from Seasons Lodge along Maple Leaf Blvd…and be fueled and ready to roll.  This ride will stop off at the Harley Davidson dealership in Bloomington Indiana, then lunch will be at a pavilion in Cascades Park (see meal plan) in Bloomington Indiana. (There is a very large play area for the children across the road, if it is open at that time)  At 5pm supper (see meal plan) at the host church.  A revival focused service will have Pastor Shine Doughty of Apostolic Center in Mattoon IL and begins at 7pm. An “Afterburner” fellowship and snacks is planned after, compliments of members in the region.

Saturday (1st) – Held in a Banquet Room within Seasons Lodge, at 8am light breakfast, compliments of ASR, will be available.  Annual Meeting begins at 9am and should wrap up around 11am.  We have several very important subjects to discuss, and voting for two ASR Board Members to serve us over the next two years.  Lunch following the meeting will be at Seasons Lodge. A ride is planned following the meeting/lunch to Tulip Trussell (2and longest Railroad Trussell in US) for those who are hanging around.

Sunday (2nd) – a list of churches will be provided of all the churches in the area that participated for those staying over.

For the meals (4) falling under the meal plan, please find the pre-pay forms along with the Registration online. The pre-pay will help expedite the lunch process and will also give an idea of how many to prepare the meals/seating for.

We are attempting to have a host/guide for the spouses that do not wish to ride, but, wish to go out for a while and also meet us for the lunch.  Watch Facebook for updates on this initiative.  At least, we will have detailed directions for how to get to the lunch locations.

If any questions, please call or text Mark Hardin (618-292-7415) and we will try to accommodate.