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Big News About ASR Website!

Dear Azusa StreetRiders (and friends):

Very soon the ASR ministry will unveil a newly remodeled (actually rebuilt from the ground up) main ASR website (and online store). Starting now, you can already use our two main Facebook groups (see links below) to discuss all things ASR and especially anything related to ministry to lost souls. Please note: the newly rebuilt website will no longer have a built-in forum nor be designed “primarily” to facilitate discussion. It will be possible to “comment” on its public posts, but other than that, even after the new site is unveiled, dialogue will continue to be facilitated by the Facebook groups (see the following links). The ASR national board did not make such a decision lightly, and beneath the following links, I will explain why the decision was called for.

CHAT WITH ASR ON FACEBOOK!

ASR & Friends Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ASR.Friends.Group/

ASR Official Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ASR.Discussion.Group/

Technology applications can often be like “shifting sand” — certain choices, though well intentioned, can fail at being foundation-worthy for the long haul.  Finding a technology setup that can whether the tests of time is a challenge.

I’m Pastor Doug Joseph. I am an ASR and I serve in a completely volunteer capacity as the main administrator behind the most recent ASR websites and mobile apps.

Back when I was first approached by ASR Founder, Fred Beall, about taking over as volunteer web admin, ASR’s technical needs constituted a tall order. Because the needs were quite complex, it greatly limited our choices of what platforms could serve well or even halfway decently. I selected the best platform I could find that had the capability to meet all the complex needs, or at least be extendable so as to meet all the complex needs — as well as possible at the time.

Things were done right at the start of our ASR website, and the site served quite well for a time. However, after literally tens of thousands of fake “spam-bot” accounts were created on our site, and none of the anti-bot, anti-spam tools at our disposal proved effective, we had to change the site’s policy for new accounts over to an invitation-only setup. That was certainly less than ideal.

Also, over time, the software platform we had selected fell further and further behind the “state of the art” when it came to its CMS (content management system) features. Even at the time I selected it, the CMS features were crude. And as modern CMS products, including wonderful, free, open-source platforms such as WordPress, were providing better and better tools, such as easy, drag-and-drop, button-click simplicity, with “what-you-see-is-what-you-get” convenience, the archaic CMS features of the platform we were using, proved very limiting.

The ASR ministry had also, through me, hired an app-coder (who specialized in our selected platform) to create ASR mobile apps (both iOS and Android). However, as time went by, Apple’s deliberately frustrating policies — which are designed to intentionally force a cycle of obsolescence onto apps that have nothing internally wrong with them, forced our iOS app onto the ash heap of “unusable” apps. iPhone users beyond a certain generation of the iOS (operating system) found themselves blocked from using our ASR mobile app on their phone. Apple’s policies insisted we have a developer update the code and recompile the deliverable as a newer version. Without a site we felt comfortable with, and with our platform falling further and further behind, we did not pursue recompiling the app.

I was probably the last one to admit we needed to overhaul the site, due to two understandable reasons: (1) Because of all the major investment of hours and hard work I had put into the site, I naturally had a bit of emotional investment that made me more blind to the creeping shortcomings. (2) Because I knew how tall of an order the ASR’s complex needs were, I did not know of any better solution. This fact made me unable to consider an overhaul, as I did not know a way to do one successfully.

It was our former president, the original founder of the ASR ministry, Brother Fred Beall, that astutely suggested we consider lightening the load, by reducing the requirements, through moving the discussion forum off site. That one spark of genius was enough to help me reorient my thinking.

Many organizations I know, including some non-profits, use a similar setup: leave the dialogue/forum features to an off-site platform such as Facebook, and then concentrate on what remains, on the main “proprietary” site. After much deliberation, this is the approach the ASR national board has voted to take. I serve at their pleasure, and even though the vote means a mountain of work for me, I am in favor of the change. I think I can say on behalf of the board (and please note I am not a national officer): “We hope you understand why the changes were needed, and we pray you are blessed by the new site, and will join us on the Facebook groups for ongoing ASR discussion!”

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How I was introduced to ASR

I would like to introduce myself to anyone who doesn’t know me. I have been married to Bro. Michael Theodore (Bro. Theo) for 31 years. We have 3 children, Tiffany (McFarland), Michael Jr. and Nicole (Evans). Bro Michael was introduced to the Azusa Street-Riders in 2010 a month after our 19 year old son Michael Jr. was killed while on his way to swear into the United States Marine Corp. He was killed by a drugged up semi driver that crashed into the Marine car and killed the 3 young men in the back seat. Our son rode a motorcycle with us so we wanted to have a memorial ride. Our awesome Pastor (Scott Ardary) and son-in-law Mike McFarland came up with the idea to take my husband to a biker Sunday in southern Ohio where he met some ASR members including Bro. Beall. He had an instant connection and decided to have a memorial biker Sunday in memory of our son. That was the beginning of our love for the Azusa Street-Riders. We couldn’t be more proud of our children. Michael Jr. was part of the praise team at our church and had been to a ministers conference the week before he went to be with the Lord. Tiffany has been married to Mike McFarland for 10 years and have 4 children. Nicole has been married to Chad Evans for 5 years and has 2 children. They are all going to an apostolic church. Tiffany and Mike are ASR members. The first 4 years Michael was involved in ASR I was just kind of tagging along trying to heal while ASR was a part of his healing. The Lord put a lot of you in my life that were key to my healing and I love you beyond measure. Two years ago the Lord put this ministy in my heart and made a way for me to get involved along side of my husband. I am thankful that I was able to serve as the North Eastern ladies Chaplain and am now able to serve you all as your treasurer for this amazing ministry. I am looking forward to working with you all to grow this ministry and reach the lost. It’s all about saving souls while enjoying each others fellowship riding and reaching out to bikers. The Lord bless each and every one of you as we work together for the kingdom of God!
Sis Laureen Theodore
ASR International Treasurer
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Welcome These New Chapters to Azusa StreetRiders Ministry

  • Southwest Ohio Chapter
    • Brother Scott Culver – President
    • Todd Brown – Vise President
    • Mike McGhghy – Sec / Trea.
    • Julie McGhghy – Member (National Ladies Chaplin)
  • Larry Walker – Member – Road Captain
    _______________________________________________________

Azusa StreetRiders are very please to announce the establishment of the Azusa StreetRiders Philippines International Chapter to be known as from this day forth

  • ASR Philippines

Azusa StreetRiders Ministry would first like to Welcome the ASR Advisors and Pastors of the newly established ASR Philippines Chapter and Thank them for their support:

  • ASR Advisers
    • Bishop Celedonio C. Ompad
    • Rev. Gadiel C. Ompad
    • Rev Lorenzo Reyes
  • Members – Pastors
    • Pastor Romy Villanueva
    • Pastor Medel Zarsuelo
    • Pastor Brentson Bago
    • Pastor Marcos Prieto
  • Azusa Street Riders Philippines Officers
    • Rodante D. de Guzman
      • Chapter President
      • Philippeans Area Coordimator
    • Bernelito C. Gavero – Chapter Vice President
    • Eleazar Villaraza – Secretary
    • Dan Carlo M. Coloma – Treasurer
  • Philippines Chapter Road Crew
    • Danilo L. de Guzman – New Rider Mentor
    • Billie Joel C. Gavero – Sweeper/Marshal
    • Jacob Paniza – Sweeper/Marshal
  • Members
    • Virgilio Escobia
    • Federico L. Padawang
    • Jose G. Labong
    • Jose A. Padernos
    • Emmanuel A. Piedad
    • Erwin C. Bernardo
    • Alvin M. Godito
    • Danmark Joseph C. Labong
    • El John C. Labong
    • Julius C. Labong
    • Aldrin M. Arellano
    • Moises Alcontin
    • Harris Manzo
    • Joel Ampan
    • James Alvin R. Masilang
    • JirahRuire  M. Teja
    • Estaniel C. Soriano
Robert Thompson
President Azusa StreetRiders International
The Apostolic Motorcycle Ministry of Jesus Christ
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Happy New Year! 2016 was awesome, but the best is still to come!

I would like to start 2017 by saying thank you to each and everyone of the Azusa StreetRiders!!

Thank you for your dedication to this ministry. thank you for all the prayer that went out in 2016, not only for our members in need of prayer but for all who were in need of prayer.

2016 was an awesome year. There was awesome growth in this ministry in many places of the country.  We each have had our own trials and victories, but we made it through with the help of an awesome God.

Please continue to pray that we can reach more soul’s in need of a relationship with Jesus and that the right door will open so we can share His Word with them.

We started off 2016 with Bind the Strongman all night prayer service in Cincinnati Ohio and we had an awesome time in the Lord a big thanks to Bro. & Sis. McGhghy for all there work.

Our2016  National Rally was awesome! We had a great turn out in Cameron, Missouri. The chapter  that hosted the rally did an awesome job. I would like to thank Bro. Jones and his group for a job well done!! The Azusa StreetRiders had their first Chapter of the year and Coordinator of the year in 2016.  Keep pushing, your chapter could be picked in 2017. We had some Holy Ghost filled Church!!!

I would like to thank our National board for all their work in 2016

Rev. Jim. Curley  National VP

Rev. Lydia Diaz  National Treasurer

Robert Thompson National Secretary ( former )

Michael Luttrell National Secretary

I would like to thank my friend  Bro. Robert Thompson for his many years of service on the National Board of Directors.

2016 we added a Chaplain brigade headed up by Rev. Robert Eades our National Chaplain and our National Ladies Chaplain Sis. Julie McGhghy. the list of 9 chaplains and their districts can be found on our national website please use these men and women they are there to assist you..

Like I said 2016 was an awesome year, but 2017 will be even greater!!

We must stay in prayer and HIS WORD!!

Now for a few things about 2017 and even a little bit of what’s to come in2018.

First, March is not far off, so plan to be in Clarksburg WV March 3-4 2017 for bind the strong man. We are always blessed at this all night prayer service. Bring a friend!

Our National Rally will be in Dennison Texas Aug. 2-5 2017

Thursday night missionary service, Rev. Bruce Howell, St Louis Mo will be preaching.

Friday, Rev. Samuel Smith,   Evansville In will be preaching.

We are going to have an awesome time of fellowship and worship you will not want to miss it.

I am going to share a little about the 2018 National Rally in Ohio

Thursday night Missionary service. Rev Dwayne Abernathy from Belize and he is also our 2017 sponsored mission for the ASR motorcycle for missionaries program.

Friday night  service. we  will have Rev. Aaron Bounds preaching.

It’s going to be good !!

Vicky and I are looking forward to seeing each of you in 2017

We pray that God Blesses each of you and your families in the years to come. God Bless

Love Ya’ll

Rev. Anthony Storey

Azusa StreetRiders

International President

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New Chapters/Members in 2016

Nearing the end of 2016 we need to reflect on our growth and how we are using this ministry to unite with one accord to reach the lost. We need to be available to new members for training and ideas on how to use our motorcycles to witness. If they don’t have a bike but were a biker we need to encourage them to be a part or continue to be a part of ASR by using their vehicles and putting ASR magnets on their doors.  We have had 88 new members sign up this year and I can’t wait to hear how many new souls they have brought to repentance by using the tools of this ministry.  We need to do whatever we can to be ambassadors for Jesus Christ and spread His amazing gospel throughout the world.

This is a list of the new chapters that have started this year:

Tuscarawas (OH) 04/16
Southern (IN) 08/16
Red Springs (NC) 09/16
Northwest (LA) 08/16
Hannibal (MO) 09/16
Evansville (IN) 05/16
Central (OK) 09/16
Cape Girardeau (MO) 01/16
Ball (LA) 05/16

Thank you for having a burden for souls!!!

Rev Lydia Diaz                                                                                                                         Treasurer–Azusa StreetRiders International

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Your help needed! ASR Travel & Expense Fund

Expense Reimbursements for Azusa StreetRiders Board Members

The following appeal and info comes from our founder, Brother Fred Beall:

As most everyone knows, since its inception in 1999, not a single penny has been taken from the Azusa StreetRiders account to pay for any expenses incurred by any of our members. This means that all travel expenses (gas, tolls, flights, food, hotels, etc.) have been the sole responsibility of the member. All funds received, without exception, have gone to purchase motorcycles for Oneness Apostolic missionaries or direct organizational expenses (postal charges, display booth costs, etc.) Additionally, even for the products we sell (t-shirts, flags, motorcycle paraphernalia, etc.), all profits are re-invested into ASR to help promote/recruit so that we can be more effective in our outreach efforts. Don’t you wish this was the case with all “charitable” organizations? No “sleazy” relationships lining the pockets of friends! 

Because of this mandate (included in our bylaws), to serve in any capacity with Azusa StreetRiders is both an honor and a privilege that sometimes carries a tremendous personal financial burden. All parties interested in serving on the board of directors are apprised of the fact that no reimbursements are permitted and for this reason, highly qualified individuals are sometimes not able to serve. This is unfortunate as we want the best of the best to be in leadership positions throughout Azusa StreetRiders. 

For these reasons, unbeknownst to the current and most recent past ASR board of directors, several members of ASR discussed a possible way to “help” with personal expenses so that the National Board of Directors of Azusa StreetRiders can be at least partially reimbursed. This concept was introduced at the ASR Business Meeting at the National Rally and received overwhelming approval. Essentially, a separate bank account is to be set up for “donations” from anyone to be used to offset personal expenses in ASR travel related situations. The membership approved the following to serve as the first Travel Advisory board/committee:

  • Brother Mike McGhghy
  • Pastor Doug Joseph
  • Brother Fred Beall

These were tasked with getting the “Travel & Expense Fund” underway and creating the necessary policy, documentation, and forms for the new fund. To this end, we (the advisory board members) submit the following:

ASR Travel & Expense Fund (info for ASR members) (PDF format, 86 KB).

Info: Please donate to the ASR Travel & Expense Fund, a separate account to help our national board members to fulfill their many duties. This fund is independent of all other ASR accounts and disbursements require pre-approval from the Travel Advisory Board. Click for more details about this fund.

ASR Travel & Expense Reimbursement Policy (info for ASR national board) (PDF format, 81 KB).

Info: This document establishes policies and procedures for the reimbursement of travel and expenses incurred during the conduct of outreach and other approved travel for a Board Member of the Azusa StreetRiders. Click for full details.

ASR Travel & Expense Report Form (for ASR national board to submit) (XLXS format, 19 KB).

This spreadsheet form provides an easy way for a Board Member of the Azusa StreetRiders to document the needed details of a request for reimbursement.

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Rally Registration and Membership Renewal

Praise the Lord Everyone,
Just to update everyone we will be extending the Rally Pre-registration to July 17.  You will have to purchase at the door after that date for $30. Also if you have not renewed your membership you will not be able to vote at the rally this year. You have to be current prior to rally. I will be updating the list on July 18. It must be postmarked, phone or paypal with July 17th date.
If you are a chapter please make sure to bring your Motorcycle for Missionaries contribution. If you don’t have someone attending the rally please send your contribution to me by July 20. You can call me at 609-742-6539 and pay by phone or paypal.
We want to thank everyone who has supported this ministry through contributions, purchases and their time every year. We are all ambassadors of Christ and without all of you allowing God to use you to reach lost souls the laborers would be few. The harvest is ready and so are Azusa StreetRider members.

Lydia Diaz,
National Treasurer

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2016 AZUSA StreetRiders National Rally

The board of Azusa StreetRiders is now accepting nominations for the upcoming elections for National Vice-President and Secretary.

Please see below for the links for the nominations. In addition, the board is asking that you read the article about the rally and board member responsibilities.

Click here for Nominating Ballot for ASR Vice-President

Click here for Nominating Ballot for ASR Secretary

2016 AZUSA StreetRiders National Rally, Cameron, MO

Well, this year’s National Rally is just around the corner. August 3 is quickly approaching, and I know everyone is excited about heading to Cameron, MO for fellowship, food, and fun — and does the hosting Azusa StreetRiders chapter there have a treat for all those attending! Did I mention food? We’re starting with the traditional meet-and-greet at the church on Wednesday, so we all can get to know each other. Then Thursday, after breakfast, heading into Kansas City and touring the Harley-Davidson manufacturing plant, and for those Non-Harley folks, Sis Lydia will be hosting her world renowned “Safety Riding Seminar” at the church. A fine dinner has been planned for late afternoon, and after feeding our physical bodies we will be feasting again with Bro Peter Grey, missionary to Haiti, as he ministers the Word of God at our “Motorcycles for Missionaries” service.

After a good night’s sleep, Friday starts with breakfast (I know we keep mentioning food), and then we’re in for a real treat. We will be touring Amish country roads and farms along with some Missouri backroads. We plan to stop for lunch at an authentic Amish restaurant, then continue our adventure across the planes of the Midwest. We will return for another fine dinner (I won’t say a word), then gear up for a night of revival with Bro. Doug White. Now, if you haven’t heard Bro. Doug White preach, you need to hang onto your helmets and buckle your boots, because things are about to happen. We all need to be praying for lost souls all along, but especially for Friday night’s service.

Saturday morning will be started with coffee and donuts at the church for our annual membership meeting and elections. The board wanted to express something before the nominations started coming in. The board encourages everyone interested in the upcoming positions to be nominated; however a word is in order that no one is caught unawares. Be certain any board position is much more than just wearing the badge, slapping backs and handing out ministry cards.

To be a board member is an honor to be able to serve the people of this ministry. However, it’s hard work and involves personal sacrifice. Now before you discard this statement, please understand any position on the board requires a lot of effort on your part. Much time is spent in meetings, planning sessions, events, rides, and then there are the national conferences. You should be prepared, if you are still employed elsewhere, to be able to take off some work to be involved in these different events. Not only is there time away from your work and family, but sometimes the travel distances can be long. As a board member, it’s part of your job description to be involved, and that sounds easier than you think, especially if you have children.

In addition there are personal expenses involved. Perhaps you’re retired and might have little or no time restrictions; that’s great. However, board members are not reimbursed for any travel expenses, even those involving board business. No board member receives any compensation for the duties they perform. In addition, out-of-pocket expenses are the responsibility of each individual board member. The problem is at these different events, as a board member, you will or should find yourself involved in many more events than you currently do. In addition, at national conferences, which involve several days, the cost can be considerable.

In conclusion, please understand this is not an attempt to discourage anyone. If you have prayed and feel led of the Lord, then please throw your name into the hat. The only measure here is that we want, as a board, to give insight into what these positions entail. We don’t want for someone who is elected to then feel misinformed about of the requirements of the position, which benefits no one and will only frustrate the situation. However, if you feel confident this is not a burden, then please have someone nominate you for an open position currently up for election, and may God bless and keep you always.