Category: General

On a recent trip to Haiti, I heard a Haitian pastor illustrate to his congregation the need for total commitment to Christ. His parable:

A certain man wanted to sell his house for $2,000. Another man wanted very badly to buy it, but because he was poor, he couldn’t afford the full price. After much bargaining, the owner agreed to sell the house for half the original price with just one stipulation: he would retain ownership of one small nail protruding from just over the door.

After several years, the original owner wanted the house back, but the new owner was unwilling to sell. So the first owner went out, found the carcass of a dead dog, and hung it from the single nail he still owned. Soon the house became unlivable, and the family was forced to sell the house to the owner of the nail.

The Haitian pastor’s conclusion: “If we leave the Devil with even one small peg in our life, he will return to hang his rotting garbage on it, making it unfit for Christ’s habitation.” – Dale A. Hays

This message was preached over 25 years ago by a young man by the name of Bro Brian Buyers in a time where I was in the deepest valley I ever walked. I came to realize that night that I had always had that one nail on the back porch and whenever the devil or my flesh wanted to pull me down into that miry clay  (that was on many occasions) all they had to do was walk out to that nail, on my porch and hang that one thing I was unwilling to give up to the Lord. I have always believed whatever we hold in the dark place within our heart, in secret has the right to persecute us with.

I learned the hard way I wish I could go back and change the hand of time regrettably I cannot however I can throw a red flag and say do not let that one thing, that one nail haunt you time and time again. Put it down through the Grace of Jesus Christ and once you have do so leave it there.

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them:
because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1 John 4:4-6

Let’s Welcome all our newest and returning members to the Azusa StreetRiders Ministry

Bro James Frierson
Covington, GA
Pastor Talmadge French, Dr
Apostolic Tabernacle, Jonesboro, GA

Pastor Mike & Sis Vickie Powell
Pastors the Sanctuary Apostolic Fellowship For Everyone,
Diana, TX

Bro Gerald Varnell & Sis Donna Vanell (Evangelist)
Minden, LA
Pastor Mike Powell
Sanctuary Apostolic Fellowship For Everyone,
Diana, TX

Pastor David Bethel
Mineola, TX
Pastors the New Life Church,
Mineola, TX

Bro David  & Sis Anga Bayer
Evansville, IN
Pastor James Maroney
Abundant Faith UPC Church
Evansville, IN

Returning Members:
It’s good to see Pastor Mark & Sis Jane Cottrill  back with the Azusa Street Ministry. They had taken a leave of absence for awhile but are now reactivated and doing a work in Bourbon, IN

Pastor Mrk & Sis Jane Cottrill
Bourbon, IN
Pastros the United Pentecostal Church of Bourbon
Bourbon, IN

It was an invasion of Razorback territory! It wasn’t planned to be an invasion, but, when you put together a ride and add a group of ASR members that are willing vessels in the Kingdom, then it becomes a Holy Ghost invasion!

Over a year ago, Bro Mike Womack (he is originally from Arkansas) and I began to discuss a “rolling ride” where we would not only experience the Pig Trail and other curvy roads but also reach into the state of Arkansas and attempt to open it up for more ASR membership. Mike set up an ASR table at the 2019 Arkansas Men’s Conference and had a few contacts that we wanted to invite to ride with us. Little did we know that the 16 individuals that road with us would become a Holy Ghost firebrand! The ride started innocently enough…with food! Eating at Lamberts in Sikeston, “the home of the throwed roll”, on Thursday evening. Then up early on Friday to ride 330 miles across Missouri/Arkansas to Eureka Springs, which included a ferry ride across Bull Shoals Lake and a stop off for prayer at a little church in Blue Eye, MO (where our dear friends and fellow members, Bro and Sis Cobbs go to church). Then on Saturday it was the Pig Trail and meandering back across Arkansas to Mountain View, AR, for some bluegrass pick’n and grin’n down on the square! Then…Sunday morning! Oh my, what a Sunday morn’n!!

All through the ride…each stop at convenience stores or restaurants, it seemed as though people were drawn to us. Everyone, young and old, began to put the “Go” in the “Gospel”. Folks stopped us to ask questions. Our riders opened up conversations by just being friendly. The very essence of the ASR membership and what we all stand for…ministry…kicked into gear and it was amazing to watch. By Sunday morning, it was a fire shut up in our bones! Literally!! Four times we had prayer…twice in the parking lot of the hotel…then we stopped at Hardees for breakfast where a couple came in and wanted prayer. We prayed in Hardees and the manager videoed our “commotion” and many were onlookers. We didn’t know if the manager was recording to turn us in or just for the novelty of the moment. But, when she followed us out to the parking lot and began to share that she had been backslid from an Apostolic upbringing for over 25yrs, we knew that this meeting was ordained of God! Prayer clothes were anointed and left with several along the way. Then we went to The Sanctuary in Mountain View and had some kind of church! Fired up and rejoicing in what God had done the past several days. I would not have missed it for anything…my hat is off to all that rode with us, for your sensitivity to the needs of others. And, we praise Jesus for allowing us to be in his service as ministers of this glorious Gospel!

Almost a month later, the feedback from Pastor Mize (Mt View, AR) is that they are still feasting on our visit, and still following up with those that we had met. Here are a few comments from those that were privileged to go on this ride…

“It just seemed that the ASR members that attended this ride went out of their way to, not only greet people, but to witness and pray for many souls. In my opinion, this event exemplifies what ASR is all about…” ~ ASR National President, Robert Thompson

“From our first stop to our last stop, I believe without a doubt God was leading us…What stood out more than anything was the hunger of people/strangers coming up and asking questions and asking for prayer…” ~ Missouri Chaplains Donald and Carmen Hamby

“The experience I got was a Revival Experience!…John 12:32 says, that if He be lifted up the He will draw all men unto Him! We were just the vessels being willing to be used of Him so that hungry, lost, and backslidden souls were touched…the harvest is ripe! Let’s go get them!!” ~ ASR Arkansas Regional Coordinator, Mike and Mandy Womack

“I have never experienced such a hunger from as many people as we saw that Sunday morning in Mountain View. Each one of us were willing vessels, used of God to reach out in prayer and love.” ~ Heaven Bound Hoosiers President/Chaplain Mark Wever

“Wow! Stopping long enough to pray for Bowman Pentecostal Church, its future, its Pastor and congregation, that God would bless it and lead them! Still to this day raises the hair on my arm remembering that experience!” ~ ASR Member (Rogers, AR) Troy Shaffer

“This was our first ASR ride, and we weren’t really sure what to expect. We were impressed by the comradery of the group and its acceptance of new riders. We’d heard about the ministry side but the “half had not been told!” ~ ASR Road Captain Toledo IL Chapter Gregg Johnson

As you can see, we were blessed to have been a part of something Jesus led and directed! As I watch the Biker Sundays and the various rides all around the world, I’m blessed to see this same Spirit being exampled throughout this amazing organization!! We can truly sing the song, “Your my brother, your my sister…together we will work until He comes. There’s no foe that can defeat us, because we are walking (riding) side by side…”

Until Jesus returns and we all take that last ride into the heavens!
ASR International Chaplain,
Mark A Hardin

Greetings and Praise the Lord from Wild, Wonderful, West Virginia. I want to start by giving God the praise, honor, and glory for the favor He has given us with our local motorcycle community. Let me just say, I am far from being an expert event planner, or anything close to it.  However, I would like to share a couple of things we did this year that may be helpful to other areas. We posted our event on local and statewide Facebook motorcycles groups, and also created a sponsored ad for our church’s Facebook page, where you can choose a radius of distance around the church, pay a small fee, and actually target Facebook users that have interest in motorcycles. It gives a broader reach than is possible with only handing out flyers, although there is no substitute for pounding the pavement. At our 2nd Annual Biker Weekend at Clendenin Pentecostal Church, we increased from 8 bikes last year on our ride, to 19 bikes this year. We had a mixed group of riders on our ride, ranging from CMA members, former club members, and weekend warriors. A good time was had by all, and we want to personally thank all of the ASR members that supported our event, and showed forth Christian love, not by title, but by example. The staff at our host hotel also complimented the ASR members that were staying there for being the example of a true Christian. We also want to give honor to Bro Anthony Todd Storey, for bringing the Word of God for our Biker Sunday service. One thing we did different this year, was to combine our Saturday evening after the ride, into a full community outreach event. Everyone was invited to this event, which included an outdoor gospel sing, free food, and door prizes, some biker specific, others for the community. One young lady from the community that attended the outreach on Saturday evening, returned for the Biker Sunday service, where she repented. She returned to church the following Wednesday, where she received the baptism of the Holy Ghost! Praise God! I am also excited to announce, that a coworker of mine that was invited, but did not attend our outreach event, agreed to a Bible Study on the Thursday following the event, and has committed to coming to church this Sunday! The harvest truly is plenteous! Please continue to hold us up in prayer as we endeavor to be a light of hope in a dark and dreary land, and we will also be in prayer for all of you. To echo the words of our associate pastor, let the revival continue!

God Bless,
Bro Jeremiah Hayes

1 Corinthians 12:28, “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.”

Many, when preaching about church government and the strength of a church body, will begin with Ephesians 4:11, instead of the above passage. Both Scriptures focus our attention on the gifting of members, while Paul writes to the Ephesians, he makes the bold statement about what the list of five are for…

Ephesians 4:12-13, “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ”

There is a slight difference in message to the church in Corinth. It seems that the emphasis isn’t as much on perfecting and growing as it is in nurturing and allowing the gifts to work within the church body.

The English word “Helps” is only used twice in all of Scripture. The one used here to the Corinthians has a root word that indicates “Relief”. Each individual is to use our gifting to help by providing relief to the rest of the body. The other time “Helps” is used is found in Acts 27:17, and its root meaning has more of a binding up or securing or supporting by using ropes or chains. The Passage in Acts is when the ship was about to fall apart and “Helps” were needed to keep the ship from inevitable destruction.

As I looked at these passages in light of the work of a Chaplain, the Lord began to impress upon me that we are to become “Helps”. It should be our goal to be a balm that brings relief to members of the body…and at times, when disaster hits people’s lives, a chaplain becomes spiritual ropes and chains that bind and secure the hurting and broken.

We are “Helps”! We may not be listed as one of the five elite ministries, but the steady work of a Chaplain will bind up the wounded and help bring relief to stressful situations. Where we will shine the most is when we are needed the most. Because we will bring a calming to a stressed member of the body.

Pray that you may become “Helps” in these trying days where the enemy would desire to kill, steal, and destroy the weakening vessels.

Chaplain Hardin
Azusa StreetRiders International Chaplain

I would like to take a moment to make a couple of announcements concerning our National Chaplain position.

I would like to thank Bro Allen Cherry for his dedicated and prayerful service as our National Chaplain for the last few years. Many of us have benefited from his prayer and dedication to this ministry and its membership. I hope as he takes a different direction in his ministry, he knows that we are praying for guidance and God’s favor as well. We love and appreciate you Bro. Cherry!

That being said, I also have the privilege of announcing a wonderful minister that has been persuaded (or swindled LOL) into taking over this position and burden. Bro Mark Hardin is a wonderful man of God and I believe he will have a seamless transition and move right into the position at full throttle!

As ASR moves forward, I believe that the prayer and guidance in prayer by those like Bro Cherry and Bro Hardin will be vital in our success to both riders and ministers in the kingdom!

Bro. Cherry….Thank You

Bro Hardin…We are looking forward to what God has in store for us!!

 

 

HOLINESS – SPREADING THE FLAMES
By
Mike and Julie McGhghy

Greetings from Costa Rica! What a privilege it is to serve our Lord Jesus Christ in Costa Rica and with our Azusa StreetRiders brothers and sisters.

ASR is a motorcycle ministry seeking to unite all motorcycle riders in Oneness Apostolic Churches around the world to spread the Holy Ghost flames of revival begun on the Day of Pentecost as recorded in the Book of Acts. We seek to spread the Acts 2:38 message to motorcycle riders and their families regardless of their existing beliefs, their loyalties, their church attendance, their traditions or their socioeconomic status. THE SOUL-SAVING MESSAGE OF ACTS 2:38 IS FOR ALL!

As we travel throughout the world, including the United States where the vast majority of ASR members reside, we present our message very boldly on our backs as we wear our patches that proclaim Acts 2:38. It is this great tool that often opens conversations with other people about salvation and provides opportunities to pray for and minister to people outside of ASR. We praise God for these opportunities and continuously pray that He will put people within our paths so that we might minister to them.

With the privilege of ministering for our Lord, we carry the responsibility of living the message, not just speaking it. And what does living the message look like? It looks holy! After all, we are called by God to “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16. But what does being holy look like?

ASR is made up of many Oneness Apostolics from many different parts of the world, organizations, and congregations. Although our cultures and convictions may differ, the word of God is constant! His word provides all the guidance we need to live the Acts 2:38 message before the whole world. When people see our patch, they want to see more than a scriptural reference. They want to see a scripture-based life.

So, let’s remember that living holy is comprised to two things:

1. Separation unto God (2 Corinthians 6:17-18); and
2. Dedication to God.

We want to live a life that: is pleasing to God for God’s own sake, not our own; communicates Christ to others; and evidences that we are members of the family of God, which is a holy family, a holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). In the next few issues of the Rumblings, we (Mike and Julie) will be reviewing the scriptural guidance for living a holy life before the world. As a resource we will be referencing Dr. David K. Bernard’s books In Search for Holiness and Practical Holiness: A Second Look.

Throughout this month, please remember that we live a holy life by faith and cultivating the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 3:11; Ephesians 2:8-10. We do not earn our salvation through holiness! Nor do we live holiness through our own strength. We live holiness through faith! God created us and strengthens us to walk in holiness. Philippians 2:13. The Christian life is a close, personal relationship with God. It is a constant, intentional effort to draw closer to God and to become more like Him, which is to search for holiness. If we let His Spirit lead us and if we will cultivate the fruit of the Spirit then holiness will come naturally and easily. And it will be a joy and not a burden. It will be a normal way of life that will be evident to those the Lord sends our way that we might share with them the Gospel of Jesus Christ through our words and our lives. This is how we will spread the Holy Ghost flames of revival.

 

That’s right, that’s where we are going but we are going prepared.  In unity we sing the old song, we are going to the enemy’s camp to take back what he took from me.  Sounds exciting until we go to battle against the enemy and see what we perceive as obstacles.  God said, “Be not afraid, only believe for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”  Warfare is messy business and many times the challenges are providing and demonstrating the love of God to those who don’t seem to deserve it.  If we are not fully prepared by having on the whole armor, we’ll be reeling on the battlefield like a drunken man.

God is calling all warriors to rally in unity for our struggling prodigals and the enemy is desperate to distract us. Rapidly fired demonic bullets of fear, worry, anxiety, frustration and anger can cause offense which wounds us terribly.  “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:10-11).  Schemes, wiles, devices and tricks are tools the devil uses to  project his poisonous thoughts into our minds.  He suggest we do things his way instead of listening to and obeying the voice of God.  One way we hear the voice of God is through our conscience.  A Spirit filled conscience does not tell us to speak harsh words to or about our brothers and sisters.  It does not tell us to go out and rob a store or kill someone. No, that is the voice of the enemy projecting his thoughts onto us. By complaining and criticizing instead of thanking God during a trial, we allow the enemy free access in our lives. Vesta Mangun once said, “Anything you don’t bring before God for counsel, hell is authorized to counsel you about it.”

I read in Matthew chapter 18 where we are turned over to the jailer (tormentors) if we don’t forgive.  We are tormented daily by the video reel playing the offense over and over in our head until we repent.  I have experienced the darkness of jail several times in the past due to perceived insults and misunderstandings. I was hurt and in return hurt others. Through reading scriptures about offense and forgiveness, the Word washed me,  I came to my senses and realized I was in violation and had sinned against God by holding on to unforgiveness. God delivered me when I cried out for mercy.  I  also went to the people and ask them to forgive me.  I did this in order to obey the Word which says if you are offering your gift at the altar and  remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar.  First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.  By forgiving and asking God to order our steps, speech, attitudes and even our facial expressions, we are protected and victorious!

To remove wounds, we lay them on the altar of repentance and are cleansed, forgiven and God forgets. We speak His Word in faith, believing and problems disappear. We pray until every word that comes out of our mouth aligns with God’s Word. This is the will of God where signs, wonders and miracles operate.  This is where our prodigals are set free.

God bless and keep reaching for the prize of the high calling (what the Spirit is telling you to do) of Jesus Christ.

Praise Report:  We have five prodigals from the names in the vase who have come back to the altar. This is powerful! Let’s give God great praise.  If anyone has not put their prodigals’ names in the vase please send to our President Robert Thompson (Robert.thompson@azusastreetriders.com) and he will write the name out on paper and add to the prodigal vase.

Video from our President Robert Thompson:   Prodigals_4012

Chaplain Diane Beall, ASR National Ladies Chaplain

 

 

It seems that before the National Rally and even more so after Azusa SterrtRiders ministry and it’s members have been under a spiritual attack. No wonder were rattling the gates of hell through a renewed effort to take this ministry to a new level of commitment. For example we have, as a ministry dedicated ourselves to more focus prayer especially in regards to our prodigals. Which by the way is already paying dividends we have had five souls come back whose names were in the vase from the Friday night service  and one person who wasn’t in that vase however was on the hearts of some ASR members. 

Praying for the “Prodigal Vase” given to ASR by Pastor Kenny Carpenter, Friday August 2nd 2019

We are now working on revamping our Chaplin program to fine tune what has already been put into place with the placement of Bro Harding and Sis Beall. In addition we have committed to spreading the One God doctrine internationally with our Motorcycles for Missionaries progem both in Cuba and in Sierra Leone. Hopefully when the dust settles we might even have enough money to fund another one or two bikes this year which is a huge blessing for our Apostolic Missionaries. I am also seeing with our different chapter events a heartfelt desire for even more greater outreach. I feel our mindset is  evolving into what this ministry is really about,  reaching for  souls. 

Of course these endeavors do not come without a cost in the spiritual world. We need to be on our toes and ready for any and all attacks that our common enemy might bring against this ministry .  Our enemy wants to cause division and dissension in our lives through whatever means is at his disposal and he has had a lot of practice.  I am writing all of this in order to introduce a lesson that Bro Carpenter gave a few weeks back  on  a wednesday night service to me it was one of the most informable messages on the subject of Spiritual Warfare that I have heard in a long time.

I want to encourage everyone to take the hour and listen to it. You can fast forward right to the teaching I pray that it helps and strengthens you as it has me.

Click on video below

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Bro. Kurt Handline and Bishop Logue getting around Cuba in a bici-taxi

Missions: City to City

Bishop L. E. Logue and Bro. Kurt Handline have been tremendous influences in the Cuban Church over the years. This year they made multiple trips, including a country-wide mission trip to visit churches that rarely get visitors.

They even endured my driving across the entire island, getting lost a few times, [accidentally] locking them in a hot car with the windows up, going off road through mud and rain, infinite potholes, dodging dogs, chickens, horse and buggies, and people everywhere. We had several adventures … too much to tell in this email.

These brethren have made a lasting impact in the work in Cuba through consistent support and personal contact.

What the world needs is real Christian people, living the message of Christ, speaking wholesome words, giving without expecting a return, and going forth just to be a blessing. Incarnating the Gospel message to a world without hope. This is what Bishop Logue and Bro. Handline have provided.

Thank you for your prayers and support for the mission in Cuba.

Punta Brava, La Habana
Felicidades to Pastor Dany Daniel Marzo Amores, a local minister in Havana and Bible School student, who just took a church in Punta Brava on the outskirts of Havana.

His mom and dad (also a local minister) actually moved to this congregation to assist him in ministry. They do a lot with kids, outreach and spaghetti dinners!
Bro Houseman the Missionary to Cuba is standing on the far left



Caibarien, Villa Clara

This young minister, Pastor Darian Cabrera and his wife, have recently purchased a new home in Caibarien where they have been installed into new pastoral ministry.

Please keep this relatively new work in prayer. We began this work less than two years ago with a few baptisms and a local woman, also baptized, who opened her home up for us to have services.

Local fruits and vegetables, just one block from the church

Fomento and Cabaiguán, Sancti Spiritus 

Pastor Elio Prieto and his wife are country folks! Even in Cuba we have city churches and country churches. Same apostolic doctrine, culturally different congregation and service styles. It’s an honor to work together with apostolic people of all shades of color and culture. This is what God designed all the way back on the day of Pentecost.

I recently met a group of missionaries in Cuba from some sort of American denomination. They asked me what denomination was our church in Cuba.

I replied, “We are the People of the Name in Cuba. We are the Book of Acts Church in Cuba.”

What else is there to say? We believe in only One God, baptize in Jesus Name, speak in tongues when we receive the Holy Ghost, practice Holiness, and believe Jesus is coming back for his Church.

We are not a denomination. We are the Church.

Jobabo, Las Tunas 

This church is located about 45 minutes down a long country road just outside of Las Tunas, Cuba. There are actually two churches, one in Jobabo and another in a nearby town.

These brethren joined our fellowship a couple of years ago and are also going through our Apostolic Bible Institute. Thank you for praying for them and the many small towns across Cuba that we are now finally reaching with the Acts 2:38 message.

Pastor Yurisdel Peña, Apostolic Church of Jobabo, Las Tunas.

Camagüey 

You will never find a more genuine, authentic, and humble apostolic family than this beautiful family in Camaguey, Cuba. Pastor Anselmo Gonzalez and his wife have converted their home into a sanctuary for the church. All four children sleep in one tiny room in the back, while pastor and wife sleep on a mattress in the sanctuary floor each night.

This is Cuba missions. This is the spread of the gospel in Cuba. Men and women who embrace the Truth and begin preaching, teaching, and having church before any resources or facilities are available. It is New Testament. It is 100% APOSTOLIC.

Pastor Anselmo Gonzalez and family, Apostolic Church of Camaguey

Santiago de Cuba 

Over the last six years or so we have worked with a group of apostolic ministers in the eastern province of Santiago. These men and their churches were added to the apostolic fellowship through the ministry of Missionary Armando Roca.

We have been blessed to visit nearly all of their churches, scattered among the small towns and mountainous regions of the province.

Now, we are giving $6,300 for the purchase of property that will serve this group for years to come. On this property they will build a facility to have services, district events, offices, and most importantly training seminars for local and national ministry.

If you would like to help with this special project, please reach out to us and let’s make it happen.

Iglesia Apostólica de Oasis, Santiago de Cuba