Your Handlebars Are Your Mission Field

The Biblical Foundation: Matthew 28:19-20

Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He gathered His disciples and gave them—and us—the most important assignment we’ll ever receive. Matthew 28:19-20 records these powerful words: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” This is what we call the Great Commission, and it’s not a suggestion—it’s a command. But here’s what I want you to catch: Jesus didn’t say, “Go ye pastors and missionaries.” He didn’t say, “Go ye seminary graduates and professional ministers.” He said, “Go YE”—that means every single believer, including you and me. Notice the action words: “Go… teach… baptize… teach again.” This isn’t passive Christianity. This is active, intentional, life-on-life investment in others. And here’s the beautiful part—Jesus doesn’t send us out alone. He promises, “I am with you away, even unto the end of the world.” Every conversation, every relationship, every opportunity to share Christ—He’s right there with us, empowering us, guiding us, working through us.

Discipleship on Two Wheels

Now, let me speak directly to my brothers and sisters in motorcycle ministry. Your bike isn’t just transportation—it’s a tool for the Kingdom. Every time you throw your leg over that saddle, you’re entering a mission field that most churches will never reach. Think about it. When was the last time you pulled into a rally or a bike night? What happened? Instant connection, right? There’s something about sharing a passion for motorcycles that breaks down walls faster than almost anything else. Strangers become friends over a shared love of the open road. And that, my friends, is exactly the kind of bridge that Jesus can use to reach hearts that have been closed to traditional ministry. I’ve seen it happen time and time again. A conversation starts about carburetors and ends with prayer. A ride to Sturgis becomes a journey toward salvation. A patch on your vest that says “Azusa StreetRiders” opens doors that a thousand church invitations couldn’t crack. Why? Because you’re meeting people where they are, in a language they understand, in a community they already trust. But here’s the challenge—are we being intentional about it? Or are we just enjoying the ride and missing the divine appointments God is setting up all around us? Making disciples isn’t complicated, but it does require intentionality. It means praying before you ride, asking God to open your eyes to opportunities. It means being willing to have spiritual conversations when they arise naturally. It means inviting that new rider to church, to Bible study, or just to coffee where you can share your testimony. I think about the rallies we attend—thousands of bikers gathered in one place. What if every Christian biker saw that as a harvest field instead of just a good time? What if we prayed for boldness to share Christ with at least one person every time we rode? The Kingdom impact would be staggering.

Your Mission Field Awaits

Now, maybe you’re reading this and thinking, “That’s great, Scott, but I don’t ride motorcycles.” That’s okay—because the principle is exactly the same wherever God has placed you. What’s your passion? What community has God connected you with? Maybe it’s your workplace—you spend forty hours a week with the same people. Have you ever considered that God strategically placed you in that office, that factory, that hospital, that classroom to be His ambassador? Maybe it’s your gym, your book club, your neighborhood, your kids’ sports teams. Wherever you naturally spend time and build relationships—that’s your mission field. The Great Commission doesn’t require you to quit your job and move overseas. It requires you to open your eyes to the people God has already placed in your path. That coworker who’s going through a divorce—that’s a divine appointment. That neighbor who always seems to be outside when you are—that’s not coincidence. That parent you keep running into at soccer practice—God is orchestrating that connection. Here’s what I’ve learned: God doesn’t call us to reach people we have nothing in common with. He calls us to reach the people we’re already connected to through shared interests, shared struggles, shared communities. Your passion isn’t just for your enjoyment—it’s a platform for ministry. Your hobbies aren’t distractions from Kingdom work—they’re opportunities for Kingdom work. The question isn’t whether you have a mission field. The question is whether you’re recognizing it and responding to it. Are you praying for the people in your sphere of influence? Are you looking for opportunities to share your faith naturally in the context of your everyday life? Are you willing to invest in someone else’s spiritual growth, even when it’s inconvenient?

Practical Action Steps

So how do we move from inspiration to action? Let me give you some practical steps you can take this week: First, pray specifically. Write down the names of three people in your mission field—whether that’s fellow riders, coworkers, neighbors, or friends. Commit to praying for them by name every day this week. Ask God to open their hearts and give you opportunities to share Christ with them. Second, be intentional about one conversation. This week, look for a natural opportunity to steer a conversation toward spiritual things. You don’t have to force it or make it weird—just be ready when the door opens. Ask questions like, “Do you ever think about spiritual things?” or “Can I share something that’s been meaningful to me?” Then share your testimony simply and authentically. Third, invite someone into your spiritual life. Invite that person to church, to a Bible study, or even just to grab coffee and talk about faith. Most people won’t take the initiative themselves, but they’ll say yes when personally invited by someone they trust. Fourth, look for someone to invest in. Is there a newer believer in your life who needs mentoring? Someone who’s curious about faith but doesn’t know where to start? Commit to meeting with that person regularly—even if it’s just once a month—to read the Bible together, pray together, and help them grow. Finally, take one bold step of obedience. Maybe it’s wearing that Christian t-shirt to the rally. Maybe it’s putting a Jesus sticker on your bike. Maybe it’s simply telling someone, “I’m a Christian, and my faith is important to me.” Whatever it is, do something this week that publicly identifies you with Christ in your mission field.

Closing Challenge and Prayer

Brothers and sisters, the Great Commission isn’t just a historical command Jesus gave to His first disciples. It’s a living mandate for every believer today. Your life—your passions, your relationships, your everyday experiences—these aren’t separate from your faith. They’re the very context in which God has called you to make disciples. Whether you’re on two wheels or two feet, whether you’re in a boardroom or a break room, whether you’re at a rally or a restaurant—you are a missionary. Your mission field is wherever God has placed you. And He hasn’t placed you there by accident. The question is: Will you be obedient? Will you open your eyes to the divine appointments God is orchestrating around you? Will you have the courage to share your faith, invest in others, and make disciples in your unique sphere of influence? Jesus promised, “I am with you always.” You’re not doing this alone. The same Spirit that empowered the first disciples empowers you. The same Jesus who turned fishermen into world-changers can use you to impact your world. Let me pray for us: “Father, we thank You for the Great Commission—for the privilege of being Your ambassadors in this world. Open our eyes to see the mission fields You’ve placed us in. Give us boldness to share our faith, wisdom to invest in others, and faithfulness to make disciples wherever we go. Whether we’re on the highway or in our homes, at work or at play, help us to represent You well. We trust Your promise that You are with us always. Use us for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” Now go—your mission field is waiting. And remember, you’re not just taking a ride or going to work or hanging out with friends. You’re on assignment from the King of Kings. Make it count.

Checking The Mirror, 2025 In Review

As 2025 draws to a close, there is value in taking a moment to check the mirror. Not in looking back to a place or time that we still wish to be, or even longing for a place in the past, but to study and learn from what lies behind us.

We draw vital importance from the Word of God, which is alive, and gives us instruction to help us live and walk according to the Will of God. Within the pages, lies stories, accounts, and moments in the lives of people that we can use to learn from.

There are also moments within our own lives, that stand as a place we can look back to, and learn from. Within the fabric of our lives, there is woven good times and bad times, moments of failure, defeat, sadness, and despair. There are also moments of victory, joy, and success.

Are there moments when we could have done more, but settled for less?

Are there moments when we were promised victory, but settled for defeat?

Did God call us out of our comfort zone at times, for us to only crawl back in?

I’ll be the first to admit that there were moments in 2025 that I could’ve and should’ve done more. There were moments that I settled, when I should’ve pushed beyond.

As we start the new year, let us take a glance in the mirror. Not to beat ourselves up for something we did or didn’t do, but to learn and to improve.

God bless you all. I’m looking forward to a great year in 2026, for the Glory of God.

 

Being Intentional In 2026

2025 held some great moments within our ministry. Several events had baptisms, people filled with the Holy Ghost, and notable healings. God was with us, and I am so thankful for the mighty moves of God we experienced!

As we enter 2026, I am in expectation of even greater things in the kingdom of God!

We don’t operate solely as independent ministers, but as extensions of our local churches. We need to be plugged in to the vision of our pastors, and be ready and willing to execute their vision in our local mission field.

As we begin to plan our events for the coming year, it is imperative that outreach be the central focus of each and every event.

Before a scenic route is planned, or a menu is decided, the question must be asked. What can we do to lead someone to Jesus during this event? Scenic rides can be ridden, dinners can be served, but the late hour demands that our focus be reaching the lost at all costs.

We. Have. A. Mission.

The moment you sent in an application and sewed a patch on your back, you made a declaration, that you would be a part of a ministry with the primary focus of winning the lost to Jesus Christ.

There is no higher calling. Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. He commissioned every born again believer to also seek out and point the lost to Him.

We cannot allow ourselves to fall into the status quo, and simply exist as another motorcycle ministry.

We are different.

It’s not an indictment. It is a purpose. It is a calling. It is necessary.

With the help of the Lord, and a desire to be intentional in soul winning, we WILL see revival at our events in the coming year.

 

 

 

 

 

Proposed Resolutions

Just a quick reminder as we head into the new year, that any proposed resolutions to amend the by-laws may be submitted at any time, but no later than April 1.

You may submit your proposed resolutions to Sis. Julie McGhghy at julie.mcghghy@azusastreetriders.com. There is also a $10.00 fee to submit a resolution. You may contact Sis. Zerbe at 231-580-1460 for payment.

 

Hello 2026

As we end this year, I know a lot of us have gone through some obstacles. Thanks for the help of the Lord we are victorious and will continue to be. Some have climbed mountains, and some gone through the valleys. Some lost loved ones, close friends, some had new babies and gained new friends. Whichever category you are in, God knew and knows where you are heading in 2026. As we enter into this new year, lets pray more, fast more, give more, outreach more. God created us for a purpose we cannot forget, The Great Commission.

We want to thank all who have given this past year supporting the ministry, Motorcycles For Missionaries, and Disaster Relief. The ones who give monthly donations; without your giving and support, we can’t do what we do. Those who have put on biker weekends, outreach, winning souls for His Kingdom.

With that all being said, I will be sending out 2026 yearly dues invoices in January. Please check your email and spam for invoices. If you do not receive in January, it could mean I may not have your correct email. Please contact me.

Sister Cynthie Zerbe
ASR International Treasurer
Cynthie.zerbe@azusastreetriders.com

2026 Events

 

January 22-25
Winter Retreat
Appalachian Chapter, WV

March 6
Bind The Strong Man
(Toledo, OH / Dupo, IL / Price, TX / Lugoff, SC / Philippines)

March 20
ALJC Ohio District Missions Conference
Portsmouth, OH

April 24-26
Leesburg Biker Weekend
Leesburg, FL

May 16
5th Annual Blessing of the Bikes
Toledo, OH

May 30
Faith Temple Annual ASR Ride
Dubuque, IA

July 10-12
NE Indiana Biker Weekend
Fort Wayne, IN

July 29-Aug 1
2026 National Rally
Rolla, MO

August 14-16
Biker Weekend
Jackson, MI

September 11-13
4th Annual M4M Biker Weekend
Toledo, OH

September 18-20
9th Annual Biker Weekend
Appalachian Chapter, WV

Learning From The Past

From: Pastor Wylie Rhinehart Jr.

Mistakes and failures hold no sacredness in silence.

And in these known cases, we are privileged and empowered to know:

  • David should have been at war.
  • Judas should have been in the prayer meeting in the garden.
  • Moses should have spoken to the rock instead of striking it.
  • Saul should have waited for Samuel.
  • Eli should have restrained his sons.
  • Lot’s wife shouldn’t have looked back.
  • Uzzah should not have touched the ark.
  • Samson should have left Delilah’s lap.
  • Ananias and Sapphira should have told the truth.

All is for naught if we don’t learn from the mistakes of others. And for sure from the mistakes we make ourselves.

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Rom 15:4.

Bind the Strongman Locations March 6th

We are 34 days away from the start of the season. Please plan to attend one the the locations this year that are in your area.

Bind the Strong Man March 6, 2026 will be held at the following locations:

Summit Church: West Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, OH

New Life Tabernacle: TX-42, Price TX 75687

First Pentecostal Church of Dupo: 400 Louisa Ave, Dupo, Il

LifeSaver UPCI: Thrush Lane, Lugoff, SC

The Philippines Chapter will be hosting an event in unity with us.

Flyers and Hotel  information will be coming out soon for each locations

Seeking His Face in the New Year

Opening: Beyond Resolutions

Happy New Years, Azusa Street Riders! As we stand on the threshold of a new year, I want to talk to you about something far more powerful than New Year’s resolutions. While the world makes promises they’ll likely break by February, God extends an eternal invitation that can transform our lives forever. Turn with me to 2 Chronicles 7:14, where the Lord declares: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” This isn’t about self-improvement, brothers and sisters – this is about spiritual transformation through deepening our prayer life.

Humble Ourselves

The first step in seeking God’s face is humility. Notice God says “my people” must humble themselves. That’s us! We can’t approach the throne of grace with pride in our hearts. True prayer begins when we acknowledge our desperate need for God. Too often we come to prayer like we’re placing an order at a drive-through, expecting quick service. But humility means recognizing that we’re dust, and He is the Almighty. When we humble ourselves, we’re saying, “Lord, I can’t do this life without You.” That’s where real prayer begins – not in our strength, but in our weakness made perfect through His power.

Pray with Intention

After humility comes prayer – but not just any prayer. This is intentional, focused communication with our heavenly Father. How many of us have fallen into routine prayers? “God bless this food, God bless my family, amen.” That’s not seeking His face – that’s checking a religious box. Intentional prayer means setting aside distractions, finding a quiet place, and entering His presence with purpose. It means praying with our hearts, not just our heads. When we pray with intention, we’re not just talking to God – we’re positioning ourselves to hear from Him.

Seek His Face, Not Just His Hand

Here’s the heart of deepening our prayer life: seeking God’s face, not just His hand. What’s the difference? When we seek His hand, we want what He can give us – healing, provision, breakthrough. But when we seek His face, we want Him for who He is. David understood this when he wrote, “When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.” Too many believers treat God like a cosmic vending machine. But God wants relationship, not just requests. This new year, let’s fall in love with the Giver, not just His gifts. When we seek His face, everything else falls into proper perspective.

Turn from Wicked Ways

The fourth requirement is repentance – turning from our wicked ways. This isn’t just about big sins; it’s about anything that creates distance between us and God. Maybe it’s unforgiveness, pride, or neglecting His Word. Repentance clears the pathway for powerful prayer. You can’t seek God’s face while holding onto things that grieve His heart. As we enter this new year, let’s do some spiritual housecleaning. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything that’s hindering your prayer life, then turn from it completely.

Practical Steps Forward

So how do we practically deepen our prayer life this year? First, establish a consistent time and place for prayer. Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray. Second, use Scripture in your prayers – let God’s Word guide your conversations with Him. Third, keep a prayer journal to track how God answers and moves. Fourth, fast occasionally to intensify your seeking. And fifth, pray with other believers – there’s power in corporate prayer that we experience right here at Azusa Street Riders.

New Year Prayer Challenge

I’m issuing a 30-day challenge to our motorcycle ministry family. For the next thirty days, commit to seeking God’s face for at least fifteen minutes each day. Not seeking His hand for your needs, but seeking His face for who He is. Worship Him, thank Him, listen to Him. Watch how this transforms not just your prayer life, but your entire relationship with the Lord. Who’s willing to take this challenge? Let’s see those hands!

Seeking Together

Let’s close by practicing what we’ve preached. I want us to seek His face together right now. Father, we humble ourselves before You this morning. We confess that too often we’ve sought Your hand instead of Your face. This new year, we want to know You more intimately. Draw us into deeper prayer, Lord. Help us to seek You not for what You can do, but for who You are. Transform our hearts, renew our minds, and let this be the year we truly learn to seek Your face. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen. Now go forth and seek His face, Azusa Street Riders!