Category: General

One of the greatest experiences of my many years of riding with the Azusa StreetRiders is the comradery. It is my opinion that the comradery we experience comes from our spiritual unity. I am of the opinion that unity is at the core of spiritual success. Simply stated, being unified means being together as one for One.

The spiritual power of unity cannot be overstated. I like what F.B. Meyer said when describing what unity produces: “lowliness in the presence of another’s excellence; meekness in suffering injury; long-suffering under provocation; forbearance toward the trying mistakes and failures of others.”

However, this does not happen without great effort and diligence. In his writings to the believers at Corinth notice how the Apostle Paul flexes his muscles when writing about unity:

“I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. (1 Corinthians 1:10 nlt)

The phrase “live in harmony” has its connection in musical vernacular, meaning the combination of simultaneously sounded musical notes to produce chords and chord progressions creating a pleasing effect.

Each of us when sounded are different notes, yet when we work together under the master’s careful guidance, He creates a symphonic effect all around us. Each of us have diverse qualities and abilities and when we bring these together in thought and purpose the kingdom of God is multiplied.

When we bring our individual gifts and resources together it is not only notice by others, it is celebrated. The synergistic effect of our unity is incomparable in the world of motorcycles and M/C culture. May Christ continue to bring us together more and more as we see His coming approaches.

I leave you with a final challenge from the Apostle Paul that I want to put to practice in my daily walk. “Endeavoring (with diligent effort) to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)

!Vaya con Dios!

Jeff Keck,
ASR Vice President

The dreaded nail.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RIDE ON!

 

I am pleased to welcome Bro. Jeff Keck to the ASR Board as our newly elected National Vice President, as well as Sis. Julie McGhghy as our newly elected National Secretary.

Bro. Keck and Sis. McGhghy have been invaluable assets to the ASR National Board serving in their interim positions. I am confident that they will continue to serve this ministry with excellence as they begin their full terms of office.

 

What a time we had at the 2024 National Rally! God surely met with us in a special way in Omaha, NE. The prayer was fervent, the worship was uninhibited, and the messages were powerful!

Thank you to Bishop Powell and The Church of Omaha for allowing ASR to host the National Rally in Omaha, NE. Your hospitality and generosity was overwhelming. Thank you!

Thank you Bro. Monte Showalter for bringing us the word during our missions service, and for giving us a desire and burden to support missions even more.

I want to also give a special thank you to Bro. David Showalter and family, for all of your hard work in making sure everything went smoothly, and your hours spent prior to the rally in planning and preparing meals. The meals were amazing!

 

In spite of the severe storms that hit the Omaha area late Wednesday, it did not stand in the way of awesome church!

With the storms, came some unique opportunities for ASR to do what we have been called to do. The membership of ASR, without hesitation, put aside the many scenic and awesome tourist sights to visit, and went out into the community to minister to those affected by the storms.

To God be the glory!! Thank you ASR for being the hands and feet of Jesus to this world!

 

However, the hour we live in, and the condition of the world around us, demands that we, as Apostolic bikers, filled with His Spirit, washed in His blood, wearing the Azusa Street Riders back patch, spiritually ride one handed throughout this world. One hand on the throttle, and one hand reaching out into the dismal darkness.

There are countless souls holding out their hand, hoping someone will come by in time, to pull them out of the fire. There are opportunities all around us. God forbid, that we get so focused on being so in tune with the ride, and seeing the scenery, that we roar past the dying souls lying in the gutter of sin and despair. It’s time to reach with everything in you! Lean out, grab a soul, and pull them to safety!

Jeremiah Hayes
President
Azusa StreetRiders International

As we are eagerly looking forward to the Azusa StreetRiders National Rally, it brings to mind the necessity of good road trip preparation. There are a lot of scenarios that can play out, from weather or road hazards to unforeseen mechanical issues. And while we do not know exactly what will happen, we can take steps to mitigate many road trip issues.

One of the greatest tools we possess is experience. Even if you do not have a lot of experience of your own, there are those among us who do. Wise travelers will avail themselves to the collective knowledge of experienced bikers with a few trips and a lot of miles under their belts. YouTube is a great resource for various ideas and styles of road trips from camping to hotels.

Here are 10 things which can help make traveling on your scooter more enjoyable:

1. Commit to the trip: It seems quite obvious, but the first thing one must do is to commit to the trip. Don’t allow double-mindedness and second guessing to derail you from a wonderful road trip experience. The easiest way to take last minute pressures off is by making succinct travel plans. “Commit your way unto the LORD; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:5)
2. Plan your route:  Plan your route and daily riding miles that matches your (or your group’s) riding style, preferences, and road stamina. This is arguably the most important step to an enjoyable road trip. Add a buffer of approximately 2 hours a day to your mapped ride time. Riding long distances on a bike is much different than an automobile. Two lanes and scenic routes take much longer than freeways because of lower riding speeds and more frequent photo opportunities.
3. Maintenance:  Perform a complete maintenance on your bike before you leave, including making sure you have good rubber on your tires. Be aware of maintenance items tasks that may need to be done at a certain mileage intervals, and take care of them in advance.
4. Have a tool kit:  Bring a set of necessary wrenches (tool roll SAE/Metric), sockets, tire pressure gauge, tire inflator or mini-compressor, screwdrivers: flat/Phillips long/short handles and shaft, multiple tip sizes—magnetic tips are a bonus, hex keys, torque wrench. Even just some generic hardware, tape, and zip ties can save the day in many situations.
5. Proper riding gear:  Bring comfortable all-weather safety gear, including a helmet, gloves, quality rain gear, earplugs/coms, proper boots, wind resistant jacket for cold night riding, sun and nighttime riding glasses, and some may even consider chaps.
6. Take breaks:  Take frequent breaks. I find it best to use fuel stops for breaks every 1.5 or 2 hours to avoid discomfort and fatigue, which can lead to accidents.
7. Hydration is essential:  People often get dehydrated when riding all day in the sun and wind. A good cup of coffee is great in the morning and afternoon, but nothing replaces water as your primary source of hydration. This will make you feel more alert and alleviate cramping muscles.
8. Packing:  Pack light and only bring essential items, using fabrics that roll up small. Don’t overload your bike to where it is off balance or catch too much unnecessary wind.
9. Accommodation:  Plan your accommodation ahead of time, making reservations for hotels, hostels, or campsites along your route.
10. Prayer:  Yes, this is the first thing that we should do, but we also want to continue to cover our trip in meaningful times of prayer. While on the road, be mindful and sensitive to your ministries and gifts. After all, Jesus told us to GO!
    Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to everyone. This is an amazing opportunity to reach our world. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Romans 8:14)

Furthermore, by being prayerful, you facilitate the working of the Holy Spirit in your life and ministry to everyone you meet on the road.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes. . .” (Romans 1:16)

Godspeed!

 

Absentee ballots for the offices of National Vice President and National Secretary are now available. If you would like to submit a vote for either or both of these offices, please send an email to julie.mcghghy@azusastreetriders.com. To be counted, absentee votes must be submitted in writing by July 19, 2024 to the addresses provided on the absentee ballots.

There are some documents that will be voted on during the annual business meeting on August 3, 2024. By July 4, 2024 these documents will be sent via email to all voting eligible members (dues-current members and life members) at the last email address known by the ASR Board. If you have changed your email address since you became a member of ASR and have not updated ASR’s records, or if you do not receive an email with documents before July, 5, 2024, please email  julie.mcghghy@azusastreetriders.com with your current email address.

By: Johnathon Mcguire
Vice President
Mid Michigan Chapter

A  year  ago  I  met  Brother  John  Zerbe  in  Midland  Michigan.  Pentecostal  Temple,  the  local  UPCI  Church,  was  preparing  to  participate  in  the  Midland  Memorial  Day  Parade  2023.  Pastor  Willis,  Brother  Zerbe  and  Sister  Zerbe  were  going  to  ride  their  bikes  in  the  Parade.  I  was  to  drive  the  Church  van.  As  we  prepared  for  the  day,  Brother  Zerbe,  or  as  I  now  with  respect  call  Zerbz,  talked  to  me  about  a  motorcycle  ministry.  This  thing  was  called  Azusa  Street  Riders.  He  explained  to  me  how  it  wasn’t  a  club  but  a  ministry.  That  the  bike  and  the  patch  were  tools  the  LORD  uses  to  start  conversation  with  people  and  minister  the  Gospel  of  JESUS.  He  wanted  to  start  a  Chapter  in  Michigan.  This  caught  my  interest  since  I  have  a  history  on  2  wheels.  I  wanted  to  become  part  of  it  and  do  what  I  could  to  help.  Shortly  thereafter  a  Chapter  was  formed  in  Midland  Michigan.  At  the  1^st  meeting  of  the  Mid  Michigan  ASR  Chapter  with  its  humble  beginning,  I  was  voted  in  as  its  Vice  President.  With  Brother  Zerbe,  as  the  President.

I  hadn’t  rode  since  receiving  the  HOLY  GHOST.  I  was  associated  with  people  where  that  bike  and  I  had  existed  unGODly  and  in  darkness.  Five  years  had  passed  without  a  ride  because  what  it  meant  to  me  to  be  on  my  bike,  the  mindset,  the  lifestyle  and  what  I  was  involved  in  had  all  ceased  to  exist.  The  old  man  was  dead.  Now  that  I  was  made  new  in  CHRIST,  coupled  with  the  focus  of  a  motorcycle  ministry,  well  that  gave  new  meaning  to  –  lets  ride.

Zerbz  talked  to  me  about  how  people  would  come  up  and  start  the  conversation.  I  found  out  how  true  that  is.  Recently  I  was  invited  on  a  ride  by  Brother  Thomas  Newman  from  Yorkville  Ohio  UPCI  Church  where  my  dear  Brother  David  Forsythe  Pastors.  Our  destination  was  Gatlinburg  Tennessee  to  meet  up  with  several  people  who  needed  a  witness.  We  rode  through  West  Virginia.  On  our  way,  stopped  in  Jane  Lew  West  Virginia  and  visited  with  Pastor  Jeff  Cochran  of  Buchannon  UPCI  Church.  At  breakfast  that  morning,  us  three  Brothers  ministered  to  the  kind  waitress  GOD  had  put  in  our  path.  She  felt  a  strong  presence  of  the  LORD  as  she  let  tears  flow.  Phone  numbers  were  exchanged  so  that  Sister  Cochran  could  reach  out  to  her  and  help  that  relationship  with  JESUS  grow.  After  leaving  Jane  Lew,  we  rode  to  Charleston  West  Virginia  and  met  up  with  the  National  ASR  President  Jeremiah  Hayes  for  lunch.  How  refreshing,  iron  sharpens  iron.  Then  on  to  Gatlinburg  where  I  had  the  opportunity  to  give  a  lengthy  version  of  my  testimony  to  a  married  couple  at  the  cabin  where  we  stayed,  and  so  a  seed  was  planted.  The  man  and  Thomas  work  together.  I’m  sure  Brother  Thomas  will  do  plenty  of  watering  there.  After  the  beautiful  ride  through  parts  of  Tennessee  and  North  Carolina,  Thomas  and  I  rode  out.  Heading  to  Glen  Ferris  West  Virginia  for  Men’s  Conference  where  Brother  David  Bounds  spoke  what  GOD  put  on  him  and  the  place  just  came  undone.  Wonderful  worship  and  what  a  move  of  GOD.  So  energized,  and  full  of  the  HOLY  GHOST,  away  we  went.  Back  toward  Yorkville  Ohio.  Just  north  of  Flatwoods  West  Virginia  we  stopped  at  a  rest  area.  A  woman  approached  us  and  asked  if  she  could  take  a  picture  of  the  patch  on  the  back  of  my  vest.  A  conversation  began.  As  she  talked  to  me  about  her  walk  with  GOD,  Brother  Thomas  received  a  word  from  the  LORD  for  her  and  jumped  in  and  spoke  it.  Immediately  she  broke  out  in  tears.  As  we  prayed  for  her  and  laid  hands  on  her,  GOD  filled  her  with  HIS  SPIRIT!  A  day  she  will  never  forget.  And  all  this  happened  in  front  of  two  tour  busses  of  people.  A  witness  of  a  move  of  GOD  for  all  of  them  to  see.  I  traveled  on  to  Midland  Michigan.  Where  I  had  some  things  to  work  out  at  my  tax  preparers  office.  On  that  Monday  morning  the  owner  was  in  and  he  noticed  my  vest.  He  said  “Azusa  Street!  Charles  Parham  and  William  Seymore!  Are  you  Pentecostal?”  When  I  said  yes  he  strolled  around  the  tax  office  singing  old  hymns  and  praising  GOD.  Stopped  in  front  of  me  and  as  the  presence  of  GOD  fell  on  that  place  he  was  filled  with  the  HOLY  GHOST  and  spoke  in  tongues!

I  write  all  this  to  honor  my  ALMIGHTY  LORD  GOD  JESUS!  Understand  people,  this  Azusa  Street  Riders  thing  is  ordained  of  GOD!  No  matter  where  you  ride  and  stop  with  this  patch  and  the  Anointing,  GOD  is  with  you.  Angels  are  encompassed  about  to  help  prepare  the  way.  This  is  a  Missions  work.  In  a  field  where  most  of  the  people  you  come  in  contact  with  have  never  met  a  Oneness  Apostolic  believer  and  been  ministered  to  by  one.  This  is  to  help  the  lost  who  are  hungry  and  hurting.  This  is  to  impress  upon  them  to  yield  their  mind  to  the  HOLY  GHOST  and  not  a  substance!  It  is  evident  that  GOD  honors  this  because  of  HIS  manifest  presence.  Because  of  HIS  miracle  working  power  evident  at  every  stop.  And  because  people  come  to  you,  GOD  draws  them  by  HIS  SPIRIT.

A  week  after  the  Gatlinburg  trip,  Midland  Michigan  had  its  first  ASR  Biker  Weekend.  What  a  joyous  time.  Brother  Hayes  and  his  family  came,  along  with  other  Brothers  and  Sisters  from  out  of  state.  We  raised  funds  for  Motorcycles  for  Missions  which  purchases  bikes  for  missionaries  overseas.  Great  fellowship.  Great  food.  Thank  you  Sisters  of  Pentecostal  Temple  Midland  Michigan  for  preparing  meals  for  us.  Pastor  Kevin  Willis  of  Pentecostal  Temple  invited  his  brother  who  is  also  a  Pastor  to  preach  for  us.  He  preached  about  “The  Pulpit”.  That  got  us  stirred  up!  Great  worship  and  Alter  call  followed.  We  rode  Saturday  and  Sunday.  A  little  rainy  Saturday.  Didn’t  let  the  rain  stop  us.  This  is  ministry,  nothing  can  stop  it.  The  gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail  against  the  Church!  We  are  the  Church.  We  are  GOD’s  modern  day  remnant!  Out  into  the  highways  and  the  byways.  To  the  uttermost  part  of  the  earth  –  lets  ride!

John 7:24 Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgement.

As I reflect on June, the events we have been to, and the 2500 miles over 9 states we have ridden, I know what we were doing and how we were presenting ourselves, but what did other people think? Being an Addiction Counselor, when I see people standing on the street corner my first thought is that they are looking to buy drugs, as this is a common way for people to get drug money. I am always convicted with that thought.

It is easy to jump to conclusions about someone based on their outward appearance. However, this is something that we learn not something we are born with.

Nelson Mandela once said,

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

Jesus did not judge people based on their outward appearance. Others were amazed and intrigued at the kinds of people Jesus chose to befriend.

That’s true for us today too. Jesus has never been one to build a clique from the most famous, most popular and most beautiful. He accepts all who open their hearts to Him. We’re a motley crew, however, with His power within us, we can change the world.

This verse (John 7:24) is part of a challenge Jesus made to the religious leaders of Jerusalem. Jesus was teaching that people should not be superficial when evaluating others, but instead should judge based on what is right. This means examining people’s heart, motives, and lives rather than making judgements based on appearances. Jesus believed that to judge rightly his audience needed to know God and have faith in Him. He believed that if they did, they would understand who Jesus was and their evaluation of the situation would be different.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the constant judgements I make of others. Give me Your eyes, so that I may look at people’s hearts, not their outward appearance. Amen.

Who have you judged harshly?

 

• Bro. Johnny Carr – Vice President Nominee

Greetings in the name of Jesus! I was nominated to run for the VP position of ASR and I was asked to submit a little about myself. To introduce myself to those who don’t know me.

I joined ASR in 2017 and been a dues paying member ever since. I really don’t like talking about myself, would rather others know me for who I am by my actions.

My apostolic beginnings started in April 1991. During that time I followed the message of salvation by repenting of my sins, being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and being filled with the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in tongues.

I worked in my local church, helping in any capacity I could. Janitor, grounds keeper, carpenter, electrician, plumber, Sunday school teacher, Bus Ministry, etc…, whatever was needed I was willing.

I started in Jail Ministry in 1992 by helping in our local jail Ministry team. Since then I have worked as interim pastor for a local church and moved from that to pastoring a home missions church. I am no longer pastoring, but I do not feel like God is through with me yet. I am and will always be, conservative in my views on holiness. For without holiness, no man shall see God. Hebrew 12:14  Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.

I have obtained a Masters in Biblical Studies and I am an ordained minister through Independent Apostolic Ministry at the present. I am presently serving as the  Louisiana State Coordinator and served as the East Texas State Coordinator before moving to Louisiana.

My last secular job I had, I worked my way into management of the shop, after 9 years of management I feel very capable that I can handle a management position no matter what it may be.

I will say the last two years have not been easy years. I have missed out on National Rallies due to health at the time. 2022 seen me in a major accident and 2023 had me having bypass surgery on my heart. But God has been good and faithful to me during that time. He has supplied my every need.

Upon thinking about and praying about, what I could offer ASR as the VP, it has me looking back in what I know about ASR and things that have transpired over the years. It also has me thinking about ASR’s future.

One of the biggest things, in my opinion, is to see us become an unique unified body. I know from past experiences outside of ASR, that without complete unity, the leadership’s hands are tied. ASR might experience growth, but is that growth healthy? Can it withstand the trials to come?

Second, I would love to see some type of training done. You might ask, how can this be done? There is many ways, Zoom comes to the forefront on my thinking. Zoom meetings once a month, would go a long ways in teaching on outreach, safety, the do’s and don’ts of this ministry. There are many of you out there that has a lot to offer, especially to the new members that may not be up on their knowledge of the motorcycle world.

There are other things on my mind, but I am trying to make this short as I can. Pray and fast about this election, God’s will is paramount. If Bro Keck is elected, then that was God’s will, if I am elected, that to is God’s will. Let God be our guide.

• Pastor Jeff Keck – Vice President Nominee and Currently Appointed Vice President

Hey everyone, I am Pastor Jeff Keck.

I have been riding for 50 years and I started out as many of you did, on minibikes. My dad bought me my beloved Suzuki 185 enduro in 1977. I have been riding with Azusa StreetRiders for the past 20 years and I look to continue for many years to come.

I have started 2 ASR chapters (San Diego, CA and Northwest, MO) and have been active at many levels in ASR during my tenure. I currently serve as the appointed international vice president for 2024.

VISION  and MISSION

Vision articulates God’s plan while Mission implements God’s Plan. It is my desire to see ASR grow spiritually as well as numerically. But good intentions are never enough. In my estimation, the primary function of ASR is twofold: 1.) Encourage our members (brothers and sisters) to contend for the Apostolic faith once delivered to us.  2.) Make disciples inside and outside the biker community at large.

In order to do this effectively we must prayerfully work hand in hand with the local churches and pastors who watch over our members in their local congregations as well as being involved as a torch in the biker community.

My first initiative is to continue to reach out to as many pastors and churches as possible in every state/district of North America. This is a daunting task, and I will need the continued support of every State Coordinator for us to be effective.

My second initiative is to work closely with chaplain Scott Culver to expand our chaplaincy division by encouraging more of you to engage in the training tools available. We are here to assist you to find better ways to utilize your ministry gifts of service.

My third initiative is to continue to encourage member, beginning at chapter level, to become all that God has called us to be. To understand and embrace our role in this world as the “image bearers” of His name and Spirit. We must be unapologetic in our orthodoxy as well as our orthopraxy of Scripture while serving the lost with orthopathy. We are ministers of Christ and as such, we are the purveyors of the Apostles doctrine and distinctives as we ride and represent our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Every time we put on our colors; we are dressed for discipleship success.

I humbly ask for your vote as I endeavor to serve you with distinction as your international vice president 2024-2025.

• Julie McGhghy – Secretary Nominee and Currently Appointed Secretary

Greetings fellow Azusa StreetRiders. I am Julie McGhghy and I am the current Secretary appointed by the ASR Board to fill the remainder of the 2024 term of office. I have also been nominated to serve for the next two years.

My husband Mike and I have been members of ASR since 2011. I served as the first National Ladies Chaplain from 2014 until I resigned in 2018 while Mike and I prepared to move to Costa Rica to serve as Associates in Missions. Although we had to sell our bikes and most of our belongings when we moved to Costa Rica, we continued our membership in ASR and I contributed to the ministry by submitting articles for the Rumblings and reviewing by-laws and resolutions when requested by the Board.

Please allow me to let the Board’s announcement of my appointment inform you about me: “She is uniquely qualified to handle the responsibilities of Secretary due to her many years as a corporate attorney. She is dedicated to the Apostolic doctrine and is submitted to the authority of her pastor and the UPCI licensing authorities. She has actively loved the organization and its members by serving as National Ladies Chaplain and submitting many video and written teachings in the Rumblings.”

Mike and I returned to the United States in 2021 and now serve as Associated Ministers under the UPCI Global Missions Division and travel to teach faculty development seminars for Bible Schools throughout the world. Although we do not currently own motorcycles, we continue to love and support the ministry of the Azusa Streetriders.

For the short time that I have been serving as Secretary, I have greatly appreciated the singular focus of the Board on moving the ministry to grow spiritually and numerically. I pray our continued spiritual growth will be evident by the love and unity of the membership as we reach out to the lost to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and trust our Lord and Savior to give the increase to His Kingdom!

I consider it a great privilege to serve this ministry as Secretary and appreciate your confidence in me to do so.