Category: Leadership

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Bind The Strong Man 2019, Myrtle Beach, SC, March 1 – 2

Everything is in motion for Bind The Strong Man 2019 (BTSM). Many of you have shared the flyers on social media and I encourage you to continue to do so. Please help keep this event at the top of your page. You never know who will see it and decide to attend. Our church seats about 250 and we’d love to have full capacity for a powerful all–night move of God! Remember the dates and location…Friday night, March 1, 2019, from 8:00 PM until Saturday March 2, 2019, at 7:00 AM. Christian Life Center, 124 April Gray Lane, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579. 

I’ve had several inquiries about the event name, “Bind The Strong Man.” It comes from Mark 3:27 where Jesus says, “No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.” Before studying the scripture, I had a common misconception about its meaning. As with all Scripture, it must be read in context of surrounding Scripture to gain understanding…The “strong man” is Satan and the “house” is his domain. The “goods” are what he possesses—in this case, a blind and mute man whom Jesus releases from the power of a demon (Matthew 3:22). Jesus cannot use Satan’s power to cast out the demon because He needs to bind Satan in order to free the man.

This is what we strive for and what we hope to better understand after Bro. Hurt’s teachings at the BTSM 2019! Remember, the public is invited and everyone is encouraged to attend and bring guests. There is no charge! We encourage all ASR Members to attend as this kicks off our annual riding and witnessing season! 

Chaplains, BTSM 2019 will be especially helpful to you! If we expect to see changes in our lives and the lives of those for whom we pray, we need to know more about prayer and how to become a true Prayer Warrior! Fasting sets the foundation for this event! Personally, I will be doing at least a 3–day (possibly longer) water–only fast the weekend before BTSM 2019. Please join me as there is power in numbers and let me know you’re participating so I can pray for you during this time. Towards the middle of February, I’ll be posting more on the two ASR Facebook pages (“ASR Friends” and “ASR Members Only”) to remind you, but please mentally prepare for fasting now…it helps! 

The response for financially help fund BTSM 2109 from the ASR membership has been fantastic! Although BTSM is a “nationally sanctioned” ASR event, it is still fully funded by the local chapter of ASR and/or the local church. For this reason and due to the anticipated expenses, we’re asking any ASR member and/or ASR supporter for donations (fully tax deductible). 100% of the funds will be used for direct expenses for the event to include, airfare, meals and an honorarium for Bro. Hurt, plus snacks for the all–night event and breakfast Saturday morning for all ASR attendees. If funds are received above the expenses incurred, all excess funds will go to our “Motorcycles for Missionaries” program. Please help! Any donation is appreciated! The best way to donate is to mail a check to me that’s made out to CLC of Myrtle Beach. Mark on the check for 2019 BTSM. Fred Beall, 3501 North Kings Highway, Suite 103–B, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.

PLEASE RESPOND PROMPTLY SO WE CAN GET FUNDING OUT OF THE WAY AND CONCENTRATE ON PLANNING. 

Thank you and God bless…

Fred Beall
Azusa StreetRiders, Myrtle Beach, SC

Additional comment from our National Secretary Bro Tom Thompson

Bind the strong man event:
I would like to personally invite all members and beyond to this event. My wife Renaye and I are eyewitnesses to Bro. George Hurt’s ability to reach God through his prayer techniques. The presence of God was so thick that day it’s hard to put to words. “Amazing” is only one word that comes to mind. He talked to the four of that were in hotel room for little while, then prayed. We were all speaking in tongues and he instructed Renaye to step forward. She did, she walked few steps and he said, “Sister you’re walking!” She looked as if she saw ghost. He told her, “Don’t stop now!” She walked all over that hotel room, kept walking past wall mirror and saying, “I’m walking!” That was first time in 5.5 years that she was even able to put weight on left foot/leg, not to forget first time walking. I urge you all, if you can only attend one event this year, make it “Bind The Strong Man!”
Thank you
Bro. Tom Thompson
ASR Secretary

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Michael Theodore BIO

 Hello my name is Michael Theodore (aka Theo). I live in Warren, Ohio with my awesome wife my best friend sis Theo. I attend Pentecostal Community Church in Jefferson, Ohio where I am the sound booth leader, home prayer group leader with my wife, and  motorcycle ministry leader. I am the ASR national road captain and the Ohio coordinator.

What Azusa Street-Riders Ministry means to me; Fist off I would like to say ASR became a part of my family. This ministry is very personal to me. I came into ASR back in 2010 and ASR has forever changed my life. I was out of church for four years over something basically stupid and I got very hurt and bitter over it to where it was starting to make me go into a depression. On March 31st  2010 my life was forever changed when our son was killed. I realized heaven and hell are real and that we are not promised tomorrow. It took a very tragic accident to wake me up. A friend from our church knew of the Azusa Street-Riders and told my pastor about it. I remember that day clear as can be. My pastor took me and my son-in-law and a few church members down to my first ASR biker Sunday in southern Ohio. That day started what I call my bond  with my ASR family. My Pastor knew that this ministry would help me and I have to say without my ASR family and the Lord I would have gone into a huge depression.
My burden to reach the lost through this wonderful outreach has gotten bigger, not only for Ohio [which we have grown tremendously], but I also have that same vision to see us grow nationally. I have a strong passion for this ministry. We all need to be united in unity with the same passion and vision to move us forward.
Our vision as members should all be the same to reach lost souls. Thank you Bro Beall for founding this Awesome ministry where we all take our love and passion of riding motorcycles, then mixing in outreach with riding. I love everything about ASR and what it stands for. I am a man who doesn’t like titles I like to run under the radar so to speak. I am so deeply humbled and honored to be even nominated for President.
Please pray for God’s covering and unity over this election before you cast your vote. I will fully support this board whoever gets elected. I love you all may God bless you all.
Michael Theodore (aka Theo)
ASR-National Road Captain and Coordinator for Ohio
The Apostolic Motorcycle Ministry of Jesus Christ
330-720-0440

 

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Laureen Theodore BIO

Hello my name is Laureen Theodore from Warren, Ohio. I have been married to Michael [Theo]  for 31 years and have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. I have been nominated for Treasurer. I have 11 years of banking experience with 2 of them being in charge of the computer program of the bank employees training for federal compliance. I am a first generation Pentecostal and have had the Holy Ghost for 35 years. I have been the Sunday school superintendent for 5 years, Vacation Bible School director, part of the praise team, alter worker, home prayer group leader, part of the outreach team and the ladies eastern region chaplain for Azusa Street-Riders.

What the Azusa Street-Riders ministry means to me; My life was forever changed on March 31st , 2010 when our 19 year old son was killed in a tragic car accident. Since my son rode motorcycles with us a friend suggested my husband check out the Azusa Street-Riders. Michael along with our pastor went to a biker Sunday in southern Ohio a couple of months after the accident. The people we have met through ASR have become family to us. The ASR members that have known me from the beginning know that for me ASR was all about my husband and his healing. I was just in the background trying to figure out where I fit in while dealing with my own grief. Because of this amazing ministry and the people that have been there for me and prayed for me it has changed my world. Three years ago I began to feel like I was a part of this ministry and had a purpose of my own instead of just following my husband, we are now in this together. The Azusa Street-Riders ministry is in my heart and soul and it is my desire to work together to see this ministry grow and be a blessing to others as it has been to us. As always pray for Gods will and purpose when making your decision on who to vote for. Thank you and may the Lord richly bless you.
Laureen Theodore

 

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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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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.

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Greetings

“2015 NEXT LEVEL”
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Azusa StreetRiders!!
2015 just came to a close and we are now in 2016.
We had a motto through 2015 that was tagged on to a lot of communications between us— “2015 Next Level.” Let me assure you, that is exactly what we accomplished!! Job well done, Azusa StreetRiders!!
I’m excited about our 2016 National Rally. It will be held in Cameron, Missouri at Bro. Joe Jones’ Church. You will not want to miss it! Bro. Peter Gray, (Missionary to Haiti), will be our Thursday night speaker for the “Motorcycles for Missionaries” Service. Bro. Kenneth Carpenter, Pastor of First Apostolic Church, Maryville, Tennessee and ALJC General Superintendent, will be our Friday night speaker.
We are equally as excited about having the location for the 2017 National Rally in place already; Bro. David Gilbert’s church in Denison, Texas. (August 03 through August 05, 2017).
We cannot stop pushing now. With the winter months upon us, it’s the perfect time to get out there and share Jesus with everyone we see. Reach out to other Apostolic churches with riders. Luke 14:23 “And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”
I pray In the Mighty Name of Jesus, that you and your families are greatly blessed and that the Lord keeps you all safe.

God Bless,
Rev. Anthony Storey
Azusa StreetRiders National President

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Who Are The Azusa StreetRiders? Answer to an Email

A thought occurred to me this morning, July 22, 2015, that I thought I’d share this month…

Many people have heard the name “Azusa StreetRiders” and know that it’s a motorcycle ministry, some even know we’re an Apostolic motorcycle ministry. But who are the Azusa StreetRiders? Pastor, what do you know about us? Apostolic motorcycle rider, what do you know about us?

In response to an email received on July 22, 2015, I attempted to answer this underlying question received with the subject title “Just Want To Know.” I have modified the email below to only correct punctuation, spelling and grammar and to hide the identity of the individual who sent it. My response is nearly verbatim as to what I sent to him. As of this writing, I have not heard back.

Hopefully this email and its response will address some concerns others may have about “Who Are The Azusa StreetRiders?”

Sincerely,

Fred B. Beall, Azusa StreetRiders
The Oneness Apostolic Motorcycle Ministry of Jesus Christ

_______________________________________________________________________

Sent from my iPad. I would like to know if your colors are copyrighted?

You see I’m a believer. There’s only one God, one Faith and one Baptism. And I do believe in Acts 2:38. And I have been baptized received the Holy Ghost and I do speak in other tongues.

But our church is having some problems and my pastor, well, I should just say pray for him. I told him I would like to ride with your colors but never heard anything and that was two years ago.

The reason I ask about your colors is that our church started in Southern California in the early 1930s following the Azusa Street Revival. And, well you know the rest. God just moved in a mighty way and now we preach all over the world and God is moving in a mighty way.

We’re in End Times my Brother. Maybe I’ll just design my own patch and put “Apostolic Rider for Jesus” on it if you don’t let me patch over [join Azusa StreetRiders]. See, I go where you guys don’t go; to bars, to 1% parties, etc. I just hang out where I used to. Isn’t that what Jesus said? “Go and preach my word.”

See most of you that are saved, you got in your comfort zone and don’t have that drive anymore. You forgot where God brought some of you from. Sorry but that’s the way it is. If you boys need someone in California, fast, pray and leave it to God. He’s always been there. Regardless, I’m going to my Master.

David
_______________________________________________________________________

Hello Bro. David:

Greetings In Jesus’ Name! With interest, I read your message and inquiry above. Thank you for taking time to ask questions and share your thoughts.

Our colors are not copyrighted although several people have suggested that we do so. With the cost of design, set up, and embroidery, it is unlikely that someone would go to the trouble and expense of duplicating our backpatch. Should that happen, we would address it at that time and legal precedent is on our side to protect our colors. But seriously, this is of no concern.

From what you say, and assuming you are a faithful member of your church, you are definitely a candidate for membership in Azusa StreetRiders. All that would be required is the application completion and approval of your pastor. But, as you say, your pastor never responded to your inquiry about joining us. Please don’t be offended, but could it be, that you are not a “faithful” member of the church?

Over the years, we have had many, what I call, “rogue” Apostolic bikers try to join us. Some were successful, but most were not because of the insistence on a pastor’s approval to join ASR. By “rogue,” I’m simply referring to someone who has issues with authority and submission, both of which are solid Biblical principles. If someone cannot be faithful to a pastor and his church, can they truly be faithful to the kingdom of God?

As for your pastor, I do pray every day for pastors around the world who preach God’s saving Acts 2:38 message. Hopefully he is in “right standing” with the Lord! I believe that many believing Christians, even many Apostolic pastors, will be surprised on Judgment Day just as they were in Matthew 7:21-23. Not knowing him, we will pray for him and other pastors, that God would give them clear direction in these end times!

2 Corinthians 6:17 says, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing ; and I will receive you.” This Scripture, along with many other supportive Scriptures, is the basis for our outreach efforts. Also, Romans 14:16, “Let not then your good be evil spoken of.” These scriptures should not, and do not for Azusa StreetRiders, negate Luke 14:23 where Jesus said, “And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”

As believing and faithful Apostolics, we must wisely balance our efforts to reach the lost. We believe this is done with the approval of and under the watchful eye of our pastors. If we have truly submitted to him, he should know us well enough to know whether or not we are capable of stepping into the world to “bring them out” or if we would be drawn back into the world. Highways and hedges ministry, true outreach into the anti-Christian cultures of the world, is not for everyone! I would like to think that every member of Azusa StreetRiders is capable of doing so, but, realistically, I know this is not true.

Hanging out in the bars and at the 1%ers’ parties, to us, runs contrary to the two scriptures cited above. Saying that, we try very hard to interact with 1%ers and others who are lost at any opportunity made available to us. We are a ministry, not a club. We try to avoid the club mentality. Yet, we do things that would surprise many Apostolics. For example, in my hometown of Myrtle Beach, SC, we have cosponsored a couple of events with the Hells Angels. This opened the door for me to teach a Bible study to the local chapter president and for several years, we were able to take his two boys to our church for Sunday school. Although not in church, he is a good friend today.

My suggestion—again, it’s up to the individual’s pastor—is to attend every function sponsored by any of the bike clubs or ministries. In doing so, however, I also suggest that we do not “enter” the bars, but rather stand outside and witness! This is especially effective for us during poker runs.

By using this approach, I have been told by 1%ers on several occasions and have had other club members tell me that there is a different, higher level of respect given to Azusa StreetRiders because we are not perceived as a “sitting on the fence” ministry. Other ASR members have had similar statements made to them for approaching outreach in this manner.

Having said all of this, please do not take my statements as condemnation for what you are doing. For us, this approach has proven not only to be successful, but to be acceptable to our Apostolic non-biking brethren…our “good” is not mistaken for “evil.”

The term “comfort zone” to you seems to mean “going places where church-going Christians do not typically go.” Food for thought… Could it be that your “comfort zone” is in the bars and with the 1%ers and hanging out at church is OUTSIDE of your “comfort zone?” Don’t be misled into thinking that you can only reach those you are trying to reach by being just like them! Read Romans 12:2.

Hopefully this email will give you clarity as to the Azusa StreetRiders approach to outreach. Remember, the last part of Luke 14:23 says, “…and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” Jesus didn’t say “compel them to sit on barstools and have church.” Our goal is to “fill his house.”

If after reading this you have more questions about Azusa StreetRiders, please let me know and I will try to respond or have a conversation with you at any available time. If you desire to join us based on our outreach model cited above, I suggest you fast and pray about it and if God directs you, download our application, fill it out completely, take it to your pastor and have a serious conversation with him about your walk with God, have him sign it, and mail it to us. We will welcome you with open arms and put you to work with Azusa StreetRiders for His Kingdom!

May God bless you, my friend! We are all on the same team. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

In His Service,

Fred Beall
Sent from my iPhone

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An Amazing Journey

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says it so well. My season as President of Azusa StreetRiders is about to end. My wife, Diane, and I have been actively involved since the formation of this ministry in 1999 and its time for new leadership!

We have been blessed to use “God’s motorcycle” (everything belongs to Him) to help evangelize the biking world and have seen growth of ASR from inception as a local church outreach using motorcycles, to now having 27 chapters (23 in US, 1 in Canada, 1 in Philippines, 2 in India) with members covering 34 US States and 3 Canadian Provinces. Additionally, Azusa StreetRiders have provided funds to global missionaries in 11 countries enabling them to purchase approximately 25 motorcycles…motorcycles that are used to spread the Oneness Apostolic, Acts 2:38 message of salvation on their fields of burden! When we first started, nearly 700 Trinitarian motorcycle ministries/clubs were identified and ASR was the only Oneness Apostolic ministry to be found. Today, the same is still true! Through prayer, God has opened doors and potential splintering of this ministry has not occurred. We are still the only Oneness Apostolic motorcycle ministry in the world! God is Good!

As an organization, faithful Azusa StreetRiders have forged relationships with Christian motorcycle ministries, secular motorcycle clubs/members and outlaw motorcycle clubs/members. We’ve won some and planted seeds with others. We’ve professed our Oneness Apostolic heritage and beliefs and are now seeing new friendships formed that will, in Jesus’ name, result in acceptance of God’s only salvation plan. We’ve also seen recognition of a motorcycle ministry as truly having merit within the Oneness Apostolic community. At our Azusa StreetRiders International Rallies, we’ve been blessed to have some of the top leaders and theologians in our movement as guest speakers; Paul Mooney, Garland Hansom, Jonathan Sanders, and Cortt Chavis. And this year, David Bernard will be our guest speaker!

Our growth and acceptance has occurred due to much prayer and the dedication of our truly amazing members. Nobody has ever taken a penny for anything they do concerning this ministry. Even travel, food and lodging for every event attended, is a non-reimbursable personal expense! All donations go to missionaries and we are supported solely by membership dues and product sales.

Diane and I believe our organizational “purpose” (Ecc. 3:1) has been fulfilled and that for Azusa StreetRiders to get to the next level, we must step aside and let those with new ideas direct the future of ASR. That doesn’t mean we won’t be attending every event possible, only that we’ll be doing so as “members” not “leadership.” We have faith that God will guide and lead those who are voted into position at our Annual Business Meeting at the end of our ASR National Rally in Maryville, TN on August 1st. Please jump in and fully support the new leadership. Help them grow this ministry into all states, provinces and countries, anywhere you find motorcycles moving lost souls about their daily lives.

Thank you Jesus and thank you to all our friends. Words cannot express our heartfelt love for each of you. LH&R (Love, Honor & Respect)! Rest assured that you will continue to be in our prayers. This has truly been an amazing journey!

Yours in Christ,
Fred & Diane Beall
Azusa StreetRiders, Myrtle Beach, SC USA