4th Annual Appalachian Chapter Biker Sunday
Sept 17-19
Charleston, WV
1st Sparta TN Biker Weekend
Sept 26-26
Sparta, TN
ASR National Rally
Oct 14-19
Bossier City, LA
Azusa StreetRiders International
The Apostolic Motorcycle Ministry of Jesus Christ ~ Official Site
I would like to start with please pray for our members with COVID. It is my understanding a couple of our members are in critical condition and need our prayers! I can only ask going forward with events if there is cases of COVID in your church and or family to please make that information public if you are having a event so guests can decide if they want to risk it. Should there be a outbreak in your church or area that concerns you then please cancel the event, better to not have than spread this virus further. These are different times than we ever faced before and we need to use wisdom and courtesy to decide whether or not it is safe to move forward. In all that we do pray and pray for guidance! God bless the Azusa Street Riders!
Bro Tom Thompson
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).
As a member of the Azusa StreetRiders ministry I hold myself to a higher standard, not due to the position I hold as President, but like all of our members because of what I am a part of. Being part of the Azusa StreetRiders has driven me to that end. I know I am preaching to the choir, but I just wanted to share how blessed I am to be a part of the Azusa StreetRiders ministry along with the rest of y’all.
However I am not content, I need that deeper commitment to the things of God in order to climb to the next level. I want to be able to do the works of God just like the first century church. Some might smirk at this statement, but it’s happening on the mission field all over the world: blind eyes opened, the lame walk, and the dumb speak. So, why not here, and why not through the Azusa StreetRiders ministry? Jesus Christ is faithful to His Word, and His word proclaims that we need to believe and exercise our measure of faith.
Our ministry is made up of ambassadors of Jesus Christ sent to people that might not otherwise ever hear the true Gospel. We need to be aware that our conversations and relationships might be the only Jesus they know. We might be the only word they get. Therefore, in order to be the most effective we must be ready. The Bible puts it this way:
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (II Timothy 4:2).
In order to do, so we must also have the following:
“He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully” (Psalm 24:4).
In other words, to be beyond reproach when we witness to the lost.
In II Timothy, Paul goes on to write:
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry” (II Timothy 4:3-5).
That tells me we might have only one shot at it, and I for one want my heart right. That is my “reasonable service.” We could be the only shot that poor lost soul might have to make it to heaven, so we need to always be ready. Our readiness comes by preparation of the heart through prayer and fasting, of which I know this ministry does both. One other attribute that goes hand in hand with a broken and contrite heart is to have a servant’s spirit.
Greetings in Jesus name! I trust the each of you have had a blessed ad great July. We are blessed and highly favored. Ain’t God good? I am be young thankful for the blessing he has given me and his mercy that he shows each and every day.
You know, circumstances come our way that we don’t understand and I, myself, question God- WHY?
WHY did this happen, WHY did that happen? We are all guilty of having questions. We know that bad things happen to good people every day. None excluded. We are all affected by the harsh realities of life. We must acknowledge that we, as human beings are not eternal, infinite, or omniscient. We can not expect to fully understand Gods purposes and ways.
The book of Job deals with the issue of why God allows bad things to happen to good people. Job was a righteous man (Job 1:1), yet he suffered in ways that are almost beyond belief. God allowed Satan to do everything he wanted to Job except kill him, and Satan did his worst. What was Job’s reaction? “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” (Job 13:15). “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised” (Job 1:21). Job did not understand why God had allowed the things He did, but he knew God was good and therefore continued to trust in Him. Ultimately, that should be our reaction as well.
Why do bad things happen to good people? As hard as it is to acknowledge, we must remember that there are no “good” people, in the absolute sense of the word. All of us are tainted by and infected with sin (Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8). As Jesus said, “No one is good—except God alone” (Luke 18:19). All of us feel the effects of sin in one way or another. Sometimes it’s our own personal sin; other times, it’s the sins of others. We live in a fallen world, and we experience the effects of the fall. One of those effects is injustice and seemingly senseless suffering.
When wondering why God would allow bad things to happen to good people, it’s also good to consider these four things about the bad things that happen:
1) Bad things may happen to good people in this world, but this world is not the end. Christians have an eternal perspective: “We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16–18). We will have a reward some day, and it will be glorious.
2) Bad things happen to good people, but God uses those bad things for an ultimate, lasting good. “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). When Joseph, innocent of wrongdoing, finally came through his horrific sufferings, he was able to see God’s good plan in it all (see Genesis 50:19–21).
3) Bad things happen to good people, but those bad things equip believers for deeper ministry. “Praise be to . . . the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:3–5). Those with battle scars can better help those going through the battles.
4) Bad things happen to good people, and the worst things happened to the best Person. Jesus was the only truly Righteous One, yet He suffered more than we can imagine. We follow in His footsteps: “If you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’ When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:20–23). Jesus is no stranger to our pain.
Romans 5:8 declares, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Despite the sinful nature of the people of this world, God still loves us. Jesus loved us enough to die to take the penalty for our sins (Romans 6:23). If we receive Jesus Christ as Savior (John 3:16; Romans 10:9), we will be forgiven and promised an eternal home in heaven (Romans 8:1).
God allows things to happen for a reason. Whether or not we understand His reasons, we must remember that God is good, just, loving, and merciful (Psalm 135:3). Often, bad things happen to us that we simply cannot understand. Instead of doubting God’s goodness, our reaction should be to trust Him. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5–6). We walk by faith, not by sight.
PLEASE JOIN IN PRAYER AND FASTING FOR THE FOLLOWING:
MISSIONS
Rev. Mike and Julie McGhghy Aimers to Costa Rica
RESTORATION
Prodigals
HEALING
Chaplain Carman Hamby
Bro Michael & Sis Colton Frizzell
Vivian, LA
Pentecostals of Bossier City – Bossier City, LA
Pastor Jerry Dean
Bro Shane & Sis Carrie Hayden
Washington, IN
Victory Community Church – Washington, IN
Pastor Peter Aldrich
Bro Nicholas Smith
Washington, IN
Victory Community Church – Washington, IN
Pastor Peter Aldrich
Bro David & Sis Alicia Locke
Old River – Winfree, TX
Peace Tabernacle – Baytown, TX
Pastor Kenneth Grant
Pastor Gene & Sis Reta Alphin
Lincoln, NE
The Life Church of Lincoln – Lincoln, NE
Pastor Gene Alphin
Bro Ken Johnson
Denison, TX
Truth Church – Denison, TX
Pastor Darren Gilbert
Forgive me Lord …
I have sat down and attempted to write this for several days only to have a hindering spirit press against my goal of putting to paper what the Lord laid upon my heart. I pray this softens someone’s heart in what might be a difficult situation.
Forgive Me Lord …. I think for many of us this might have been some of the first words we ever expressed to the Lord Jesus Christ. Coming to the Lord broken, many of our lives upside down looking for a way out of a sinful lifestyle, tired of all the shame and heartaches that plagued us in life. Whatever the reason that drove you to an alter of repentance for the first time I can only imagine that these words would have at some point been expressed.
Our heartfelt desire to be forgiven for the things we had done, the lifestyle we had lived especially for those that weren’t raised in the church like myself and many others within this membership. Given an opportunity to knee before the King of Kings and ask him to forgive us for all the ugly, sinful, hateful acts in our lives and he was faithful and just to not only forgive us of those sins but to wash them away he threw them into a sea of forgetfulness. How grateful we felt for that, to be forgiven and yet it seems we have, at time the inability of forgiving those around us for so much less. Those we feel have offended us one way or another. Whether it be the warranted or manufactured in our own hearts and minds, we need to be careful, after all;
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it. (Jer 17:9)
You see I don’t even know how much the Lord had forgiven me of, many of you know my past, however the Lord knows everything every dark, dirty unmentionable secret within my heart that he has forgiven me of. I am not just talking about the first time but included is every time since. I ask the Lord to search my heart everyday and forgive me of my sins. You see I do not want anything to come between the Lord and myself that would hinder our relationship. I suppose that is why I have a difficult time watching brother next brother both in church, both filled with the Holy Ghost having a fault one to another, the inability to forgive and allowing our foolish pride to hinder asking someone for forgiveness and if forgiveness is asked the inability to in fact do so, after all the Lord did so much more for us.
Jesus Christ hung on a cross so we would not have to, why, so we could humble ourselves and ask him for forgiveness, the first step in the plan of salvation. In addition not everything we repent of and ask for with respect to forgiveness needs to be sinful in nature; sometimes it’s attitudes and actions that need a check and balance. Perhaps a time out could be in order to do a personal inventory and compare those results to the word of God. Were quick to and assured of that the Lord has forgiven us, but has he ?
Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.(Matt 5:23,24)
I don’t think there is much wiggle room here in this scripture. It’s pretty much cut and dry. How can I hold ought against my brother and expect the Lord to forgive me. How can I not forgive my brother after all the Lord did for me the only thing I can come up with is pride? To proud to go to a brother who might not even be fully aware of the offense or perhaps is hurting as much as we are only to pray that the gulf between us could be closed, but because were a stiffed neck generation that wound remains open seeping until is becomes infected with hurt, anger, strife, ill will and so much more. The Lord shows us forgiveness everyday should we not in turn show others the same courtly.
Does the Bible not say that we should be Christ like where does that line end, where do we stop being Christ like and become what he hates to see in us? Love one anther as I have loved you,
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another (James 5:34,35)
Some might say I can love them but I just don’t like them, it doesn’t really work like that. We need to learn to forgive and forget it’s difficult but is possible. Because my word say;
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. (Matt 19:26)
My Pastor early in my walk told me that earnestly praying for a person that has offended might not affect that individual’s attitude towards me (but it might) but it most certainly helps the way I look at them. I learned a long time ago you can’t earnestly pray for someone and not have it affect your attitude toward him or her. In other words I cannot pray sincerely for someone and not have the Lord soften my heart toward him or her, I have never known it not to work. You may not become best friends but one can walk brother with brother in the sight of Christ.
I closing I want to say if while reading this someone comes to your mind that maybe there is some riff between you. You don’t really know how to take that first step let me say just call them (don’t text) and talk to them from your heart let them know if there is an offense please forgive me. It will take some humility perhaps, especially if you are not at fault. Remember it might not be for them it’s more so for you. At that point in the sight of God you have fulfilled your requirements to make things right. If that individual refuses to acknowledge your attempt to set things straight it’s totally on his head, he will need to answer for that, you will not. You never know he or she might just be waiting for such a call and only eternity will tell whom all that one act might effect for the kingdom of God.
Registration is now open for the 2021 Azusa StreetRiders National Rally in Bossier City, Louisiana October 14-16. Instructions for pre registration- Log onto our website azusastreetriders.com and Click on events, scroll to National Rally and click on view details to register. Make sure to add the lunch/dinner plans you will be attending. Once you complete the registration make sure you receive an email to confirm you have completed the process and payment was received. Please contact me for any questions or if you need help with registration. We look forward to seeing you all at the National Rally!
25.00 Registration includes-Rally pin, Name tag, Business meeting donuts and coffee, Catered lunch for the Saturday business meeting.
God bless, Sis Laureen Theodore ASR International Treasurer
Biker Sunday’s for August
Wooster Apostolic Pentecostal Church 8th Annual Biker Sunday July 31- Aug 1st. Wooster, Ohio
Apostolic Tabernacle Biker Sunday August 8 Oakdale, Louisiana
1st Annual Solid Rock Church Biker Sunday August 13-15 Cedar Springs, Michigan
Jacksonville, Illinois Biker Sunday August 20-22
2nd Annual The Pentecostals of Champion/Warren Ohio August 27-29
Greetings in Jesus name to our ASR family!
We are honored to have been asked to give a summary of our 1st Annual Biker Sunday for the Northern Indiana Chapter.
We had 16 total bikes attending our Saturday ride, 12 of which traveled from out of town, to make our weekend such a success. We want to thank all that came from the bottom of our heart and say may God richly bless you. To those that reached out to us, that would have liked to have been here but couldn’t, we just want to say you were missed and we pray God blesses you as well.
We had a great time, good food and awesome fellowship. The weather couldn’t have been better for our Saturday ride.
On our way back we made an ice cream stop in South Whitley at Carole’s Corner where we were informed that they were closing but that they would remain open providing us with ice cream and floats. After she served us, she closed the stand and then came out to let us know that although the stand was closed. we were welcome to relax on the property as long as we liked
She then proceeded to tell us the story of her purpose and ministry with the ice cream stand. She always employed young people with the intent of teaching them responsibility, respect of people, hard work ethic, and to be a good person throughout life. After giving herself completely to the business and missing out on all family functions for the last 50 years she had finally felt God was releasing her from her duty and has decided to sell everything, retire and enjoy life for herself. At this time, Bro. Robert (Doc) Thompson asked her if she would allow us to pray with her that God will continue to bless and lead her. She responded that she would like that and appreciate it very much. We would like to give God the glory for providing this opportunity to show what ASR is all about.
We then headed back to the church and returned with a couple of hours to spare during which time the men enjoyed a great time in prayer where God showed up and blessed mightily, instigated and led by Bro Robert Thompson. Followed by a great meal prepared by the ladies and additional fellowship.
Biker Sunday service started with a wonderful move of the Holy Ghost in praise and worship followed by a very difficult message to bring to a church from a visiting minister, however Bro Mike (Grumpy) Markham obeyed the voice of God and delivered it in outstanding fashion feeding our hearts and minds and leaving us with so much to contemplate.
Followed by another great meal topped off with Pie and ice cream!!!
We want to give honor and thanks to all who so generously gave enabling us to not only meet but exceed our goal for Motorcycles for Missions
Last, but not least, we want to thank God for keeping His hand on all our ASR members as they traveled to their homes. We are looking forward to our next time of fellowship with each and everyone wherever it may be.
God Bless!
Northern Indiana Chapter
Let’s Welcome the members of a new chapter from Rome, GA
Pastor Greg & Sis Tine Briggs
Rome, GA
The Rock of Rome Church
Pastor Greg Bridges
Bro Darryl Bridges
Rome, GA
The Rock of Rome Church
Pastor Greg Bridges
Bro Cameron & Sis Jordan Earwood
Rome, GA
The Rock of Rome Church
Pastor Greg Bridges
Bro Paul & Sis Stacey Holbrook
Cedartown, GA
The Rock of Rome Church
Pastor Greg Bridges
Bro Zack & Sis Star
Cedartown, GA
The Rock of Rome Church
Pastor Greg Bridges
Bro Anthony Wright
Rome, GA
The Rock of Rome Church
Pastor Greg Bridges
Bro Travis & Sis Sarah Hunter
Denison, TX
Truth Church of Denison
Pastor Darren Gilbert
Bro Nicholas & Sis Kaleigh Cronk
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Tabernacle of Joy Church
Pastor Ron Strong
Bro Sis Kaleigh Cronk & Bro Nicholas
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Tabernacle of Joy Church
Pastor Ron Strong