In Memory: Lydia Diaz

With a very sad heart, Azusa StreetRiders lost one amazing wonderful woman of God. Lydia Diaz passed away a few weeks ago. She finally made it to her heavenly home. Lydia did so much for ASR. In the beginning stages of ASR she was brother Bealls right hand in taking care of so much behind the scenes in keeping ASR running. Lydia will be truly missed by this entire membership.  I ask that you please pray fro Extor Diaz and his family.

Wise Men Worship

 

Wise Men Worship

Matthew 2:1-11 KJV

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

My pastor preached a message called “Wise Men Worship” a few weeks ago and it has stuck with me, and I want to try and convey what God has been dealing with me from his sermon.

We are now on the other side of Christmas, and many have made Christmas into different things but there is one thing that we need to be reminded about in this time that we celebrate, this time of the invisible God coming in flesh and that is worship.

We read in the text Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

These men left everything they had and all their responsibilities to look for this baby to be born King of the Jews to worship him. This was no small task as some say it may have taken up to two years to travel to reach their destination to worship him.

Nowadays if we don’t receive an immediate response or receive our answer quickly, we start to try and figure things out ourselves. Think of this long journey that these men traveled, never giving up on the mission to worship the King of the Jews.

Why do we worship Jesus? Is it because of what he has done for you? Is it because you need something? Will you worship if you lose everything? Do you worship if you’re sick? What is your reason to worship the King?

Jesus is worthy of all worship even if He did nothing for you! Jesus is worthy of worship just because He is God!

We thank God that He came to this earth manifest in the flesh, because scripture tells us He is touched by the feelings of our infirmities. Because He came in that manger and in the flesh, He has experienced loneliness, betrayal, hurt, pain.

Hebrew 4:15-16 KJV

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

We face many things in this life that depends on how we respond to the situation is what we get.

Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Scripture says to be anxious for nothing, That’s a commandment for the LORD!

You say but you don’t know what I’m going through…

Does it fall in the category of ANYTHING? Then scripture says be anxious for nothing!

But I have bills to pay, my fridge broke down, I’ve got this going on or that going on.

So, this is like telling someone to not be angry anymore, If I could stop being angry, I’d stop being angry. If I could stop being anxious I would.

But Paul didn’t stop at don’t be anxious but went on to say; but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Doesn’t matter what is going on! but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Get in your prayer closet and with thanksgiving/worship let your request be made known to God! Yes, God already knows what you’re going through but He wants to hear it from you with thanksgiving! That you know where your help comes from! That you know who to worship! The posture of your prayer is crucial. Let your supplications be known unto Him but when you do it do it with an attitude of worship, an attitude of praise, with an attitude of thanksgiving!

Why do we do this? Because the rest of the scripture says, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

If we stop complaining and get into the presence of Jesus, the peace of God will come into your life! Why? Because He is the Prince of Peace, Prince of Shalom! The peace that doesn’t make any sense! He will guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus!

Why do you worship? Let me tell you why I worship, because that baby that came in a manger is worthy of ALL my worship, He is worthy of ALL the worship! Before he ever does one thing in my life, He is worthy of praise and worship!

The wise men traveled for up to 2 years to find Him and when they get there, they offer the gift of gold (which is the gift given to kings), they understand that this little baby in the manger was the King of Kings and Lord of Lord’s.

They gave him frankincense (which is what priest used in temple worship), they understand that he was more than just a man, but the High Priest.

They gave him myrrh (which was something to take pain away and for embalming), which they might not have fully understood that Jesus was not only the King, not only the High Priest, but He was also the sacrifice.

They worshipped Him before He did one miracle, healing, feed 5,000.

I come to worship Him as King, as my High Priest, and as the sacrifice that took my sins away.

They came to worship Him not being empty handed but having gifts to offer. And after they worshipped Him, they got up and left a different way (after being warned of God in a dream).

This is what I know about worshippers, that when you come as a worshipper, you come and give God the praise of which He is worthy. It does not matter what you have been through, how long the journey has been, how tired you are, but when you get in the presence of Jesus, I promise you that you will leave differently than the way that you came!

My prayer today is that we all can worship Jesus the way He deserves worshipped!

REV. Thomas Whitmore   

ChaplinToledo Chapter

 

 

 

 

A Fun day out at a State Penitentiary

I posted this up on our two Facebook group pages. This is for anyone who is not on Facebook.

For the last two months I have been trying to work on having a fun ASR day outing at a state penitentiary. Not just to show up and take in a tour. But really thought about how neat it would be to have a big group inside the walls with our bikes on a cell block floor for one really great photo shoot. So here is where I am at with this so far. Of course my first pick was the
Ohio State Reformatory.
This is where they filmed the movie Shawshank Redemption. This is really a great place to tour.  So much history here. Well after reaching out to the director of operations of the reformatory. They loved the idea but I was told sorry that this would be a safety issue and well basically it was a no. But then they said we can have the front main entrance to use as a background photo shoot. This is not what I wanted to hear. But this very doable of course with a nice tour.
Alright I did not stop here. On to #2 which I then called
Moundsville West Virginia Penitentiary.
They told me that no group has ever asked about something like this and they loved the idea. But again was I was told no. That this is a safety issue. They also said we can set up out front of course for a great group photo shoot. They also told me about that they have group games that they play inside the penitentiary. I was told that they have a cool game where they take a group and they lock them into a cell. And then you and your group has to work as a team to figure out the clues on how to get out of the cell and the find your way back out to the starting point. Now this could be a really fun day for ASR with a tour also.
OK on to #3. I was told that this next penitentiary would work. It is
Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary in Tennessee. I was told that this place  actually let’s motorcycles and cars into the penitentiary. At this time I can’t confirm this.  The reason for this is that they are closed for the season. And no one has returned my phone calls or emails at this time. They open back up in March.  So if this is true and this place allows a big group inside a cell block. How many would be Interested in having a fun day at a penitentiary in Tennessee. And doing a big cell block group photo. If it is a go most likely I would be trying to schedule this for sometime in fall.
If most are just Interested in The Ohio Reformatory or the penitentiary in West Virginia. I can then plan on something in the spring for either one Ohio or WV. I just would need to know who is all in on a fun ASR day outing at a penitentiary.

Michael Theodore (Theo)

International President

 

 

 

Tips on not to over pack on a ride

Over the years I have seen a lot of our members who over pack on our rides to events. You know that old saying. Lot’s is not always best??
If you pack smarter, you can actually take more items with you without over packing and over-loading your motorcycle. Smaller panniers, smaller camping gear and clothing items, compression bags and packing cubes, as well as using multi functional gear are all great ways to avoid over packing for a motorcycle journey. I have seen way to many of our members so over packed on our trips to events. It is basically trial and error.  Not to just keep repeated it.
Here is some Tips for Packing Your Motorcycle for a Long Trip.
A motorcycle can take you just about anywhere, from the coast to the mountains to the desert, and everywhere in between. But every experienced traveler knows that preparation and good packing are key for getting to your destination. So, when you’re working with the space constraints of packing a motorcycle, how can you make sure to get it right?
Packing luggage on a motorcycle takes a little bit of know-how, but most of it is common sense once you understand.
1. Slim it down.
Packing light should be your guiding principle. Evaluate every bit of space you can save and what the trade offs for doing so are. Be discerning about what you do need and what you don’t, and learn to do more with less wherever possible. Do you need Bluetooth motorcycle speakers and a pair of headphones? Maybe you do, but make yourself justify it if so.
2. Heavy stuff goes on the bottom.
Always put the heaviest items into your luggage first and then stack on top of them, rather than vice versa. This will help keep the weight balanced and avoid making it top-heavy. Your heaviest items should also be in the bag that’s closest to the bike, preferably one that’s attached to it directly.
3. Roll up your clothes instead of folding them.
Your clothes can take up a lot of space in your luggage, especially bulky things like jeans. That’s why it’s a great idea to roll up your clothes when you pack rather than folding them. By rolling them into a burrito-like form, you can conserve a substantial amount of space in your bag. This tip works for packing in general, not just for a motorcycle trip!
4. Pack for versatility.
You can reduce what you need by packing more rugged and versatile gear. An all-weather motorcycle jacket with a removable liner can eliminate the need for extra outerwear. A good pair of motorcycle touring boots, meanwhile, should be waterproof and made of durable materials that can withstand bad weather conditions.
5. Leave a little room.
Avoid packing your luggage so tightly that there’s not a smidgen of room left anywhere. You might want to bring some souvenirs home from your trip. Plus, a fully packed out bag can become progressively harder to work with as your trip goes on and your careful packing system will tend to become more disorderly.
6. Put things inside your shoes.
If you’re packing an extra pair of shoes, don’t forget to use the space inside them to store other things. A normal pair of shoes can often hold some shirts or underwear, and boots may be able to hold even more.
7. Don’t forget about entertainment.
Think about how you’ll keep yourself amused, both on the road and during downtime. A pair of Bluetooth motorcycle helmet speakers is an invaluable addition to your kit for listening to music or podcasts, and a book is great if you’re going to have some time to yourself in nature or downtime in the hotel. Plus, a book never requires Wi-Fi or 4G, which might be scarce where you’re going.
8. Go easy on the backpack.
Even if you have a great motorcycle backpack, resist the temptation to overload it. Riding with a heavy load in your backpack can make your ride significantly less comfortable and tire you out more quickly. Also, if you don’t have a proper motorcycle backpack, get one. They’re designed to be ergonomic for riders, and many have extra strap adjustment features that make them more comfy to ride with.
9. Organize and categorize.
Nobody likes fishing through an overstuffed bag for an item they really need. Instead, try bringing multiple pieces of smaller luggage, or use luggage that has compartments. Then, break down your packing into categories, such as a bag for on-the-road essentials, a bag for clothes, a bag for toiletries, etc.
10. Share essentials if you’re riding with a group.
Doing a cross-country tour with friends or family? You might be able to share certain essentials. One person might be able to bring sunscreen, another could take care of toothpaste and a third could carry a basic repair kit. There’s no need to occupy extra space by duplicating things you only really need one of.
11. Use compression dry sacks /seal bags.
Compression dry sacks are an outdoor adventurer’s best friend, and they work great for motorcyclists, too. These amazing bags help you pack more stuff into a smaller space, and they’re also waterproof so they help keep the items that you pack into them dry. They’re perfect for things like clothes that are both bulky and vulnerable to getting wet. And also your laptop.
12. Don’t neglect security.
Think about how you’re going to secure your luggage. Some riders like to use saddlebags with built-in locks or padlocks, at least for their most valuable items—if not their whole kit. Try to always have things like your phone, wallet and keys on you any time you get off the bike. And, of course, make sure that your bike itself is secured with a robust security mechanism like a disc lock or an alarm system.
13. Remember your chargers.
If you’re like most people, you’ve got a ton of personal electronic devices, each with its own charger. Your phone, your tablet, your motorcycle Bluetooth communication system—they all need power and they all need chargers, so have a specific place you put them in your luggage and make sure they’re all accounted for every day. Don’t forget that you might be able to charge your Bluetooth motorcycle helmet intercom through your bike itself.
14. Zip ties and Bungee cords and ROK  straps will get you out of a jam.
Even if you don’t think you need these things, bring some anyway. They take up very little space, and they can be used in a mind-boggling variety of different ways to secure your luggage. In an unexpected situation involving your luggage, bungee cords and zip ties or ROK straps can prove to be your best friends. This goes for your tools also and a battery jump starter plus a small air compressor. Remember you don’t need to bring along a complete tool set. Just the correct tools for your bike.
Just remember for each ride that you can buy an item on the trip as you need it. And you can also throw away an item if you don’t need it. No need to keep it packed and taking up space.  Remember it is trail and error at first. But once you get the hang of less is best packing becomes so much easier.
Keep the contact patch between the lines.
Michael Theodore (Theo)
International President

 

From The Desk Of The Treasurer

 

Well the end of 2023 is here. So looking forward to the New Year 2024 to see what the Lord has in store. I’m want to reach out and Give A Big Thank You to Everyone in ASR for your giving in this past year whether in finances, love, outreach, prayers, time. We Are Blessed Beyond Measure and A Chosen Group of People having a Burden for Souls and Our Great Missionaries. Looking forward to seeing NEW MEMBERS, NEW HIGHWAYS, NEW SOULS, NEW STREETS, NEW AVENUES, NEW ROADS, NEW FIELDS, NEW CHAPTERS. You name it. It can happen in Jesus Name. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will,he hearth us. With that being said I will be working on learning invoicing which means you will be hearing from me soon. I’m going to be starting in  Mid January so just a heads up. I will be emailing and sending 2024 invoice out. I look forward to hearing from you all.

Love to All,

Cynthie Zerbe

Intnational Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bind The Strong Man Locations 2024

Bind the Strong Man Locations for March 1st, 2024.

New Life Church, 825 Bellaire St, Jacksonville TX 75766 Host Pastor Micah Jones

Victory Life Church, 1502 Rose Ave. New Haven, IN 46774 Host Pastor Greg Fries

New Life Church, 21789 Eastern Vally Rd., McCalla, AL 35111 Host Pastor Greg Brock

Clendenin Pentecostal Church, 7602 Elk River Rd., Clendenin, WV 25045. Host Pastor Bill Monk

2024 Up Coming Events

Events Coming Up For 2024

March 1
Bind The Strong Man Location’s
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Mccalla,Alabama
Jacksonville, Texas
Clendenin, West Virginia

March 16
Life Gate Blessing of the Bikes
Madison, Alabama

May 3-5
Biker Rally
Cottondale,Florida

May 18
Blessing of the Bikes
Toledo, Ohio

May 25
Heaven Bound Hoosiers Poker Run for Missionaries
Bloomington, Indiana

June 15
Life Gate Motorcycle 4 Missionaries Run
Madison, Alabama

June 21-23
Pentecostal Tempe Biker Sunday
Midland, Michigan

July 12-14
Northern Indiana Biker Weekend
Location Northwest Indiana

June 28-30
Heaven Bound Hoosiers Biker Weekend
Bloomington, Indiana

August 1-3
ASR National Rally
Omaha, Nebraska

August 4-10
Black Hills Ministry Tour
South Dakota

August 9-10
Heaven Bound Hoosiers Overnight Ride
Bloomington, Indiana

August 17-18
WAPC Biker Weekend
Wooster, Ohio

August 30 – September 1
Muskingum Chapter Biker Weekend
Zanesville, Ohio

August 31- September 1
7th Annual Biker Weekend
Sparta, Tn

September 13-15
7th Annual Biker Weekend
Clendenin, West Virginia

September 20-22
Motorcycles for Missions Biker Weekend
Toledo, Ohio

October 19
2nd Annual Floyd’s Backyard Run
Madison, Alabama

November 7-10
Lone Star Rally
Galveston, Texas

Now is the time to start planning for your events for 2024.
All events will be listed in the monthly rumblings newsletter. And also the national website.
When you have selected your date’s for your event. Please create them on our members page and also on the friends page in the event section please.

From The President’s Desk

Wow where has 2023 gone and just like that we are at the end of another great ASR season. I am so looking forward to what the Lord has for ASR in 2024 and what new doors will be open. Our theme for next year is Taking It To The Streets.  State chapters we need your chapters more motivated this year to be the atmosphere changers where ever you ride to. Also I would like to ask each state chapters too  try to support all chapter events in your state. Unity is key. Also try to get out to other none ASR state events. Here is where you make a difference and make  those contacts. And to let everyone see who you are and who you ride for.
Our season starts of on March 1 with Bind The Strong Man. The locations of BTSM are listed in our rumblings newsletter and on both our group Facebook group pages.
I will keep the up coming event list updated as  those events  are created in the event section. It is important to create your events in the event section. If not and you only make a post of your event on our group pages. It will only get lost and buried through other posts. If you can’t figure out how to create your event on the group pages. You can email your information to the board. And it will then get created.
I am so looking forward to the national rally in Omaha,Nebraska this year. The hotel information will be posted on our Facebook group pages and on the website in December. This way you can start making your plans to attend the national rally.
Also I am excited for the Black Hills South Dakota Ministry Tour that Brother Jeff Keck has planned. It leaves Omaha on Sunday after the rally. August 4-10. We will have more information on this at a later time and  post it  on our Facebook group pages soon.
Sister Zerby will be getting ready to start sending out 2024 Invoices. I ask to be patient with her since this will be her 1st year doing invoices. So for the months of January and February please keep an eye on your email for them. If you have changed your email it is your responsibility to send your changed email to the board. Remember that your yearly dues is what  keeps this ministry running.
Well I had a vision of a great ASR gathering.
When Laureen and I  went to the Ohio State Reformatory. We took the Ohio the tour.  This is the place where they filmed the move Shaw Shank Redemption. I thought man would this be a cool place to have a ASR gathering. Then I thought a little more. Wouldn’t it be neat if we could put our bikes in a nice line down on one of the cell blocks for a great photo shoot. I am working with the director of operations at the reformatory to see if they can make this happen. If so it would be either be in May or June. They also have an area to rent out inside if we would go the catered route. Hope to have all the information together  real soon. And all have it posted on our group pages.
Last I would like to wish you all a very blessed  Merry Christmas this year.

Michael Theodore (Theo)
International President

Chaplains Corner

Delayed Gratification:

 

1 Corinthians 6: 1-3

Our appetites can overtake and enslave us. Perfectly good activities can get us into trouble when we fail to practice them in moderation, Or there may be times when we don’t feed our appetites in balanced ways. Then we become so starved that we fall to the temptation of our addiction at the first opportunity.

This happened to Esau. One day he came home hungry he promised his birthright to his younger brother in exchange for a bowl of porridge. We are warned:”Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears” (Hebrews 12:16-17). The apostle Paul wrote: “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12).

We need to satisfy our appetites in appropriate ways so we don’t become starved and thus more susceptible to temptation. There may be some good things that have such control over us that it’s best to avoid them altogether. If we allow the demands of our appetites to become overpowering, we risk losing things (or people) that we might never get back.

6: 1-6: Taking someone to court, as painful as it may be, is often the easy way out of a conflict. Instead of working out problems out, we hand them over to an impartial judge. Dealing with conflict in such an indirect way usually leads to separation rather than reconciliation. Paul warned the Corinthian believers not to go to unbelieving judges to settle their disputes. If God’s power is at work within us, we can use the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit to settle our conflicts. We need to keep this in mind as we seek to make amends with those we have harmed.