Queen's Breakfast

Queen's Breakfast

The Serving Ladies and
some of the Served Ladies
Due to security not all young ladies
 could be included in photo

On November 22, 2017, ten women from three different churches, The Journey Church in Siler City, NC and The Refuge in Conway, SC, The Rock Worship Center in Monroe, NC, with the leadership of Carolyn Burd, National M25 Director woke after a short night of sleep at the Royal Home Ministries (RHM) to prepare a meal fit for a Queen. RHM is a home of hope, love and support for young ladies that are carrying a child with no family or friend support. It is a home dedicated to the tireless effort and vision of Rev/Mrs Marvin Whitfield, built across the road from Falcon Children's Home in Falcon, NC, hosted by North Carolina Conference of the IPHC. 

The young ladies were totally dependent on the Holy Spirit to make this a breakfast so special, bathed in love, that a Queen would have been blessed to be there. The passion and drive exemplified by these ladies could do nothing but lift the young ladies in the home. There were glass plates, real silverware, long stemmed glasses, cloth napkins and table clothes. There was even a warm wash cloth for each young lady to wash with before partaking of the meal. 

Some of the ladies eating

This meal was intended to elevate their self-esteem, many of whom could not even be in the picture due to their identity being concealed for safety sake. Anyone who has experienced giving birth or witnessed the trauma of bringing a child into this world, knows how painful it already is without all of the negativity of having no family or friend support. There was a desire to bring a good ole healthy dose of elevating love through service. 

One of the young ladies (a mere child of 13 years of age) grabbed a plate and chose to eat alone. When inquiring the situation, Carolyn learned this young lady was 'sold' by her mother to a man. (There is no point of reference for most of us. Can you imagine being so desperate that you 'sold' your daughter to survive? We read of these type things in foreign countries, we read of this level of desperation in Biblical times, but here in the most prosperous nation in the world, not here... but it did happen). The man chose when faced with his purchase bringing extra baggage of financial and emotional support, dropped her off at the curb, so to speak. This young child had experienced abandonment, abuse and rejection at levels will never know (so thankful this is a rarity and not the norm in our country. May we pray it never becomes the norm.) 

The meal

As the day ended and the young ladies went on with life in the RHM housing, as the eleven women returned to their families, we can only pray there was a positive lift in the young ladies in the home and the ladies who served will be impacted to a point they make this bigger and better next year. 

Sanding My Feet

How beautiful are the feet....

Having a 65 year old foot takes up time that has been allocated for things like: reaching for success, doing good for others, growing in my Faith Walk, spending time with those we love, etc. It is very tiring and boring, getting the file out (looks like a grater for cheese), spending time 'sanding' the foot, a lot of time. Then there is the ointment, the creme to keep it from cracking. Today, during the boring task of restoring my feet, this text came to mind.

Just an ugly 65 year old foot

•  How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news.. Isaiah 52:7
•  And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!" Romans 10:15

Let's put those text written in perspective to when they were written. Many had to walk everywhere they went. Plus they did not have hiking boots or high dollar sports shoes. No insoles made of memory foam, most were just sandals. Remember the environment, have you been to Israel? Have you seen the desert, the rocky terrain? What about those areas were the weeds are growing, climbing to En-gedi (it was muddy and slick with rocks and vegetation).

Sitting there, sander in hand, creme on the table beside the chair, all I could think was, 'Really?'. Then the devotion the Lord had began to become clear.

As our feet get older, carry the scares of adventurous lives, show the stress of caring for family and friends, the burden of the load of serving in the Kingdom there were some warnings: The foot can become dry, cracked, rough and very ugly.

If the foot is not 'sanded', adverse situations grinding on the foot, it becomes so calloused and abrasive no one can stand to touch it, looking at it is bad enough. There should be a joy inside of us when we encounter adversity, it is removing the callouses, keeping us smooth. Preparing us to hurled into a world of evil as one of the smooth stones a Shepherd boy picked up, hurled toward a giant's forehead which caused that enemy to fall to the ground.

The creme keeps me teachable and pliable in the hands of an Almighty God, the Holy Spirit. Can you see balm of Gilead in His hands rubbing it into the hardness of the callous and the pain the adversity to get me tender again. Callouses brought by so many miles of demanding, spiritual terrain that no one has taken the time to look at my 'feet' to notice.

Feet, who goes around looking at people's feet? How many times have you seen people 'model' their feet? Oh, there is the craze of flip flops and women in open toed shoes but most of us men never care for our feet and never notice the feet of anyone else. Yet, it is the feet the Lord inspired the author's to pen that was beautiful.

As the time came for the creme to applied, it said on the directions, 'massage thoroughly into the skin and in extreme situations, cover with a cotton sock for quick healing'. Now, that is in incredible advise:

• Get alone with the Holy Spirit today and allow Him to massage His love and tender care into your life. Let Him take that sweet balm of Gilead and refresh your journey. 
• If you are hurting really bad, the callouses are really hard and the cracks have made it difficult to sleep at night due to catching on the sheets, let the Holy Spirit cloak you with His sweet presence and bring you peace. He is still able to calm the storm in your life or maybe, just maybe, He is desiring to just wrap you in the Power of Grace to get you through the storm! 

Feet.... beautiful, only in His presence when they are doing what they were designed to do.... take the Good News, the Gospel to a hurting and dying world. Remember, we are M25, a ministry outside the four walls. The question screaming inside me, 'Are you living your life in the desert areas of your community?' 'Are you taking the risk that your feet might take you to some dangerous places?' 'Are you actually traveling enough outside to even expose your feet to pain?' 

A day to ponder......

Toys For Life Motorcycle Ride

TOYS FOR LIFE

November 21, 2016 at 7 pm will be a historic moment! 

Motorcycles joining together for a rally at the Chapel on the property of Falcon Children's Home to bring physical, emotional, financial and spiritual support for the ladies living at the Royal Home Ministries. RHM is a beautiful home for girls who have an unexpected pregnancy who have no support at home. This is a  place they can stay with their baby until they are 21 years of age to receive support, motherhood training and finish their education. 

First 50 Bikes receives this patch free

The Rally will feature speakers and drama skits from guest and the girls in the home. It will be a power packed one hour event. 

Then at 8 pm, the bikes, dressed in Christmas Lights, will lead the other participants (carrying lit candles) to the Royal Home Ministries. Upon arrival there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly acquired Baby Boutique building. This will be a place where the girls can go and get the needs for their baby free of charge. This facility was purchased with money raised from the 50CC Diaper Run in 2016 and will store the 56,000 plus diapers and 62,000 plus baby wipes along with the toys for their baby's Christmas and birthdays. 

Everyone is encouraged to bring a toy for a baby 0-3 years of age, both girl and boy. We are asking for new toys, wrapped in original package and no stuffed animals. 

Ladies are encouraged to come and assist in preparing a breakfast, led by Carolyn Burd, for the ladies living in the home at 7 am the next morning. This will be a great time to let these girls know you care for them in their crisis. 

We look forward to seeing you at this exciting, first ever (which we hope will be an annual event). Then hang around for the Harvest Train the next morning. 

For more information, please feel free to call Gary Burd 806-670-9669 or Carolyn Burd 806-570-4556 or email us at gburd@arn.net. 

Street Wisdom

On this beautiful autumn morning, riding from the motel to the church I was scheduled to speak, the urge to stop and visit with neighborhood, street people overtook me. The desire to hear their thoughts were too much to pass by. The message burning in my soul was about the church experiencing a 'Genesis Work' of 'recreation'. It appeared the best thing to do was to affirm the felt need with facts. The community has changed, racially and economically with most of the church members driving in from other communities. A beautiful facility filled with wonderful Christians but not so connected to the community, however the pastor certainly desired to see the community transformed by the Grace of God.

The first encounter, a man in his 60's, all alone, was hesitant to talk to a stranger, much less one riding a Harley Davidson. The question was poised, 'what kind of neighborhood is this?'. Quickly he responded, 'a good neighborhood' and then tried to abandon our visit. After having several questions to keep him engaged, he finally said, 'look, we need help. Killings when you don't even know who it was that killed you. Senseless killings. A church could help the neighborhood'. The frustration and pain of living in a place of impending danger rose to the top and with that he departed stating, 'just help our neighborhood' over and over.

The next encounter was three men in a parking lot of a convenience store. The conversation was okay as long as we kept it brief. "What do you think a church can do to help this neighborhood?" Steve (did not get his last name) started off by saying, 'now I have a knowledge of what is right but I am not saying that I am living right'. Wow, honesty is a good ground to start on. The next words of wisdom overtook me on this bright, crisp morning.

• His opening statement was, 'a church should integrate.' (Isn't this interesting, here is an African-American talking to a white man about a predominately white church and the first words were integration. Maybe integration of the church could be a desire that all have but seldom cross the line?)

• When asked how do we integrate he stated, 'I think it would be good to go door to door and tell them they are welcomed.' (I must admit this one threw me. It has appeared door to door was not effective, yet the cry was, 'come on out and visit my house and let me know I am invited to your church'. Not an outreach, not a special service but tell me it is okay to just come and participate in regular church.)

• A break long enough to take a drag off the cigarette in his mouth and a flip of the butt into the parking lot was followed by, 'you see, most of the church people think that the work begins when people walks in the door. You know, that is what's wrong, the church needs to come out here and talk to us'. (That is wisdom for sure, when we state we are 'working' for the Lord it most generally refers to our service to the church folks in the church building.)

• Then out of his mouth rolled some very profound words, 'You know, most of the people put on their grave clothes, yeah that's right, they dress all up for death, go to church and forget they were once just like many of us out here. They are people who have forgotten what it was like when you could not seem to get out of the situation and condition you are in. They talk down to you because they forgot. If they want to speak to me, talk about how you overcame because you were down here also. (Oh my, this one is very painful, we are seen as people who have forgotten our failures and make people in failing situations feel small. Could we speak from a time we were not so strong? Oh, please don't go so far as to constantly talk about the days of destruction in your life but allude to those days when you were not so strong and give hope.)

• 'You know, there are a lot of people giving food and that is good and you can never do enough of that'. (Refreshing he brought this up into the conversation. He recognized there were those who were trying to help and was thankful.)

We parted after some small talk about riding the motorcycle 1500 miles to be there. Then he called David over and another man who was an Army veteran (of course thanking him for his service) and introduced me.

He carried on to another day in a life of existence and for me, I fired up the bike and rode with a new passion and desire to assist churches get outside the four walls and love people. Listen to them, rather than appear you have all the answers. Go out of the way and just become part of their community. Don't 'act like you care', they can see through that. Listen until you 'do care' with a heart of love and true concern. 

After sharing this with the church in the sermon on God desiring to do a 'Genesis Week' in the church, it appeared it encouraged some and enlightened others. Oh, we look over those who were even angered by taking their time on Sunday morning to discuss such a subject as a church becoming community. 

Feeling refreshed and blessed on this Sunday evening. 

Church Honors Wounded Hero

Church Honors Wounded Warrior

Riding in the Rain

On October 7, 2016, a hurricane was moving up the East Coast of our great nation, rain was falling, however eleven Mission:M25 and Hard CORE M/M Riders mounted their "Steel Horses" at Journey Church in Siler City, NC. Led by Mission M25 National Assistant Director, Pastor Mark Richardson, headed to Greensboro, NC airport. Some, like Upper South Carolina Conference Pointman, Gail Glick and Bobby Cepek rode from Pelzer, SC, Rodney McCray from Indians Trail, NC and the South Carolina Conference, riders from Henderson, NC, Tom Mangum and Melvin McBride rode miles before arriving in Siler City, NC. Why? In such conditi
ons would men ride in these conditions? We were welcoming Gunnery Sgt Chris Claude from Pennsylvania was arriving by air. 

Chris & Mark with selected trike

Mission M25 and Pastor Mark has joined forces with Hero Combat Bike Build (www.eaglesup.com) in connection with our relationship with Run For The Wall to build this true hero of our nation a custom trike. This trike will enable Chris who is missing one leg above the knee and some serious damage to his left hand from an IED in Iraq in 2006. Chris was coming to pick one of three bikes/trikes that would be modified to express our nations appreciation for his sacrifice. He will once again be able to 'get his face in the wind'. 

Carolyn & Chris

On the next day, Journey Church moved forward by hosting the Cornerstone Conference M25 Annual Summit. While the crowd was definitely effected by the terrible storm where there was a loss of life and much property loss. However, the attitude and spirit of those who rode in or drove in was still upbeat. There was a presentation by National Director Gary Burd of Battlefields M25 is fighting the Spiritual Battle on. Then on to a study on the Parable of the Seed Sower, looking deeply into the subject of John 4:35, the white fields of harvest. The battle, as we see it, is for our equal rights of sharing the Christian Faith in this nation that is under fire on many fronts. M25 also uses service (good deeds) as a way to let the "Light Shine", Mattthew 5:14-16. 

On Sunday morning, the church began to gather at 10:00 am for the morning worship service. Gunnery SGT Claude was again honored, along with all the veterans. This was a weekend of "God and Country", a stand inside and outside the church for His Kingdom and our Country! There were motorcycles inside the church, Pastor Mark's ride, a bike with a salvage title that looks like a show bike was used to remind us that the Creative Power of God made us like He wants us while in our Mother's womb, Psalms 139:13-14. However, many of us crash and burn but God does not discard us, He has the ability to 're-create' us as He did the world in Genesis 1  and Psalms 51 reveals this truth in King David's life, Lord create a GENESIS week in me. There was much hope and encouragement in the house. 

Parade Bikes

Then off to Pittsboro, NC where riders joined us with new toys for Toys For Tots (an effort of the Marines to assure kids have toys for Christmas). At 13:00, bikes roared toward the Journey Church, where people awaited with a chili cook off, bike games and a lot of fun. As we concluded there was a moment of honor bestowed up on our HERO of the Day, Gunny Sgt Claude. Then there was the raffle of the custom motorcycle Hard CORE M/M had built. It was exciting watching the four people with keys try to start it, however, it was the last key tried by Dave Schau that lit the front light and allowed the engine to roar.

Pastor Mark & Dave Schau

Another creative way to share our faith in service and love, a day where we not only worshiped inside the church but outside the four walls. We encourage churches to find ways to stand for our moral values and the Kingdom of God in places and ways  people in this world can see us. Thanks to Mission:M25 in Cornerstone Conference, North Carolina Conference, South Carolina Conference and Upper South Carolina for attending this great event. We were so blessed by the sacrifice and love of the Journey Church, Hard CORE M/M and Pastors Mark and Ellen Richardson. 

Riding From a Bar to a Church

BIKER SUNDAY 2016

Amarillo, TX

Sunday, September 25, 2016, 9:45 am, the sanctuary began to fill, most were wearing their black leather, the stage was lined with motorcycles, the air was electric, this is BIKER SUNDAY. The largest day of the year in attendance and fund raising but it must begin with WORSHIP! 

Morning Worship

Bikers visit from the surrounding area and some rode as much as five hours one way to attend this historic day. There are motorcycle clubs and motorcycle ministries that make this event mandatory participation every year, something the motorcycle culture understands. 

The service, led by Lead Pastor, Craig Lawlis, includes enthusiastic worship led by Christian Heritage's Pastor Greg Sanderson's team, ranging in age from 10 to 67 years of age. The challenging sermon delivered by visiting USA Missionary, Gary Burd was followed by an unity communion service that had every Biker Patch (the identifying patch worn on the back of their vest) on the stage. Brig. Gen. Dale Hoover led the prayer over the bread and JAG Officer Julie Simoni led the prayer over the wine which brings the message of God and Country to forefront of the congregation. 

The Bar Scene

Those who could not handle the fumes and noise were released, the bikes fired up and roared out of the church. The destination? Skooterz Biker Bar! Upon arrival, the crowd was gathering. Yes, some where already having their brew inside the bar, the parking lot was full of small talk about the year's rides and happenings. The hosting radio station had two vehicles with the back doors open and huge speakers cranking out some old rock and roll while Hard CORE M/M members roamed with clip boards in hand to 'sign the riders in'. The streets were lined for several blocks on both sides with motorcycles awaiting to be fired up to make the ride to the church. This would remind you of the party Matthew threw in Matthew 9:10-11, where the Pharisees condemned Jesus for sitting with the scum. Matthew so desired his friends, many the outcast of society to be exposed to the love and life of his new found Savior, Jesus. 

The Streets lined with bikes!

At 1 pm sharp, police lead a parade of 1,300 - 1,500 motorcycles along a route lined with men and women enjoying the shiny iron horses roaring and kids were anxious to get candy, thrown by the riders. Upon arriving across town at Christian Heritage Church, the streets are lined with flags waving people cheering. Several thousand participants in the day were gathered to celebrate and just have a great day of family fun built around motorcycles. 

After parking riders lined up for over a block to give their toy for Toys For Tots and get a Biker Sunday tee shirt. While music is playing, the folks line up to get a free barbecue sandwich, bag of chips and a drink all donated by the church, where hundreds of pounds of meat had been prepared by Fred Lerch and crew. The drawings begin for door prizes given, donated by businesses in the area. 

The bikes games begin, slow races, potato race, water board race, boot race and the grand finale was the burn out pit where smoke from a spinning tire burning rolled across the crowd. There are a lot of shouting and cheering as the bikers display their skills at operating these big beast around obstacles at slow speeds. 

People were called to the stage where a "God and Country" message was shared, National Anthem played (people were challenged not to kneel on this property), prayer was prayed and the people sang out Amazing Grace. The air was electric as the voices of 1,500 - 2,000 people sang out both songs. The parking lot was filled with Patriotism and the Holy Spirit filled the crowds heart. People were challenged to "stand up" for our country and commit to a life beyond a casual Christianity. They were offered the opportunity to 'learn what the Bible says' about the life they are to committed to as Christians and given the option of church either at Christian Heritage Church on Sunday or Full Armor Biker Church on Thursday, pastored by Mike Carlisle. 

Winner of the bike!

A drawing was made where a 40 caliber semi-automatic pistol and a Harley Davidson Sporster was given away. The winner of the motorcycle climbed on her new bike and the husband stood beside her with tears running down his cheeks. 

Some may say, why start at a bar? Why have bikes in the sanctuary? Why give a motorcycle and gun away? Why go through all this labor and expense? 

• Bikes in front of the church is a type of 'dedicating' tools of ministry to the Lord each year. 
• Starting at a bar is symbolic of going to the world and living the life of Light, which we trust will 'lead' people to the church. 
• Giving items that mean something to the community you are reaching out to, says we care but more importantly, Jesus cares. 
• The toys raised will make children and their parents very happy on Christmas Eve as motorcycles deliver the toys, normally valued at $15,000 - $20,000. 
• The games fuel the idea that the Christian life can still be full of adventure and challenge, it is not a boring life. 

The event goes down as a huge success and there can be nothing but thanks to our Lord for His anointing and direction and Hard CORE M/M members and Biker Sunday Committee, led by president, Keith Burd. Christian Heritage Church once again role models being a church that finds unique ways to give to the community to prove our love, by assisting Toys For Tots to meet a cultural need in our area. All come together to bring Jesus to the fore-front of the community.

Battle Cry

Battle Cry

Men Stepping UP and Stepping OUT

www.missionm25.org

Battle Cry is a movement birthed out of S Carolina Conference by Pastor Cory Jones, Emmanuel PHC in Lake City, SC and National M25 Board Member, Angel Alba, along with National Director, Gary Burd. 

So far in 2016, there have been four Battle Cry Events where approximately 220 men have been challenged and inspired to wake up from the spirit of apathy and passivity that has invaded and neutralized the men of the Kingdom. In two locations it was followed by training to be Knights of the Kingdom where over 40 men have received intense training and honored with the presentation of a 47" stainless steel sword. 

The events have taken place in S. Carolina, Florida, Hawaii and California, with more to be held this fall. Men have given of their time and churches, conferences and men's ministry leaders have sacrificed to make these events full of manly challenge. 

The subjects in all Battle Cry events deal with the following:

• Embrace Your Manhood
• Discover your identity
• Define your mission

We have come to realize the men in the Kingdom struggle with the loss of the adventurous spirit, the desire to live risky lives and have been harnessed with a life of boredom and a mundane schedule. We have been reduced to good little boys that have learned a series of life patterns that have taken the fight out of our church and left the church vulnerable to an enemy that has taken our influence from our nation. The result is churches of men that give the Kingdom a couple hours a week and produced a society that has been defined as 'post-Christian'. 

We discuss how men in the church is in need of CPR because we have lost the Culture, succumbed to a life of Political correctness and have learned to exist in a Rut (a grave with both ends open). In Psalms 138:7, we are told He will "revive" (breath fresh breath, the same breath God breathed in Adam) in the midst of trouble (a vice squeezing the breath out of us). 

There is a challenge to be more than 'saved', more than confessing the 'sinner's prayer' and move to a life devoted to see Jesus brought back to a place of honor and to aggressively Advance the Kingdom. It is the heart of Battle Cry events to challenge men to "step up" (to a new level of selfless and sacrificial love) and "step out" to serve people outside their comfort zone in order to earn the right to plant the seed of God's love in 'all soils' (Mark 4). To depend on the Holy Spirit to operate in them the 'creative power' to bring this culture back to the Judeo-Christian values the USA was built on. 

Hawaii Knights

The final thing we deal with is the idea of 'running to the fire' rather than away. The military that protects this nation is taught to advance when fired upon rather than run the other way. Lt Col Grossman writes 'the nation must become prepared for what is coming our way'. He states in his book, "On Combat", the things you are not prepared for will do deep seeded emotional damage which will take much counseling to overcome. The church must change it's approach from, 'if this happens...' to 'when this happens...' if we hope to see our churches thrive in the face of oppression that is coming, (Jeremiah 29:4-6). We urge leaders to build their ministries on challenge not blessings. We have become so 'blessed' and embraced the 'entitlement' spirit of our country in the church, that we have produced a very weak institution called the church. Believers are taught they are 'entitled' to all these blessings because.... It is our heart to move to a place where we could be called upon to be a 'warrior' (Hebrews 11:32) or a martyr (Hebrews 11:35) in order to pass the Freedom of Religion and Life to the next generation. 

The Swords

The Knights training focuses on three basic codes that drive our life with classes to help us embrace them:

• A WILL TO FOLLOW
• A WORK TO DO
• A WOMAN TO LOVE

Whatever the tool, may the churches in this country move from casual Christianity, a love for this world that creates risk-free living, and a spirit of apathy that prevails. May the men of the church rise and become aggressive, risk takers and transformed men who are not afraid to give 100% to the Kingdom of God. 

If you are interested in a Battle Cry in your church or area, please contact us at gburd@arn.net or 806-670-9669.

Crow Nation Beachhead

Dancers

Mission:M25 leads a team, including Pastor Paul McElroy (Helena, MT) and Pastor Rick Haug (Maiden, NC) and seasoned M25 members from Christian Heritage Church in Amarillo, TX and Ft Dodge IA, to storm the 'beach' of the Crow Reservation at Crow Fair 2016 in Crow Agency, MT the week of August 17-21, 2016. 

JJ 

The vision was to give a Tobiano Paint horse on Saturday night during the Grand Entry. This had several hurdles to jump, 1) Saturday night the agenda is packed, 2) A white man is not allowed to address the crowd, 3) this was being done by the church which had never been allowed before. As we were walking around the "Arbor" where all of the dancing and competitions took place, Pastor Dr. Russell (Rusty) StandsOverBull told me, 'it will be a miracle if we can get this done'. 

First thing, Pastor Rusty was asked to open the evening in prayer. This was Pastor Rusty's first time to engage this event. As he stated in the service on Sunday evening, 'I was raised Pentecostal Holiness, meaning, we did not go to 'those' places'. A huge religious, cultural step for this successful professors of three universities, had to make. We forget Jesus spent most of His time outside the Temple, as the Bible records, sitting with the hopeless, the scum, the tax collectors, the adulterers, the demon possessed, etc. 

Then the stall game, we were to give JJ (the beautiful horse with saddle) away at 7 pm. There were over 1500 free tickets in the bucket to be drawn from, people were anxious. Then it was 7:45 pm, then the clock hit 9:15 pm and they decided they would allow the drawing. (It was clearly seen, we were invading a culture driven by many who still hate the white man (if hate is ever justified they are justified) and a Christianity forced on them, even giving them "Christian" names. This was a time to stand firm, eyes set but full of the "Fruit of the Spirit", patience. 

As we stepped to the center of the Arbor, considered Sacred Ground, two white pastors and a Native American who had withdrew from the event decades ago, the air was static. The announcer, obviously a believer, made all the right statements about churches coming to give because we had received; we were there to honor the Lord and the Native American, etc. Then when we began to draw the tickets (draw five and the first one who came to me, would get the horse and we would keep drawing five tickets until the horse was given) the crowd became quiet. Quietness was not something experienced in this event that had the war drums playing and people dancing, people talked loudly as the announcer would talk but now, there was a hush. They wanted to hear who won this horse. The numbers were drawn and I was allowed to speak into the microphone and then I exerted, 'Thank you for allowing us to present this horse and may the Lord bless you', the microphone was quickly removed. 

Just as the announcer was about to take off walking back to the announcement stand, Pastor Rusty reached out and took the microphone under an anointed boldness. He spoke in the Crow language, 'For all the treaties that have been and are being broken by the white man to the Native American, these white pastors come to say they are sorry and to build a bridge of forgiveness to our people.' There is a 'Holy Hush' that comes over the crowd of thousands of dancers and drummers and guest to watch. This is the largest PowWow in the USA and is known to have the largest number of TeePees in the nation. Pastor Rusty moves on and shares a short Gospel message and invites them to his church. We had just witnessed a miracle. 

Pastor Rick & Beverly Haug,
 Gary and Carolyn Burd
with Lorri OldBull and girls

A young lady, Lorri OldBull, won JJ! She was ecstatic because of her praying for eight years for a horse for her children. She resides in Pryor, MT, where Arrowhead Christian Center, the home of Pastor Rusty. 

The next night Pastor Rusty ventures out to the Arbor again to eat a bowl of soup with his cousins. He later shared how he could barely eat the soup due to the number of people coming into the teepee desiring prayer, even the prayer of deliverance over a cousin bound by a drug addiction was experienced. 

As M25's final riders departed, Pastor Rusty, his wife and Mom came around the bikes and shared how good it was to find a way to take the Gospel to the people. He stated they needed creative ways to penetrate the tribes, who are suffering from hopelessness, addictions, poverty and suicide. We all agreed this must happen again next year, (funds for the horse is already committed and we have the saddle already donated!)

Once again, we have seen the Kingdom of God advancing as we fulfill the commission of 'going'. I remember a vision while riding my Harley across Dallas, TX eighteen years ago. I could see how we as a church had worked to 'perfect' evangelism in our country. We put buoys on the lake with signs on them directing the 'fish' where to go if they wanted help. (We also are good at dropping floaters (tacts) on the water). We had modernized and professionalized the churches, that way when the 'fish' jump out of the lake, we would be equipped to help them. (We are excellent in treating the symptoms but never take time to find the root of why they were 'self-medicating' or whatever their problem was). M25 has found much fruit, on a 'skinny' budget to go to the lake, rather than dig a lake that will attract the fish to jump out and come on over. 

M25, under the leadership of Pastor Paul McElroy, served Crow Fair by picking up trash and cleaning up the Arbor and vender's walkway every day. We made sure on Sunday to do a great job to show them we did not do it just to get the time the night before. 

I want to thank:

• Pastor Paul McElroy and the people of Mountain Family Worship Center, for having the heart and opening the door. For their team, that not only served in the give-away and gave the saddle, but worked the concession stand and cooked a meal they paid for. 
• Pastor Rick and Beverly Haug and Living Word Church for purchasing JJ and their service during the event.
• The Christian Heritage Church, M25 team, Danny & Glenda Stewart, Stephen Walker, Ed and Lillie Pshigoda and Fay Patterson. 
• Lloyd and Debbie from Ft Dodge, IA for serving. 
• Bishop Garry Bryant for his donation from Acts2Day
• Chaplain Philip Chandler for his assistance in purchasing JJ. 

In conclusion, a beachhead is to open and establish a way for others to advance. The opening is there, now we invite you to pray about going with us to continue to advance the Kingdom. 

Bikers and Diapers

What would bikers and diapers have in common?

On July 10, 2016 in Wilmington NC, at the Gateway Church, Pastored by Jay Young, bikers who had seen the FaceBook post of our 2016 50CC Diaper Run to raise awareness of our Royal Home Ministries began to walk in with diapers. They did not know any of us, they had no personal invitation but saw the opportunity to support the efforts of life. I would guess that not everyone that brought diapers were fully committed to pro-life but they would support the idea of giving the girls an option. It was a sight to behold as these men walked in the church, hot and sweaty from a ride that afternoon, proudly carrying packages of Pampers!

Jesus With aborted baby in hand
 at the Cross in Groom TX

What is the Royal Home Ministry? Why would we do such a crazy motorcycle ride to raise awareness, diapers, baby wipes and cash? Royal Home Ministries is a place where girls caught in an unwanted pregnancy with no support can go to find love and full support. RHM is an extension of Falcon  Chilren's Home under the leadership of Joey Leggett, being birthed under the burden of Marvin Whitfield. The home has one building to accommodate twelve girls that is pregnant and another building that can house sixteen girls with their babies. The girls, as young as fourteen years of age, have found not only a place to support her but can continue her education, find mentoring in motherhood and running a budget. It is a first class operation under the divine guidance flowing through their new director, Marysol Martinez.

Riding in Arizona

There were "Life Rallies" from Wilmington, NC to Lancaster, CA with stops at Cornerstone Conference in Browns Summit, NC; Compassion Church at Dickson, TN and Memphis, TN; Global Ministry Center in Oklahoma City, OK; Christian Heritage Church, hosted by Full Armor Biker Church in Amarillo, TX; and Renaissance Center in Lancaster, CA. While I would like to take time to give you details on each of the rallies, let me be brief and say, thanks to the Bishops, Pastors and congregants who came out with diapers, baby wipes, cash and encouraging words as we came across the nation.

30 minute radiator change

On the way out we experienced a blow out on the radiator of our chase truck pulling the diapers, We did not view it as an attack of the adversary to stop the mission, it was on a truck with 233,000 miles on it and the thing just blew a hole in the heat of Arizona. The amazing thing was that it happened 8 miles from a parts house that had a radiator in stock, which the team jumped in to repair and within 30 minutes was back on the road. The truck lost it's air conditioning and after two attempts to repair, made it across the desert two times without the comfort. We had one bike that gave the rider electrical problems but managed to ride all the way, some 5,300 miles before breaking completely down 45 minutes from his home in North Carolina!

When we arrived in Lancaster, Bishop Tom Murray, Pastor Bill Kenedy and M25 Pointman Billy Wood were there to host us for two days, rooms, meals and overall love and support were over the top. We had bikes repaired, serviced and then rode to Los Angeles and on down to San Diego for our final night before making the 50CC IBA (Iron Butt Association) sanctioned ride, 50 hours from coast to coast aka 50CC Iron Butt Run.

Starting Line

Before the sun came up on July 19, at 5:45 AM, we were in the saddle headed to the El Cajon Police Station where M25 rider, Jerry Plent organized for the start. After a picture, a hug of encouragement from Dustin Taylor and Pastor Bill Kenedy, the six bikes and truck and trailer hit Interstate 8 headed east to Jacksonville, FL.






Riders were:

• Shane Anderson, Ft Bragg NC, active duty Army with 2 weeks leave of Freedom Biker Church. 
• Gary Burd, Amarillo, TX, National M25 Leader
• Jacob Guenther, Guymon, OK, Leader at Harvest Church
• Rodney McCray, Charlotte NC, Leader at the Rock Church (rode with us last year)
• Jerry Plent, Chino Hills CA, M25 rider who is retired SWAT from the LA County Police
• Jon Potter, Richmond VA, Pastor of Vineyard Church

In the truck pulling the trailer was Herman Strickland, Siler City, NC and Stephen Walker aka Sgt Rock from Amarillo TX. 

We stopped approximately every 150 miles for fuel, to greet people and receive donations. There was a stop in Junction TX where we slept three hours on the church pews. The ride had it's moments of extreme heat, cool night air and some very intense moments of thunderstorms. The biggest hurdle to cross was the 'mattress' in the middle of I-10 at 2 am at 80 miles per hour. Five of the six bikes hit it but none went down and only two sustained front fender damage. 

Prayer in Baton Rouge LA

One of the highlights was stopping in Baton Rouge, LA where we took a moment to have prayer for the policemen's families killed in the line of duty a week before. Jerry Plent led us in a very heartfelt and moving prayer as we stood in front of the Memorial for these heroes of our nation. 

Bishop Doug Beacham with team

We arrived at 8:07 am on Thursday morning after riding all night long, well below the 50 hours at 47 hours and 7 minutes. The feeling of accomplishment was overwhelming. Most of us slept at the Harvest Church in Jacksonville, FL for a few hours and then Allen and Tricia Raugh joined us in the ride to Youth Quest in Daytona Beach, FL. Bishop Doug Beacham, the catalyst for all of this in his stand for life on January 22, every year since 2014 was there to greet us. 

To date our totals are:

• Diapers - 55,415
• Baby Wipers - 62,917
• Cash - $16,055 (with three offerings yet to give us totals)

There is much to be said of this incredible ride but this would turn into a book. Let us just say a great big thank you to all who supported this effort in so many different ways. One of the highlights of our trip was to see so many of our Run For The Wall family members come out and ride with us for a few miles, bring donations and most importantly, give us encouraging hugs. 

Crow Nation Outreach

This article was written by Pastor Mark Richardson, Pointman of Cornerstone Conference & Pastor of Journey Church in Siler City, NC - I felt it must be shared. 

M25: Being A Light In A Dark Place --"Another Just Cause.."

Darkness can be revealed in many ways.  Mission:M25's awareness to such a "dark" area has grown to be more than a revelation...but a burden. In 2014, Mission:M25's National Director Gary Burd participated in Hoka Hey, a grueling 8,000 plus mile motorcycle ride from Key West FL. to Homer, Alaska. The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is designed to strip you of modern conveniences and leave you vulnerable to the unknown!  Without the aid of electronic navigation and the creature comforts of a hotel room; you must navigate the HHMC routes using the driving directions provided.  Braving the elements along these technical and scenic two lane roads, you will be forced to confront your demons. Alone on the road, the greatest battle will often take place within and it is at moments like these when true warriors take stock of what is most important and rethink their motives, their actions and their beliefs. 

What came out of the adventure was new relationships with the Native American people.  From Hoka Hey came the experiences that led to the Crow Fair on the Crow Nation in Montana.The Crow Fair was created in 1904 by an Indian government agent to bring the Crow Tribe of Indians into modern society. It welcomes all Native American tribes of the Great Plains to its festivities, functioning as a "giant family reunion under the Big Sky." It is currently the largest Northern Native American gathering, attracting nearly 45,000 spectators and participants. Crow Fair is "the teepee capital of the world, over 1,500 teepees in a giant campground," according to 2011 Crow Fair General Manager Austin Little Light.

From there the darkness began to reveal itself.  Reports vary greatly depending upon Tribe location and data, but what is alarming is the amount of poverty and depression that exist on the Reservations of the Native Americans.  Unemployment levels range from double the current national average to as high as 80% of the tribe's available workforce.  There is much more that could be said but what captured the heart of M25 is the absence of HOPE. The "burden" began to motivate a call for action, "a just cause."  The question: How can M25 be a light in a dark place? Can M25 live out BALNAM (Be A Light And Not A Mouth) and really be a people of HOPE and A Place of Promise to this hurting and overlooked people group? Answer: Yes and Amen! The action plan: "Why not, during the Crow Fair, give away a most prized possession and a symbol of HOPE for the Native American, a "War Horse."  So, Aug. 17-21 during the Pow Wow tickets will be given away and after a short Christian devotion, an invitation to meet the Ultimate Warrior, Jesus Christ, the War Horse will be given away!  

We are so honored that the hearts of Living Word PHC and Pastor Rick Haug have been captured by this need and have already purchased the Horse (Picture of JJ below).  Mission:M25 is humbled to have this opportunity and believe it is a new open door of opportunity to minister to an "overlooked" people (Matt. 25:36-40).  Please join us in prayer for our Native Americans that the true HOPE and HEALING will flow into the Reservations across America. May M25 be a light in a dark and depressed place! 

For more information or to join this vital people touching ministry contact Pastor Mark Richardson at 252-431-4675 or go to www.missionm25.org.  

JJ is a Tabiano Paint Horse, born to race, raced, retired to ranch work, then rode as a therapy horse for veterans & handicapped children for 4 years and is now being used while waiting for his trip to Montana as a ministry horse for a ministry to the overlooked children in Amarillo TX. Bred and trained by Chaplain Philip Chandler 

Run For The Wall

May 18-28, 2016 

Run For The Wall begins, Sheri was loading her bike as I walked out of the cheap motel room in Kingman, AZ. She was speaking to another person as I approached my bike. The conversation was about this ride she is about to do and it appeared she was riding on Run For The Wall, so I interrupted her for the details. 

Sheri (picture included) began to tell me this is her first time, she is from Tennessee and riding on the Mid Route in memory of her deceased husband of 46 years. He passed three months ago after battling (or should I say she battled) Alzheimer’s for two years. She spoke with tears as she told the story of her husband’s twin brother being KIA (Killed In Action) while both were serving in Vietnam, only 30 miles apart. 

After listening to the story (Dr. Hugh Morgan’s first instructions to me was, “The Ministry of Presence, being there and listening), giving her a M25 RFTW Warrior’s chip and a hug, she was off and on her way to LA to visit a granddaughter for a few days. 

Please know we covet your prayers as we join up in Ontario, CA this Sunday night. We have a huge task before us but we know with the help of the Lord we can make it. The M25 team has 40 people, seven trucks pulling trailers and twenty-six motorcycles on the ground. We obviously need prayer for protection but we feel the urgency of the need to live BALNAM (Be A Light Not A Mouth) or the Ministry of Presence, not only being there with a listening ear but serving them in their need for hydration, broken bikes and emotional issues. 

Our prayer request would include the following:

• A ray of light to the lost
• An element of peace to the troubled
• A dose of healing for the broken
• A taste of love for the rejected

Thanks for your prayers of support and those of you who helped us with the huge financial undertaking. 

God bless

Gary Burd, National M25 Director

Broken Hearted Marine

A young man, a Marine who had finished his time in the military shared his story of a terrific career. Then the painful countenance appeared, one witnessed so many times on Run For The Wall, around a table in the bar, a conference room, a living room, in churches and the list goes on. It has become so painfully clear there is nothing more painful than to train, sacrifice, hurt and push yourself to stand with your brothers in combat and not be given the opportunity.

It has been stated there is no greater sin in leadership than to prepare and motivate people and not give them the opportunity to exercise that energy, that passion, that desire that is deep within a person. Unfortunately, this sin happens week in and week out inside the American church. There are words of encouragement and challenge and then nothing happens for that Spirit to flow out of the individual.

As I traveled early this cool, damp Saturday morning to speak to a group of men the words of this young Marine could not be escaped. How many men would we challenged and how many would respond? Is it really worth the effort with so many voices screaming for their attention? Can they truly hear or does the Words of Jesus, '... For they look, but they don't really see. They hear, but they don't really listen or understand', Matthew 13:13 NLT, apply to them? Can we be different? Can I be different?

Upon reflection, the memories of being trained at Youth Camp in June 1968 to take Jesus to the streets, then being taken there and the adults stood by watching to make sure we remembered to do things correctly. The feeling that this was the thing that needed to be done would not depart. Upon returning to the local church, I made phone calls to some of the guys from the same camp. We did the only thing we knew, dressed up like we were going to church because we were told we needed to 'represent Jesus' (when all we were doing was representing the church folks). There was the crawling through the window in the back of the church, having prayer and then heading out to neighborhoods to knock on doors and share our Faith. Well, we did not change Norman, Oklahoma, we did not fill any churches but there was this feeling that we were on the battlefield. The one thing about Christianity that is truly awesome, it is a personal thing. We must remember, we will answer for ourselves when we stand before the Almighty God. There will be no figure pointing at 'leaders' that should have, could have but did not.

Then there was the thought of the first Leadership role, Lifeliners In Action or LIA. Eighteen teenagers joined in front of Pastor Damon and Marilyn Burrows home, frustrated because we would get all fired up during summer camp, sit in services and classes and lose all the passion we had gained. We decided we would join together once a month, minister to each other and keep the challenges before us. We did not wait to be led, we began leading. It was not long before we were filling the largest churches in the conference with as many as 400 teenagers.

That same spirit lives today, only with greater passion (intense feelings driven by deep convictions). We travel thousands of miles, challenging people to do something beyond the four walls of the church to serve people, be a fragrance of His spirit (2 Corinthians 2:14). We attempt to live a life and give others a platform that would make people 'ask' us about the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15). Let us list Mission:M25's endeavors to activate men and women on the National Level:

• Free Camps across the USA, Philippines and Mexico 
• Run For The Wall, May 18-28, 2016
• 50 CC Diaper Run, July 10-21, 2016
• Native American Outreach, August 16-22, 2016

Before leaving the Men's Meeting a gentlemen introduced himself with, 'I am 67 years old and I am dying with cancer'. He presented me with a blanket to explain his battlefield. He gives these away in the hospital as the stories of death and pain flood him. He speaks with a tenderness but a directness that only a warrior can carry. He speaks of the miracles the Lord has brought because of these blankets of love in very troubled times. There was the 38 year old lady who later received the miracle (combination of God's mercy and grace and modern medicine) of a cancer free report. Then the report of the old gentleman who found the miracle of peace to travel this journey by the Lord's mercy and grace. The warrior was pale, had to stop talking to take a breath and walked with a slow pace, but the he fought on! He was not looking for an excuse, not waiting for someone to lead him, he continued to challenge the enemy of destruction on his battlefield, the hospital. 

Battle Cry - Men are rising

Battle Cry 2016: A Call To Arms

By: Mégan Alba

They came from Lake City, Charleston, Lancaster, and beyond. They came – some out of curiosity, some seeking answers, some with a passion to live out God’s call on their lives. They came as men, but left as warriors. 

The cause: Building the Kingdom. The call: Awaken the warrior within. 

Approximately 50 men from 10 churches attended the first ever Battle Cry, hosted February 20 at Camp Hayes. This was an event unlike any other previously hosted in the South Carolina Conference. 

The vision for Battle Cry came to Pastor Cory Jones after he noticed a disconnect between most men in the American church and the men portrayed in scripture. “The Bible is full of warriors and soldiers who fought valiantly for King Jesus, but in the American church most men sit on the sidelines instead of joining the fight,” he said. “But there are those who know that’s not reality, men who want to fight for the kingdom … those are the men we’re trying to reach.” 

Jones, who pastors Emmanuel P.H. Church in Lake City, said he’d had a vision for this type of event for some time. Last fall, God told him it was time to make that vision a reality. 

The goal was to host an event that got men out of the four walls of the church and into a setting where they could be real. He also wanted the event to be kingdom-minded instead of focusing on building a program or increasing church attendance. Immediately, Jones knew who he wanted as the guest speaker: Bishop Gary Burd of Mission:M25.

Gary Burd said the event was definitely different from other men’s events he’s been a part of in the past. “The focus was more on the raw side of being a man,” he said. “This was the first true men’s rally I’ve attended within the IPHC.” 

Burd’s message focused on challenging men to Embrace their Manhood, Discover their Identity, and Define their Transcendent Cause. He wanted men to understand their God-given role as warriors for the kingdom and to catch the vision for a cause worth fighting and dying for. 

Pastor Cory Jones said the biggest takeaway from Battle Cry was “A sense of urgency and responsibility for what is truly expected of one who bears his cross daily. It’s not just about what happens on Sunday when we’re in church, but about what we do in our daily lives. The kingdom needs more men who are willing to do the ministry OF the saints instead of TO the saints.” 

Battle Cry isn’t just about attending a yearly event and getting “hyped up.” The real purpose is about creating lasting change by challenging men to step up in their homes, churches, and communities. “Men must find places to express their manhood through service,” said Burd. “If there is no opportunity to take this beyond serving inside the church, it becomes just another program.”

Men who attend a Battle Cry can keep that momentum going by signing up for Knight’s Training, an intensive discipleship seminar taught by Rev. Wes Alvarez of the Alpha Conference. Emmanuel P.H. Church hosted its first Knight’s Training March 11 & 12, with a knighting service on the 13th. In that service, 10 men from three conference churches were knighted in front of the congregation. 

Those who want to go deeper can follow up Knight’s Training with a course entitled “The Warrior Soul.” The 26-week training was developed by Rev. Mark Richardson of the N.C. Conference and is based on the book of the same name by Lt. Gen (Ret) Jerry Boykin.

The men who attended the first ever Battle Cry probably didn’t realize they were making history. But Jones is certain that the South Carolina Conference, the IPHC in general, and communities across this nation will be changed because a small group of men found a cause worth fighting for. “Most men’s events are just an event,” said Jones. “This isn’t an event. It’s a movement, and we’re just getting started.” 

If your church wants to learn more about Battle Cry, or if you are interested in hosting a Battle Cry or Knight’s Training, contact Bishop Gary Burd at (806) 670-9669 or garyburdm25@gmail.com. 

Rev. Cory Jones greets men at the first ever Battle Cry.

Bishop Gary Burd challenges the men with a hard-hitting message.

 Emmanuel P.H. hosts the conference’s first knighting ceremony on March 13. 

Angel Alba kneels as Rev. Wes Alvarez pronounces him a knight.