BALNAM - Showing our Thankfulness

Thanksgiving @ Falcon Children's Home

Carolyn and I had the distinct joy of participating in the Harvest Train, Falcon, NC. Harvest Train is a tradition reaching out to hurting, abandoned, abused and troubled children in our world. International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC) people from Florida to Maryland joined in this opportunity to bring money and commodities to take care of approximately eighty children. The unofficial estimated total of over $300,000 was raised to express our Christian love to those not as fortunate.

A firetruck led the way with the President of Falcon Children's Home (FCH), Joey Leggett, joined by presiding Bishop, Dr. Doug Beacham led cars, vans, a little passenger train and 25 motorcycles. Young men, trouble children from a military style disciple home twenty miles away marched in front of us, true to form. As we proceeded from the Fire Department, we passed slowly in front of children of all ages awaiting the blessings of candy that was to be given from our vehicles. Most took the time to place the candy in their 'pillow cases' being held out, while anxious face was aglow and the smile wide. The tender, 'thank you' was such a special moment.

We stopped in the parking lot of three new buildings designed to hold those precious little ladies that now has a blessing from the Lord in her womb. These young ladies also greeted us with a smile and held out a bag. Precious girls not sure how the church world will view them, knowing their transgression of sexual purity was very obvious by the change of her body. What a joy to see a church that loved and did not condemn! A church that does not embrace the sin but loves the transgressor. A church willing to place her resources to express love, not mere words.

The service included a video and words of thanksgiving for the newly dedicated school. This state of art school is for grades 6-12 and is open to not only the children in the home and the girls during and after their pregnancy but to the community.

Mission:M25 was blessed to lead the motorcycles, positioned toward the front of the parade. But this was not all, Harvest Train took another step toward their expression of love for the 'unwanted' child by including an appeal to support these new houses for the one still in the womb and one for young ladies and their newborn babies. Pastor Mark Richardson, M25 Pointman for Cornerstone Conference joined me as we roared into the Tabernacle on our Harley Davidson motorcycles from two opposing entries. A near capacity crowd of approximately 3000 was stunned, Mr. Leggett pretended to be surprised as the two bikes stopped in front-center of the stage. When the microphone was handed to me, I briefed the crowd of M25's mission, reaching out to the overlooked and ignored listed in Matthew 25 and then challenged the people to pray, yes, but become visible with our dis-approval of legalized abortion in our nation. However, the job is not done by only praying and going to Washington DC to march but help must be offered, such as our Royal Home alternative to abortion. There was a video played and then Pastor Richardson presented checks to total $1570 toward the support of the home.

As the motorcycles rumbled during their departure, the microphone was handed to Bishop Beacham who spoke of his leading a stand in Washington DC on January 22, 2015. This will be during the annual "March for Life" in our nations capital. M25 will be leading a group of motorcycles to join him on January 21, departing Falcon, NC. The motorcycles will be carrying a banner with all the church's, organizations, individuals names on it, called, "50 For Life". The minimum of $50 is requested to place your name on the banner. The proceeds will go to support the Royal Home, alternative to abortion!

The service concluded with a program, "There Is A Way Out", put on by the children and staff of FCH that moved the house. The final song was sung by a little boy (6-8 years old) dressed in a dark blue suit with a red handkerchief hanging from his front pocket. His powerful voice rung in the sanctuary which had the crowd standing, crying and shouting.

After dismissal, a meal was served of East Coast Barbecue, chicken tenders, potato salad, cole slaw, hush puppies and deserts.

If at all possible this event should be on your list to attend if you can possibly make it. If not, you need to visit the website and view this great ministry and consider donating to either the Royal Home or Falcon Children's Home.

Boot Campaign

Boot Campaign 

Bo Pearson, Danny Stewart and Stephen Walker (Sgt Rock) joined Carolyn and I on an incredible ride on Nov. 1, 2014. We rode 521 miles one way to stand with our wounded warriors. When we pulled out of our garage it was 36 degrees and the wind was blowing about 25 mph, right in our face. These are the days you know if you are committed or if it is just fun, if you have a conviction this is what you are to do or is this convenience. Carolyn was all set with her electric clothes on and then we plugged it in and as life runs, it blew up. We rode the first 120 miles just bundled up. She was the only one with all electric gear on. The culprit ---- a small fuse could not carry the current! 

We arrived at the Harley Dealer's at 8:30 am on Sunday morning, November 2,  hoping that our contacts will be made. We are there supposedly to meet with a young man who lost both legs above the knees for an effort spurn out of Run For The Wall called Eagles Up, www.eaglesup.us - three of our heroes and dear friends had asked us to go. We were to assess the potential of connecting with Boot Campaign and look at building this young man a bike in the future. This was an honor and an assignment we did not take lightly. 

Short meeting, but plans to meet later, and we did meet. Johnny Joey Jones is a very impressive young man. It hurt to see such a fine young man, big smile stand there without his legs. He began by telling Boot Campaign's mission, bring awareness of our heroes needs and sacrifice and support charities helping our wounded warriors coming home. He then quickly turned to his mission to connect with us. The words flowed without any hesitation as he spoke of his first priority is helping others. There was a contract that placed him on a trike coming out with the celebrities on the 40 minute ride of the day. A fellow soldier who had last both legs in Afghanistan had loaned him a trike setup for double amputees. However, the motor had blown a piston! Pictured below. 

We were there to access the need to build a bike and could not commit the other organization. HOWEVER, we were there to represent the church first and foremost. This Sunday morning, standing on a Harley parking lot, rock and roll music blaring in the background, it was an opportunity for the church. I began to share the reason Mission:M25 serves our military, represent the church outside the walls of the building. As the unction of the Holy Spirit blew up inside of me, just as if I were standing in a pulpit that morning, these words came out, 'Please allow us to partner with Boot Campaign to repair your brother's trike'. The smile was worth any cost!!! 

Then the parade began (having ridden 521 miles the day before we opted to 'watch'). After the bikes all left the parking lot we proceeded to the rally point, John T Floores Country Store (do not be fooled, it was a huge bar with an outdoor stage!). We found a place inside the bar to drink ice tea and visit with great friends, Joseph and Lynda Spellman aka Master Chief and wife.

A trip, cold in the beginning, full of unknowns, unsure of opportunities became a huge opportunity for Mission:M25 to one more time become a 'witness' of the church's thanks for our Freedom of Religion! If this opportunity comes to fruition we will be followed during the 're-build' on their website. This will broadcast our mission of THANKING THE VETERAN for our FREEDOM OF RELIGION!

Fearless

FEARLESS

Is it a dream? 

Can it be achieved? 

What about ISIS? Ebola? Big government?

In my devotion this morning the subject came up of courage not being the same as fearlessness. 

Courage:

• Can be worked up
• As John Wayne stated: "it is getting in the saddle, even when you are scared". 
• Courage can be lived out while being scared to death. 

Fearlessness

• Free from man's approval
• Free from death or peril
• A life full of peace

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

• Living free of fear of man and his approval
• Living free of fear of peril or death because HIs love for us abounds. 

Yet there is this scripture:

Ecclesiastes 12:13, That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.

We seem to have preached freedom from fear with the words, respect and revere. Yes, the Hebrew word can be translated like this, however, our country needs a good dose of 'fear' of God. Fear Him enough that we keep His commandments. We seem to be overrun with the attitude that we can do as we please and still have His blessings on our life. People go and party when facing surgery and then ask for Him to be with them during the surgery and bring peace and healing. Really? 

People have been astonished when I speak of my fear. They think there is an absence of any fear in my life. The Holy Spirit has given the ability to muster courage but fear is still present at times. 

When Matthew 25:41-46 became non-negotiable, became a command, Holy Spirit courage was found to get outside the comfort zone. In the beginning fear of bars, bikers, prisons, homeless people, etc made me want to hit the 'return to four walls button'. There were all kinds of justifications, 1) People inside need a pastor; 2) the demands of administration were heavy; 3) we must help people walk in sanctification; 4) what if death is lurking around the corner and there is so much yet to be done; but at the end of the day, it the driving force was fear of life 'out there'.

Then there came a second round of fear: the fear of the church. Oh the paralysis that is standing at the door when the message is counter 'church'. This fear is probably the worse of all. the fear of those you love, those you respect, those you admire, those you wanted to 'be like'. The fear of family, what will they think? The fear of people misunderstanding your motive (He is trying to make a name for himself). 

Is fear still present: ABSOLUTELY! 

Does the Holy Spirit still have to inspire courage - A RESOUNDING YES! 

Love has not been perfected yet in my life but I am trying to achieve it. 

Is it possible that a little of the fear of man still remain to keep me in check? Could it be that it keeps me humble? Could it be the reminder of my reliance upon Him? 

Whatever the situation, paralyzing fear must face Holy Spirit courage in my life and my Fear of God must keep me willing and obedient! 

Biker Sunday / Toys For Tots

BIKER SUNDAY - A SECULAR EVENT HELD ENDING AT CHURCH

We began with a 'normal' church service - several hundred were present, many of the regulars did not come but there were so many from around the country. Some of them, it is the 'few' times they attend a church service. 

The service included great worship and then the dedication of a baby. Our hope and our future is in the hands of our children. It was a great honor to be included in the dedication of Wyatt Bunn. 

The service included an anointing of Ayden Reilly, my oldest grandson, as the gatekeeper for his generation of our immediate family. There will be a full blog written on this but let me say now, I chose this setting due to the size and attendees of the service. We must find ways to validate our children and grandchildren. 

I was allowed to speak, the first time in 15 years of Biker Sunday. It was never my intention as Lead Pastor to be the 'show'. It sickens me when Christian leaders do all the 'photo' ops and try to steal the show. Up until last year, I had never spoke on the stage during a Biker Sunday. 

The message was on Hoka Hey, a good day to die. Yes, it was built around the ride of my lifetime but it had such a great message to build on. 

1. The Apostle Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 15:31 that he put his life to risk daily. We Western Christians use grey matter, we use our wisdom and common sense. I sure am glad our Lord did not follow this path or the first century Christians. For that matter, many of my forefathers did not use common sense, leaving good paying jobs, uprooting their families, doing with little pay, etc. so that the Kingdom could be advanced.

2. Honor (do you honor God enough to be obedient to the basics),

3. Respect (has He 'earned' a place in your life where you submit to His call and will, including taking a risk) 

4. Integrity (It will be misunderstood but under the excitement of the moment, the statement rolled off my lips, 'I would rather be around cussing Christians than lying preachers'. What is to be misunderstood, both should not happen, however, I stand by my statement.)

5. Compassion (Spoke of violent love, love that heals the sick or serves the weak found in Matt.14. Jesus was 'moved' by 'compassion' - His insides twisted up to the point he did something. Now, I cannot 'make a miracle' happen but serving the weak is an absolute decision we make). 

 The there was the parade, approximately 1500 bikes joined us from Skooters Bar to Christian Heritage church.

Then there was the bike games - wow - I have so much fun. My wife and my daughter played a game a piece with me - AND WE WON! 

The band, Cadillac Ranch, got the crowd moving. Always ending with "Born To Be Wild". They entertained the crowd as we transitioned to the last big event! 

A day of 'gifts' for the participates, 1800 tee shirts with Biker Sunday on them, literally thousands of sandwiches, chips and drinks and to end the day a Harley Davidson. A father and son won this years bike, the jubilation was inspiring as they jumped and hugged each other. 

Why would more churches not do such an event? There was so much alcohol on the property. There were vest that had 'bad' words (I mean really bad). There was no 'real sermon', no Christian music, no 'altar' call. 

1. They don't understand secular event at a church. They want to be in control all the time. We receive so much support from businesses, television and radio stations all because it is Toys for Tots! 

2. They don't understand Jesus, this is where He would have been. I believe with all my heart that He hung around the hurting for a cause. You find Him with the adulterous (of course, go and sin no more), the demonized, the poor and yes, He even hung with drunks so much they accused Him of being a 'winebibber' or drunk! 

3. They don't understand service, they are still wanting to be served. Jesus came to serve, not be served. The modern church wants to be served, come to us, sit down, keep quiet, give your money and don't complain! Are bad things said about CHC? ABSOLUTELY - but always we must consider the source! 

What was there? A lot of hurting people who just needed someone to live hope in front of them, listen to their pains and offer the love. One young man could not wait, can you pray for me he asked, 'the suicide thoughts are pounding in my head'. Oh, we had time! Yes, love and hope confronted this evil thing called suicide! 

Christian Heritage Church, Hard Core MM, Mission:M25 - keep it up! You are setting a very high bar  - a bar that our Lord established over 2000 years ago! Never let the ugly of religious or critical people knock you down - and if you do get down - get back up and DO IT AGAIN. 

Looking forward to Biker Sunday 2015 

The God of Miracles

Assignment: Read the book of Acts for our prayer retreat.

My silent cry: Lord, let me see something different from the reading than what I been seeing. Lord, why can't I read things that are light, fun, lifting, rather than things that deal with Warfare. Everything I put my hands to, things read by others they want to shout and rejoice, adds fuel to my heart, WE ARE AT WAR! Please understand, I am not referring to ISIS type of war (exclusively) but Spiritual War. We must be taken to our knees, 2 Chronicles 7:13, so that we can experience 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Hungry for the Miraculous God to show up is lurking in many of our souls. Where is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? Where is the Holy Spirit that 'healed many' in the book of Acts? Where is the power of God that could heal a nation from Ebola?

Reading "Forty Days With The Holy Spirit", day 32, the author says: If the Holy Spirit were to return to the church at that level of power—as I myself expect will come one day—we can expect this sort of thing to happen again.

Thought immediately: God, when will you return the power of Peter and John at the temple, 'silver and gold have I none but take up your bed and walk'.

Is God waiting for a people that will not do a seven point teaching on how to get that power? Is He looking for a people that will simply say, 'It is not by our power or godliness that this happens'?

Is God waiting for a people that will trust Him first instead of last?

Are we living in a time when He has withheld them from the American church because of our abuse?

Is this the first level of 2 Chronicles 7:13 - a drought of miracles, come on, real miracles? Not those we see orchestrated that people 'lose' because of a lack of faith?

Then the thought of Acts 5 flooded my thoughts: Peter, flowing under the same faucet of power that caused a lame man to walk, confronted a man and woman filled with greed, deceit and lies with their sin and they died on the scene. Wow, did you read that list, GREED, DECEIT, LIES. The church world is full of those sins. "Ministries" are built on them. People in the pew have come to expect it from the leadership and leaders have become tolerant of those in the pew.

We must inject here: The church has made greed not only acceptable but a promise of the Bible. God wants you to have...... Jesus came to earth to make you happy...... COME ON - REALLY? While the harvest field is ripe unto harvest, while the world is positioned for the NEED of a Savior, we believe He is concerned about our bellies, possessions, etc?

Integrity - what a novel idea. I will never take for the 8,178 miles we (Gene Adee and myself) rode with those four virtues from the "Loop of Life" from the Lakota Indians, Honor - Respect - Integrity - Compassion.

Are we ready for the miracles of God?

Are we ready for the pain the Holy Spirit will bring - as well as the healing, the deliverances, the joy.

Gary

Boy / Man

Childish?

My wife Carolyn has traveled many motorcycle miles with me and had to 'endure' guys just hanging out. How many times have she stated, 'you are a bunch of overgrown kids', all the while smiling or laughing herself. She enjoys the joy of the moment, the giggles, the humor, the silliness, as most women do.

Men are wired so that in most of them, there are a few grumpy ole guys, have a little guy inside. He likes to express himself, he loves to be silly and sometimes he even likes a little adventure that get's him in trouble.

It would appear to me that there are two phases, 1) The boy overrides the man and 2) the man overrides the boy. This can take years to take place, depending on training, environment and a man's choice of close friends.

A sad part of all of it, if they start using drugs, at that point they stop maturing. When and if they sober up, they have to start from that point of growth. This can be very challenging for the man and those around him. Patience is in high demand, due to they don't want to be treated like a 'boy' in a man's body. It is humiliating for the man side and more times than not, they will not stay the course.

The things that a man must conquer to put away the childish behavior, 1 Corinthians 13:11,

• Fear -  I have been told the only fear we are born with is that of falling. All the rest of our fears are learned, sometimes by over-fearful parents or care-takers. 
• Despair - this is an enemy that many think is special to them. Oh the people that say, 'but you don't understand my situation'. This enemy attacks the very core of our Christian walk, Jesus is our hope. If we understand who He is and what He can do and most importantly where we are headed, there will never be a day of despair. The only person responsible for our hope filled journey is us. The enemy must be stopped, way to many young people are ending their life because they have no hope. 
• Entitlement - this enemy should be 'phased' out of our life during our teen years. Two reasons that seem to jump out of society if you are observing: 
• Many feel they are 'entitled' to a fun filled, happy, whatever I want life, when they are raised by parents who do whatever they have to do to make it happen, get mad when life treats them unfair and 'fixes it', never makes them stand up on their own or overall, treats them like little kids way to long. 
• There are others raised by parents who live on entitlements. The only environment they know is to have things given to them, for whatever reason. Being the National Director of Mission:M25, many think we are about handouts, actually we believe in hand"ups". Where our home base has fed close to a million meals to the homeless, 85% of them get day work. We provide a breakfast and a sack lunch for their day. 

Wow, this blog appears to be written by the 'ole man' side, rather than the 'boy' side that likes it short. 

Lord, hear our prayer today, give this nation, culture and CHURCH, men who think and behave like men, not little boys who never grow up. We do not need anymore 50 year olds behaving like a Freshman in high school. 

Lord, teach our men how to let the little boy out to play ever once in a while. My Father, Lloyd Burd, now 84 years old, said a few years ago, 'do what you enjoy and you will live a longer, happier life'. Dad, I am trying. 

Gary

The Quit

This picture was taken on July 31, 2014, (actually August 1), 1:20 am - 8,178 miles from Key West, FL. We had ridden 1124 miles that day on 3.5 hours of sleep. Exhausted, yet so excited! We did it, Gene Adee and I had accomplished the finish line in Homer, AK.

However, there was little brushes with quit, but setting in Prince George, BC, the quits had really come over me. When I looked at the map given out to all of the riders, there was 2069 more miles to go, across the Yukon (oh the stories I had heard). It was getting real old gearing up with warm clothes, rain gear, sleeping on the ground, eating out of gasoline stations and most of all, going slow.

I realized there is still a seed of quit inside all of humanity. From all Carolyn and I have gone through, it appeared there was no quit in us anymore. Decades of sticking to it, decades of going through it, decades of betrayal and not getting bitter, decades of disappointments and yet never losing hope. It would appear the quits were long gone.

Here the quit came, on a 'bucket list' trip, the quits show up. A trip that many would love to attempt, love to have the opportunity to ride, the beauty seen and the beauty that awaited us. Oh, the stories of the wilderness that lie before us, and yes, it was that and more.

Jesus had the quits in the Garden of Gethsemane, the Son of God, a part of Trinity, and He had the quits. Oh, it was obviously a greater trial, an absolutely greater purpose but at the foundation, a quit was still there.

Yes, the Father sent an angel to encourage Him. He found the inner strength to carry on. Where would we be if He had quit? Where would the world be?

Setting at the Harley Davidson dealership in Prince George, the inner strength came when I said, 'I am going to finish this course'. The words were never heard by anyone but the inner man started to rise up. Gene Adee arrived, we ate a free hamburger and mounted our iron horses and rode toward the vast wilderness that lie before us, at speed limit.

You say, that is a silly comparison. Well, you are right. However, there are two things that most seem to look past.

One, there was no angel that visited me but the Holy Spirit lives within. We all can reach inward, in the face of a vicious trial, through the deepest and loneliest valley, in the violent storms and find the strength we need in His power (assuming you have received from the Lord this blessing).

Secondly, it is a firm conviction of mine that when you start quitting, it becomes easier to quit the next time. Oh how many people have we witnessed on our journey that have opened the door to quit and cannot get the door shut. What would the fruit of that simple 'quit' produce in this season of my life?

Whatever you are going through today - DON'T QUIT! Look for the Holy Spirit's grace to continue on.

Gary Burd aka Shepherd