Jewish / Christians Ride for Israel

RIDING FOR ISRAEL

Mission:M25 is rejoicing for the doors of opportunity that are swinging wide in 2017! The newest territory for us is a ride across Europe with some Jewish brothers to make a visible statement of Jewish and Christian people standing together for Israel and to remember the sufferings of the Holocaust. A ride for peace, a ride for life, a ride for hope in the face of terrorism. 

There will be six USA, Mission:M25 Riders join Jewish riders from six different countries, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Israel, Italy, Switzerland  across Europe, from London to Lavrio, Greece and then fly to Tel Aviv where we will ride across Israel. This is not a 'joy' ride, while it will be exciting and adventurous, as Mission:M25's protocol, it has a cause. The stops will represent our purpose.

The emotions and value of this ride will be greatly impacted by the real life experience of Nathan Peled of his wife, Ruth Peled and 15 month old granddaughter, Sinai. They were murdered, in 2002, in a terrorist attack committed by a Palestinian suicide terrorist in a major mall near Tel Aviv. It is no longer a 'story' but a real life experience that we will be given the opportunity to remember, hopefully to assist in the healing of this tragedy. 

On June 11, 2017, M25 will lead a fund raiser for charities supporting Israel in London carrying a torch. We are really excited about the opportunity to show our support as Evangelicals for Israel in front of this expected crowd of 5,000 people. For more information visit, www.communityfunrun.org

Adv. Jonathan Arkush, President of the Deputies Board of British Jewry, will lead us from our rally point to the 'chunnel' as we embark on this adventure. It is an extreme honor to have a man of such
status get on his motorcycle and take us from the city.

On day four, we will make a visit to Dachau Nazi Death Camp, being built in 1933 it was the first of the death camps built by the Nazi's during WWII. There was approximately 188,000 men, women and children were held and 31,951 were killed during this terrible time in our history. There will be a ceremony that will include a Jewish and Christian Prayer and a moment of silence. 

We will then journey to Munchen, Germany (Munich) to visit the coliseum where eleven Jews were killed by terrorist during the 1972 Olympic Games. We will leave a poster with their pictures displayed after having a Jewish Prayer, a Christian Prayer and a moment of silence. As you can see, the flags representing the countries of our riders are displayed with their names listed under their country.

Our visit to the  Mauthausen-Gusen Death Camp in A
\ustria should be another somber moment on our ride. At Mauthausen-Gusen, while the death toll remains unknown, most sources place it between 122,766 and 320,000 for the entire complex. We will once again participate in a ceremony consisting of a Jewish Prayer, Christian Prayer and a moment of silence. 

Upon arrival in Lavrio, we will place our bikes on a ferry and ship them to Haifa. While we take time to visit some of the places we have studied in the Bible of the Apostle Paul. 

We are looking forward to our time in Israel, approximately two weeks in all. We, of course, will be taking trips to see the sites of our Sacred Text, where the scriptures come to life, living color, instead of ink on pages. We plan on visiting historical sites and military bases as well. There will be time to visit our churches in Israel plus Living Israel Ministries which reaches out to those suffering from addiction and has a coffee house in Tel Aviv. 

A repeat! In 2011 M25 led a ride from Tel Aviv to the Western Wall (Run To The Wall) in honor of the IDF (Israeli Defense Force). It was a very moving experience, as Jewish people, Orthodox and Secular joined with Christians in 'breaking of bread' and again, a Jewish Prayer and Christian Prayer in front of the great Western Wall. We anticipate a great crowd of riders and a great time of fellowship with all who attend. We welcome all the riders of Israel to join us at Latrun and ride in with us on July 3, 2017. We are so thankful for Coral Travel and Tours for all their hard labor in making this happen for us again. 

The finale will be escorting the torch in for the Maccabiah Games, the games were played the last time in 2013. The Jewish Olympic Games will be held in the coliseum located in Jerusalem. On July 6, we will ride into the coliseum as Ride For Solidarity ends it's mission having left London almost a month before. 

If you would like to know more information, please check out the website, www.ride4solidarity.com or you can follow us on FaceBook at Mission M25 Network or GIVE A DAMN #Ride4Solidarity.

You can support Carolyn and I by texting ISR to 71777
Or all the riders at: www.jewcer.org/project/ride4solidarity

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. 

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! 

Grace - Grace, Never Again - Never Again

We have shouted the words, NEVER AGAIN, NEVER AGAIN, in five different rallies. Ottawa, CA  (on Parliament Hill); Dallas, TX (in front of the Cotton Bowl); Wytheville, VA (in the park on the main drag through town); Atlanta, GA (downtown at Centennial Park) and Boca Raton, FL (in front of box car from WWII)!

It came to me in Atlanta, on the way to the park, that we were following a lead of the Holy Spirit, as instructed in Zechariah 4:6-7.

They had to not rely on their abilities:
1) They could not depend on their might, collective strength, the power of armies, human efforts, etc.
2) Personal ability, mental and physical strength of individuals was not going to be enough.
3) It was by the Spirit of the Lord that this was going to be done.

Yet, they had to do their part, they had to yell, Grace, Grace! This is amazingly foolish. Looking at the task before them, they were to yell grace?

It sprung up within me, we must trust that however 'ineffective' this little pledge by the sometimes small crowds seem, if we do our little part, travel the miles, spend the money, wear our bodies down, the Holy Spirit will override our 'collective' and "individual' ability and fill in the weaknesses with His power! As we yelled, NEVER AGAIN - NEVER AGAIN, it is my belief that the Holy Spirit was moving things in behalf of the Jewish people in the Heavens above us. What will be accomplished? Who knows, maybe we will never know until we see a 'archived' video in heaven of the work that was done. Jeremiah never seen one convert, do you think eternity reveals it?

What is it you are facing that you have gathered your friends, church family, physical family to help you with that it does not seem to help? What battle are you facing that you cannot seem to conquer in face of all of your mental and physical abilities?

Well, listen to that still small voice inside of you, the Holy Spirit, and then obey. It does not matter how small or great the command is and DO IT! Learn to be obedient at the Master's command and watch the enemies of your life began to fall, the walls come down and the battles be won!

Never Again in the rearview mirror

Dessert tonight - the cake was good but the decorations were special

It is 1938 again, and we are all Jews.

The Coptics in Egypt : they are Jews
The Yazidis in Iraq: they are Jews
The Christians in Syria: they are Jews. (Once it was the Christians that demanded of the Jews, "convert or die". Now, centuries later, they are the Jews!)

The Holocaust was met with incredulity and disbelief, then an unwillingness to interfere in internal affairs, then a fear of making things even worse. And so, as the war-weary civilized world stood by with little more than feeble rationalizations, the Jews of Europe were condemned to extermination. "Never Again", the Jews said. "Never Again," the world echoed.

But "again" came to the Cambodians, and to the Bosnians and to the Sudanese. And now "again" has come to the Middle East.

Once again we have an enemy to whom we have responded only with incredulity and disbelief. Once again we have not fathomed the depth of its depravity, the extent of its evil. We have not recognized that its rules are not ours, that it's values are not ours, that it's very definition of good and evil is diametrically opposed to ours. Where we find evil in massacres of civilians they find glory. Where we find evil in genocide they find exultation. Where we find evil in decapitation they find holiness and religious purity. Where they do find evil is in freedom of thought and religious tolerance and human dignity. This is truly a clash of civilizations, in which there is no reconciliation, no middle ground, no compromise. Either we will win or they will win.

Now I understand how the Holocaust happened - how it was allowed to happen. There were simply too many risks, too many reasons not to get involved. As Martin Niemoller might say today, 'They came for the Coptics and I didn't speak up because I was not a Coptic. They came for the Yazidis and I did not speak up because I was not a Yazidi. They came for the Christians, and I did not speak up because I was not that kind of Christian! And then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak up.

Well, we of the west are now targets, but, unlike the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, we are not helpless; we are actually quite strong. We have the strength to defeat this new evil. But strength and will are very different things. We could have stopped Nazism before the entire world was engulfed in war. WE could have, but we did nothing

It is 1938 again,
Golf anyone?

Speech delivered by emcee Joyce Kaufman. I wanted to print the complete speech.  (The lady in the middle, a prominent radio talk show host in Florida.)

Tonight setting at a fantastic meal served in the local organizer's home. There was much debate on who we would have as a leader in the USA White House. There was much passionate debate, gay marriages, abortions, national debt, Anti-Semitism, racial issues, etc. They would say, our change will not be done through the election, but then debate passionately again about who to vote for. When they looked at me and asked, "would you vote for... a conservative that is for abortion...." and I stated I would stay home, it was quiet for a moment. Then much conversation was about people who would not vote was allowing the liberals to win.

Never have I been political, nor desire to be. However, the resolve is even deeper in my heart. We must step up and do something or there will be no one to stand for us, when it all comes down. There have been people who have stated History does not have to repeat itself. Well, that is correct, it does not but it will.

It is my firm conviction, very deep conviction, this world will come apart. The USA will collapse under the weight of our own mess. We MUST find ways to light a candle, rather than curse the darkness (become visible and active instead of setting around complaining). Mission:M25 is not huge in numbers, Never Again was not well attended, Christians were too busy doing church, Jewish Rabbi's tried to keep Jewish people from coming because Christians were there. BUT WE STOOD! WE STOOD TOGETHER! WE STOOD IN DOWNTOWN ATLANTA, ON THE MAIN HIGHWAY IN WYTHEVILLE AND IN A PROMINENT NEIGHBORHOOD IN BOCA RATON! 

Never have there been big numbers of Jews, big numbers of supporters but God always honors His chosen people and the people that stand with them! 

Christians were too busy, things were too risky and the cost too high during the Holocaust. We are there again..... now we ARE the target of much of the sacrifice around the world. We all are comfortable while the Jihadist are gaining ground. 

I was taken back as Howard said, 'Gary, there were not people, Christians like you during the Holocaust'. As humble as our efforts may be, it is my belief the Jewish community knows there are some who are not afraid! 

WE ARE PLANNING ANOTHER 'NEVER AGAIN' FOR 2015! WE WILL NOT BE SILENCED - DEFEATED OR DISCOURAGED. 

Never Again - Day 7 -

Today was the finale - Boca Raton, FL

A great rally outside, in front of the Rail Car from Germany by about 100 people. The car could not be guaranteed to have carried Jewish people to their death but was from that era and location. They stated it could have been used to transport military supplies. Carolyn is pictured inside the car reading the many historical facts on the walls.

The Jewish flavor was much greater and we certainly appreciated the Rabbi as he spoke, sang, and blew the Shofar! All of the music today was live - all anthems and Jewish songs of mourning and rejoicing.

There will be much more to post tomorrow on the banquet tonight but two things that I must share with you.

1. Among those honored tonight, I was privileged to be called out to receive a plaque for the M25 Riders sacrifice to make this work. Carolyn and I are so humbled to have the opportunity to ride with our Jewish brothers and sisters.

2. The Boca organizer read an email from his Father-in-Law, a Holocaust survivor. Let me share it with you.

I saw in the news paper the commitments and of pledge riders all my respect to the organizers and the participants

As a survivor of this Terrible  holocaust, it dos gives me a great feeling when I see that some pupil stands op and remembers of what we went trough and do not sit back

This times are so similar to when I was a kid, and we where a  shame to be a Jew,  and we where shipped in cattle cars to be slathered

As you know I did my fighting and gut red of some frustration, but Holocaust memories are in me at all times.

Please tell the bikers thank you for what the are standing up for, I do like tuff guys and I will do support there good work.

Best

Dad A 10450

Tomorrow I will share from Joyce Kaufman, Pamela Geller and more details. 

This has been a very moving experience to say the least. We are already planning on the next Never Again, June 2014! 

Gary Burd, M25 National Director

Never Again - Day 6

It was another day of travel, arrived in Boca Raton FL around 5 pm.

There was several of the M25 riders who chose to stay with the riders and serve them on the ride. It was at tough knowing we could have made the trip so much quicker, less stress and arrived and found time in the room cooling off or drying off (hit rain getting gas at the end). Yet, what a blessing, hearing a 80 year old Jewish man who rode from Canada hug and thank us. Yes, we rode at a pace that gave him and others time to cool off, rest a bit and then get back on. It meant more stops and longer stops, however, when you are attempting to show you really care and want to serve, it is no big deal.

One of the Jewish riders told Carolyn of the many rides they have been on, this had a different atmosphere. Those needing help, felt the love from the M25 riders that chose to get these wonderful people along a 1200 plus mile trip. The expertise of our communications and safety that it brought was truly appreciated. Riders who wold leave earlier, ride faster and try to intimidate me when we would arrive. Gene Adee's comment came to my mind, 'Only you can allow someone to intimidate you'. Our heart as a team was a true blessing, even to those who jeered us.

This was the patch Howard & I received in Atlanta. The president told me after we arrived in Boca what it meant. It is slang for 'citizen of Israel' - like a cactus - rough, rugged and thorny. Wow, I know it meant a lot to Howard, but for me, not being a Jew, it is AWESOME. Our M25 team has been made to feel so welcome and accepted. This afternoon, in addition to my greeting the people in the pledge, Pastor Wes Alvarez will give the prayers and tonight at the banquet, Pastor Mark Richardson will be saying a prayer. Wow - this thing is awesome.

Some may say, why would you do this for just a hundred or so Jewish folks. Well, there are is a  myriad of reasons that have traveled through my mind. The key ones:

1. The Jewish people have always been outnumbered but God always brings them back. It would appear to me that this is a good place to be.

2. They are looking for people who will do more than, say a prayer. A missionary to Israel last night stated they are looking for more than lip service.

3. They are leery of Christians, remember our past????? Isn't it a good thing to do something.

4. One of our denominations core values is "standing against injustice".

5. One of my personal core values, 'it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness'. I cannot change the world, I don't have that gift or burden (however you look at it) but I am required to do something. Gene Adee, Hoka Hey Riding partner stated, "If not I then who? If not know, When?"

Blessings

Gary Burd, National M25 Director

Never Again - Day 5

Never Again Pledge 

Atlanta, GA

The Sabra Riders, Jewish Motorcycle Association members, planned an incredible day. At 8:30 am sharp we departed our motel for the rendezvous location of the other riders and the awaiting police force. The traffic was 6 lanes each way, bumper to bumper but with the aid of CB radios and constant communication, we were able to get everyone there without a hitch. 

Before departing for the Centennial Park downtown Atlanta, there was short briefing by the President and the police. It was so special after the Hebrew blessing that I was allowed to pray a Christian prayer. The love and respect is growing daily. 

Upon arrival we were greeted by the Color Guard of the Atlanta Police and a few citizens who wanted to see what this event was all about. Not long and we were in the ceremony. 

I was called forward to represent the Christians in this joint effort the words of Zechariah was flowing. The words of the old prophet rang across the park as I quoted from the fourth chapter, 'not by might nor by power but by my spirit' and then stating Israel has experienced His favor many times. We are going to believe today that instead of us activating this favor by yelling Grace, Grace, we were going to believe yelling, Never Again, the power of God would be released. 

Then Hershel Greenblat, a Jewish Russian, was brought to the stage and moved us all by his speech. He lost both sets of grandparents and many extended family members in the Holocaust. He had a very tenacious father who hid them in the caves, where he was born. He was moved as he stated their memories would not be forgotten and the way they died because of what we were doing on Never Again. Carolyn and I were honored to get a picture with him. 

There was a special presentation made by Rod, president of the Sabra Riders to Howard and I. We were given a patch and flag from the club which represented lifetime membership. Then Rod gave a moving memorial speech in memory of Michael Thomas who put most of this event together before his death. 

I have repeated the pledge with Andy Retti many times now, but today, in the sweltering heat, as he spoke of his love and appreciation for his Christian brothers and sisters, I was moved at a new level of understanding of this ride. 

We mounted our 'iron horses' and headed for Lake City, FL. The heat was extremely rough until we hit the storm 70 miles short of our motel, where we encountered rain and some lightning. It is good to be in an air-conditioned room. 

At a fuel stop I was approached by a man who wanted to talk motorcycles. He was excited when he heard of our effort and then the conversation went to Run For The Wall. He became very excited and shared that he was a Vietnam Veteran. As the conversation continued I discovered that he had been robbed and was trying to get home. His family was on a cruise and could not be reached. It was obvious by appearance that this man was being honest, so it was my idea to get the guys to help with some fuel. He never asked and was embarrassed that we were doing it, all the while be grateful. We took up enough money to get him on his way and to fill his tank one more time which should get him home. As we were pumping gas he pulled out his cap that spoke of his love for Jesus and his Bible. He did not share these until after we had started filling the truck. It really feels good to be used to meet a need! 

Please know we appreciate any and all prayers as we make our last 340 miles tomorrow to Boca Raton, FL

Gary Burd, M25 National Director

Day 4 Never Again

Day 4

This was a day set aside for riding. We rode from Charlotte, NC to Atlanta, GA. A very good day to get to know those who are riding with you. The new friends that are being made are priceless. There are no words to express how much we are learning about each other, Jewish and Christians. Learning how to respect and understand each other. We are learning of each others ways and customs. It is amazing the high regard we have for each. Neither one of us only answers questions asked, not trying to force feed our beliefs.

Carolyn tells me of a conversation with a Jewish lady riding behind her brother and how it blessed her. I approached Loya to thank her for blessing Carolyn with her words. She began to speak of her tears that ran as she heard Gary Cope and I speak as Christians of our empathy for the Jewish people. She stated that she felt like 'we got it'. She felt like most of the world does not feel the pain, rejection, abandonment and many who literally hate them. She spoke of the joy M25 has brought to her and her brother by simply being with them on this ride. Eddie, her brother, asked for a M25 patch to support our effort!

Then upon arrival at the motel, who is there but Butch. Butch fought with Sgt Rock in Vietnam 45 years ago and was only 100 yards in front of Sgt Rock when he took those eleven rounds. Mission:M25 rallied around him, followed by the Canadian and other Jewish men and women to thank him.

The motel offered to shuttle us to eat that night, now when you have been days on a bike, you can only spell that as 'RELIEF'. While there a classmate of Carolyn joined us who resides in Atlanta. She and her husband shared in the meal, we swapped stories and to conclude, we ended up asking them to join us for devotion. M/M Greg Powers joined us and Greg shared his story. He played on the PGA Pro Tour for 17 years, was in a bad wreck and was told he would never play golf again. He turned his life to Christ and has come back and played in a Senior Tour tournament and uses that platform and his teaching others golf to share his testimony.

A big day for all. We had M25 riders from Siler City Journey Church; First Church of Goldsboro, My Father's Vineyard of Pensacola, FL and two couples from Upper South Carolina Conference join us. 

Never Again - Day 3

 

Wytheville, VA - a warm, loving and caring welcome from the police as we rolled through the city and as Mayor Trent Crewe presented Howard Galganov a golden Key to the City.

To open the event the Appalachian Conference of the IPHC sent their Royal Rangers to post the colors for us, all led by Steve Allen.

There were speeches by the Mayor, Pastor / M25 Pointman Gary Cope, Howard, and myself. As we played the Jewish songs of memory, the national anthem of three countries, Israel, Canada and the USA there were tears being wiped.

The highlight of the event was our Andy Retti speaking to us as an Holocaust Survivor and then leading us in the pledge, NEVER AGAIN will we allow there to be a genocide such as the Holocaust.

As we rode, the words of Joshua and Caleb ran through my thoughts. They assured the Jewish people that even though they were outnumbered, outsized and out equipped, God would bring them the victory. There may be only 40 or so of us riding thus far, but we believe God is going to be with us to help us make the statement.

Just before I prayed a Christian Prayer, the words from Parliament Hill rolled through my mind, 'I don't stand before you as a Christian or an American but a human being! As a human we cannot allow such an atrocity like the Holocaust happen.'

My prayer was followed by the Hebrew prayer and one more song in honor of one of the organizers in Atlanta that passed away, Michael Thomas.

Then off to Smokey's for some great food and a lot of giggles!

Thanks for all who are praying for us.

Gary Burd aka Shepherd
Mission:M25 National Director

Never Again - Day 2

A beautiful day to ride in beautiful country. Our God certainly did a masterful job of dressing these mountains. The air is crisp and a little damp. We all arrived in Harrisburg, VA safe and sound.

During our dinner tonight Andy Retti shared more of his story. See the ring, if you look real close (enlarge the picture), you will see a little ring inside of a showcase ring. Briefly let me share, that is his mother's ring. She was a Holocaust survivor, his Dad did not survive. The enemy was taking all of the jewelry away from the Jewish people, so, she hid the ring in her baby's diaper, Andy's. Years later she wore it on a necklace and when he found it, he made a showcase ring to show her ring off. It is a ring only worn at special events like, Never Again.

You say that was a long time ago and they ought to be over it....

Well, first of all, those memories do not go away.

Secondly, less than six weeks ago, he and some other Jewish men in their 70's, rode their motorcycles to peacefully protest a Palestinian residence in Canada. They had done it for several years. When they arrived, approximately 30 policemen were there, approximately 200 Palestinians in their 20 - 40's, also awaited their arrival. Now, the odds are severe, the age was quite lopsided and the young men were armed, while the Jewish men were just holding some placards and flags. The young men attacked the Jewish men and were beating them. The police stood and watched as the elderly men were beaten to a place they were bleeding. The only person arrested that day, a Jewish doctor. What was he doing wrong? He was bandaging one of the elderly Jewish men who had a head wound and did not move his motorcycle soon enough.

This type of behavior seems to happen way to often and when you have the honor, the presence to listen to stories like this, you become more determined to make a ride from Scranton, PA to Boca Raton, FL -

Thanks for your prayers.