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.

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. 

RFTW 2016- Year number 12

RUN FOR THE WALL

MISSION:M25 OUTREACH

2016

On May 15, 2016, Mission M25 will begin to gather in Los Angeles CA from ten states to cross the USA on two routes to serve our TRUE AMERICAN HEROES. This will be the eleventh year M25 has serve in areas of Chase Chaplains, Emergency Chaplains, Platoon Chaplains, Chase Vehicles, Hydration Team and Sr. Chaplains. There are 43 people committed to ride across the nation in packs of motorcycles to hold Memorial Services, Wreath Laying Services, school visits and War Memorial Site visits. 

The picture of a 'church' being held at the funeral of one of these heroes back in 2004 is one of the motivations for our going. This was the only church 'out there' expressing it's opinion for these great men and women of sacrifice. M25 decided to make a 'positive' statement and as you know, it takes a lot of positive actions to overcome a negative. 

Another great motivation, in 2004 we flew three World War II soldiers and their wives to DC for the unveiling of the WWII memorial. One of them was my father-in-law, Robert Young. Our government put him on 100% financial support, we wheeled him around in a wheel chair. He was one of them who never talked about his experiences living on the Pacific Island and dealt with bodies decaying, with the exception of once or twice. As people asked for his autograph, tears would swell in his eyes. This moved us to see the value of healing in efforts like honoring our veterans. 

You can be involved in this effort several ways:

1. Please pray for the men and women as we ride across the nation in packs of motorcycles. 
2. You can find out if we pass your area at www.rftw.org. Then come out and hold a homemade sign that thanks our veterans, stand on a bridge with a USA flag or come and meet us at a stop. 
3. We are in great need of financial help, the picture attached is of our banner that is posted on our trailers. You can place you name on there for a minimum of $250 donation. We ask churches, individuals and businesses to join our efforts. Comments of our Heroes as they read the banner list, 'I did not even know the church cared'. 
4. Join us on FaceBook, Mission:M25 Network, for our daily devotions. We will be live at 8:30 pm at the varying time zones, depending on our journey but you can watch at any time. 

You can help - you can be a part of not forgetting our Heroes. Test POWMIA to 71777 and follow instructions to use your credit card. 

Mail your check by May 1, 2016 and made out to  M25

M25 

POB 30309

Amarillo TX. 

                                        Thanks for our Heroes

Gary Burd, National M25 Director

Westboro Baptist Church
Heroes Funeral 2004

Run For The Wall
Banner of support

Standing for Life / Honoring Death

Standing for Life / Honoring Death

January 22, 2015, a date to be remembered by Mission:M25 for years to come. 

STANDING FOR LIFE

The IPHC Pre-Rally

Fourteen Mission:M25 riders left Falcon, NC on January 21, after a short meeting and send off by the Royal Home and Falcon Children's Home staff. There was a chase vehicle carrying the banner promoting "50 For Life" with church's and individuals giving to support the Royal Home (an alternative to abortion home owned and operated by the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, IPHC). The Chase Vehicle drivers needed our customary 'road names', without a lot of thought we identified our drivers as Papa Bear (John Wheeler); Pot Hole (Jonathan Hill) and SuperGlue (Jessica Dunning), names they will not SOON forget! 

We rode to Prince George, VA, where the Redemption Ministries Conference hosted a meal for the riders. After hot soup, chicken sandwiches and HOT coffee, the riders put on their foul weather gear and headed to Washington DC for the March for Life. We were watching radars and the skies, preparing to run into a snow storm, however, just North of Richmond, VA, the sun broke through and beautiful but cold weather welcomed us to our warm rooms near the Pentagon. During the meal and fellowship, Rev. John Wheeler delivered an inspirational devotion and Rev. Jonathan Hill led an uplifting and challenging prayer before we ate.

The next morning we rallied in the motel parking lot with a bus of riders arriving from Falcon, NC. The rally was hosted by Royal Home director, John Wheeler, Joey Leggett, and Jessica Dunning under the warm skies of the January sun. When Mr. Wheeler introduced several girls living in the home that chose life, the crowd enthusiastically applauded in support. As Mission:M25 director it was my privilege to speak and introduce Bishop Tommy McGhee, Discipleship Ministries Division of the IPHC. His inspirational speech and prayer was followed by our presiding Bishop Doug Beacham.

A small view of a large crowd

We mounted our 'iron horses' to join approximately a million people on our National Mall to "Stand for Life". We listened to inspirational speeches but the last one, Rev. Samuel Rodriquez deliver was the way to end a list of speeches. He captured my heart in his final proclamation, 'Uncle Sam may be our Uncle but NEVER our Father; for every Pharaoh THERE WILL BE A Moses; for every Giant THERE WILL BE A David; for every Jezebel THERE WILL BE AN Elijah; for every Nebuchadnezzar THERE WILL BE A Daniel; for every Herod  THERE WILL BE A Jesus and for every demon the devil sends THERE WILL BE the Power of the Living, all consuming power of God Almighty to take it down!' On this high note, we began our march.

Honoring Death

Eleven of us once again mounted our 'iron horses' headed toward Arlington Cemetery, carrying the remains of Lois Rhodes Boyd Jr., Retired USAF and his wife, Maria. As we entered the sacred grounds of the final resting place of so many of our TRUE NATIONAL HEROES, you could feel the seriousness, the quiet, the honor and respect come upon all of us on the bikes. Rolling through the gate, we heard the silence of our cb radios broken with only a reminder, 'Men, keep the bikes as quiet as possible', assuming all knew we were on 'sacred grounds'. 

We dismounted our iron horses, took a few pictures and headed toward the main building. We were met with the seriousness we approached with. There is no foolishness to be found in this setting, we are handling the remains of a hero and his wife. The papers were signed and the remains were delivered and we all mounted up and rode off. 

As we lay our heads upon the pillows that night, some after a long, cold hard night's ride, we knew we had completed yet another mission under the banner of M25's MO, BALNAM (Be A Light Not A Mouth). We were able to find sweet rest knowing we had stood for people who could not stand for themselves and stood for men who did the greatest thing anyone can do, 'lay down his life for another'. 

 
M25 thanks the IPHC; Falcon's Children's Home; Royal Home and Taylor's Funeral Home for allowing us this huge honor of riding to "Stand for Life and Honor Death" all in one day, one mission!

L-R - Bishop Tommy McGhee, Gary Burd and Bishop Doug Beacham

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Honoring a True USA Hero

On November 1, 2014, at 7 am, Bo Pearson, Danny Stewart, Stephen Walker, Carolyn Burd and I (pictured below around a broken trike along with Johnny Joey Jones) left in sub-freezing temperatures headed to San Antonio, TX - ON A MISSION! Well over 500 miles later we checked into a nice warm motel, anxious for the next day.

John Barker of Eagles Up organization had requested we attend the Boot Campaign Ride and interview Johnny Joey Jones, a double amputee for the possibility of building him a trike in 2015. A mission the five us were incredibly honored to do and one we took very serious.

An appointment was made for early Sunday morning to meet this hero of our nation at the Boot Ride. There are no words to express our instant admiration for such a quality young man. He stood erect on his two prosthesis and poured out his passion to assist the wounded warriors in our country. He stated without any hesitation, 'I would really appreciate a trike built for me, however, there is an immediate need, a brother who also walks on two prosthesis, due to an IED in Afghanistan, needs his trike rebuilt. My first mission is to help others and this is very important. It blew a hole in the piston the other day while I was riding it'.

Seeing we were there to interview and not commit for Eagles Up, Mission:M25 committed to picking up the trike and rebuilding the engine for him. Boot Campaign committed to cover the cost of the parts to rebuild the motor.

The only missing step was getting the trike from Austin, TX to Amarillo, TX. When the local leaders and mechanic of LeFleurs Transportation, Mike Carlisle, Craig Lawlis and Jeff Kestner (seen below standing behind Johnny Joey Jones) heard of our dilemma, they immediately responded. They met with Johnny Joey Jones and the pickup was made.

This is where a gifted and talented mechanic comes on the scene. Bo and Debbie Pearson, High Expectations Motor Works, in Amarillo TX took the task of rebuilding the engine. The engine had to be disassembled (pictured below), flushed out, diagnosed why the piston come apart and reassembled. Bo's 40 plus years of working on Harley Davidson's engines performed a masterful job of rebuilding the engine. (second picture below is Bo, Debbie and myself after the work was completed) The engine made music at the twist of a key!

Now the special moment when the owner, Dustin Johns' arrival to take his newly rebuilt trike home. On the morning of December 18, 2014, Dustin arrived with a trailer in tow to pick it up. The statement was made, 'we fell in love with this quality young man immediately'. Pictured below is Jeff Kestner; Pastor and Texas Pointman for M25 Kevin McBride and Bo Pearson, Mechanic and National Biker Missionary for the IPHC, with Dustin setting on his newly rebuilt ride.

Mission:M25 looks for ways to honor our true heroes for the church. We want to let the veteran know the church really is thankful for our Freedom of Religion, and of course, other Freedoms as well. We know the price of Freedom is not cheap, take a look, these two young men had their life altered forever due to this war on terrorism. The church is very thankful but falls short many times of telling those who will newer come to our services. This is where Mission:M25 comes in.

Thanks to all, Eagles Up, Boot Campaign, LeFleur's Transportation, High Expectations Motor Works for allowing Mission:M25 to be involved in honoring Dustin Johns by rebuilding his trike to bring him a little enjoyment!

Gary Burd, National Mission:M25 Director

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!

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

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. 

Riding under the Son

No, that is not a mis-typed word, SON is what was meant. Carolyn and I have spoken much the past few days of His blessings on our life.

We have raised a family of three to the best of our ability and we are proud of the adults they are and the mates they have chosen. We truly enjoy our time with our seven grandkids and miss them very much.

We have served the IPHC for over 47 years in ministry (not always faithful but we were there), served the same church for approximately 40 years, 28 as lead pastor, served the Great Plains Conference for over 20 years as Bishop. We have no regrets for our service.

Now we are on a new journey, riding our bike, serving people where we can and speaking in churches as they come open (at which time we are fully booked for which we are humbled and thankful). Our biggest cry from my choice of a family creed as a Knight of Refuge is to 'right wrongs'. We will be in many settings throughout the year to 'right wrongs'. Do we believe we are the answer? No, however, we must live out a core value though, 'it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness'. We will do something.

This year we have been allowed to stand for:
1. Pro-life
2. Bringing our nation into accountability for POW/MIA (Prisoners of War and Missing In Action)
3. Unjust division in the rich and poor through Free Camp.
4. The unjust & continued treatment of the Native Americans.

Our current 8,000 plus mile trip will include many opportunities to share and serve. However, we are extremely blessed by the following facts:
1. We are together. This is huge to us. We have been married almost 45 years and are still deeply in love and enjoy being together.
2. We are seeing and experiencing things that we never thought would be possible to do. We are making new friends and deepening relationships with friends we have had for years.
3. We have our health to enjoy numbers 1 & 2, which at our age we do not take for granted.
4. The weather (after the first night) has been remarkable. Not too hot or cold, we missed rain and have had a joyful ride.

As we rode yesterday to the Harley Davidson Museum and ended our time there setting by the river eating an 'all you can eat' fish special, we were reminded of 2 Cor 4:1 - it is by His mercy that we have been given this ministry. We, neither one, feel we deserve this opportunity. It can only be defined by his Mercy and Grace, Mercy - He does not give us what we deserve and Grace - He gives us what we don't deserve!

May God bless you on your journey. Hold fast where you are with joy. Never look for greener pasture and spend more time thanking God than complaining to God. You never know what the journey will bring you if you keep a pure and undefiled (no unforgiveness) heart. No roots of bitterness. Let Him handle your adversaries and only defend those who cannot defend themselves, never defend yourself. That is His job.

Gary and Carolyn on the road in Howard, MI

Honor - PFC Gordon

The leader of our trip to Eastend Canada, Les Williams sent this to us today. It caused me to think of Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge and the four virtues of the hoop of life, the first being honor. Carolyn is laying her 'challenge coin' on the coffin as did all of the Run For The Wall riders as a sign of honor. 

Honor is something that is not earned or merited by behavior. It is something you give due to an individual's place in the community. Honor for PFC Lawrence Gordon was based upon the fact he was a KIA (Killed In Action) and a MIA (Missing In Action) fighting against an aggressive and evil regime. For almost seventy years he lay in a foreign land with his family wondering where he was. 

Why do we honor a man who will never know that we made that ride? There was plenty of time to reflect on this during the 1400 plus mile ride on a motorcycle, one way. Here is what surfaced:

We honored him for his family sake. We wanted to bring healing to his family. 

We honored him for the community's sake. As we rode through towns like Turner, Havre and Eastend, people standing and waving and holding flags brought the tears. The old farmers, not standing so erect but saluting as we passed with great pride. There was no doubt healing was being happening by honoring this war hero. 

We honored him for the nations sake. It just kept surfacing during the ride inside my soul. Lord bring healing to our nation of men and women who feel forgotten due to the political and social environment of days gone by. Lord bring healing to a nation of men and women who grieve because they feel their loved one that was killed or wounded or is MIA and has been forgotten. 

Then it rose up inside of me: Lord what if we honored you as you deserve? Seeing we live in a religious system that allows people to 'yell' at God; curse His holy name; mix Him up with 'strange gods'; give Him part of our life rather than fully commit to Him; etc. In my journey over the past twenty years there has been so much come from within due to a simple move, "I HONOR GOD". I honor God because He is God, creator, redeemer, sustainer, and life giver. God was a partner in my creation, Jeremiah states that while I was being formed in my mothers womb, He was putting my inward parts together. What more does He need to do for me? He has done it all! 

If we truly honored Him rather than giving Him 'lip service', 

Could we bring healing to families that are confused and feel 'overlooked and ignored', Mt 25:38-40 MSG? 

Could we bring healing to communities that are being filled with strange gods and are living in a state of apostasy? 

Could we possibly be so bold to believe we could bring healing and hope to a nation that is like a ship without a rudder in the middle of an ocean during a storm? 

How about it, join me in the decision I made on Hoka Hey Motorcycle to "Honor" God to new levels? Let's see what God will do then! 

Oh, let us save our 'yelling' for the times we need to "YELL FOR GOD"! Remember Peter drowning in the lake, He yelled out and the Lord saved him. What about the blind man Bartimaeus? What about the lepers?  

PFC Lawrence Gordon

MIA (Missing In Action), PFC Lawrence Gordon is finally laid to rest, seventy years after his death to the day. Fifty three men and women, almost all from Run For The Wall family mounted their iron horses before the sun came up, 5:30 am in Havre, MT and rode into the darkness to the Canadian border. After a lengthy delay to get into the country, rode to a hill just outside Eastend Canada awaiting the arrival of the hurst carrying the remains of a hero long forgotten.

PFC Gordon, born in Canada but fought for the USA during WWII, was killed and his body was lost in the confusion of war and a multitude of bodies so badly burned and/ or dismantled that identification was not properly done. The USA government had told the family he was identified and properly buried. However, when his namesake nephew went to view the grave, it could not be found. When the government of the USA would not make the proper effort to find what had happened to him, the nephew began the costly and grueling journey to find his uncle. With a lot of assistance from others, a willing French government and determined heart, DNA was done earlier this year to prove the remains of PFC Gordon were positively identified.

Mission:M25 had six riders present, Bo & Debbie Pearson, Alan Atkins, Jerry Plent, Gary and Carolyn Burd all joining in the ride to bring closure to this family. Bishop for the IPHC in Canada Gordon McDonald was present upon the arrival at the community center where the funeral service was held. 

People have asked, 'why is it so important to find the remains to a family?'. If you could have seen the relief and listened to the comments of the family, as they laid to rest their uncle, cousin, etc. you would understand. As Gary Burd was praying the final prayer before the dinner that night he thanked the Lord for allowing the riders to have a small part in bringing peace to the family. He noted the fact the Lord never lost sight of PFC Gordon because the Bible states a sparrow can fall and God notices, how much more would He do for a young soldier boy, however, now the family knows where the remains have fallen. 

The feelings cannot be expressed as you ride a motorcycle with that roaring engine beneath you and you hear on the CB Radio, 'folks, this is the parade PFC Lawrence Gordon never received, let's do it right'. You turn the throttle, take your position in the formation and begin to wave at the people standing on the side of the road. As the hurst pulls down the stretch, you know you have truly ridden for those that can't, brought honor to his sacrifice, healing to his family and an awareness of the sacrifice that was paid that people might be free and a wrong might be righted.