Broken Hearted Marine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Battle Cry - Men are rising

Battle Cry 2016: A Call To Arms

By: Mégan Alba

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good Men & Women Doing Something

Good MEN & WOMEN Doing "Something"

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke. Oh the truth! Oh how many of us have seen the truth! The beginning of extreme stands, risk and cost to 'not let evil triumph' has begun and is rapidly growing in strength, passion and sacrifice. 

Bishop Doug Beacham
Harvest Train
 Falcon, NC

Following the lead of an aggressive Presiding Bishop, a man who doesn't let the four walls imprison him, a man who makes it a priority to Stand for Life (an incredibly difficult schedule to make this trip happen), Dr. Doug Beacham, Mission:M25 has stood the last three years for Life! 

More than a stand "against", Royal Home Ministries, offers an alternative to young ladies who find themselves in a position where abortion appears to be the only choice. Thanks to the leadership of Joey Leggett, Jonathan Hill and John Wheeler, along with board members, Pastor Mark Richardson (who also serves on the M25 Board) and Pastor Philip Bland, we offer something more than a condemning voice, a voice of Hope and Love. Not only a voice but a physical place that does all within it's ability to provide housing, support and training to a young lady that is lost in a maze of confusion and hopelessness. 

January 2016, is a time to reflect on the cost of life since that dreadful law was passed to make abortion legal in this nation. As a nation, we not only offer the 'right' to the mother but we 'fund' it as a nation. Therefore, those of us who believe in life are funding something that we passionately disagree with. There are pro-life rallies all around the country and where we had opportunity, Mission:M25 took the stand! 

Richmond VA Capitol

Our first stand was in Richmond, VA on January 13, 2016. Sgt Rock aka Stephen Walker and I stood amongst some 150 people and listened to a lady who was raised in an Evangelical Christian home but after attending the university, was slowly indoctrinated to accept abortion as an 'option' and 'right'. She ran a Planned Parenthood clinic for eight years, until her eyes were opened during a sonogram abortion of a thirteen week old baby. It had to be one of the best speeches ever heard, full of facts, passion and deep love for all involved. 

It was at Richmond we ran into Dr. David Russell, a veterinarian from Santa Fe, NM who has written the book, "Through My Father's Eyes". Another 'eye opener' for me! As a M25 minister, the young ladies horrible memories has been a huge concern, as well as the life of the child, now we carry the pain of the Father. While all Fathers are not negatively effected, there are many who wake up 15-20 years later and drown in some addiction to deal with the pain of not providing or protecting their child, even when they had no choice. 

Dallas TX M25 Team

On January 17, a group of Pro-Life supporters climbed into two pickups on a snowy morning and headed to Dallas,TX,from Amarillo, TX. The team was led by Danny Stewart of Christian Heritage Church and M25 leader. This is our third year to stand in Dallas is the place of Roe v Wade took place. It was a 400 mile drive one way, upon the conclusion of the rally and lunch, it was back to Amarillo, TX. 

January 21, Mission:M25 left Falcon, NC, off for DC on motorcycles, after a moving sendoff by Falcon Christian Academy. Children appeared on the porch and held signs of life and a song was sung, prayer prayed and off we roared. There were to be 25-30 motorcycles but impending weather reduced our numbers to those that could be hauled back on the trailers we were taking. The riders were blessed by lunch at Redemption Ministries Conference Center and then off to our lodging for the night. 

January 22, found us under extreme blizzard warnings, historic in size and damage. Our numbers dwindled to around 25, as Bishop Beacham spoke, 'we are a tithe of our church standing for life', we were all honored to be that tithe and totally understood those that could not attend. We had a rally 'inside', including worship by the Bishop Abel Palomo family, addresses by Bishop Doug Beacham, Director Jonathan Hill, Superintendent of the home and Falcon Children's Home, Joey Leggett and M25 director Gary Burd, concluding with prayer led by John Wheeler. Then all out to display our banner and make a statement. 

Amarillo TX M25 Team

January 23, found M25 standing in Amarillo, TX, led again by Danny Stewart. It was the first of such rally in Amarillo and we were blessed to be present. 

January 23, also found M25 standing in San Franscisco, CA, M25 leader, Alan Atkins joined by his wife and M/M Jerry Plent from Chino, CA. They stood among a great crowd during the West Coast stand for life. Again, over 400 miles one way and though they normally have good weather, they have TRAFFIC! 

San Francisco, CA M25 Team

As M25 sees it, we have concluded our 50CC Diaper Run, a run from Jacksonville, FL to San Diego, CA in 44 hours and 51 minutes on motorcycles to collect diapers and resources, to bring awareness of the IPHC stand for life and to bring this terrible act against innocent lives to an end. 

Please stay posted, we are increasing the route and time frame of the 2016 version of 50 CC Diaper Run. We will not 'do nothing' in the face of the evil that is increasing in the USA! M25 is committed to being the boots on the ground on the fields of adversity in our nation. Thanks for all who have supported and is supporting our efforts. 

A-Man Paid The Price To Smile!

Ayden James Reilly, our "A", our eldest grandson, seventeen years old, Senior at Randall High School, in the top 11% academically of his class, walks the Kingdom (I am sure he is not perfect, just have not seen it) and one of the greatest family young men I have seen.

Last night as we came in from the first District Football Game of the Year in Plainview, this picture was hanging on the wall in the garage. Pride of this young man swelled inside my soul.

There has not been a game this season he did not make his appearance on the field of play, he had some critical situations where he shined, when given the opportunity he stepped up to the level of expectation of all of us. He has proven himself as a man with character, determination and humility to honor others. There is much that could be said here, however, as our family spoke last weekend around the table (without his presence), everyone around the table spoke of his positive influence upon the other grandsons.

Every week can be his last game to play organized football, in the playoffs it is win or go home. He will not pursue football in college, he will focus on academics and the rest of his life (again a wise young man). So the urgency of this blog caused me to write it now.

While Ayden has not received the playing time he nor us desired, he is PLAYING. In quiet time today, the reflection of all the kids playing with him in elementary school, then those in Middle School, that have long passed the rolls of the team. For some it was a smart decision, for others, it will be a defeat they will live with, if there are not some serious changes in their life, it will become a life pattern.

Football has some values that it is important in our soft society of the day, it toughens young men up. It also teaches young men to take risk, one player last night still did not know much after a first quarter hit in the head. He did not know the game was over or that his team had won.

Sports in general is more than showing off your physical abilities and gifting. Sports should teach our kids team play; perseverance in the face of discouragement; how to come back and win after defeat; how to focus; physical and emotional discipline; etc. Sure there are more but this blog is not about sports, it is about 'paying the price'.

The scripture screamed this morning, Matthew 22:14 (MSG), 'many are invited, only a few make it'. The words of our Lord screamed to the thing football had taught our "A". Yes, it is a game, but the Apostle Paul used the metaphor of sports to challenge us believers. We are to walk the journey of a believer as an athlete prepares and plays the game of choice.

How many have we seen that were invited to the table of our Lord and due to the disappointments religion had promised; or the pain of their past that haunted them; or due to the lack of discipline, or   those who found other outlets; or listening to weak people; or a myriad of other reasons, failed and have lost the battle of the Kingdom of God. People who have allowed one situation or person to 'knock them out'. How many have became bitter?

"A", our prayers of gratitude for what you have learn are lifted, along with the prayer that you will find that same tenacity in every area of your life, career, husband, Dad (yes it will happen at some point), but most of all, may that tenacity prevail in your pursuit of your Kingdom transcendent cause!

Your Papa and Magga are extremely proud of you and love you much!

50CC Diaper Run Report

November 2, 2015, at 0600 sharp, six motorcycles (we had two fail  mechanically before we left) roared with excitement from the Hampton INN on the west side of Jacksonville, FL. Pastor Dave and Jennifer Ragan, along with members from both the churches they pastor, Harvest Church and Destiny People Worship Center to serve coffee, burritos and lots of encouragement. Ellen Richardson, Kristen Coleman and Betty Ann Gee were in the lead vehicle to get things ready for us before we arrived at our stops. Bishop Doug Beacham, Carolyn Burd and Herman and Carol Strickland were in the chase truck pulling a 24’ enclosed trailer to pick up the diapers. 

There was a threat of rain in the skies but riding was clear for a while, then torrential rain began to fall. But soon we were through the storm where sunshine prevailed until the last 156 miles. The final leg of our journey took us across the Alpine Mountain Range, almost 5,000 feet, to experience freezing rain. 

Our riders, Pastor Wes Alvarez, Pastor Kevin McBride, Rodney McCray, Pastor Mark Richardson and Jude Rodriquez (this was his first long ride, HE DID IT), pushed through “the wall” (pushing yourself beyond the natural limits) to complete the ride in 44 hours and 51 minutes! There is no way of communicating the endurance it took to make it happen. Bishop Doug Beacham rode on the motorcycle behind me for one leg of the journey, drove the pickup and even helped change a couple of tires on the trailer. A Presiding Bishop, General Superintendent with a International Church to lead that took time and put his body through a hard day for the cause, is to be commended. While it is not customary for a man to carry a man on a motorcycle, it was an honor to have our Bishop behind me, knowing the encouragement and honor it was to our team to have him with us. I will let him speak for himself on the experience.  

There were people meeting us at all but five of our stops to cheer us on, provide coffee, donate money and diapers.

• Pastor Steve and Yvonne Dow 
• My Father’s Vineyard (served us lunch) 
• Bishop Mike Gray, along with pastors
• Al Bethea 
• Joe Collins
• Todd Erskine
• Rick Fountain
• Clayton McCormick
• Landon Willis
• Bishop Gordon Atwell
• Rev. Joe & Jennifer Connors
• Pastors Jerry and Donna Williams
• Rev. Travis Evins
• Bishop Scott Hampton and folks from two GPC Churches
• Pastor Hector and Maria Chavez from El Paso and 
• Danny and Glenda Stewart and Rev Stephen Walker from Christian Heritage in Amarillo, TX
• Representatives from Rev. Demetrius Miles in Tucson, AZ’s church and Rev Bill Hepfner in Mesa, AZ’s church
• The last leg from Yuma AZ to San Diego, representatives from M25 ministries in Southern California, led by Jerry Plent met us, fed us and rode with us across the mountain. 
• They paid for our rooms! 
• They collected over 7,500 diapers
• When we arrived at our hotel around 3 am on Wednesday, we were welcomed by Bishop Tom Murray and two of his pastors, Rev. Bill Kenedy and Rev. Billy Wood (also Pointman for M25). 
• The celebration meal at noon on Wednesday was furnished by “Way Of Life Church” with Pastor Bruce Balcombe. A good breakfast was enjoyed as our first meal in three days.

To top this all off, our Run For The Wall family met us at several stops from Louisiana to Arizona! It was so good seeing folks along the way, for them to bring the diapers, fill our tanks with fuel, clean our windshields, ride with us for a while and make donations.  I regret I did not get all their names written down, that will change next year. 

We will ride in the Harvest Train, November 24, 2015 in Falcon, NC and present almost $6,000 in cash and over 30,000 diapers (estimated value over $10,000) to Jonathan Hill, director of Royal Home Ministries. We would welcome all riders to join us that can make it (bring lots of candy to give to the kids during the parade). 

      

Mission:M25 Bi-Annual Summit

Mission:M25 National Summit

September 25-27, 2015

They came, some by air, some by truck, some by motorcycles and some by car, from ten states. It was three days of fellowship, to learn from each other and to be lifted by the ministry of our Lord, through His power working through each one of us. This is a bi-annual event that takes place in the birthing place of Mission:M25, Christian Heritage Church and also hosted by Great Plains Conference. 

Friday night started off with a WestTexas Barbecue cooked by none other than Fred Lerch of Christian Heritage and the meat provided by Hard CORE Motorcycle Ministry. As the approximate 100 attendees wiped the sauce off their chin, the National Director, Gary Burd aka Shepherd, introduced the National M25 Board of Directors and presented them a gift from EVUSA Division Bishop, Rev. Chris Thompson. The evening was filled with exciting news of the next year's National Events, 50 CC Diaper Run; Harvest Train Parade; March for Life Rally Rides; Run For The Wall; Hoka Hey; Never Again Rally and Free Camps. The evening concluded with a challenge for all to never substitute "Instruction for Intimacy" with our Lord. 

Bikes lined up under the bridge

Saturday morning began at 8:30 with donuts and coffee, provided by "The Refuge" (Homeless Ministry of CHC). At 9 am sharp, Rev. Greg Sanderson had the praise team all ready to take us to the throne in worship. After everyone participated in the joy of singing to our Lord, Bishop Scott Hampton greeted the crowd and welcomed everyone. Then Rev. Craig Lawlis gave us "Five Works of Grace" that we can do as we watch our values be eroded away. He concluded with us being challenged to step it up in our ministries and / or find new and innovative ways to make the enemy pay. We don't just set down and 'take it'! 

Class under the Bridge

The iron horses were then mounted and others jumped in vans and we traveled to the following locations, where we were shared how we all do our ministries:

1. Under The Bridge, Gary Burd shared the story of the beginning of Mission:M25 to the homeless and eventually other broken people groups under this bridge on a snowy day in January 1999. 
2. Then on to "The Refuge" where we had several share how they do homeless ministry. At this location there are approximately 80,000 meals fed every year for the past 11 years. 
3. From this point the "PAC" House was visited. Here we shared how each one of the participants minister in the prisons. CHC uses this home to house men released from prison. 
4. A lunch at one of the local Biker Bars was then enjoyed. It was a time of connecting with each other and at the same time allowing the biker community to see a bunch of Christians from all over the country interact with each other. 
5. The journey to the kickoff location for Biker Sunday was just a few blocks, "Skooterz". At this point we had several share their biker ministry stories. 
6. A few blocks away we found a cool shade at a park where we recorded various methods  churches use to reach out to the children of the community, Free Camp, Sidewalk Sunday School, Bus Ministry, etc. 
7. Finally we traveled across town to the War Memorial Site where emotions were high as we spoke of Ministry to our soldiers and veterans. The highlights were Lt. Col. Julie Simoni (currently serving as a JAG Officer in Virginia) and Sgt Stephen Walker aka Sgt Rock, Purple Heart recipient who both moved the crowd. 

Pastor Kevin McBride serving communion
Every Biker Patch on stage for unity

We concluded with free burgers at a concert sponsored by "Full Armor Biker Church" from Decatur, TX that planted a Biker Church in Amarillo the next Thursday. It was a most rewarding and exciting day. Greg Khun came from Oklahoma and recorded all sessions because our plans are to have all the videos produced for future training. 

Motorcycles leaving the church

Sunday morning started with Biker Sunday, sanctuary filled with motorcycles, a crowd estimated between 600-700 present, awesome worship and the word delivered by Gary Burd. A moving "Unity" communion service concluded the morning led by Pastor Kevin McBride. There was a word that came during worship from Pastor Christa McBride that "Honesty" was in the house; Honestly thankful for what the Lord had done in our lives and there were some that was 'honestly' about to give up. 

A small view of the parade

The motorcycles roared out of the service and was met with a 'flag line' to the street. Bikes were ridden to Skooterz where thousands of bikes waited for the annual "Toys for Tots" parade to commence. As long as they held out, everyone that brought a toy for a child at Christmas, a free tee-shirt (1700) and a barbecue sandwich, chips and drink (4,000) was given. Over 1600 toys and $650 cash was received for the Marines to give away at Christmas. The mobile 'Blood Bank" was on sight to receive donations as well. 

Gary & daughter Sasha Reilly
playing the "WaterBoard" game

   Two surprises this year interrupted the games, first there was a testimony, message of hope given by Pastor Reeder aka Tattoo Priest from Las Vegas, NV and then a brand new semi automatic pistol was drawn for (not raffled, tickets were free). 

The 'big event' concluded the day, a Harley Davidson Sportster was given away. Twenty keys were drawn by hopeful participants but only one opened the lock. As we all locked the place up and left totally exhausted, we could do nothing but thank all those that made this event, this summit a total success and give praise to our Lord for His Grace and Mercy that touched literally thousands of lives. 

The "Cadillac Ranch Rock Band" entertained the crowd with some good ole music from the 60's and 70's. The microphone was then given over to Pastor Kevin McBride who called Gary Burd to the stand, who led us in "Amazing Grace' and prayed over the crowd. It is always a joy to watch all the folks stand, singing the ole song of praise and hope and receive a touch from our Lord. It never fails to bring some tears down the cheeks of some very rough faces. 

Let the games begin, slow race; potato race; boot race; WaterBoard race; and to conclude the day, the 'burn out pit' which is always a hit. While the games were gong on, hundreds of door prizes were given away as people browsed through the vendors to simply look or purchase a variety of merchandise.