Bikers and Diapers

What would bikers and diapers have in common?

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

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

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

Riding in Arizona

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

30 minute radiator change

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

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

Starting Line

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






Riders were:

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

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

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

Prayer in Baton Rouge LA

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

Bishop Doug Beacham with team

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

To date our totals are:

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

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

Crow Nation Outreach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Run For The Wall

May 18-28, 2016 

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

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

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

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

Our prayer request would include the following:

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

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

God bless

Gary Burd, National M25 Director

Broken Hearted Marine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Battle Cry - Men are rising

Battle Cry 2016: A Call To Arms

By: Mégan Alba

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.