Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/811773
F. A. I. T. H. NAT IONA L R A L LY RIDERS A MOT ORC YC L E M I N I ST RY PAS SIONAT E A B OU T SHA R I NG C H R I ST W I T H T H E WOR L D The trip was worth the des na on. Pulling into Shocco Springs in Talladega, Alabama was like stepping in to another era. An en ty of the Alabama Bap st State Board of Missions, who generously provides Shocco Springs with funding through the Coopera ve Program, but welcomes nonprofit organiza ons and Chris an groups of many denomina ons. The loca on was magical. Hidden away between the hills and on the edge of a lake, perfect for the F.A.I.T.H. Riders Na onal Rally. The roaring sound of motorcycles and a couple of quiet ones kept rolling in all day Friday and Saturday morning. In the cafeteria of the Springs, everyone gathered for breakfast and lunch between the services, mee ngs and bike games. F.A.I.T.H. Riders, a non-profit Motorcycle Ministry, was birthed in 2002 by Buddy and Michelle Newsome. "We Can Do This" and with those four simple words, they sought a er the divine leading of God, said "Yes" to His will, and established a motorcycle ministry called F.A.I.T.H. Riders in February 2002 at First Bap st Church at the Mall in Lakeland, FL. What began as a step of faith has grown into a team of many dedicated believers commi ed to the cause of Christ and to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ on and with their motorcycles to any who will listen. The ministry has expanded to over two hundred and forty five churches with more chapters ge ng ready to be born across the United States and the first interna onal chapter in Cuba — chapters comprised of motorcycle riders and others passionate about sharing Christ with the World! Today, F.A.I.T.H. Riders is managed by a board of directors with Mike Stewart as the CEO. F.A.I.T.H. Riders are made up of people from all areas of life, but they do have a common interest — enjoyment and enthusiasm for motorcycles, all makes and models. No ma er what you ride – or even if you don't – all are welcome. What does F.A.I.T.H. stand for? F is for Forgiveness. We cannot have eternal life and heaven without God's forgiveness. A is for Available. Forgiveness is available for all, but it is not automa c. I is for Impossible. It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven. It is also impossible to please God through our own ac ons. T is for Turn. Turn means to repent from sin and self to Christ only. H is for Heaven. Heaven is eternal life, here and now and in the herea er – but only through Christ. Forsaking all, I trust Him! That and the photos on the following pages give you an idea of the people we spent the weekend with. Jesus loving, motorcycle riding, brothers and sisters that love the Lord first and are set to make a difference in others' lives. Clearly stated on the F.A.I.T.H. Riders website: Through the ministry of F.A.I.T.H. Riders, bikers and others are learning about Jesus Christ and receiving His awesome gi of salva on and eternal life in Heaven with Him. F.A.I.T.H. Riders is reaching people with their bikes who may not normally step foot into an organized church or Bible study. It's pu ng rubber, as well as shoe leather, onto the Gospel message. We got to know many of our new brothers and sisters in Christ and spent me in the services, fellowshipping, praying, and sharing stories. The food wasn't bad either! One of the unusual highlights of the weekend was when we opened the door to our room, or…dorm room. Overlooking the hill and tall trees, the dorm room was peaceful and quiet. Not like some of the rallies I used to go to 20 years ago. No TV in the room, no radio, surrounded by rolling hills, trees and lakes. That changed the next a ernoon when the Bike Games started. Rarely you will see riders with such skill while riding big bikes. Only one dropped and some riders finally let their wives take control while blindfolded on their trikes. As they say, the husband is the head but the wife is the neck that turns the head. Thank you for invi ng us and allowing us to be a part of a great weekend. We are looking forward to seeing you in Daytona! Peter K.