Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1405262
Our New BSHDFC National Chaplains Both Tom and Dee grew up in strong Christian homes, coming to the LORD at an early age. Dee grew up as a Navy brat – her father served and they moved often, living in Virginia Beach, Long Beach, San Diego, Honolulu, and Philadelphia before settling in Annapolis, MD. This is where she met Tom. Tom grew up in Southern California, mostly in the Whittier/La Mirada area. After high school, Tom joined the Navy so he could serve his country. God had other goals and Tom soon realized he was to serve God in the military. After meeting Dee and dating for almost three years, they married and served God faithfully within the military community for over 20 years. They raised 4 children – three girls and one boy. They now have three grandchildren as well! After retiring from the Navy, Tom went into teaching. During this same time, Dee was diagnosed with breast cancer. After a year of surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments, Dee was introduced to motorcycles. Her cancer support group was supported by a local motorcycle club that held a poker run through Colonial Williamsburg every year. Often they would have the cancer survivors ride on the backs of their bikes to put a face to the cause. Dee was one of the passengers. When Tom picked her up that day from the Harley dealership at the end of the ride, neither knew their lives would be changed forever! "You're getting a bike! You're learning to ride! Next year we're doing this ride on your bike!" – Dee said when Tom asked if she had a good time. Her grin was from ear to ear! Tom took the basic rider course, and Dee bought him his first bike for Christmas. They were 48. The more they rode, the more they loved it. They couldn't get enough! When they bought their first Harley in 2018, they joined the local HOG chapter and began riding with them. Tom and Dee were overwhelmed with how much they enjoyed riding and how God was using them and Dee's story to minister to the chapter. It became clear that they were experiencing the same type of calling that had led Tom to a 20+ year Navy career. But with so little experience, they began seeking out other motorcycle ministries to help them navigate the new culture. They developed friendships with folks in Bikers for Christ, CMA and FAITH Riders. It was this latter group that gave them a copy of WOG magazine. In these pages, they learned of Black Sheep HDFC. Here was a ministry going after the very people Tom and Dee were serving. But the closest Black Sheep chapter was 300+ miles away! Not to worry! Bob and Arlene Langevin and Mike Lewis (all North Carolina members) rode out to meet and mentor them. The passion continued to grow! Tom and Dee were patched in as Black Sheep in Feb of 2019 and have continued to serve God and their HOG chapter. As Area Contacts in the Tidewater region of Virginia, Tom and Dee have ridden thousands of miles with their HOG Chapter, ministering through prayer or by counselling numerous people in their chapter and dealership. They represent Black Sheep HDFC wherever they go in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. We welcome Tom and Dee as our new National Chaplains. You will be hearing more from them our eMagazine and on Face Book Live. In the meantime, join our weekly Zoom prayer meeting every Thursday afternoon at 5pm PST. b https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7700092424http://