Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1463439
blessing to teach at the Bible college for a few semesters. Today, we attend Calvary Chapel High Desert. In 2007, Laura and I decided to buy a motorcycle to enjoy on the weekends and to use as a tool for ministry. We purchased a 2007 HD Softail Deluxe and immediately we began to research all the local Christian motorcycle ministries and clubs. We met with several MMs and MCs but didn't feel called to join any of them. It was a few months later that we were invited by a friend of ours, Pastor Jorge Del Toro, to attend a Black Sheep regional breakfast in Temecula, CA. I recall asking Pastor Jorge "Who and what were the Black Sheep?" On a Saturday morning we rode about 60 miles to Temecula, CA. and walked into Rosa's Tortilla Factory. What a sight it was, 200 plus bikers in fellowship, just having a good time! We felt so welcomed by all the Black Sheep in attendance. The breakfast emcee was Marty Edwards, and he was a real hoot – so energetic and so darn funny. I also remember seeing national vice president Jim Birmingham (with his long, shoulder-length brown hair) for the first time and thinking "If Jesus is a Black Sheep, then Black Sheep is the ministry for me." By the end of the regional breakfast Laura and I knew that Black Sheep HDFC was the ministry we wanted to be a part of. After a few months, we became official members of the Pomona Valley Chapter of BSHDFC. It's now been fifteen years since Laura, and I joined the Sheep. How time flies! I must say that being members of BSHDFC has been one of the biggest blessings in our lives! We've ridden to and done ministry in places that we would've never dreamed of! We've met so many beautiful people and have made lifelong friendships. Most important, we have witnessed people transformed by the love and grace of Jesus Christ through our ministry. I thank God that he called us to this wonderful ministry and that we've been able to serve together within BSHDFC for all these years. I also want to thank my lovely wife Laura who has been my constant rock, supporter, and co-laborer. During the last 15 years in BSHDFC, I've had the opportunity to serve our ministry in leadership at the local, regional, and international levels. I've represented our ministry within the US and abroad and I've been a member of the BSHDFC board since 2020. This May 2022 at The Gathering in Dallas TX, I will have the extreme honor of becoming Black Sheep HDFC's second International President. I'm so humbled by this privilege and I vow to do my very best to lead and represent the ministry in a worthy manner, always putting Jesus first in everything that I/we do as we continue to introduce the world of motorcycle riders to Jesus Christ. I'm reminded of Ephesians 3:20 – "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us" I'm so blown away by what Jesus has done in and through my life! Jesus has simply exceeded all expectations that I had for my life in Him. I'm filled with so much gratitude and awe of what Jesus has done and continues to do in my life. Thank you, Lord Jesus! All for Your Glory! b Editor's Note: Laz Alba was identified to become Black Sheep's next international president more than a year ago by the BSHDFC Board of Directors. His name surfaced, in part, due to his character, discipleship and initiative for ministry and ministry education. After joining Black Sheep, Laz quickly L2R: Alvaro (first member), Emilio (first president), and Laz. became well liked and respected, soon becoming a chapter president and then regional director. In 2015 he initiated "Juventus" (Latin word for "youth") to attract more young riders to the ministry, Laz has some 'splaining to do in Mexico! Rico senses trouble!