Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1502536
Rocky Mountains: Home of Questionable Oysters ...but great people! Tom "Revelator" Atwell Rocky Mountain RD As a new RD, I have been honored to travel around my region, really getting to know my fellow Black Sheep. It was such a wonderful experience getting to see what everyone is doing in their ministry. Michael Smith, area contact in Sierra Vista, is starting to build his ministry. Unfortunately, in Sierra Vista there is no Harley dealership, or HOG, so Michael is focusing his ministry on the local Legion Riders. Steve Baker and Walt Kojdecki, area contacts for Albuquerque, are true beasts! Not only are they serving their local HOG chapter in Albuquerque, NM but they are serving in Durango, CO as well! That's a 430 mile round trip! I'm excited by the upcoming opportunity to rebuild Durango this year at the Four Corners Rally. Steve and Walt had the idea of trying to do multiple church invasions while all the Black Sheep are in town for the rally. More to come on that. Steven and Deborah Smith hosted me in Colorado Springs (Pikes Peak Chapter). What amazing people they are, with a heart for the lost. I was able to attend a monthly meeting with Steven and Deborah. It was great to see them with a hand on the pulse of their community. I also got to meet a couple in Colorado Springs that has showed interest in Black Sheep, and is excited to go to Four Corners Rally with us! Additionally, Steven and Deborah shared their heart for the Lakota nation; a group they also serve regularly. From Colorado Springs it was a short and enjoyable ride to Denver (the "Adoni" chapter) where I got to spend the day with their president, Lolly. We visited two dealerships, as well as his son's awesome upholstery shop! (Lolly's son was in the middle of finishing some amazing custom cars.) Later that night, we had dinner with the chapter at the Golden Corral. It was my first time discovering that my eyes are bigger than my stomach! As we left, God was on our side and parted the clouds as a major storm rolled in. Everyone got home dry, and no sooner had we parked safely in the garage, the clouds let loose with heavy rain and hail! A great big thank you to Paul Duran, who hosted me for the night. I found out that his wife had lived in the tiny town I grew up in Alaska. Grand Junction ("Vita Nova") was the next stop. The weather was clear but man was it cold going over the pass! Paul from "Adoni" rode with me for about an hour. Tony and Kurt rode out to meet me half way and escorted me into town. I found out their biggest ride of the year was the next day, so I stayed an extra day to go on the ride with them. We had a wonderful time that first night with the whole chapter! We fellowshipped and Lyric even broke out her guitar and led us in worship. I got to attend Tony and Mike's (aka "Lef'T") men's breakfast. It was so good! Then it was off to the BAD ride (Bikers Against Diabetes). There were almost 130 people registered for this ride! It was great to be in the community with "Vita Nova." Along the way we encountered Mario, a broken homeless man. After spending some time talking with him, we were able to lead him to the Lord. It was so inspiring to watch "Vita Nova" come around this man and do what we do best as followers of Christ. The ride ended with a 630 mile push home, where I got the joy of riding through some absolutely beautiful country. Thank you to everyone who hosted me in their homes. I am so excited to be a part of this ministry with each and every member in the Rocky Mountain region! b