Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/840940
1 About this Newsletter Welcome! If you would like to receive this free monthly newsletter by email, simply let us know by contacting our ofÞce: 951-677-1407 Vicki@BlackSheepHDFC.org Making a Difference Street Vibrations 2015 As BSHDFC vice-president Steve Allmand and I prepared to ride north on the 395 he said,"Let's burn some fuel and kill some bugs!" I laughed as I thought to myself, "I've never heard a battle cry like that!" Then I had to ask myself, "Is that all we are doing?" God help us! Our staff (including Steve) are always thinking about our "missions" and asking questions like, "Is this a valid trip? Are we being good stewards of our time and Þnancial resources." We don't want to be busy, we want to be effective! (We don't want to just "burn some fuel and kill some bugs!") When we arrived in Reno we went straight to Chester's Harley-Davidson where the BSHDFC booth had already been set up and our members were busy talking with people, shining boots and offer free squirts of sunscreen. After the greetings and hugs, Steve and I jumped right in and began to engage crowd. It was the usual mix of HOG, club members and novice riders. The weather was good and people were upbeat and friendly. It was an easy transition from a boot shine to ask, "Is there anything that we can pray for you today?" You might be surprised how many knew exactly what to ask for: "Please pray for my transgender daughter!" and "Please pray for my schizophrenic son. We Þnally had to have him arrested after a second attempt to kill us in our sleep!" A 1% club member even took one of our sheep around the corner of a building (for privacy) to ask for prayer - and then quickly added, "Please don't tell anybody that you prayed for me!" (As if prayer was a crime or something strange and perverted.) Reßecting back on the weekend, here's what I concluded: We weren't just burning fuel and killing bugs. We weren't just going to yet another motorcycle rally for the custom bikes and music. We were investing time and money into the lives of people whom the church could never hope to reach. Tough old birds that they were, these bikers recognized the reality of a God who cares and just might make a difference in their lives or the lives of their loved ones. Presumptuous as it may sound, we were there to represent God's Son, Jesus Christ and His love for bikers. There is a passage in the Gospels (Luke 7:18-23) where the disciples of John the Baptist came and questioned Jesus regarding whether or not He was indeed the Messiah. ("Hey Jesus! Are you the real thing or are you just burning fuel and killing bugs?") It reads like this: "Are you really the Messiah or shall we keep on looking for him?" and Jesus said, "Go back to John and tell him all you have seen and heard here today: how those who were blind can see. The lame are walking without a limp. The lepers are completely healed. The deaf can hear again. The dead come back to life. And the poor are hearing the Good News. And tell him, 'Blessed is the one who does not lose his faith in me.Ó As the president of BSHDFC I have absolutely no interest in riding around the country looking cool for God. Whether we go to a major rally or simply stop by the local dealership, we want BE the light and SHOW people GOD'S LOVE in simple practical ways. We'll hand out sun screen so you won't get burned. We'll give you a bottle of cold water because you are thirsty. We'll shine your boots and make you look good. We will even take time to listen to your story and then pray for your needs. That's what Black Sheep sheep do. If we're not making a difference, then we're just wasting everybody's time and money. Mount up! Let's ride! ~Marty Edwards THE MAN BEHIND THE VEST, MARTY EDWARDS A Wheels Of Grace exclusive interview W.O.G. Pastor Marty Edwards, you are known as the founder of Black Sheep Harley-Davidsons For Christ, a ministry that has been used by God to change people's lives and witness to many motorcycle riders, in the mission field of the HOG members (Harley Owners Group). Thank you for being here and allowing us to do this interview. As a friend, I have spent me with you on more than one occasion, we have had some adventures, had many meals together, and I can honestly say that the Marty that people see in the public eye, is the same Marty I got to know as my friend. This interview is not about theological ques ons; you do that all the me… This is about people ge ng to know the Marty Edwards they may not know because, since you don't like to talk about yourself, our readers can get to know the man behind the vest. We get to know more about your life and your story. Fair enough? M.E. Fair enough! For the record though, I was just one of five men that started BSHDFC (Black Sheep Harley-Davidsons For Christ) in 1999. When I was out of the room, they elected me president. LOL! (Never leave the room before a vote!). The first members were myself, Dennis Coggins, Ron Trader, Mike Rode and Al Dobrick. You also men oned our ministry with Harley Owners Group. Fred Z. (Bikers For Christ) was the first to suggest that we might focus on HOG simply because no one else was – so we did, but we're not exclusively HOG. Our members all ride American v-twins and we will care for and share Christ with anyone. W.O.G. So let's get right to it. Where were you born? M.E. I was born in Mount Vernon, New York – about 25 miles north of the city. I was only there a few years before we moved out west. W.O.G. Where did you grow up? M.E. First of all, who says I grew up? My early adolescence was spread out all over the country; California (North and South), Florida and Reno, Nevada. W.O.G. Tell us a li le about the young Marty Edwards. Let's say from birth to 18 when you became an adult. What was the kid and the teenager Marty Edwards like? Was he the same as he is today? Same interests, same passions? M.E. I lived a wild and wicked life before accep ng Christ at the age of five. In the weeks shortly therea er, I would lie in bed and pretend or dream I was a pastor (No kidding!). I would lie there thinking about leading some hymns, making some announcements, take an offering and preach a message from the depths of a five-year-old. WheelsOfGrace.com Volume 9 Issue 2 23