Gary Burd Mission:M25A ministry that reaches out to the "overlooked and ignored" as Matthew 25 states in The Message. A ministry of hope with the mandate to "Be A Light Not A Mouth" or BALNAM by serving however and wherever possible. The ministry born from the heart and ministries of Christian Heritage Church in Amarillo, TX, has expanded to a National Level. The ministry is endorsed and supported by the IPHC (International Pentecostal Holiness Church).
Tuesday, October 6, 2015 Mission:M25 Bi-Annual Summit Mission:M25 National Summit
September 25-27, 2015
They came, some by air, some by truck, some by motorcycles and some by car, from ten states. It was three days of fellowship, to learn from each other and to be lifted by the ministry of our Lord, through His power working through each one of us. This is a bi-annual event that takes place in the birthing place of Mission:M25, Christian Heritage Church and also hosted by Great Plains Conference.
Friday night started off with a West Texas Barbecue cooked by none other than Fred Lerch of Christian Heritage and the meat provided by Hard CORE Motorcycle Ministry. As the approximate 100 attendees wiped the sauce off their chin, the National Director, Gary Burd aka Shepherd, introduced the National M25 Board of Directors and presented them a gift from EVUSA Division Bishop, the Rev. Mr. Chris Thompson. The evening was filled with exciting news of the next year's National Events, 50 CC Diaper Run; Harvest Train Parade; March for Life Rally Rides; Run For The Wall; Hoka Hey; Never Again Rally and Free Camps. The evening concluded with a challenge for all to never substitute "Instruction for Intimacy" with our Lord.
Saturday morning began at 8:30 with donuts and coffee, provided by "The Refuge" (Homeless Ministry of CHC). At 9 a. m. sharp, the Rev. Mr. Greg Sanderson had the praise team all ready to take us to the throne in worship. After everyone participated in the joy of singing to our Lord, Bishop Scott Hampton greeted the crowd and welcomed everyone. Then the Rev.Mr. Craig Lawlis gave us "Five Works of Grace" that we can do as we watch our values be eroded away. He concluded with us being challenged to step it up in our ministries and / or find new and innovative ways to make the enemy pay. We don't just set down and "take it"!
The iron horses were then mounted and others jumped in vans and we traveled to the following locations, where we were shared how we all do our ministries:
Sunday morning started with Biker Sunday, sanctuary filled with motorcycles, a crowd estimated between 600-700 present, awesome worship and the word delivered by Gary Burd. A moving "Unity" communion service concluded the morning led by Pastor Kevin McBride. There was a word that came during worship from Pastor Christa McBride that "Honesty" was in the house; Honestly thankful for what the Lord had done in our lives and there were some that was 'honestly' about to give up.
The motorcycles roared out of the service and was met with a 'flag line' to the street. Bikes were ridden to Skooterz where thousands of bikes waited for the annual "Toys for Tots" parade to commence. As long as they held out, everyone that brought a toy for a child at Christmas, a free tee-shirt (1700) and a barbecue sandwich, chips and drink (4,000) was given. Over 1600 toys and $650 cash was received for the Marines to give away at Christmas. The mobile 'Blood Bank" was on sight to receive donations as well.
Two surprises this year interrupted the games, first there was a testimony, message of hope given by Pastor Reeder aka Tattoo Priest from Las Vegas, NV and then a brand new semi automatic pistol was drawn for (not raffled, tickets were free).
The "big event"concluded the day, a Harley Davidson Sportster was given away. Twenty keys were drawn by hopeful participants but only one opened the lock. As we all locked the place up and left totally exhausted, we could do nothing but thank all those that made this event, this summit a total success and give praise to our Lord for His Grace and Mercy that touched literally thousands of lives.
The "Cadillac Ranch Rock Band" entertained the crowd with some good ole music from the 60s and 70s. The microphone was then given over to Pastor Kevin McBride who called Gary Burd to the stand, who led us in "Amazing Grace" and prayed over the crowd. It is always a joy to watch all the folks stand, singing the ole song of praise and hope and receive a touch from our Lord. It never fails to bring some tears down the cheeks of some very rough faces.
Let the games begin, slow race; potato race; boot race; WaterBoard race; and to conclude the day, the 'burn out pit' which is always a hit. While the games were gong on, hundreds of door prizes were given away as people browsed through the vendors to simply look or purchase a variety of merchandise.
Hoka Hey, "A Good Day To Die," a motorcycle ride to push you to your core. A challenge that will challenge all that is with in you. A ride that will remind you of the pains of the Native American.
Last year the ride took me 8,471 miles in 11 days, sleeping by my bike, no showers, eating what we could where we could. We rode from Key West, FL to Homer, AK. Incredible journey. One that has grabbed my heart and made me think often of the Native American and what we did to them, the life cycles that are hard to break, the ongoing misery that it has produced.
This year we rode for the four men who died attempting the Hoka Hey Challenge. One hundred twenty-five us made the 506 mile ride on Friday, July 31, from Red Cloud, NE to Lebanon, KS (the exact center of the USA) and then on to Hot Springs, SD.
Hoka Hey is to remind us of the pain of the Native American when we drove them off their home lands and took away their way of life. It is also to bring awareness of the plight of suffering that continues today on many of the reservations. So, camping is in order. No comfy motel or soft bed.
It was an honor to pray the opening prayer, three Memorial Prayers and the final due to the Medicine Man getting sick. I never take these type of opportunities lightly, the Holy Spirit is requested to speak through this earthen vessel to reveal intimacy with our Lord and to bring abundant peace.
This year the Holy Spirit brought Joe Conners aka Chicken Joe (pictured with me to the left) and I together for the ride. Words cannot express the deep thanks it was to have him stand with me during these prayers. He and wife Jennifer prayed for the prayers that would be prayed everyday before he came and when I was praying, he was praying silently for me. There is power when two people join together in the Name of our Lord.
Then to top it all off, my first trip to Sturgis Bike Week, the 75th Anniversary of this gathering of bikers and motorcycle enthusiast, Hoka Hey was allowed to "parade" down Main St, this is huge. The Police had to block pedestrian and motorcycle traffic for this to happen. They claim that over 1 million people showed up for this event and here we are, parading in front of thousands of people.
Then on August 3, I rode across the Badlands to Kyle, SD on the Pine Ridge Reservation to meet with Ivan Sorbel, pictured to the right, Ivan is on the far left and Steve DeBray, Oglala Sioux Sundance Chief (standing in the middle) about the crisis on the resevation. My heart broke as these two men shared with me seemingly their dilema that is over one hundred years old. Unemployment rate of 80% on the reservation, teen suicide and teen pregnancy, alcoholism, and overall poverty. We spoke of building a community building where all types of events, celebrations, prayer meetings, etc could be had without a lot of tribal paperwork or cost to the people. I mounted my bike feeling the Holy Spirit had lifted these two men, if for no other reason, I showed up to listen and learn, show compassion and attempt to make a difference.
My final ride of the day was to stop by the location of the Wounded Knee Masacre site. This is always very moving for me. The words of both of these men stung my very heart as they spoke of the defeat as the "end of our resistance against the overwhelming forces of the United States Military." The thought of men dying to preserve their way of life, will we see that day come? If so, how long do we have to prepare?
Tuesday, October 6, 2015 Mission:M25 Bi-Annual Summit Mission:M25 National Summit
September 25-27, 2015
They came, some by air, some by truck, some by motorcycles and some by car, from ten states. It was three days of fellowship, to learn from each other and to be lifted by the ministry of our Lord, through His power working through each one of us. This is a bi-annual event that takes place in the birthing place of Mission:M25, Christian Heritage Church and also hosted by Great Plains Conference.
Friday night started off with a West Texas Barbecue cooked by none other than Fred Lerch of Christian Heritage and the meat provided by Hard CORE Motorcycle Ministry. As the approximate 100 attendees wiped the sauce off their chin, the National Director, Gary Burd aka Shepherd, introduced the National M25 Board of Directors and presented them a gift from EVUSA Division Bishop, the Rev. Mr. Chris Thompson. The evening was filled with exciting news of the next year's National Events, 50 CC Diaper Run; Harvest Train Parade; March for Life Rally Rides; Run For The Wall; Hoka Hey; Never Again Rally and Free Camps. The evening concluded with a challenge for all to never substitute "Instruction for Intimacy" with our Lord.
Saturday morning began at 8:30 with donuts and coffee, provided by "The Refuge" (Homeless Ministry of CHC). At 9 a. m. sharp, the Rev. Mr. Greg Sanderson had the praise team all ready to take us to the throne in worship. After everyone participated in the joy of singing to our Lord, Bishop Scott Hampton greeted the crowd and welcomed everyone. Then the Rev.Mr. Craig Lawlis gave us "Five Works of Grace" that we can do as we watch our values be eroded away. He concluded with us being challenged to step it up in our ministries and / or find new and innovative ways to make the enemy pay. We don't just set down and "take it"!
The iron horses were then mounted and others jumped in vans and we traveled to the following locations, where we were shared how we all do our ministries:
- Under The Bridge, Gary Burd shared the story of the beginning of Mission:M25 to the homeless and eventually other broken people groups under this bridge on a snowy day in January 1999.
- Then on to "The Refuge" where we had several share how they do homeless ministry. At this location there are approximately 80,000 meals fed every year for the past 11 years.
- From this point the "PAC" House was visited. Here we shared how each one of the participants minister in the prisons. CHC uses this home to house men released from prison.
- A lunch at one of the local Biker Bars was then enjoyed. It was a time of connecting with each other and at the same time allowing the biker community to see a bunch of Christians from all over the country interact with each other.
- The journey to the kickoff location for Biker Sunday was just a few blocks, "Skooterz." At this point we had several share their biker ministry stories.
- A few blocks away we found a cool shade at a park where we recorded various methods churches use to reach out to the children of the community, Free Camp, Sidewalk Sunday School, Bus Ministry, etc.
- Finally we traveled across town to the War Memorial Site where emotions were high as we spoke of Ministry to our soldiers and veterans. The highlights were Lieutenant Colonel Julie Simoni (currently serving as a JAG Officer in Virginia) and Sergeant Stephen Walker aka Sergeant Rock, Purple Heart recipient who both moved the crowd.
Sunday morning started with Biker Sunday, sanctuary filled with motorcycles, a crowd estimated between 600-700 present, awesome worship and the word delivered by Gary Burd. A moving "Unity" communion service concluded the morning led by Pastor Kevin McBride. There was a word that came during worship from Pastor Christa McBride that "Honesty" was in the house; Honestly thankful for what the Lord had done in our lives and there were some that was 'honestly' about to give up.
The motorcycles roared out of the service and was met with a 'flag line' to the street. Bikes were ridden to Skooterz where thousands of bikes waited for the annual "Toys for Tots" parade to commence. As long as they held out, everyone that brought a toy for a child at Christmas, a free tee-shirt (1700) and a barbecue sandwich, chips and drink (4,000) was given. Over 1600 toys and $650 cash was received for the Marines to give away at Christmas. The mobile 'Blood Bank" was on sight to receive donations as well.
Two surprises this year interrupted the games, first there was a testimony, message of hope given by Pastor Reeder aka Tattoo Priest from Las Vegas, NV and then a brand new semi automatic pistol was drawn for (not raffled, tickets were free).
The "big event"concluded the day, a Harley Davidson Sportster was given away. Twenty keys were drawn by hopeful participants but only one opened the lock. As we all locked the place up and left totally exhausted, we could do nothing but thank all those that made this event, this summit a total success and give praise to our Lord for His Grace and Mercy that touched literally thousands of lives.
The "Cadillac Ranch Rock Band" entertained the crowd with some good ole music from the 60s and 70s. The microphone was then given over to Pastor Kevin McBride who called Gary Burd to the stand, who led us in "Amazing Grace" and prayed over the crowd. It is always a joy to watch all the folks stand, singing the ole song of praise and hope and receive a touch from our Lord. It never fails to bring some tears down the cheeks of some very rough faces.
Let the games begin, slow race; potato race; boot race; WaterBoard race; and to conclude the day, the 'burn out pit' which is always a hit. While the games were gong on, hundreds of door prizes were given away as people browsed through the vendors to simply look or purchase a variety of merchandise.
Hoka Hey, "A Good Day To Die," a motorcycle ride to push you to your core. A challenge that will challenge all that is with in you. A ride that will remind you of the pains of the Native American.
Last year the ride took me 8,471 miles in 11 days, sleeping by my bike, no showers, eating what we could where we could. We rode from Key West, FL to Homer, AK. Incredible journey. One that has grabbed my heart and made me think often of the Native American and what we did to them, the life cycles that are hard to break, the ongoing misery that it has produced.
This year we rode for the four men who died attempting the Hoka Hey Challenge. One hundred twenty-five us made the 506 mile ride on Friday, July 31, from Red Cloud, NE to Lebanon, KS (the exact center of the USA) and then on to Hot Springs, SD.
Hoka Hey is to remind us of the pain of the Native American when we drove them off their home lands and took away their way of life. It is also to bring awareness of the plight of suffering that continues today on many of the reservations. So, camping is in order. No comfy motel or soft bed.
It was an honor to pray the opening prayer, three Memorial Prayers and the final due to the Medicine Man getting sick. I never take these type of opportunities lightly, the Holy Spirit is requested to speak through this earthen vessel to reveal intimacy with our Lord and to bring abundant peace.
This year the Holy Spirit brought Joe Conners aka Chicken Joe (pictured with me to the left) and I together for the ride. Words cannot express the deep thanks it was to have him stand with me during these prayers. He and wife Jennifer prayed for the prayers that would be prayed everyday before he came and when I was praying, he was praying silently for me. There is power when two people join together in the Name of our Lord.
Then to top it all off, my first trip to Sturgis Bike Week, the 75th Anniversary of this gathering of bikers and motorcycle enthusiast, Hoka Hey was allowed to "parade" down Main St, this is huge. The Police had to block pedestrian and motorcycle traffic for this to happen. They claim that over 1 million people showed up for this event and here we are, parading in front of thousands of people.
Then on August 3, I rode across the Badlands to Kyle, SD on the Pine Ridge Reservation to meet with Ivan Sorbel, pictured to the right, Ivan is on the far left and Steve DeBray, Oglala Sioux Sundance Chief (standing in the middle) about the crisis on the resevation. My heart broke as these two men shared with me seemingly their dilema that is over one hundred years old. Unemployment rate of 80% on the reservation, teen suicide and teen pregnancy, alcoholism, and overall poverty. We spoke of building a community building where all types of events, celebrations, prayer meetings, etc could be had without a lot of tribal paperwork or cost to the people. I mounted my bike feeling the Holy Spirit had lifted these two men, if for no other reason, I showed up to listen and learn, show compassion and attempt to make a difference.
My final ride of the day was to stop by the location of the Wounded Knee Masacre site. This is always very moving for me. The words of both of these men stung my very heart as they spoke of the defeat as the "end of our resistance against the overwhelming forces of the United States Military." The thought of men dying to preserve their way of life, will we see that day come? If so, how long do we have to prepare?