Friday
A wreath was laid; “Taps” was played. Those who laid the wreath remained in formation as the speaker announced this was an entire family with one remaining daughter serving as a pilot. The scene drew tears from many. We saw a Viet Nam veteran stand with his family – including a son home on leave from Iraq. It is awesome to see that level of family commitment.
We are all rejoicing – another day with no wreck! This is huge considering the number of riders, various riding skills and tremendous pressure on the riders due to being in such a tight pack. THE LORD IS TRULY HEARING AND ANSWERING OUR PRAYERS.
With that said, it is hard to communicate that to some of these veterans. We were praising the Lord for safety and His angels being about us – then I reflected on one of the men standing in the group. He was a helicopter pilot in Nam who lost a gunner and another team member in combat. Both of the men had daughters at home waiting for their return. Our fellow rider has dealt with severe depression because he made it home with no family waiting, while they left babies without a dad. Our prayers seem so right at times and so painful at others. We must all walk in faith to a God that we don’t understand – we are so reminded of that out here.
One of the Chaplains is on the emergency team, which simply means all break downs and wrecks he must stop to assist the riders. It was a busy day due to several break downs.
Two men shared stories with us today:
One prayed for a civilian who was hurting due to the loss of several civilians in the Viet Nam War. They were on a river boat servicing soldiers.
One shared how he had to deal with feelings of pain and guilt due to being in the Gulf War but doing it in an office in Iceland. His job was to collect data and send it to the men in country to shoot the bombs. There are so many pains, so many memories, so many demons that drive these great heroes.
Saturday
Before we saw the sun, we felt the Son was preparing the way. This gives us great confidence to tackle the task of the day. We saddled up and headed for the daily Riders’ Meeting.
We visited a Viet Nam War Memorial sight. There was a moving ceremonty that reminded us of the price for our freedom. We also observed a Native American ritual as they “blessed the bikes and bikers.” Although we see it differently, that is what makes the USA the USA – a land of Freedom. It also gave us several ministry opportunities. (See pictures at left) Jesus always comes out on top if you follow his guidance!
We had many opportunities to share Christ in different prayers:
Bo Pearson has had prayer with several of the “Missing Man” riders. One was a civilian taking supplies down the river during the Viet Nam War. He was riding for all the civilian friends and others that were still missing.
Gary Burd was blessed to be able to help 3 different riders get back on the road after their bikes broke down. It was awesome. One bike would not start. He was checking it out down on his knees. Someone commented that he was praying while he worked and that the bike would run. A quiet prayer was prayed and in moments the man was up and running. You would never convince those standing around that it prayer was not involved. That is all they could talk about!
God restored two of our riders fearful of rain and motorcycle riding due to wrecks. One of them was asked to be a Platoon Leader for a distance – that was an awesome confidence builder.
We also have one special story. Randy Corbit, one of our team members, met an older Veteran. (See Picture at left) He shook the man’s hand and thanked him for his service. The Veteran asked, “Is your Dad named Wayne?” Randy answered, “Yes.” After several more questions, Randy learned that this man served in the military with his father some 40 years ago. Randy heard things he did not know about his dad – and here is the blessing – he received some closure over his father’s death. It’s amazing how God worked in both these men’s lives to get them in the same place at the same time!
Sunday
Sunday started off again before the sun came up. There was a church service in which we felt the Lord really touched some lives. Then it was off to Tererell, TX – a place where a secular motorcycle club is involved. We were blessed to hand out 17 Bibles to the Club Members that were present.
It would be nice to end this report right there and not talk about the next part but we must be fair – it is not all fun and joyfully ministering. Sunday was going well until those words we don’t like to hear came through our radios: “Bike down; bike down.” As Gary Burd approached the wreck he could see it was one of the men who received ministry at Mission M:25’s first Washington, D.C. outreach effort.
The wreck was bad enough that we feel both bikes will be totaled, but the good news is that the riders will be okay. One went to the hospital but is continuing on in a pickup. The other two had broken bones. We are believing God for a great report. We spent the rest of the day ministering to the needs of those involved in the wreck.
We thank God that you are praying for us. We are experiencing the most productive year yet. God has truly brought us into this place HIS way. The leadership of Run For The Wall has truly embraced us. We are excited to see all the results that are taking place and want to thank all who have made this trip – this outreach possible.
Three years ago, the Lord put us with this war hero. He left his gas cap at a station and we gave him a new one. He looks for us every year to give us a hug. It does not take much to be an agent of healing!
A rainy day on the road. The team rides every day regardless of weather conditions. “It is an awesome feeling to know that you have a passion that pushes you beyond reasoning,” said Gary.
The team hands out more letters to Veterans. “They are so well received by all,” said Gary.
Randy Corbit with the Veteran who knew his dad. This is Randy’s first year and he is doing a great job of ministering with a smile!
An M25 minister prays with a Native American female veteran during the Native American “blessing ceremony.” Even though it was not a Christian ceremony, God opened doors for ministry to take place.
