We heard rumors that there was a storm brewing ahead of us but we only lacked 41 miles. We thought we could make it, but then we heard the CB radio blast, “Rain, we are in rain. Three Five everybody – three five (35 mph). Turn your flashers on, move to number one lane. We are in hail, heavy hail.”
Then we rounded a big curve and in the valley it was dark. We could see a wall of rain. The CB blasted again, “Bike down – bike down. Where? We can’t see it!”
The two emergency/recovery Chaplains had to determine the best way to find the wreck. They moved to the shoulder of the interstate and began to move cautiously ahead. There were 200-250 motorcycles; half were on Interstate 59 and half had already exited. We were in a critical situation; total chaos abounded.
One Chaplain went to the wreck to minister to the needs of those involved, while the other Chaplain and the leader of the back of the pack, 9-Ball, began to move the bikers on. This was difficult task; they were wet, nervous and not in the mood to go on.
The victory is that no one was seriously injured. Four of our Mission: M25 ministers have bruising from the hail. One was involved in the wreck (when the bike in front of him stopped he hit the saddle bag and the bag broke – no big deal). We give God all the praise that no one was seriously injured and there were no fatalities – a real possibility. We also thank YOU for covering us with prayer!
We also want to thank the Lord for allowing us to pray with veterans at the VA Hospital in Tuscaloosa, AL. One of the M25 ministers stated that he did not realize just how much he “owed” as he stood reflecting on what he had seen inside the hospital. Six of the team members rejoiced for the opportunity to love on and pray for these heroes of our nation.
Two years ago we purchased a Toy Hauler by faith so that our Hydration Team does not have to sleep in a tent on the ground after working 11 or 12 hours serving the veterans. The air conditioner went out and had to be replaced. We sent part of our team to find someone to take care of the problem.
The Lord sent our guys to the right place to touch the right person. They pulled in to a service station and began to minister to the service man. He is a Marine and a Christian of one and a half years. He was discouraged this morning and asked the Lord to send someone to lift his spirit – and in came M25 ministers! They began to minister to him, left him a stack of Bibles to distribute to his shop people and just had a great time at this divine appointment.
The air conditioner was under warranty but it was to be ordered, which would have taken three to four days. Our M25 minister approached the owner, shared what we are doing, and asked for mercy. The owner not only replaced the air conditioner but invited our minister to come and minister in his church.
We learned a valuable lesson today. Whether we’re in a veteran’s hospital, a RV shop or a hail storm, we were assured of one thing: Our Lord Is There!
Thanks again for your prayers.
Golf ball and tennis ball – sized hail rained on some 400 – 450 riders. This rider’s arms were bruised from the hailstorm. Remember, there are no roofs to hide beneath and no windows to roll up. These men are face-to-face with the elements.
A rider ministers to a veteran in Tuscaloosa, AL.
A Mission:M25 team member with the owner and serviceman of the RV shop. This divine meeting allowed the team to get back on the road quickly after the air conditioner went out in their trailer.
