Incredible – what more can we say? From the opening moments of leading the great Southern Route RFTW in prayer and the pledge. There are no words to explain the privilege of standing for 10 days in front of 700-800 men and women and praying. Expressing our appreciation to the Lord for the freedoms we have in this beautiful land, thanking the Lord for men and women who have sacrificed to secure that freedom, asking our Lord for protection of our troops in the service and comfort for all the family’s that have an empty chair at the table. This day it was so impressed on me, let us pray for those who will be struggling with painful emotions as we get closer to the wall. I was told by several on the run how the Lord had used the prayers for inspiration and peace, but one stated, ‘I am not a spiritual man but your prayers have caused me to take another look at my condition’. There is nothing that has been more rewarding!
At our second stop, Pastor Mike Dodson Jr. had his church, Christian Life Ministries, there presenting all the riders a smile and a PBJ sandwich. He has been so faithful in this effort and the Route Coordinator made the statement in front of the crowd, a church.
Pastor Kevin McBride of CrossRoads in Petersburg, VA had our “Church’s Of America Thank You For Serving” (the official M25 banner), on an overpass – clapping and waving- the church was again expressing our thanks. This year we seen several places where the church identified themselves and expressed appreciation – thank you Lord for fulfilling a burden.
I had the distinct honor of being asked to ride the front, right position and leading over 600 motorcycles (the trikes and trailers went in ahead of us) in to the nations capitol. I rode beside the Route Coordinator, a special friend, Preacher (Richard Moore) and viewed the bikes behind me as far as the eye could see. As I rode I thought of my cousin, Johnny Lemons, Vietnam loss; my childhood friend, Carl Burton, Vietnam loss and my business friend, Greg Larremore who died of Agent Orange and I scattered his ashes last year. You will never know the humbling effect this has. I rode and thought of how they ‘took my place’. I am sure people will think small of me – I have had people make comments about me BUT it is a true feeling. People seem to ‘pity me’ for my feelings, but I PITY THEM. THEY HAVE NEVER TAKEN THE TIME TO GIVE QUALITY TIME TO BEING THANKFUL FOR THE PRICE OTHERS PAY TO AFFORD THEM THE FREEDOM TO WORSHIP GOD, PURSUE THEIR DREAMS AND RAISE THEIR FAMILIES AS THEY DESIRE.
We are so thankful for the safe journey to make it all the way — there are pictures of our Chaplain Corp, the All The Way team and everyone who rode with us under M25. We had others connected to us but rode as solo due to their convictions, they felt they could do better alone.
One of our pastors on the run who went all the way with us. A pastor who left his family, his ministry and his duties. Who put his bike through a lot of hard riding. His reflection at the end of the run, ‘I came out to be a blessing but found I was blessed. I discovered there was a crusty surface on my heart from being inside the church and ministry so much’. This is what we have all learned. This run keeps us soft to the REAL issues, rather than the perceived or same ole issues of our members. We believe we all will return with a greater power to be better ministers and be better equipped to discern the difference in the issues.
We had a great pain, Chaplain Tim Moore’s motorcycle had motor problems 64 miles from DC. As soon as we hit the ground, we sent him to the motorcycle shop for parts. We took the motor apart and had it replaced within a few hours. He will ride with us today – this is why we didn’t do a report last night.
We are so excited to be in the campsites with Parkway Christian Center in Chesapeake, VA and CrossRoads of Petersburg, VA – they are doing an outstanding job feeding people. There are veterans that come every year depending on us to have food, coffee and a hug. We are busy being a light, ‘so shine forth by your good deeds’, Mt. 5:16.
I will return to the video on Tuesday morning. I have no internet service in the campsite.
Shepherd, Gary Burd
I can not express in works the thanks that you and the Chaplin cord so deserve. As well as the hyrdo team. Without you all it would be very hard for us to make this Mission across our great nation. Knowing that you and your team will be there each morning to give us words of encouragement means so much to me and I know others. I have sat and talked to a few of your team members and shared a tear or two and I know that you all will always be there for us. My thanks to you and all of M-25 for all you do!
Love you all!