IPHC Riding For Life
IPHC’s commitment to stand for life continues in 2018!
The commitment to stand could not be deterred by disappointments, setbacks and hurdles to cross! As Pastor Marty Alvarado said, ‘we are here, we are making a Stand and a statement!’
First of all, we missed our Bishop Doug Beacham who instigated the IPHC’s commitment to the March for Life in Washington DC several years ago. However, Bishop Garry Bryant of EVUSA Ministry represented the Executive Council of Bishops extremely well.
The ride from Falcon, NC to Washington DC on motorcycles was canceled due to weather, however, Falcon Christian Academy put us all in a really nice bus for the ride. Two bikers from Conway, SC slid off the ice covered I 95 just four miles short of Falcon on Wednesday night.
A film company, UpNorth Film, Oslo, Norway contacted M25 and agreed to film our stand for life as a trailer for their coverage of “Ride For Solidarity” (R4S), a ride across the USA in October 2018 from Los Angeles, CA to New York City, NY. R4S rode across Europe and Israel as Jewish and Christian riders stood with Israel. This year’s ride, hosted by Mission M25, will be Jewish and Christian Riders again. Seeing how the film is to include motorcycles, arrangements were made to rent six motorcycles in Washington DC. Producer, Sabrina Buckwalter and camera man, Andrew Benz to came to capture the ride. The camera rolled throughout the service, interviews were done after service and the next morning, 24 degrees and all, the ride was filmed. Interviews were completed with the National Capitol Building in the back ground as we discussed issues relating to life and Jews and Christians standing together.
The IPHC family stepped up to assist the riders (even though many could not make it and the rest were in a bus).
- The Redemption Ministries Conference welcomed us with hot dogs and beef stew.
- We were greeted by Pastor Shawn Simon upon arriving at Kingsway Christian Center in Rosedale, MD.
- Bishop Abel Palomo of the Mid-Atlantic Conference provided a fantastic hot meal when we arrived. Of course, Bishop Palomo is always a source of encouragement with his smile and positive spirit and yellow toboggans.
Our Life Rally at Kingsway Christian Center included an update by Falcon Home Director, Joey Leggett; EVUSA Director, Bishop Garry Bryant; Mission M25 Director, Gary Burd; opening prayer by Pastor Shawn Simon; a powerful word for the Director of Royal Home Ministries, Marysol Martinez and closing prayer by Carolyn Burd.
The next morning IPHC rallied about a 15 minute walk from the March for Life. Bishop Garry Bryant shared an inspiring word and worship from the Bishop Abel Palomo family. Even though we had many setbacks due to weather, we still had a good number of people stand for LIFE. Northwood Temple Academy of Fayetteville, NC sent 37 students led by Headmaster, Renee McLamb and Casey Strickland, Elementary Principal. It was encouraging to have three young ladies living at Royal Home Ministries House Parent, Crystal Jones join us. May the Lord bless these young people presenting a new challenge for other young people to follow.
After the March for Life in Washington DC, Joey Leggett and son Cameron, Danny and Glenda Stewart (Mission M25 National Board members) and Gary and Carolyn Burd boarded an airplane headed to March for Life in Dallas TX. Mr. Leggett and Cameron met a team from the Heartland Conference of 35 people, mostly from God of No Limit’s Church pastored by Heartland Conference M25 Pointman Marty Craddack Alvarado.
Better weather made the ride of eight motorcycles enjoyable from Heartland Conference to Dallas. Pastor Barry
Boatwright, pastor of Christian Life Center in Gunbarrel City, TX joined us in Dallas. Seeing Dallas, TX, the home of Roe v Wade decision that has robbed us of 60 million innocent lives, Joey Leggett sees the value and has increased their commitment to this stand. David Parker of the Extension Loan Fund and Ivina Parker of the Girl’s Ministry of the Global Ministry Center in Oklahoma City rode in the van and marched with us. Brother Parker’s purchase of meal for everyone on the return showed his and Ivina’s commitment to the IPHC stand for life.
As we approach 2019, The IPHC prayerfully values Justice, we will do all we can to activate the IPHC to make a stronger stand against the injustice of abortion. Let me close with a text Superintendent of Falcon Christian Academy, Mike Stewart shared before we left, Isaiah 1:17 “Learn to do good. Work for justice. Help the down–and–out. Stand up for the homeless. Go to bat for the defenseless”, MSG. Please read the context of this passage, our involvement or lack thereof has blessings or consequences concerning our worship. May God bless the IPHC’s effort.
