Oasis Riders

REMINDER - Group Ride on Saturday!

2008-07-08T16:29:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder that we will have a group ride to Clewiston for burgers. Armando will have a devotional ready for the group. We will meet at Sunrise Harley Davidson at 8:30 for fellowship and breakfast for those who want to eat. Otherwise, kickstands up at 10:00, lunch at the Tiki around 11:30. Home by 1:30 - 2:00.

See you then!

Jne 21st Ride Update

2008-06-15T09:56:00.002-05:00

REMINDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday , June 21

8:00 Meet at : Christ the Rock Community Church , Stirling Road....don't be late

8:15-8:30: Prsion Fellowship Ministry / Angel Tree Briefing

8:30 Depart

9:00 BREAKFAST ( you knew we would eat) @ SR 84 Diner

9:48 Depart for Westminister Academy , North lauderdale

10: 19 Arrive at Camp for Angel Tree kids...parade laps aropund football field; devtional; photo ops for kids and volunteer assistance.

You are encouraged to stay for lunch...but free to leave anytime after 11:00 am.

IT IS FOR THE KIDS...please try to make it and bring a friend!

July Group Ride - 7/12/08

2008-06-01T10:02:00.002-05:00

When: July 12, 2008
Sponsored by: Fellowship Riders' 7Now Riders of Oasis Church

Details: It's that time of year again of hot, muggy, and wet weather. Keeping that in mind, we will be doing a shorter, more direct ride for July. We would also like to try something new.

We will start our ride from Papa Ouguts Pizza Cafe located in Sunrise Harley Davidson. If I get at least 15 people confirm their attendance for this ride, Stefano and Carol (owners of the restaurant and both a brother and sister in Christ - Carol and her husband Jim ride and go to Calvary Chapel Sawgrass) will prepare a breakfast buffet at $6.00 per person for the group! Either way, we can meet there at 8:30 for breakfast and fellowship.

We will leave Sunrise HD at 10:00 am and head west to US 27 North to Clewiston. We will stop at the rest area on US 27 midway to Clewiston for a devotional and rest. We will then continue to Clewiston and have lunch at the Tiki Bar where they have great hamburgers. If you don't want to eat, you can hang out for fellowship and a cold soda or iced tea. We then head back south in a free ride. There is a BP gas station southbound where we can fill up.

Short and simple, and hopefully dry!

Please check back from time to time for updates. God bless and ride safely!!

Johnny

June Ride!

2008-06-01T09:35:00.002-05:00

June Group Ride: Saturday June 21, Angel Tree Sports Camp , Westminister Academy, Lauderhill

Affiliate Sponsor: FR / Christ The Rock

Departure time 8:00 AM / location TBA.

Event:

Angel Tree Sports Camp (benefiting Angel Tree and 4Kids. At our annual retreat we raised $300 to buy 4 bikes as give aways).

Fellowship Riders has been asked to provide a Motorcycle parade around the track to kick off the day at Westminister Academy, as well as photo opps for the kids with the bikes. Over 100 kids in attendance, great ministry tool, don't let them down. You can be home before noon if need be although lunch will be provided.

Ride! May 17th Hosted by Florida Bible Church

2008-05-11T09:43:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone!

New ride opportunity this Saturday, May 17th, Hosted by Fellowship Riders Florida Bible Church.

Here are the details:

8:00 AM: Meet at FBC for Coffee and Pastries. FBC is located on Pembroke Road, east of Palm Ave and west of Douglas Rd.
8:30 AM: View Safety Video and Briefing
9:00 AM: Depart Florida Bible Church en route to LaBelle

Route:

West on Pembroke Road to Flamingo.
North on Flamingo to 595 West
West on 595 to I-75 West
I-75 West (Toll) to Snake Road/C.R. 833 (Exit 49) -- Remember your SunPass!
Stop at Big Cypress for Devotion & restroom brake (Clean Restrooms)
C.R. 833 North to C.R. 832 West
C.R. 832 to S.R 29 North
S.R. 29 North to S.R. 80

Stop at Flora and Ella’s Restaurant for Lunch (GREEEEEAT PIES and FOOD)
900 W State Road 80La Belle, FL 33935
(863) 675-2891

Trip is approximately 120 Miles one way.

There is Gas ¼ mile from 1st stop in Big Cypress.

Hope you can make it!!

Stay safe!

Johnny

Glades Ride For The Kids

2008-05-02T06:08:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone!

FYI - I received the e-mail below from the Miramar PAL program. They will be hosting a ride Sunday, May 18 to benefit the Miramar PAL. The donation is $100 per motorcycle and includes breakfast and lunch.
______________________________________________________

Dear Fellowship Riders:

Please join us Sunday, May 18 for a fun ride to Clewiston for a great cause.

The first annual Glades Ride for the Kids is a fundraiser that benefits the Miramar Police Athletic League. PAL's mission is "Developing Youth Leaders Through Community Partnerships that Foster Effective Mentoring, Tutoring and Coaching Programs."

Attached is the registration form and more details. Please pass this information along to your membership and don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions.

THANK YOU for your consideration and I look forward to meeting you.

God Bless -

Joanne Miner, president - Miramar PAL
Minuteman Press of Miramar
Ph 954-437-1880Fx 954-436-9025
http://www.miramar.minutemanpress.com/

______________________________________________________________
If you are interested, please e-mail me and I will forward the registration form to you. I am not able to attach the registration PDF to the blog, but here is some of the details from it:

Come and participate in our inaugural motorcycle ride to Clewiston. All proceeds will benefit Miramar P.A.L., a non-profit corporation established to provide programs and services for the youth of Miramar and surrounding areas.

Registration and continental breakfast will take place starting at 7:30 a.m. at Miramar
Regional Park (Miramar Parkway at 172 Avenue). After breakfast we’ll take off across the Everglades to Clewiston, stopping for refreshments along the way. The final destination is John Stretch Park in Clewiston where we’ll have a barbeque lunch, door prizes, and opportunity to get to know fellow bikers. Pre-registration and payment is required, $100 per motorcycle. Deadline for registration is May 8.

Payment may be made by check, VISA or MasterCard. Please make check payable to Miramar PAL. For additional information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Scott Hadley at 954-602-4360.

UPCOMING RIDES AND EVENTS

2008-05-01T05:53:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone!

It is that time to start marking your calendars. I want to start off by letting you know that the Wheels of Grace Magazine will be having its 3rd annual rally on September 20, 2008. I know it is 5 months away, but we know how quickly time goes by. Stay tuned for more information in the upcoming months.

Also, the next Group Ride will be hosted by Fellowship Riders Florida Bible Church on May 17th. More details to follow.

Last but not least, the Angel Tree Sports Camp will be held Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, June 19, 20, 21, 2008. The Location is Westminster Field (same as last year). We will ride to camp Saturday the 20th. Are you willing to volunteer? At the retreat this year, we raised $300 to buy 4 bikes as give aways for kids. Please come out and help support this great cause! Meeting time and location will be announced soon.

I hope everyone is enjoying this great riding weather we have been having. I know I will NOW!!

Armando and I will be riding to 84 Diner Saturday morning for breakfast to discuss the ministry, recap the rally, and brainstorm some ride ideas. We will most likely meet up at church between 7:30 and 8 and ride to the diner. All 7NOW Riders are welcome to attend - just let me know to expect you. Otherwise, if you have any ideas for rides or ministry, please share those with me at 7nowrider@gmail.com.

Hope to see you soon! God bless and ride safe!

Johnny

We Made The Paper!

2008-04-26T15:19:00.002-05:00

A month or so ago, I received a call from Maria Ferrero, a reporter for the Sun Sentinel. Her editor had heard about our ministry and how it was tied to 7 Nights of Worship and wanted a to write story about it. After a series on interviews, the story was published in the April "The Gazette" community newspaper.

Due to copyright laws, I can't post the article right now, but I have asked for permission to do so. If I get the OK, I will update this post.

Johnny

Back Again!

2008-04-26T15:06:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone!

After a long hiatus, partly due to an accident that occurred in early January, and partly due to a shift in my work schedule and related travel, I am back!

My bike is repaired and I am looking forward to getting active once again.

I want to thank Armando who has not stopped for a minute! He has been active with the other Fellowship Riders affiliates and led a ride a few months ago. It is my bad for not updating the blog to keep everyone formally informed, but with my bike in pieces, I just did not feel up to it.

God must have had a reason for what happened. I might never know what that reason was until I see our Lord in heaven.

In the upcoming weeks, I will be posting upcoming events and rides. Please visit from time to time.

Please ride safely and God bless you all!

Johnny

October 13th Group Ride Report

2007-10-13T17:36:00.000-05:00

I woke up at 4:00 a.m. this morning wondering if we would have a ride today. It was coming down pretty good! I have watched the weather reports all week long with the rain chance percentage bouncing all over the place.

At 7:00 a.m., the rain had stopped, but it still looked like it wasn't over. So my wife Liz and I went to Oasis church and waited to see who would show up and take a chance on the ride. As the skies started to clear, we were joined by eight other bikes with a total of 14 riders. Although one of the eight bikes (2 riders) did not actually go on the ride, they did come by to support the ministry - thank you Mike and Dana!

After a brief meeting which included watching the MSF safety video and prayer, we left the Oasis Church parking lot and headed north. We prayed for good weather and safety and our Lord delivered! The day turned out to be absolutely fantastic! Once we got on US27, the temperature dropped, the skies turned blue, and we had some on the nicest and most comfortable riding weather since last winter.

We rode through downtown Belle Glade and Pahokee to a recreation area on Lake Okeechobee where Armando Lopez, 7NOW Chaplain, led us through a devotional and prayer. Armando did a wonderful, Spirit led job as he discussed fellowship, sharing Jesus with others, and shared scripture. Great job Armando!

We left the recreation area and headed to Lightsey's where we had a great lunch and great fellowship. We prayed for our waitress, Melonie, and thanked our Lord for blessing us with such a beautiful day. The food was good, but the cobbler was - ohhhhh soooo goooood! Of course we had to have a scoop of ice cream with our cobbler! Some had blueberry and some had peach, but everyone enjoyed.

The stretch home had plenty of sun, blue skies, and mild temperatures. 235 total miles - thank you Lord for your blessings!

Click here to see the pictures from the ride: http://picasaweb.google.com/7nowrider/LightNorthOfTheLake

Group Ride - Saturday, October 13th!

2007-10-06T18:52:00.000-05:00

The Light North of the Lake

Meet at Oasis Church at 8:00 AM
12201 SW 14 Street, Pembroke Pines (off Flamingo, north of Pembroke Rd.)

Group riding video will be played

Leave Oasis Church parking lot at promptly 8:30 AM

Route:
Flamingo North to SR 84
SR 84 west to US 27 north
US 27 North to 441 (60 miles)
Follow 441 through Belle Glade and Pahokee to devotional site
Canal Point Recreation Area (20 miles - approx 10 AM)
Devotional by Armando Lopez and stretch break (30 - 45 minutes)
Continue North on 441 to fuel stop - Shell (25 miles -- total to fuel stop 105 miles)
Continue north on 441 to SR 78 - Okeechobee
Lunch at Lightsey's (15 miles from fuel stop) - they are expecting us!
After lunch, follow SR 78 to US 27 south
US 27 south to BP gas station in Clewiston (approx 50 miles - 50 minutes from restaurant) top off and head home - 1 hour or so.
Total trip 245 miles +/-
Home by 3:00 PM

Lightsey's has a good menu with sandwiches and lunch entrees. You can eat for under $10. They also have several types of cobblers and key lime pie for dessert if your sweet tooth needs satisfying. They also have great home made potato chips!

WOG Unity Ride and Rally Ride Report

2007-09-16T16:15:00.000-05:00

Our trip started at 7:45 a.m. under sunny skies as Armando and Ilia, Leslie, Liz and I (7NOW Riders) met up with Johnnie and Duke from the Fellowship Riders Florida Everglades Chapter at a Mobil station to head out for breakfast at State Road 84 Diner. There, we met up with the other Fellowship Riders who were heading up as part of the group. We had 12 bikes with 15 riders and toys, all with one desire to unite with other motorcycle ministry members from around the state in community while helping the Angel Tree program.

We left the diner at 9:30 to head west to US27 and then north to Lakeland. I would like to say that all went according to plan, but the Enemy does not like us humans doing God’s work and so he attacks at any opportunity. We were close to Clewiston when one rider, Phil got dizzy and had to pull over. Scott, who was serving as road dog (riding last in the pack), and Phil’s friend Frank pulled over to offer assistance. The rest of the group kept going in accordance with safety protocol to our appointed fuel stop. In the process of pulling over, Scott ran over a nail and punctured his tire. Scott had to call for a tow back to the Rick Case Honda in Weston. Phil and Frank waited with Scott until he was picked up by the tow truck. Phil and Frank indicated to us (via phone) that they would catch up with us in Lakeland. Scott got to the dealership only to find out that they did not have his tire in stock. His ride was over. Needles to say, we were all disappointed, but thankful that the hole in his tire did not wait to reveal itself when he was at highway speed in the middle of US27.

The group continued north through Lake Placid, Sebring, Fort Meade, and then into Lakeland. We stopped along the way for fuel, rest, and water. The temperature was 98 degrees as we got to Fort Meade! The temperature sensor on my bike, which is closer to the ground, read 104 - it was hot! The first thing everyone did when we checked into the hotel was hit the showers and then hang out in the hotel lobby where it was cool. Liz and I split a quart of Ben & Jerry’s Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream to really cool down. Soon after, the folks from Prison Fellowship arrived and we all talked until it was time to have dinner.

There was a Macaroni Grill next to the hotel and everyone agreed to go there. I called the restaurant to make a reservation for 16 people and was told that we did not need one, that they could accommodate us right away. I asked the woman on the phone if she was sure – we had 16 people – and was assured to come on in. So off we went, walking across the parking lot to go to the restaurant. When we got there, the place was crowded. I told the hostess that I was the one who called for a party of 16. She asked me if I had a reservation. I quickly reminded her about my conversation with her just 10 minutes past – of course she did not recall the conversation. I verified the number I called and it was correct. Now the manager got involved. I explained the conversation I had when I called to make a reservation. She apologized and offered to seat us – in three separate groups! Needless to say, no one was pleased, but we accepted the circumstance as it was and were seated. I can continue with additional detail here, but for the sake of space, let’s just say we ended up having a good dinner with great fellowship.

We got back to the hotel, hung around talking for a while and little by little, everyone started turning in for the big day.

Saturday rolled around and after breakfast, around 9:00 a.m., we all headed out to the staging area for the start of the ride. We rode about 15 miles to the raceway in Lakeland where the ride was to start. Shade was very limited, it was sunny, and it was hot! Another 96+ degree day. But it was great to talk with so many brothers and sisters in Christ from so many different motorcycle ministries and from different parts of Florida. Did I say it was hot!? At 11:00 a.m., we linked up with Texas, Arizona, and California for a cross country prayer session. Pastors from each location took turns to pray for our ministries and for the event. The editor of Wheels of Grace Magazine was at our rally location and closed the prayer session. It was then off to our bikes to get ready for the start engines cue.

There were a lot of bikes – not near as many as we had prayed for, but I would estimate close to 300. I am sure that the Enemy tried his best to keep many who would have attended from attending. Three bikes from our group left before the ride due to the heat – we were disappointed in their decision to leave. As it turns out, Phil and Frank did not meet up with us. Frank’s bike broke down along the way and was in the shop getting repairs as we were starting the ride. But they did not give up – Phil contacted Buddy from our group (who also helped organize the event) and wanted to know where he could drop off the toys they brought. He was steadfast in completing the mission he started despite the dizziness (he actually has vertigo) and the mechanical problems. That is what I call spirit and determination – God bless them for their efforts and for their hearts!

The ride went well – we traveled about 15 miles to the church where we dropped off the toys, had some lunch, listened to some great talks, and fellowshipped with everyone. As quickly as it started, it was over at about 2:00 p.m. It was time to go home. Before heading out, we prayed for cloud cover and cool wind, but no rain until everyone was home safely. The ride home went well. The bikes ran strong, and God answered our prayer. As we traveled south on US27, we were under dark clouds but no rain and the air was cool (it actually got chilly in a few areas that had just received rain). It was pouring rain and lightning on either side of the highway, but our path was kept clear by His grace! We all had dinner at Sonny’s BBQ in Clewiston and had a great time of fellowship and discussion. We praised God for keeping watch over us and for giving us rain free passage home. We all then hit the highway for the final stretch home.

There is much more I can write about here. There were so many “God moments” where needs were met and prayers answered. There were other attacks by the enemy as well. But the main thing is that the ride was successful, our mission was achieved, and we are all a bit more energized to continue following the path our Lord has laid before us. God bless all those who rode out and back to attend the Unity rally.

7NOW Riders Chaplain

2007-09-12T16:55:00.000-05:00

There are a lot of great things going on with our church and with our ministry.

To start with, Armando Lopez has accepted the leadership role of Chaplain for our ministry. I have known Armando for a number of years now. We attended Via de Cristo together, I was present when Armando was baptized, and have enjoyed serving with him in the lay pastor ministry. Armando will do an exceptional job as Chaplain. He has been an integral part of the 7NOW Riders, having been involved from the planning stages. His duties will include preparing devotionals for our rides, being available to riders for prayer and guidance, and as community group leader.

This leads me to the second bit of good news. After consulting with Pastor Pat, he has agreed to give our ministry community group status. No one knows more that another motorcyclist the sense of community that exists among us as riders. I have seen life long friendships develop over an exhaust system! I have witnessed total strangers help one another out when a bike breaks down to only become close friends afterwards. And I have experienced the sense of love and community when a group of motorcyclists gather in the name of our Lord, Jesus, to do ministry and outreach.

Is it coincidence that all this is occurring as we prepare to head off to Lakeland for the WOG Unity Rally? I don't believe in coincidences, but I do believe that God guides his children through circumstances for His glory. We will need to look at this more closely soon in another post. In the mean time, please keep us in prayer as we hit the highway Friday and Saturday and please pray that the rally and ride will go as God wants it.

WOG Unity Ride Information

2007-09-11T20:15:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe that the Wheels of Grace Unity Ride and Rally is this weekend! Let's pray for safety, good weather, and that God's will be done with this event.

We will meet at the Mobil station on Flamingo and Taft (across the street from the ice rink) at 7:45 (come earlier if you want to top off your tank). From there, we will ride as a group to SR 84 Diner for breakfast at 8:30.

We will then leave at 9:30. Straight up US27 to 98 (@Frostproof).
We will have lunch near Ft. Meade on 98.
We then continue on 98 through Bartow to Lakeland.
Exit onto the Polk County Parkway which has and exit for Harden St.
Arrive at the Marriott Courtyard and get some rest.

We will get together for dinner and finalize our plans for Saturday.

Why Have / Be Involved In A Motorcycle Ministry

2007-08-20T05:57:00.000-05:00

One of the best aspects of having and being involved in a motorcycle ministry is that we are given an opportunity to share the Gospel and do God's work while riding around on our bikes. Talk about blessing others while being blessed in return.

It is incredible to me how often a motorcycle can open up doors to talk to people who would otherwise have just walked by without a word. These encounters can be powerful.

I would like to share with you an e-mail I received from a sister in Christ who rides with our ministry. Leslie and her husband, Ed, have attended our church for quite some time and both are riders as well. Here is what Leslie shared with me this weekend...

I had to email you today to let you know about 2 really
cool opportunities I had this week to witness, and it was all because I'm part
of our 7 NOW group.

Once was at work. A co-worker who knows
that I ride a motorcycle, asked another co-worker of mine if she knew that I
ride a motorcycle. She was shocked, and amazed. She then said that I
didn't look like the motorcycle type, and said she expected a biker to be more
rough looking, w/ tattoos, mohawk, and body piercings or something.

I told her that I'm a true biker, and that I proudly
ride w/ my biker group from church. I then told her briefly about our
upcoming ride in Sept. , and how we will be worshiping God, and collecting toys
for the Angel Tree project as well. She was truly taken aback, and even
asked what church I attend. The first co-worker even added to the
conversation, by saying that she knows of many biker groups who do activities
for worthy causes, and that she felt many bikers get a "bad rap".

The second time this past week was actually at Kevin's
middle school orientation. Ed and I rode the boys to the orientation on
the bikes. We had to bring our helmets in, because it looked like
rain. Plus, I think Kevin wanted to, because he thinks it makes him look
cool.

Anyway, after the orientation, I had to ask one of the
assistant principals additional questions about something she had spoke
of. She made a comment about the fact that we ride motorcycles, and named
a couple of teachers at the school who also ride. She then said that one
teacher was going to buy a bigger bike, and that she was thinking of buying his
old one. I told her she should do it, and that she would really enjoy
it. I then told her how much I enjoy riding w/ our church group,
etc. She was also amazed, and said she had never heard of such a thing,
but that it sounded really great!! I'm not sure what church she goes
to , but she told me that she is also a Christian, and that she would have to
"hook up w/ me later, if/when she buys a bike".

Both of these instances were really exciting to me, and
I just wanted to share them w/ you.
I'm very glad to be part of 7 NOW, and
hope that we grow in number. Either way, God is w/ us, and it's a true
blessing to be able to talk w/ people outside of church about God's power, and
His purpose for each and every one of us.

Hope to see you soon. God bless you.
Leslie

Need I say more? Thank you Leslie for sharing and stepping out in faith!
God bless you, Ed, and your sons.

Your brother in Christ,

Johnny

Core Values

2007-08-09T05:57:00.000-05:00

Last week, after having announced our name change, our church started a new message series about it's core values.

These values are: Worship, Community, and Missions.

What excites me about this is that these values were taught and demonstrated to us by our savior, Jesus, and are the same values we have as a ministry of Oasis Church.

Think about it, when ever we gather there is prayer and bible study (through devotionals), there is definitely a strong sense of community (all the hugs, smiles, conversation and regular contact and help we give one another prove that), and there is missions through our involvement with Angel Tree, Wheels of Grace Unity Ride and Rally, and future plans currently being worked to participate in the annual toy run and other charitable bike events.

Soon, you will start seeing and hearing more about our ministry as we reach out to every motorcycle rider who walks through the front doors of Oasis Church. I have been working with Jenn Collins and Pastor Guy to have flyer's and posters approved, bulletin announcements prepared, and events calendared to get the word out and show everyone that you can have a good time while demonstrating our core values to everyone around us.

Next week we will kick-off our Angel Tree pre-Christmas campaign. We will start collecting toys to take to the Wheels of Grace Unity Ride in Lakeland on September 15th. We will continue with this initiative once the Christmas season starts and then deliver these gifts directly to the kids as a ministry activity (of course on our bikes!).

Demonstrating our core values has one major requirement from all of us - INVOLVEMENT! We must be willing to get actively involved if we are to live out our values. Great and fantastic things can be accomplished in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, if we all get involved and live out our core values together every day!

This is exciting (and refreshing) stuff! God's blessings to you all!

Johnny

Group Ride - August 18!

2007-08-06T05:50:00.000-05:00

It is that time again - GROUP RIDE!

Buddy Johnson of Christ the Rock has planned a great ride for Saturday, August 18. If you are interested in going, meet me at Oasis Church parking lot at 7:45. We will ride as a group to Christ the Rock from our parking lot. Here are the ride details:

GROUP RIDE : Aug. 18
Host Affiliate: FR / Christ the Rock
Location: Stirling and Hiatus, Cooper City
Meet time: 8 AM

For Whom ‘La Belle’ Tolls

1-First Leg ( 9 AM) : Stirling to Flamingo to SR84 to Alligator Alley ( BRING SUNPASS) to Hwy 833 to ‘Snake Road Café. 60 miles Restrooms, hydrate and ‘top off fuel’ (also advertise ‘Best Burgers in the World’…if you‘re hungry, but limited facilities at next stop!!!)

2-Next Leg (10:30 AM): Snake Road to Hwy 846 to Hwy 29 (Immokalee) to Hwy 29 Truck rt. to Barron Park ( Home of Swamp Cabbage Festival ) in La Belle. 60 miles.DEVOTIONAL.

3-Final Leg: ( NOON): Lunch at Flora and Ella’s Country Restaurant ( 1 mile) where slogan is: “LIFE IS UNCERTAIN, EAT DESSERT FIRST!”Your mom would NEVER let you eat dessert first…so live on the edge! You MUST try their Homemade pies. Don’t risk being too full for dessert.

FREE RIDE Home: Several routes: Reverse of GROUP RIDE; Hwy 80 &27 to Clewiston; Hwy 29 to Alligator Alley. Travel time approx. 1:30.

WOG Unity Ride and Rally Information

2007-08-03T13:12:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone -

I just got some specifics for the Wheels of Grace Unity Ride this afternoon:

WHEELS OF GRACE
2nd ANNUAL UNITY RIDE
Saturday, September 15, 2007
(Providing Christmas gifts for Angel Tree Children*, a Prison Fellowship Ministry)

Ride to Begin at: USA International Speedway (1-800-984-7223)
3401 Old Polk City Rd., Lakeland, FL 33809

Registration Begins at 10:00 AM
Coffee and Doughnuts will be provided.
Fee: $10 + Toy (benefiting Angel Tree kids)
First 250 bikers will receive a Unity Ride 2007 Pin & Goody bag!
National unity prayer call at 11:00AM
Bikes staged 11:15-11:45 am
Police escort to Event Site

Event Site by 12:30 PM
First Baptist Church at the Mall
1010 East Memorial Blvd Lakeland, FL 33801
(In Central Florida, about an hour away from Tampa and Orlando)

Lunch will be provided
Music / Message / Prison Fellowship & WOG Guest Speakers and more.
Sponsors Booths

For more information or registration please go to: http://www.wheelsofgrace.com/ and click on Unity Ride OR Contact:

Faith Dowden @ mailto:faith@wheelsofgrace.com OR
Buddy Newsome, FAITH Riders / Lakeland http://www.blogger.com/mnewsome@tampabay.rr.com

*Angel Tree spreads the Good News of the Gospel by caring for children of inmates.

I will post more details about the time and meeting place for our departure. For now, assume we will be leaving around 9 a.m. on Friday the 14th and retuning home around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday the 15th. Call or e-mail me if you have any questions. God bless!!

Johnny

WOG Unity Ride and Rally Hotel Information

2007-07-31T09:33:00.000-05:00

After several calls and speaking with different hotels, I was able to get a block of 20 rooms reserved for the night of Sept 14 at the:

Marriott Courtyard at 3725 Harden Blvd., Lakeland 33803.

The room rate I was able to negotiate is $119.00 plus tax. The hotel has a breakfast in the mornings that costs around $10 per person, depending on what you want and get.

There are 10 rooms with 2 double beds and 10 rooms with King beds, and all are non-smoking. I was told that parking should not be a problem for 20 bikes.

You can make your reservations between now and August 14th. After Aug 14, the group hold on these rooms will cancel and everyone will be on their own.

To make a reservation:

1. Call the hotel at 1-863-802-9000
2. Ask to make a reservation under the group name "Fellowship Riders"
3. Specify the room type and provide credit card number to hold the room reservation
4. Standard cancellation policies apply for the rooms once booked.

Again, the block of rooms will be held only until August 14th. So please make your reservations as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, please e-mail me or call me.

God bless!

Sunday Brunch Run Coming Soon

2007-07-15T07:30:00.000-05:00

I have been scouting out some rides and locations that we can start having monthly Sunday morning brunch runs.

These rides will be for shorter distances (20 - 50 miles round trip), shorter time commitment (2 - 3 hours including the meal) to local eating establishments for a time of fellowship. Thanks to 7 Nights of Worship, anyone can come along and not miss worship.

We will be kicking off our Sunday Brunch Run sometime in August. So visit the blog often to keep posted. In the meantime, if you have any brunch location suggestions, please send them to me.

God bless!!

Johnny

Group Ride July 21!

2007-07-11T06:40:00.000-05:00

Here is another group ride opportunity being organized by Christ the Rock Fellowship Riders affiliate:

July Group Ride Itinerary

Meet CRCC 8:00 AM, Saturday , July 21
First Leg: South Bay approx. 1 Hr.
Rest and refuel 15 minute
Second Leg: Clewiston to Seminole Indian Reservation 45 min.
Devotional: Billie’s Swamp Safari Chickee 20 min. (www.seminoletribe.com/safari)
Lunch 11:45 am Swamp Water Café
‘Free Ride’ Home is approximately 1 1/4 hours / refuel @ Mobil in route

Let's get together with Christ the Rock Fellowship Riders for some time of fellowship and fun. If you have any questions, please e-mail me.

God bless you!

Johnny

Update - Free Ride July 14th

2007-07-11T06:33:00.000-05:00

Ride Results

Armando and I showed up for the ride to represent our church. After breakfast at the Harley-Davidson diner and fellowship, we got together with seven other bikers representing Christ the Rock, Calvary Chapel, and CMA (Christian Motorcyclists Association) to pray and then head out to the field where the camp was being held.

We helped the folks of Angel Tree bag up groceries (100 bags) that were going to be given to the families in attendance. We had an opportunity to meet the kids and hang out with them for a little while. The kids were having a great time and the weather, although hot, held out for the camp.

We saddled up and left around noon to head home. The ride went well and it was great to lend some support to a great group of people.

We will be planning an Angel Tree campaign this year and we will need your help to make it a success, so please stay tuned.

_____________________________________________

I am forwarding this on from Buddy Johnson who is the motorcycle ministry leader at Christ the Rock Community Church and for Fellowship Riders Florida Everglades. This sounds like it will be fun and definitely for a great cause. Here are the details we have thus far:

As you know, Angel Tree is one of Fellowship Riders serving Ministry's nationwide. We have been asked by Prison Fellowship to perform a small task that pays BIG dividends ( Jesus told me to tell you too!)

This week, Angel Tree is sponsoring a Sports Camp. Saturday is the family day where they will have a Hip Hop group and Coach Rod Payne will give his testimony. They would LOVE for FR to bring a group of bikes to jazz the kids. Many are the same ones we will serve through the Unity Ride in Sept. and Christmas time gift delivery.

This is a CALL TO ACTION. Won't you please consider giving a few hours of your time Saturday morning to plant some hope in the life of a child and their families.Details to follow. You will be home by noon.

In His Service,

Buddy

Update!!!

Date: Saturday July 14

Meet Time: 8:30 AM

Depart Time: 9:00 AM sharp

Meeting Place : Harley Davidson Sunrise / SR 84 west of 136th....Southwest corner of Parking lot.Come early (I will be there by 7:45...) for breakfast at Sunrise Cafe. Great food.Great prices. (unless you add what you will spend in the dealership. Even non-Harley riders will find something they MUST have!)

We will ride together as Group to the Camp at Westminister Academy on 44th St.
We will arrive as a Group and set up per the instructions of PFM (however, they can use us).
The Camp starts at 10:00, so we should be out of there shortly after it starts...you can be home by 11:00.

Beat the Heat. Beat the Rain. Beat the devil ( by witnessing to the kids and their families).Hope you will join us...invite a friend.REMINDER....this is a FREE RIDE format but as always we will use MSF Group Ride safety Methods.

In His grace,Buddy

Get those tanks filled and fenders polished! Hope to see you!

God bless!

Johnny

2nd Annual Wheels Of Grace (WOG) Unity Ride

2007-06-21T05:59:00.000-05:00

This event is sponsored by Wheels of Grace(WOG) Magazine.

Date: Sept. 15, 2007, Saturday

Time: TBD…probably between 8 am and 2 pm

Donation: $10 + a toy benefiting Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree Ministry (Christmas for Children of Prisoners)

Location: Lakeland, Florida / Lakeland Speedway and First Baptist Church @ the Mall / 1010 E. Memorial Blvd 33801

Event Format: Police Escorted Group Ride; Music; nationwide simulcast of prayer (Ca. /Az. / Tx. /Fl.); food; fellowship; key speaker; Volunteer sign up for December toy delivery.

Purpose: 1) Show Unity among all Christian Motorcyclists; 2) Gather toys for children whose parent(s) are incarcerated during Christmas. Statewide toy drop at local churches and businesses. 3) The event is designed to unify individuals and various Christian biker organizations as a visual statement to the world, demonstrating that Christian Motorcycle Ministries are living out the Biblical command that believers should be united as One Body.

As Christian riders, motorcycle enthusiasts or more importantly, faithful servants of Jesus, let’s come together in true fellowship with ALL riders in the community for a very special cause.

If you are interested in attending, please let me know as early as possible - e mail me at 7nowrider@gmail.com . I am in the process of contacting local hotels in the Lakeland area to reserve a block of rooms (hopefully at a reduced rate) and need to have an idea how many rooms we will need. The plan is to ride up on the Friday before, stay the night, and then ride back after the event. It will be an incredible time of Christian fellowship and fun!

Group Ride June 23 - UPDATE!

2007-06-11T23:32:00.000-05:00

There will be a group ride on June 23. Christ the Rock Church is the newest Fellowship Riders affiliate, so we will start the ride from their parking lot in support of their ministry.

The ride will go like this:

1st Leg...Hwy 27...Krome Av to Tamiami Trail (Hwy 41)...rest stop at Oasis...55 miles
2nd leg... Tamiami Trail to Roadside Park...10 miles...for devotional.
3rd leg...Tamiami Trail to Hwy 29 to Everglades City / Chokaluskee
Seafood Depot...LUNCH.
FREE RIDE home...can be back by 2:00 if you need be

Plan on being at Christ the Rock Church (11000 Stirling Road, just east of Flamingo Rd.) by 8 a.m. Kickstands up by 9. See you then!

7NOW Riders 1st Ride

2007-05-26T16:46:00.000-05:00

To see all the pictures from the ride, click on the following link:
http://picasaweb.google.com/7nowrider/7NOWRiders1stRide

Meeting and Ride Results

2007-05-23T13:57:00.000-05:00

We had our first meeting and ride this past Saturday. Although we started slower than I had prayed for, I am encouraged that there is interest in the ministry and that we will continue to build upon this start.

The Fellowship Riders Florida Everglades started their monthly ride from our church parking lot at 9:00 a.m. in a show of unity and support. We had a great time of fellowship and I thank each rider who came for their support. They then went ahead for their ride and devotional while we stayed behind for our organizational meeting. But it was not all talk!

We had bagels and coffee as we discussed the ministry and group riding safety. At about 10:30 a.m., we left the church and rode to Clewiston to meet up with the Florida Everglades group at the Tikki Bar and Restaurant for lunch (they have great hamburgers!). We all met up at 12 noon and had a great time talking and eating. We then rode back home at around 2:00 p.m.

We did hit some rain on the way back...O.K., we hit a lot of rain on the way back. But I am happy to say that everyone made it back safely and cleaner. At least it was a great way to wash all those Lovebugs off the bikes without breaking any water restriction laws. I took pictures and will be posting them in the next few days. In the mean time, click on the Florida Everglades link on our blog to access some pictures there.

God bless!

Organizational Meeting and Ride!

2007-05-05T18:42:00.000-05:00

We finally have a date and time for our first organizational meeting and ride! We will meet on Saturday, May 19 at 9:00 a.m. We have the church conference room reserved for the meeting portion of the morning. We will discuss group riding safety and dynamics, ride scheduling, and several other topics.

Also at 9:00, the Fellowship Riders Florida Everglades will leave our church parking lot to start their group ride. We will meet up with them after we conclude our meeting with our own ride to Clewiston for lunch. Our ride will be approximately 73 miles each way (146 miles round trip). We will leave from our church parking lot to US27 North to Clewiston for a time of fellowship and food. We will then group ride back with everyone after lunch.

I hope you will be able to join us on Saturday, May 19. If you can't make the group ride, please try to make the meeting to learn more about our future plans and how our ministry is part of a much larger community of Christian motorcyclists. If you plan to go on the ride, please make sure to have your fuel tank full so we can leave immediately after our meeting.

I look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday.

P.S. - If you currently do not ride but are planning to in the future, you are welcome to attend the meeting to learn more about our ministry. If you have a spouse who rides with you, please bring them along as well.

If you have any questions, please call or e-mail me. God bless you and may God bless our ministry!

2nd Annual Florida Fellowship Riders Rally

2007-04-30T05:42:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, I was fortunate to attend the 2nd Annual Florida Fellowship Riders Rally held in Salt Springs, Florida. Armando Lopez, lay pastor at our church and a fellow rider, also attended the rally with me as we both represented our church at the rally.

The weekend started on Thursday, April 26, when we met up with five other Fellowship Riders affiliate members from various local churches to ride to Salt Springs. We started early - 7 a.m. - and rode north. We reached Salt Springs around 2 p.m. after riding approximately 300 miles. We stopped along the way for meals, fuel, and rest breaks.

At 4 p.m. we were joined by 23 other affiliate members from various churches for the kick-off dinner ride followed by an evening around the camp fire for fellowship and discussion about Fellowship Riders and each affiliates ministry plans.

Friday and Saturday were filled with rides to areas such as St. Augustine, Mount Dora, Daytona, and Leesburg for the Bikefest. Each days ride and events were capped off with devotionals, prayer, fellowship and discussion sitting around the camp fire.

On Sunday, we started our trek back home with a stop in Lakeland to visit Faithriders at the First Baptist Church at the Mall. This church is housed in a converted shopping mall and it uses every square inch! You can visit them at: http://www.fbclakeland.org/templates/System/default.asp?id=37524 .
We attended the Faithriders bible school where approximately 150 members were in attendance. They have a fantastic ministry and we need to keep them in prayer for all the great work they are doing for Jesus!

As a footnote, Wheels of Grace magazine will be holding a Christian Biker Unity Ride and Rally at the First Baptist Church at the Mall on September 14 and 15. I'll post more about that soon as details are unveiled.

After Sunday school, we headed back home. We traveled approximately 1,100 miles over the weekend, round trip. Praise God that everyone made it back safely, rejuvenated and excited about the start of our ministry and the unity among all the Florida affiliates.

A special thanks to our event hosts, Scott and Jenn Rector from Flamingo Road Church, who planned the agenda, mapped the rides, shared their campsite, and provided us with unselfish Christian hospitality. They are truly a blessing!

Please pray that God will continue to bless each affiliate's ministry as we strive for unity in purpose - to serve Jesus Christ and continue to build his kingdom here on Earth!

Beginnings...

2007-04-11T11:11:00.000-05:00

After much prayer and planning, the Church of Pembroke Pines is pleased to announce the beginning of its motorcycle ministry, the 7NOW Ministry Fellowship Riders, or simply known as 7NOW Riders.

Why 7NOW Riders? Our church has embarked on a totally new concept called 7 Nights of Worship, or 7NOW. Through 7NOW, we are able to minister to all those who either work on the weekends or those who would like to keep their weekends free for other activities, giving them an alternative night in which to fellowship with other Christians and worship our Lord, Jesus Christ. We are very excited about this new venue for worship and want to share it with everyone. Our prayer is that our motorcycle ministry name will help us spread the word as we ride and come into contact with others in the motorcycle community.

Please check out our blog periodically. In the coming days and weeks we will be posting announcements for our organizational meeting and first group ride. We will also be posting on various topics dealing with safety, group riding, activities, and community involvement opportunities.

In the mean time, if you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me at johnnyg@pineschurch.org. God bless you and ride safely!