A weekend of relaxation.

Matthew 11:29

Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart:and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

There are Motorcycle events and functions every weekend and even durning the week. Few if any of Christ's servants can hit them all and I must confess sometimes it is difficult to sort through the opportunities and focus on the best selection.

This was a picture perfect weekend, and I broke out my "59" Hack rig. No big rides on this one, just a relaxing ride or two around town. I was not the only one to think of this, I saw lots of classics out this weekend. They included an early 60's Rolls, 67 Camero, a couple of Hot Rods and so it goes. On the rare occasion I break out "Spartacus" I remember how much fun the old ride is. RIDE ON SPARTACUS!

Also, this was the weekend for an A.E.HOG RC dinner and one of two weddings I have been scheduled to officiate this fall. I cherish the chance to fellowship with good friends and chapter members. Of course, in ministering through the marriage process with these wonderful young people, I was so encouraged by the commitments made last evening by them to each other and their faith.

Fall Leaf Pre-ride

It has been an emotional and spiritual beginning to fall. Sturgis, the West Coast rally, Santiago and many points in between, 6,000 miles on the Ultra and another 5000 air miles.

This past weekend marked a significant point in the ride season. One of my favorite activities of the year is the Arkansas Fall Leaf mission for AE Hog. The road captain pre-ride, and then the event its self. So, this weekend was the road captain pre-ride. The group is considerably smaller than the event group, and the fellowship is always excellent. This weekend was no exception. We accomplished the goal(it was never in question), and the riding was some of the best in years. Our trip happened to be on the same weekend as the Fayetteville Blues/BBQ rally. So on Saturday we mixed in with the estimated crowd of 300,000.

At the Rally, I ran into several "Bikers for Christ" members. They even had a ministry table at one of the venue's. A big change, as I have rarely run in to members in Arkansas, let alone seen a group of them. Ministry is a wonderful thing! A fellow who looked to be a leader called for prayer over several of us visitors. I sure enjoyed and appreciated that.

Highlights included, the observation train ride, Director David's dirt road(aka-wilderness) adventure, the Rally and the fast hairpin mountain turns.

Well I am a road captain tonight for our dinner ride, so I will sign off, and finish some work before it is time to head out. GOD BLESS YOU!

After a long sabbatical I will continue the “Chaplains Blog”. Alaska will stay on the archive, and I Hope to share the many new roads ahead with you.

Day 1

I just returned back from my spring work/ministry tour. This year, Orlando was the destination for NCOM. What a great 3000-mile ride. The ministry tour began on Thursday May 6, as I headed from Pensacola to Orlando, a 500-mile ish ride. It was a cool morning and as I passed over the bay I ascended into the clouds, I wanted to take a picture, but the fast traffic on the interstate bridge did not make that possible. It reminded me of a “stairway to heaven”. Later at Tallahassee I left the interstate for an afternoon ride on secondary roads, spectacular! Clearly the best way to see Florida. I rejoiced in the traffic free highways and the sights.

I was approached by a teenager at a gas station to visit about the bike; I left him with a tract, rewarding to pass well wishes and scripture into the hands of the next generation.

The rain had held off all day and the skies opened as I got just 2 blocks from the convention hotel in Orlando.

Day2

Fellowship, and meeting new friends and renewing old relationships were the theme of day 2. We took a little lunch ride, but mainly listened to speakers and others in the ministry express their thoughts. It was a time for listening.

Highlights: It is always good to see Pastor Z, He has been an inspiration and mentor to me these past 7 years. Also good to greet Pastor G and other BFC brothers around the lunch table.

Day 3

A short midday ride to Ormond to see a dear friend. MM, you have been a blessing to my family and me for so many years; it was so good to visit with you. I do so appreciate Ormond; it feels like a 3^rd home in some ways.

Day 4

Ormond to Biloxi. After a wonderful breakfast with MM, I headed out a 9am for Biloxi. Taking back roads back across Florida, was again a treat. It was a great ride and the 500 miles seemed like a much shorter ride!

Day 5

Biloxi to Houston. Oops, came down with a case of gout! Fortunately, a biker with a limp is ordinary and almost transparent to the casual observer. Made in fine and went directly to the painkillers. Unfortunately I had to cut my trip short and change some work plans, to get home to see the DR. Still the 3,000 mile was so special this year!

Highlights: Ormond by the Sea, Biloxi-Gulfport, Nassau Bay

Epilog

It is now 4 days after our return to civilization. Wow, it is still not sinking in that we have finished riding all the United States, and virtually all of Canada. The biggest adjustment is dealing with the number of cars and people as we have been living on the bikes in mainly remote areas for 22 days. Both Tim and I agree we are experiencing sensory overload, our brains are still processing all the input (views of Gods creation, road experiences, ministry experiences and so forth). Our trip story is not yet in a form we can effectively communicate. I am back at work and very fatigued. Both Tim and I feel a physical and emotional tiredness. But, there is a great underlying feeling of accomplishment of the mission and the ride. My reflections will undoubtedly change over time, but for now, I would say the most significant lesson learned or should I say principal understanding, would be the power of prayer. We had 2-3 times the number of people praying for us this trip, and our ministry production was 2-3 times greater than past missions. However you look at it, something was different about us, and the mission field in which we were working, and the only identifiable difference was “more prayer”.

We serve an awesome God whose love for us is beyond our human ability to understand. He has a wonderful plan for us, we need only to invite Him to live in our hearts and choose His way, desire His plan and peace of spirit will follow: Peace that passes our understanding. Church is and can be a good thing, but it is a personal relationship with Christ (Jesus in our hearts) that brings this result. Read His word to grow in your understanding of Him and what He would have you do.

All glory and praise be to God who loved us when we were/are unlovable.

A special Note:
Thanks to Rod (Chappy) for his friendship, brotherhood, and partnership. We wanted him on the road with us, but understand God had planned for him to support from Addison on this project. I must clearly say without his efforts in planning and logistics, the mission would not have been all it has proved to be. God Bless you Chappy!

10,000 mile Mission Alaska, Stats;

Mission
Estimated People contacted 22 days x 16 people = 352people (More than twice our best average up till now)

Gospel materials delivered:
150 Road Hawg Music cards
60 “Songs from the Seat” CD’s
175 Wanted Jesus tracts
100 Chaplaincy contact/ tract cards
5 bracelets
1 bible

Actual Travel
8160 Harley-Davidson miles
504 Jeep Miles
800 Ship ferry Miles (est)
9464 total miles covered
9 U.S. States
4 Canadian Provinces

Equipment notes

1. The fully serviced and maintained Harley-Davidson Ultra-Classics performed well and was an excellent vehicle choice for what we intended to do.
2. The Oil change/service appointment at our 4500-mile halfway point worked well. House of Harley in Anchorage was ready for us and this went smooth.
3. Gas was available on all roads; no additional gas cans were required.
4. The lower octane gas used when necessary had no particular ill effects on the equipment, Note: 91+ octane is always the best choice for these engines.
5. We had no flat tires, but were equipped with repair kits and pumps. I will get a full 10,000 miles out of the new 09-rear tire, 50% more miles than my experience with the pre-09 ultra rear tires.
6. The extra drive belt took no room and though unused, was additional security.
7. Top quality apparel, waterproof boots, good leather and electrics made for a most comfortable ride in all conditions.
8. The Hydro pack/collapsible cooler set up made riding in 105 temperatures possible.
9. There were plenty of rooms along the way, and camping gear was used in Sturgis. Having the light camping gear was a wonderful security net for all our travel.
10. Key to better stability is do not over pack, remember woolite and mail your souvenirs home.
11. IPod was a great accessory as regular and satellite radio are mainly out of reach in the far north of Canada.
12. 100% deet was handy.

Day 23 - Last Day on the Road - Carrollton

Well I just can not believe this is over, time has flew by. As we
mounted up, 8-ball discussed his early exit in Kansas for some family
time. We rode the first 300 miles together then I would do the last
leg was solo. Ministry is a 24/7 activity, and yet we agreed that we
both felt the primary goals and purposes had been achieved and
completed. We were focused on home on day 23.

As I crossed Nebraska, I was sad that the end of the road was in
sight. I reflected on the sights and sounds of the north. When I got
to Kansas I was looking for ways to extend the trip and my mind
wondered in no particular direction. However, once I hit the Oklahoma
border, I felt I was almost home. I spend so much time in Oklahoma,
it really does feel like home in a way. The sounds of the "Second
chance Band" brought my mind back into focus. Then......

Well, I will digress. A number of years ago, a business firm began
distributing "Drive like an idiot" pills in Houston. This was mainly
on fridays and extra heavy distribution was on the north freeway 45N,
but those effected wandered around the city generally within beltway
8. This effort was wildly successful so distribution began 7 days a
week. Some time later the process of "Drive like an idiot" pill
distribution began in Dallas, with much the same result. However,
Dallas-ites proved more susceptible to the pill and folks were
effected to a greater degree. For some reason Dallas had far greater
distribution in the metroplex area than Ft. Worth.

So, as I mentioned, I spend a lot of time in Oklahoma, especially the
city. But, this is rarely on friday afternoons. I am sad to report
that the "Drive like an Idiot" pill distribution has begun in Oklahoma
City on Friday afternoons. I had two cages menace me, between Edmond
and Pauls Valley. Of course an old guy on a Harley riding solo can be
vulnerable and looks like a good target to folks who have taken the
"Drive like an idiot" pill.

Thankfully we had 9700 miles of issue free highway. God divinely
protected us the entire way, and me on the last leg home on friday
afternoon.

This is all in fun, and, all motorcyclists must remember at all
times, no matter how difficult it gets, to drive defensively.

Epilog to follow ......

Day 22 - Grand Island, Ne.

I just can not believe this Mission is winding down. It has gone by so fast. A nice group of folks from Canada, gave us the firewood for last nights fire as they were leaving. We gifted the balance of the wood to others before breakfast. That seems to be the Wyatt's way. Breakfast at Wyatts Campground is always a time of good food and fellowship. Goodbyes and we were off in the rain to Rapid City for the all important Hog Pin. In and out in 10 minutes, a Tim and Jeff speciality. Harley decided to hold the expo outside for a change, probably looked good on paper until the rain showed up. Not many of the faithfulull will stand in the rain to look at the chrome.

About 3 hours in a light rain is nothing for the "rainman"(hear songs from the seat- Road hawg music). Sky's cleared south of the badlands and we had some wind through Valentine.

As I rode, I just enjoyed the day, thinking of some of the scenery we have seen in the past days and weeks. As stated, I just can not believe this is coming to an end. I miss Dr. Jane and Melissa, and the stinking dogs, but there is a part of me that just wants to take a right turn after a weekend in Texas and head to California.

I guess you will know how this decision went tomorrow?

Day 21 - Sturgis

So, After setting up camp, we headed out for ministry. Wow, first a great ride to the Buffalo Chip. When we got there we saw the reason God wanted us there. An unbelievable ministry field. This will be the subject of several future writings. It takes a lot to shock me, well this was an eye opener.

Next Downtown Sturgis, Tracts all around. A couple of patch stops, and a quick look for the Corbin trailer and the day was over. A great campfire was followed by some rain, it made for good sleeping.