MOTORCYCLE MINISTRY

On Sunday, August 25th; Thunder Roads Ohio announced our intention to help support Sam Childers – The Machine Gun Preacher – and his missions around the world. As part of an event with Armored Disciples Motorcycle Ministry and other riding ministries in the Cleveland area, we welcomed Sam to Cleveland for an afternoon at Rocky River Baptist Church. While there, the Machine Gun Preacher shared his own personal experiences and looked beyond his own missions in life to challenge us all to make a difference. If you’re not familiar with Sam Childers and the work he’s done – it’s a story that you need to hear. In the simplest of terms, he is a biker from Pennsylvania that traveled to Africa back in 1998 and witnessed atrocities that ended turning his world upside down. He has since literally saved the lives of THOUSANDS of children that in many cases had been simply left to die. That’s not dramatics or an overstatement. These were orphans that had lost their parents to the violence that has ravaged Sudan, Uganda, and the region for more than 50 years. In this part of Africa, there were no governmental social services for children. And the violence and horrors were simply so overwhelming that many traditional missionary and aid organizations simply withdrew from the region. It was a situation so bad that news organizations and even the worlds governments simply looked the otherway. But along comes Sam Childers, a BIKER from Pennsylvania, and he took it upon himself to make a difference. One man on a mission to save the lives of children. Instead of being overwhelmed by the challenge – he SIMPLY DID IT. He did what nobody else seemed capable of doing – and he’s been saving the lives of children ever since. For more on Sam Childers and his organization – Angels of East Africa, googgle them online or visit their Facebook page (www. Facebook.com/MGP) @MachineGunPreacher. You can also visit our websites and follow our social media pages for updates on his work and how YOU can help. Back when we started Thunder Roads Ohio in 2011, we first crossed paths with Sam and learned of his work. I was already aware of the atrocities in Sudan after meeting a war refugee from the region while I was in school years before – so I felt a calling to help however I could. We supported a few appearances and helped share his story. But as happens in life, we became distracted with the realities of our own lives and we lost touch. Then it just “so happened” that Sam would be in Florida this past Spring while we were in Daytona for Bike Week. And then “coincidentally” it turned out that Sam would be in Ohio this Spring for a Bike Blessing with the Kingdom Knights Motorcycle Ministry in Akron. I had the opportunity to catch up with Sam and do an interview – which you can find on our facebook page and website. In doing so, we had a simple question – “What’s going on with the Machine Gun Preacher – ten years later, what’s happened with your mission?” To which his reply was even simpler – “I never stopped.” We will share more of his story and work over the coming months and you can find more online, but the simple truth of his life and all that he’s accomplished was exactly what we needed to hear after all we’ve been through over the past year. It was the inspiration for a new charitable initiative and focus for our organization – Mission 2022.

Mission 2022 for us is all about launching a new initiative that is focused purely on making a difference. It’s not about politics, race, past history, or any other drama or excuses that might overwhelm or distract us. This isn’t JUST about saving the LIVES of children in Africa – it’s about waking us up and inspiring us to make more of our own lives. Sure there’s A LOT of craziness going on in the world – but we CAN NO LONGER simply leave it to others to fix. We all can’t travel to Africa, nor should we. We have plenty that we can do in our own corner of the world – or even just here in the United States. But in supporting SAM’S WORK – we can help energize change in our own communities.

Our belief is that MISSION WORK and helping others is inspiring and can fuel change in our own lives.

We’ve partnered with Sam’s organization – Angels of East Africa, LLC (a 501c3 organization) and Western Reserve Charities, Inc, to launch a campaign to not only support their work in Africa and organizations working to make a difference in our own communities right here in Ohio and the US. A central piece of this effort is a campaign to raffle off Sam’s own personal bike – a Harley-Davidson Street Glide that he had customized in his Pennsylvania shop. It’s one of the original MACHINE GUN PREACHER motorcycles and really a cool bike with a unique look and history. We are now helping to collect donations which give you the chance to win this motorcycle – while helping to both support the work of SAM and his organization AND local charities right here in Ohio. Over the next several months we are going to share more and more about both Sam Childers and his work – as well as local individuals and organizations that are working in our own communities. Through the Bike Raffle and other initiatives you can help support these efforts and be a part of the change we need.

We can NO LONGER simply wait for others to fix our communities and consequently our NATION as a whole. We need to step up ourselves.

You can find out more and get your tickets online at

ThunderRoadsOhio.com.

Thanks to David Eggert, NEO Pro Imaging, for photos.

Reflection….

As I sit on this beautiful morning, I am remembering a time with my Dad. As we sat in the dining room of their home. At that time, they had downsized to a mobile home (you wouldn’t dare call it a trailer in front of Mom!) and he had just received a shipment from Time Life Books on WWII. He had previously ordered them with great zest, as he served from 1938 – 1975, both Army and Navy, Navy then Army then Naval Reserve. The first part of his military career during WWII. So, there we were, ready to unpack the box and open the books…he opened the first book…not at the beginning pages, he always opened books in the center and ‘broke them in’. I will never forget the look on his face as he stared at the first picture of the once sandy beach of Normandy covered with the bodies of the men who were taken down like sheep led to the slaughter. Daddy closed the book after what seemed to be an eternity and simply said, ‘I believe these will be left for someone else in the family to look at down the road…there are just some things that need to remain buried.’ I don’t know what happened to those books, I just know that I will never forget that moment. The hurt and pain that washed over Dad was nearly unbearable for a daughter who thought her Daddy was invincible. I knew then that war creates brokenness in more ways than one and can not be washed away by welcome home parties, or parades or simply ‘thank you’. Although these are wonderful things, and we should ALWAYS be grateful to those who sacrificed their lives for freedom to reign, we must remember the scars that are there and while helping the wounds heal, we remember to be gentle with the scars that are left behind. But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O grave, where is your sting?” For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 15:51-56 NLT) To those of you who read this article, especially to those who have served, are serving or have supported a loved one of the same, and for those whose wounds are still healing and the scars still tender, the Lord has not forsaken you and peace will come as you allow Him to wrap His arms around you. He came to release us from the burdens of this life, He came to heal all of our wounds, He died and rose again so that you would too. Release it all today. We are praying for you and as you are out and about and you see the colors on our back of the Bible and praying hands, we truly do stand for what that represents, so ask anytime and we are here for you. With all sincerity of heart….THANK YOU! - Mary G.

COME RIDE WITH US! CMA is a servant minded interdenominational motorcycle ministry with a nondenominational message of hope and love through Jesus Christ. Enjoy the family atmosphere, make life-long friends, and join an army of people dedicated to changing the world, one heart at a time in the highways and byways.

Visit us at www.cmausa.org for more information.

Have a message you’d like to share?

If you have a message that you’d like to share with riders across Ohio and the

Midwest, let us know. TRO welcomes the opportunity to work with established motorcycle ministries.

Feel free to share upcoming events with us as well, by emailing information to

Events.ThunderRoads@gmail.com

Thunder Roads Ohio will be regularly featuring Veterans groups within the magazine and online. We will also be publishing a VETERANS RIDE GUIDE for the STATE OF OHIO in 2022. This will include Veteran Oriented motorcycle events and organizations across Ohio – including a calendar covering the entire riding season. It’s our goal to help support countless charitable organizations, events, and the veterans they serve with this program. This was a project originally slated for 2020 publication, but as you can imagine – we had to postpone it. For information on how your organization or event can be included in upcoming Veterans features or in the VETERANS RIDE GUIDE, email us at ThunderRoadsOhio@gmail.com

Thank You Veterans!

Dvs.Ohio.gov (614) 644-0898

This is the STATE agency that coordinates the services, provides support and oversight to the 88 County Veterans Service Offices (CVSOs) across Ohio – as well as various state Veterans programs / services. These duties include: • Administers the Ohio Veterans Bonus for veterans of the Persian Gulf War era and post-9/11 era conflicts, a program which is funded by bonds approved by Ohio voters. • Operates the Ohio Veterans Homes in

Sandusky and Georgetown which are open to Ohio-resident veterans who served in periods of armed conflicts. • Hosts several veterans’ ceremonies each year including the Governor’s

Wreath-Laying Ceremony which honors Ohio's killed in action and the

Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame induction ceremony. • Maintains custodianship of more than 1.9 million veterans’ records dating back to World War II. There are a wealth of resources and organizations dedicated to serving veterans and their families in recognition of their service and sacrifices made. There are a tremendous number of resources out there, many of which can be accessed by www.OhioVets.gov We wanted to include a few items here worth mentioning specifically, but will have far more online at www.ThunderRoadsOhio.com – just click on the veterans tab.

County Veterans Service Offices

In Ohio, each county has a Veterans Service Office which is staffed with professionals that are certified and dedicated to helping Veterans, their spouses and children, as well as surviving family members of deceased Veterans. They can assist Ohio’s Veterans in applying for benefits earned by active military service. These include: Federal – Disability Compensation, Pension, Healthcare, Education, Home Loans, Burial and Survivor Benefits State – Veterans Bonus, Education, Employment, Healthcare, Home Loans, Ohio Veterans Homes, and Military Injury Relief Fund. Local – Claim Preparation and Assistance, Financial Assistance, Transportation to VA Medical Appointments, and Indigent Burials. Many County Veterans Service and County Recorders also make Veterans ID Cards. Ohio Veterans can find their local Service Office by calling 877-OHIO-VET (877-6446838) or by visiting www.OhioVets.gov For instance, the Washington County Veterans Commission has partnered with Thunder Roads Ohio to help get their message to more Veterans. They will also have copies of Thunder Roads Ohio available each month at their offices.

Veterans Crisis Line

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has established a national Veterans Crisis Line to ensure that Veterans in emotional crisis have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. To operate the hotline, the VA partnered with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Veterans, family members and friends can call the lifeline number, 800273-TALK (8255) and press “1” to be routed to the hotline and speak to a counselor about any issue that is creating a crisis situation in his or her life. Contact: 800-273-8255 or text 4HOPE to 741 741 (Ohio’s Crisis Text Line) website: www.veteranscrisisline.net

Military OneSource (militaryonesource.mil) is your 24/7 connection to information, answers and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges and thrive. As a member of our military family, you are eligible to use this Department of Defensefunded program anytime, anywhere. Turn to Military OneSource for tax services, spouse employment help, webinars and online training, relocation and deployment tools, and much more. Military OneSource offers a wide range of individualized consultations, coaching and non-medical counseling for many aspects of military life.

Peer-to-Peer Support

Deployments. Frequent relocations. Talk it out with someone who’s been there.

Military OneSource provides you with the opportunity to have a relaxed, confidential conversation with a peer consultant.

Military OneSource peer consultants hold master’s degrees in psychology or a social science. They also have firsthand life experience as service members or military spouses and are available to you, for free.

Transitioning Veterans

Military OneSource offers a specialty consultation that is designed specifically for service members transitioning to civilian life. Professionally trained consultants will help you identify goals, navigate benefits and connect you to resources to meet your needs. This consultation includes personalized sessions covering a range of topics, including: benefits, VA assistance, education opportunities and civilian workforce. Sessions are available by phone or video.

Expanded Hourly Child Care Service

Through Military OneSource, military families now have free access to a national database of more than a million caregivers so they can find hourly, flexible and on-demand child care. The nationally recognized online subscription service lets you: • Search for care that fits your own needs and criteria • Find potential care providers and view their profiles • Check references • Review background checks • Interview, hire and pay providers on your terms

Have a question about the expanded hourly child care service or need help getting started? Military OneSource consultants are specially trained to help service members and their families set up accounts and get started on researching child care options.

Building Healthy Relationships

Military OneSource offers a specialty consultation that is designed to help you make your important relationships even stronger. This consultation is education-based and offers a series of personalized coaching sessions to help you deepen your relationships and set goals. You can complete the consultations wherever you are by phone or video. Call 800-342-9647 to access services, 24/7. A Building Healthy Relationships Consultation helps you identify and achieve your personal relationship goals. You can explore relationship tools, resources and practical problem-solving solutions along seven tracks, including: • Strengthening the Couple Connection • Healthy Parent-Child Connections • Communication Refreshers • Staying Connected While Away

Spouse Education and Career Opportunities

As a military spouse looking for employment, Military OneSource can connect you to resources to help you define success and then reach it. Career coaches help with career exploration, education and training, licensure, employment readiness and more. And the MySECO online portal features dozens of tools and resources to connect you to information and employers. Whether you’re a new student, a recent graduate, changing careers or starting a business, SECO can help.

Wounded Warriors and Caregivers

Military OneSource provides consultations to eligible wounded, ill or injured service members, veterans and their families or caregivers, including service members and veterans with combat injuries or a military disability, and those injured in accidents or battling serious illnesses. Specialty consultants work with your service branch’s programs and the Department of Veterans Affairs to connect you with the resources you need. Military OneSource consultants will refer you to the right resources, and provide help navigating the entire process until you have a plan to address your issue. Military OneSource offers additional consultations and resources for caregivers of wounded warriors, including in-person military caregiver PEER forums, virtual PEER forums and online caregiver webinars.

Confidential Non-medical Counseling

Everyone needs support. That’s resiliency. If you need support with life’s everyday challenges, confidential non-medical counseling is available in-person, by phone, online chat or video. Let Military OneSource connect you to a licensed counselor knowledgeable of military life. Counselors address a wide range of issues including couples’ communication, stress, loss, coping and more. Counseling information and resources are available 24/7. Free, confidential and accessible to overseas and remote locations.

Call Military OneSource for a free specialty consultation at 800-342-9647.