hly.com www.christianvoicemont www.christianvoicemonthly.com B r a n d o n • Va l r i c o • L i t h i a • S e f f n e r • R i v e r v i e w • P l a n t C i t y • A p o l l o B e a c h Volume 24, Issue 2
A Free Publication from Osprey Observer Inc.
February 2020
Plant City F.A.I.T.H. Riders: Motorcycle Ministry
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Offers On Page 3
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Strawberry Fest
The phrase ‘where the rubber meets the road’ is fitting when used to describe the F.A.I.T.H. Riders motorcycle ministry. Employing motorcycles as a tool and transportation, the F.A.I.T.H. Riders ministry is passionate about going into the world and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Established in 2002 by the late Buddy Newsome, F.A.I.T.H. Riders began as a ministry of Lakeland’s Every year, a group of F.A.I.T.H. Riders set up a tent at Church at the Mall. Since Daytona’s Bike Week to raffle off a motorcycle and share the love of Jesus. then, the ministry has must be a ministry of a local spread across the nation encompassSouthern Baptist church and include ing 365 chapters. The Plant City worship, evangelism, discipleship, chapter is one of 54 chapters located fellowship and ministry. Additionally, in Florida and based out of the First chapters are encouraged to support Baptist Church of Plant City. other ministries within the church Sam DeMicco and her husband, and its surrounding community. Roy, are members of the Plant City “The motorcycle is a tool, and it chapter and work on its assessment helps us go into places where there’s team. The assessment team travels a lot of unchurched people,” explained around Florida, visiting inactive chapDeMicco. “Your average biker is not ters and educating churches about your average churchgoer.” the ministry. Every year, representatives from “Our goal is to show that we are F.A.I.T.H. Riders set up a tent at more than a riding club,” explained Daytona’s Bike Week, where they DeMicco. “We don’t require anybody look for opportunities to reach others to ride a motorcycle. We want people for Christ. To draw people to their who desire to spread the gospel.” tent, they raffle off a brand-new While each F.A.I.T.H. Riders chapmotorcycle, and the only way to enter ter may operate slightly different, it
By Amanda Boston
is by listening to a threeminute testimony from one of the F.A.I.T.H. Riders. She continued, “There are a lot of people who are interested in motorcycles. Getting gas is where I have most of my conversations. People say, ‘nice motorcycle,’ and it opens that door for a conversation, and then I can talk to people about Jesus.” The F.A.I.T.H. acronym stands for Forgiveness, Available, Impossible, Turn and Heaven. For further description, please visit www.faithriders.com, where you can also donate online to the mission. The Plant City chapter is based out of First Baptist Church of Plant City, located at 3309 James L. Redman Pkwy. For more information on where it gathers and upcoming events, please visit https://plantcityfaithriders.com or contact its director, Roger Blethen, at 924-9035.
Franklin Graham’s Sunshine Tour Draws Close To 10,000
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Pastor Jomo
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On January 12, Franklin Graham, the eldest son of the late Billy Graham, stopped in Plant City on his Decision America Sunshine State Tour. The free evangelistic event drew more than 9,600 people—approaching the seating capacity of the Strawberry Festival Soundstage. While Plant City may be synonymous with strawberries, the city also earned a new distinction—the largest number of volunteers to serve at a Decision America Tour event. Nearly 1,000 trained volunteers from 40 local churches prepared and participated in the prayer rally. "Many people in Plant City don't know who God is. They think God is irrelevant, boring, or they think He doesn't care about them," said Scott McIntosh, senior pastor of City Pointe Church. "When we truly experience God and His powerful love for us, it changes us. Plant City needs to hear this message that gives our lives meaning and purpose." In a face-to-face interview before the event, Franklin Graham was asked for advice on how to reach others for Christ. He said, "For every person who claims the name of Jesus Christ, they have a responsibility to share our faith with others and to give them the hope that we have. And so, you don’t have to have the gift of
By Amanda Boston
evangelism to share your testimony; the Holy Spirit will take that and do the rest." The event kicked off with music from the award-winning guitarist Dennis Agajanian, who began performing at Billy Graham’s events more than 40 years ago. Then taking the stage was the GRAMMY®-nominated artist Jeremy Camp, who shared his music and his motivation for performing. Camp said, “I’m not out here trying to be a rock star or trying just to sing music. I’m out here because Jesus Christ changed my life.” Following Camp’s performance, Franklin Graham was greeted with
thunderous applause. He remarked on the city’s beautiful weather before delving into the issues dividing the country. Then he encouraged everyone to pray for all elected leaders— national, state and local, regardless of party affiliation. The entire venue buzzed as thousands of prayers were lifted toward heaven. His message centered on the hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ. After presenting the gospel, many rose from their seats and professed Jesus as their Lord and Savior. As people stood, the on-site volunteers furnished the new believers with resources to help them cultivate a relationship with Jesus and get plugged into a local church. Franklin Graham is the president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse. For more information, visit https://billygraham.org.