Steve

TUMBLE WEEDS

          Hello, good to see you again, I hope our last postings were enjoyable. In this posting I hope to get up to the present finishing our introductions.

          In 1978 I bought a 750 Honda from my brother-in-law, a decent bike in those days and considered a big bike back then, but more importantly it introduced me to the real world of the open road and bikers. I was a lone wolf and soon my desire to go my own way would bring drastic changes in my life and those of many others.

          I was still very much active in the drug culture and drinking, looking back I know it was by the grace of God that I didn't die on that bike. But I made it to graduation and traded my part time job at a truck stop for a full time job at the sawmill. However, I felt I was in a dead end situation and decided it was time to hit the road, the problem, no money. So I chose to join the Navy, many thought that was just what I needed to get me away from my current lifestyle of working all day and partying till 1 or 2 in the morning. Little did they know was that joining the Navy only made it easier to get all the drugs and booze I wanted, so I soon found myself in San Diego, CA. for boot camp. Through all this I still felt something was missing but could not quite figure it out, you know the feeling, if you will admit it you once had the same feeling or maybe you are dealing with it now.

          I came home on leave after boot camp and saw a girl I had seen at a party before I left, she flagged me down at the local Sonic and we began to talk and I found out that one of her friends and her brother and sister were people I partied with regularly and we began to date. I took my bike and headed to Memphis to report for duty, this was my first real road trip on a bike and I loved being on the open road and on my own. So at Memphis my roommate got me into new drugs and even dealing some, I had not been to Church or picked up a bible since I graduated, in fact I didn’t even have a bible at this time. I drove from Memphis to home every weekend to see my new girlfriend and party. Even though it was 2.5 hours one way on the open road I didn’t mind because I loved being on the road. I then received orders to a fighter squadron on a aircraft carrier stationed in Japan and five days before I left I married my first wife and sold my bike. I thought I was going to save her from the life she had grown up in, I didn’t realize that I couldn’t even fix my own life little less hers, she had not even graduated High School.  Our relationship was good while I was on sea duty and was not home much but she became pregnant and we transferred to Oceana, VA. And our relationship became very tumultuous. Then came orders back to Japan with an Attack squadron and our relationship became somewhat better but was at its best when I was gone. Then we transferred to China Lake, CA. and our relationship got worse, I came to the startling realization that I was and alcoholic. I quite drinking and thought I could go it on my own, went to AA for a while but that was a waste of time. I still had that old feeling that something was missing, I didn’t realize yet, but it was my relationship with my Savior that was missing. Jesus had kept me alive through a lot horrible incidents while I had been in the Military because he never gives up on us and he certainly was not finished with me. He put a man in our lives that he used to bring me home, we bowled on a league with a Post Man who kept after us to go to church with him, finally one week I said OK, we will go one time and if we don’t feel comfortable there you won't bug us anymore and he agreed. That Sunday I finally realized what was missing was a close personal relationship with Jesus, if was such an awesome day of worship and praise, I knew this was were I needed to be and would never stray from my Savior again. He cured my desire for drugs and alcohol, I would never be recovering addict again, He did what only Jesus can do. I soon realized that I could not be what Jesus wanted me to be while in the Navy and so after 13 years I got out and we moved to Oklahoma and things were ok for a while but mine and my wife's relationship continued to worsen with the birth of a second child and a move to Arkansas. In Arkansas we joined a little country Church were I taught Sunday School and gave the morning devotional which gave me more joy than I had ever known. Where was my bike during all this I didn’t have one!!! My wife didn’t like bikes or bikers and forbad me to own one again, of course that did not sit well with me since I loved riding and that is not something you ever forget or get over. I had begun to feel the Lord was calling on me to do something more and one Sunday it hit me like a ton of bricks, He wanted me to be a Preacher of the Word. So in 1997 I surrendered to the call of the ministry and began preaching at Churches all over Arkansas and to make a long story short in 2000 I was asked to become the pastor of Highway 5 Baptist Church in Bryant, AR. That next year my wife left me and I thought my world was going to end, I was devastated, hurt, angry and bitter but I knew Jesus was with me and after trying to reconcile and trying everything to get her to stay in 2003 the divorce was final. My life changed radically but it did not end.  Jesus brought me through this too and in time healed me. In 2006 the Lord brought a Godly, wonderful woman into my life whom I married and have been working in the ministry with since.

          I had been a dried up tumble weed most of my life being blown here and there by every wind of the world not accomplishing nothing and not rooted anywhere till Jesus planted me by the water of life. Not only did God provide me a perfect mate which I had prayed for but he also brought two more children in my life whom I love, and extended family who have been a great blessing, and a many brothers and sisters in Christ who have been and continue to be such a blessing to me.

          But wait that’s not all Jesus brought a bike back into my life and my wife loves it, loves riding and has a heart for bikers. Now I feel complete, I know I am where is should have been so many years ago. I pastor full time at Highway 5 Baptist with my wife by my side and we have founded a motorcycle ministry which takes us all over the country witnessing to our fellow bikers as we go.

          Do you have that emptiness and lack of direction in your life that I have spoken of here?

          Do you feel like your life is to messed up to get in a right relationship with Jesus?

          Do you feel like He could never use you to do His work?

          Let me assure you that He wants you right where you are, the way you are and that He can make you into what He wants you to be if you will let Him. I want to hear from you, what do you think?

Keep the wind in your face!

See you at the next stop.

Jessica Called by God

Thursday, February 04, 2010

8:02 PM

What does it mean to be called by God?  Well, for me it meant to be shut up in my bedroom with drugs pumping thru my sick, weak, and out of control body.  That is when God called me to follow him.  I look at it now and wonder why God chose then?  Why not after I got cleaned up and well?  I know the answer is that I would have not been able to get clean and healed with out God and his guidance.  Now some might think this was my moment of salvation, but I say no.  I really believe that I was saved from eternal separation from God at 13 years old, but this was my call to service.  I think I tell this testimony more than my salvation experience because I was so deep in the pit of sin and Jesus pulled me out.  All I had to do was say "Yes"!  What do you think it means to be called by God?

Winter Time Blues Jessica
 

Do you ever just get the winter time blues?  Bikers seem to have the blues worse in the winter than any other time.  This year in Arkansas we have only been able to go on one ride.  That is just not enough.  I not only miss the trill of riding but I miss the interaction with other bikers that we get used to during the summer and fall.  The winter weather this year has made going on many rides very hard.  Rain, Snow, Sleet, and even below freezing temperatures.  I am ready for Spring, did I mention that?  When I think about the winter blues I think about others out there that have the blues all the time commonly called depression.  I am one that battles with depression, so I can understand feeling down and out.  I do however have a medication for depression that works better than anything else and that is God's word.  When I get depressed and down I pick up God's word and read about our future, our spring in heaven.  And it seems that I can get thru a little easier.  So if you are out there and have the winter blues remember God says that the morning is coming.  Spring is on it's way!

DOWN TIME

STEVEN W. HUDSON

With the exception of a few areas in the U.S., you will probably have a month or two of down time in the winter. Now Arkansas is not so bad and most years riding is possible all year round. However, this year has been the exception, we have had a lot of ice, and snow that I not only dislike riding on, I also consider it extremely foolish.

So what do you do with that down time? I use this time for planning, and yearly/routine maintenance. I like to change the plugs, oil and filter, tighten all the bolts and screws, check the tire wear and replace as necessary. I also use this time to make improvements to the bike or add accessories that require some down time.

Last but not least, we plan our rides for the coming year, in doing this we pick destinations, rallies, and events we want to visit. Then we get the maps and literature on these places, states, and events so we can plan our route and stops along the way.

In this life, we should prepare and plan for the next life. What do you believe there is after this life? Have you prepared and planned for this journey, have you done what is necessary for this journey?

I believe there are only two options for the afterlife. John 3:36 tells us, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” There is eternal life and eternal death. To receive eternal life we are told in, “John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my (Jesus’) word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”

What do you think? Have you made the proper preparations? What road will you take to eternity death and the Lake of Fire expressway or the scenic Highway to Heaven?

Till the next stop,

Steven W. Hudson

P.S.

You are encouraged to post your comments, questions, and thoughts!

For a list of rides and events we have planned see our web site at: www.highway5baptistchurch.com and click on the Heaven Bound Bikers Page or calendar. Everyone is welcome to ride with us!

TRUE BIKER CHURCH

Steven W. Hudson

At Highway 5 Baptist Church we are a biker friendly Church. Our motto is “Everyone welcome from bikers to bankers” and we sincerely mean it. We are a come as you are group, you can come in your leathers, wearing your colors, work clothes, or dress up as much as you want. All we do ask is that you come covered up also known as modest dress, no butt, boobs, or belly showing and that is for men and women. We have all types of music, we have bible studies, pure preaching of the Word of God, prayer meetings, a Christian biker group “Heaven Bound Bikers, and a multitude of other kinds of fellowship.

The bible teaches and we believe that a church is a called out, local, visible, assembly of believers in Jesus Christ. Everyone is welcome to come praise and worship God with us and participate in most everything we do. However like all groups there are things restricted to recognized members. Just like a motorcycle club, business organization or any other called out assembly there are certain things only recognized members are allowed to participate in. Things such as voting in business meetings, control of financial materials and assets and the two scriptural ordinances commanded in the scriptures.

Yet a few weeks back a couple who are not voting members but have been coming to the Church and riding with the Heaven Bound Bikers were told that we are not a real biker Church, that there is only one true biker church in our area and that it was not us.

I don’t understand this statement and would like to know what you think. What makes a Church a true biker Church and where does the scripture say that there is to be a special Church for different segments of the community, race or anything else? We believe all people need Jesus Christ in their lives and all need to be active in a local, visible, assembly of believers.

What are your thoughts on this matter?

Till the next stop,

Steven W. Hudson

What is a Christian woman biker's place in the biker community?   As I sat in our booth this weekend at the ABATE swap meet I found myself watching all the people around me.  My attention focused on the female bikers and their mates.  And the above question came to my mind.  Of course female bikers are made up of all kinds of women:  old, young, prissy, tom-boy, lady riders, and us back seat riders.  As I watched the ladies there I became sadden at the thought of where I fit into this community.  You see I am not my husband's property, the only person I belong to is Jesus.  So, I feel I do not fit in with many women that walk behind their men with property of so and so tattooed on their back.  Then there are  the lady riders.  I really feel like I might fit in with them but wait I can't ride my own bike (physical limitations).  Then there are the proper Christian biker women.  I definitely don't have the heir of arrogance to fit into this group.  So, here I was saying where do I fit in?  Then, I remembered the following scriptures:

Romans 12:2 (ESV) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

These tell me that I am not supposed to fit into a box that is created by the world.  I am to be what Christ has created me to be not what the biker community wants me to be.  I think this is why I don't feel I fit in because I really DON'T.  Jesus says it is good not to fit into the world and its ideas.  So I guess this biker chick is doing something right.  I have been really blessed that I am not alone because I have found a group of women in Heaven Bound Bikers that I feel think the same way.  So ladies if your out there feeling out of place know that you are not alone.

*Jessica Hudson

The God of Comfort
I heard a sermon this week about the God of comfort and thought to myself “what kind of comfort have I experienced from God?” I think of when I was having my five surgeries and was so scared of the outcomes. God gave me comfort in so many ways: giving me praying parents, giving me a pastor who was always there, giving me nurses and doctors that had a gentle touch and a smile. All these things I know were God giving me comfort. I also think of the days and weeks after my husband left me. I found comfort from God’s word that felt as if God himself had his arms around me holding me. I think of the times when people say derogatory things about me or my husband. I can see the comfort God gives me thru my friends at Hwy 5 Baptist Church and the Heaven Bound Bikers. These people seem to look past all my faults and tell me that no matter what people say God is with us. I can now see how Paul felt when he wrote to the Corinthians that they gave him comfort in his affiliation by their faith in God. Hhave you experienced comfort from God? Can you think of a few hundred ways God shows you comfort every day. I am so thankful that God knows just what kind of comfort I need, and just at the right time. Praise God in your affiliations because you get to experience the true comfort of God.

God Bless and keep the wind in your face!

Jessica Hudson


 

SWAMP RIDING

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

9:21 PM

The weather was clear and cool Saturday morning here in central Arkansas as the Heaven Bound Bikers put their kickstands up and hit the road. The four riders left out with Road Captain Larry Davis in the lead, with full leathers and facemasks on going east on I-30 through Little Rock to I-440. The riders took the Scott/England exit onto Hwy. 165S, and then turned onto Hwy. 79N and then Hwy. 49S and then onto Hwy. 362 which took us to the Louisiana Purchase State Park.

The riding was great and our first stop was at Union Valley Cemetery were Larry’s family is buried. This is a very old cemetery and Church, way out in the middle of a bean field just outside Coy, AR., which is well maintained despite its location.

Our next stop was at Papa Joes quick stop in Coy. We give this place four stars, the people were friendly, the restrooms were very clean and in good operating order, and they parking lot is concrete with lots of room to park. You can get gas there and they have hot food and your usual snacks.

From there the riders moved on down to Stuttgart, AR., the home of Max’s Prairie Wings and Riceland Foods. Ducks and rice are Kings in this southeast Arkansas town, Max’s Prairie Wings is a must stop and shop for waterfowl hunters. While in Stuttgart, we stopped for lunch at Gracie’s Central Station by the old Wal-Mart. It was an excellent choice, they have a varied but simple menu, and it was very clean with a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. The food was good, having generous portions, with the riders trying out the burgers, Philly-steak sandwich, and patty melt, all came with home cut fries and all the fixings. The waitress was Becky who did a good job and the prices were fair. To get directions call 870-672-4848 (it was off our route, which is why you need to call for directions).

With full bellies, the riders were now ready to head straight on into our destination, Louisiana Purchase State Park. Heading on up Hwy. 79 the roads were pretty good except between Roe and Clarendon were they are building a new road and the existing road is rough for about 10 miles. You will cross the White River in this area and it is beautiful delta wet lands.

Turning off Hwy. 79 onto Hwy. 49S we traveled down to the state park turning onto Hwy. 362, be careful as this is a country lane with pea-gravel and tractors do use this road leaving clods of dirt and mud. It is about 2 miles down through a swamp to the end of the lane were the state park is located at a turnaround. Jessica commented that it reminded her of the movie “Deliverance,” however we did not hear any banjo music. There is no visitor center, and the facilities consist of a port-a-potty and no picnic area, however remember it is the journey that counts not the destination. The park consists of a long winding interpreted boardwalk to the monument marking the initial survey point for the Louisiana Purchase. The baseline established here runs through modern day Little Rock, AR., and is where Baseline Rd. gets its name having been partially built on this baseline. For more information visit www.ArkansaStateParks.com

It was time to saddle up and head back, the riders route took them up Hwy. 49N to Hwy. 70 were they made a short jaunt east to Brinkley for gas and then back west to Little Rock. Hwy. 70 parallels I-40 from Little Rock to Memphis and is a great route for taking it easy and just enjoying the ride. Coming out of Hazen we stopped at the Dairy Bar for a break and soon found out on Saturday afternoon this is a hopping little place, if you need to you can park in the gas station next door which is along the drive way for the Dairy Bar. Homeward bound there would be no more stops till the group arrived at Hwy. 5 Baptist Church in Bryant, AR.

Traveling together is great, I never travel alone, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (ESV) Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. I always have my Savior Jesus Christ with me and usually at least one brother or sister in Christ. Who travels with you? Do you have a constant companion, a Savior with you?

Keep The Wind In Your Face!

Till the next pit stop,

Steven W. Hudson