You're Invited To A Free Concert

Featuring

Leon Everette

And

The Faith Riders Band

Please join us as Leon and The Faith Riders Band

offer a free concert as they prepare for

an upcoming tour

Listen to a fantastic singer and band as they play both the old and new

Faith Riders Fellowship Church

157 W. Frontage Rd

Aiken, SC

October 12th, 7:00 PM

Psalms 100:2 Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him with singing.

Yesterday morning, on Facebook, I posted a photo of Faith Riders Fellowship Church members as they danced in praise and worship during a recent service. Someone not associated with our Church took offense to the photo stating that was a private time of prayer and we shouldn't put a picture like that on Facebook. I don't know if she is just misguided or is attempting to create drama within our Church family but I went looking for the answers where I knew I could find them, the Bible. I only wish she had.

What we were doing in that photo was not "private time" for prayer, this was a time for fellowship and worship with our family. We are not embarrassed or ashamed to let the world know we love our God, our Church, and each other. We were doing as the Bible very clearly tells us in Psalms 100:2, "Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him with singing." When you feel the Holy Spirit start to move inside a place of worship you can't help but get to your feet praising the Lord, clapping and singing along. If you have never felt this during a Church service, then you're in the wrong Church. If the Faith Riders Band can't give you this feeling, you need to search your heart and ask the Lord to come and be your Savior. When the music is right or the preacher is on fire and the spirit is touching your soul there is a feeling of joy that will  wash over you that just can't be described to a person who has never found God. Have you ever been in a service and seen someone listening to the preacher or the praise music and one minute they're clapping and singing and the next they're on their knees at the alter? I have seen it. I have done it. One minute I was listening to the music and the feeling of blessing came over me to the point I was on my knees praying and thanking Jesus for the blessings he has given me in this life. I have watched as members of the band tried to continue on with their playing or singing while their faces were covered in tears. I have watched preachers get choked up on their own words because the spirit was so moving at that particular time. You can't feel that and not know there is a God.

Yes, there is a time for silent prayer just as we are told Jesus did in Luke 5:16 "But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer," and again in Mark 6:46 "After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray." Each of us should have that private, alone time to pray. We are told to find a "prayer closet" or somewhere you can retreat from distraction to be alone with God and speak to him. Never forget that you can pray anywhere, in church, on a walk, while travelling, anywhere is a good place to speak to the Lord. I found here lately that when I'm cutting my yard I have hours and hours to think and it is a wonderful time to thank God for everything he has done in my life and ask him to continue to watch over and protect those I love. Prayer time is anywhere and anytime. Praise time can also be anywhere and anytime. Don't believe me? Watch Pastor Ray Boone sometimes when he goes live on Facebook from his car and is singing and praising the Lord. He knows where he stands and by whose hand he is led.

Don't ever be embarrassed or ashamed to praise God just as you shouldn't be embarrassed or ashamed to let people know that you follow Jesus and you are one of his disciples carrying on the work he started. If you're embarrassed for a photo of you to be seen while you're praying or worshiping then it's either time to come out of your closet or time for you to really find God. He's not ashamed of you, why should you be ashamed of him?

Faith Riders Fellowship Church - We're Backkkkkk

On the way to Church Sunday evening Diane was looking at her Facebook page and came across something from another Church that was about their morning service. It read in part, "No whoops, no hollers, no jumping crazy in here..."  

Pastor George Tallmage
Thursday Evening Aug 10th, 2017

Well it is about time we got back to whooping, hollering, and jumping crazy. It is about time we returned to feeling the Spirit of God in our services. We had been watching our congregation as it slowly dwindled away and people began to feel as if the Lord had left our Church. There was no feeling of that spirit we once had. People had become apathetic and seemed to have lost all emotion. We seemed to have lost our way. Lost our purpose. We had lost the reason we were founded in the first place and the reason we loved the Church and each other. Never have we seen such a divided Church as we have over the last several months. We had become lost and floundering. Someway, we had allowed the devil to slip through those front doors to try to "kill, steal, and destroy" from within. Our leaders and "core group" who have been there for years had begun allowing the turmoil to get between them, their friendships, and our love for each other. We saw a division building between husbands and wives, parents and their sons and daughters, brothers, sisters, and friends who have always loved and respected each other. We saw, and heard, people in their own little groups talking to, and about, each other. What was happening to these people who just a short few months ago were so loving, giving, and caring?

Thursday, August 10th, 2017

The Church was destroying itself from within and Satan was sitting back watching and laughing, enjoying every minute. The sad part about all this was that the leaders, myself included, were allowing it to happen. In fact we had pushed for the changes that were taking us down this path. Now we felt helpless, with no direction, and were actually being told there was nothing we could do. We were told the Church didn't belong to us anymore. All told, the Church belongs to the Lord but it needs administration from competent leadership and many people to help it stay the course, not one man.

How had we gotten to this point? Late last year we saw that some changes had to be made. When it finally came time to admit that something needed to be done we allowed ourselves to be backed into a corner and accept things too quickly. Those things should have been thoroughly investigated and researched before we jumped in with both feet. We had placed God in the back seat, and not in the driver's seat where he belonged. We were now being treated by God as his misbehaving children, which we were. We needed a good spanking and we were getting it. It was our fault, our responsibility, and we now had to find a way to make it right again. We all knew that once again we were about to embark on a trail that could complete the destruction taking place and if Satan had his way, this Church would disappear.

Thursday Evening August 10th, 2017

On the other hand change now could possibly renew us and let us stop the carnage and begin to rebuild what we once had. Now, it was up to the deacons. All this was placed on their shoulders and they accepted the blame, although it belonged to everyone in a leadership role. There were arguments and deep, hours long, discussions behind closed doors. There were divisions and hurtful decisions that had to be made. They saw what needed to be done and did it by finally getting down on their knees and giving it back to God. There were many sleepless nights as they lie awake praying. "Which way do we go from here God? Please lead us. We're putting it where it should have been all along, back in your hands. We need you to lead us."

Lead them, he did. This past week decisions were made without knowing what the final outcome could be. Now God was placed back in his rightful position of authority and was once again in control and leading these men. We began to see immediate results.

On Thursday evening we had the most amazing attendance we've had on a Thursday in quite some time. People just don't believe in giving of their time during the mid-week. Even if that giving is to God. Everyone of us there that night was treated to a wonderful evening of "whoops, hollers, and jumping crazy."

As I walked through the front doors that evening I could instantly feel a difference. God was in the house. Diane, Celena, Jessie, and myself took our positions at the door to start greeting people and you could feel the change of attitude with each person entering. Everyone had a huge smile on their face as we gave and received truly sincere hugs and handshakes. After the opening prayer Leon and the band had the congregation on their feet praising the Lord. Arms were raised toward Heaven and there was a reaction to what was happening like we haven't seen in over six months. As I was told by several people after the service, "We felt a freedom to worship again." Think about that for a moment. "Freedom to worship." We live in a country where we are free to worship as we see fit, at least for now, yet people had been feeling stifled from speaking up and speaking out. Our sermons had been overbearing and services over structured. Now people were letting months of frustrations empty from deep within their souls. When music alone can call people to the alter to pray and thank God for their blessings, he is without a doubt there, listening, and joining in. I was in amazement as I watched the Spirit take hold of this Church once again. I also felt the call and as I stood up front clapping and singing along, I fell to my knees at the alter. I wasn't there to ask for anything for myself, only to thank God for giving us a second chance and to please, please keep watching over us. "Please Lord, guide us in all our decisions from this point forward, and thank you for putting our Church back on the road where it belongs, in your hands and the hands of the congregation and the leadership of your Church."

Pastor Ray Boone
Sunday Morning Service
August 13th, 2017

Myself, and I'm sure several others, couldn't wait to see what Sunday would bring. I was impatient, scared, and nervous. When Sunday morning finally came Diane, me, and our grandson headed to Church. We stopped for a quick bite to eat then continued on an apprehensive, short, ride to Church. Why was I apprehensive about going to Church? Because I didn't think anything could top the Thursday evening service. I was so afraid of being let down. I felt as if God might be have been telling us, "See what you could have had if you had not pushed me aside." We do worship a good and forgiving God and as we pulled into the parking lot a couple of cars were already there. We made our way inside and spoke to others gathered in the foyer area. Once again the feeling was palpable. It was evident once more that our Savior had made a return visit. People were laughing, talking, and enjoying each other's company. Everyone was hugging each other. I looked to the sky and said a quick, "Thank you." I felt safe and secure and seemed to know that it's going to be alright. Amazing Grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.

Leon asked leaders and members to please stay for a short while after Church as the Leaders wanted to speak to the congregation.

As Leon, Tony, Chris and Cathy began to play and sing one person got up, then another, then another, then another. Before long, again, almost the entire Church was on their feet with praise and worship. People were making their way to the front where they were singing along, clapping and moving to the music and Spirit. Some people were kneeling at the alter. The people who weren't on their feet were those who just couldn't stand or couldn't stand that long. Turning around and looking, they had the same enthusiasm everyone else was feeling and they were clapping, tapping their feet and singing along. I think the Lord told Leon at the end of their set to sing Amazing Grace before I exploded. That was what I had been feeling all morning and I let it out, singing at the top of my lungs right along with them. Apparently I wasn't the only one feeling that way as the entire Church body was singing along. The Spirit was going throughout the Church.

Yes, there were a few people who had left over the changes and they are missed. Everyone is loved there and we hated to see anyone go and as the Spirit filled us there were tears of both happiness at what was happening there, and sadness for those who could not see the great things happening.

Next up was Pastor Ray Boone. For those of you who may not know Pastor Ray, he is about five foot nothing and I may be exaggerating. But when he starts preaching you'd swear he is eight feet tall. He is a fireball that I really believe God speaks to directly. His message on Sunday hit the nail directly on the head about everything that had been going on and the struggles we've had at the Church. He was preaching to each of us individually and we heard praises and amen from all over the congregation. I know his sermon was talking to me and I was devouring it like a man who hasn't in eaten in months.

Such an awesome service Leon didn't have to ask us to stay. It's as if no one wanted to leave anyway. Leon spoke for a minute and then turned the mic over to Tony who explained to everyone what had been happening and the changes being made. They stated that we had lost the Faith Fellowship Church name in the transition and were considering other names. It was brought up that we started as Faith Riders Fellowship Church and it was felt that we needed to return to our roots. There was an overwhelming positive response from the congregation and they stated they would discuss it. After each of the Deacons spoke for a minute the service was dismissed.


Several of us from the Faith Riders For Christ Motorcycle Ministry rode to Batesburg after the services to attend the memorial of member, Larry "Cowboy" Keisler. Before attending the memorial several of us went to get a bite to eat and discussed what we have experienced at Church the past two services. Everything was positive and once again that word, "Freedom," was brought up.

Diane and I arrived extra early for the evening service. As we waited in the foyer to greet people I was disappointed when only a few people showed up. I began to think that maybe we jumped the gun on believing we were on the upswing this quickly. Once again I began to get nervous and anxious. I just told God, "It's okay, I understand."

As we got within just a few minutes of the service start time I was amazed by God's power once again. It almost looked like a parade as vehicle after vehicle pulled into the parking lot. They were entering as fast as we could say hello to them. The final count was larger for an evening service than we had all year. It was a wonderful sight to see those seats filling on a Sunday night. That is a sight unseen in most much larger Churches. I'm not about to question God on how. I will however praise him for the work he is helping us do and what he is giving us.

Before the service Leon made an announcement which gave me the title to this article. It was decided by the Deacons after the overwhelming response during the morning service that the Church would be returning to it's prior name.........Faith Riders Fellowship Church.  Yes ladies and gentlemen we are returning to where we came from. Now it's on to completely returning to our roots and extending a hand to those who truly need us.

The service started with praise music and everyone once again on their feet. I just can't believe we keep on doing all this whooping, hollering and jumping crazy. We must really be nuts. What fun it is. We should be committed. Yahoo....God is definitely in this place!

Pastor Brad Jay began his sermon with more outstanding praise music and went into his great sermon. Once more God had given him the right words at the right time. He was simply amazing. Pastor Brad always brings a powerful message and this was no different. I caught myself giving several amen's and several "Praise the the Lord" comments. I haven't done this in months as I just have not felt it. This is something that must come from the heart and my heart had not been in it. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings but I have to tell it as I feel it. I did realize about halfway through the sermon just how happy I am with what God is doing in my life. A great part of my happiness is what has happened in such a short time with my Church. That's right....My Church. I hope that each person who now enters the front doors into that Church realizes as I take their hand for a handshake, or as I wrap my arms around them to give them a hug that this is my Church and I will fight for my Church and everyone inside it. I hope that each member will feel the same, that this is their Church and we all have a stake in it and each one of us will also fight for it.

Those that have returned and those who were drawn to the Church over the last few days, we would also like to welcome you and tell you that you can also make this YOUR CHURCH and allow all of us at Faith Riders Fellowship Church to become your family. I am proud to call each person here family and I believe we have weathered the storm. Satan we rebuke you in the name of God and we want to let you know we have reclaimed our Church.

Test Or Temptation. How do I know?

"Lord, are these things placed in front of me a test of my faith, or are these things being placed in my path things of the devil trying to reclaim someone who is trying hard to pull away from his grasp?"

As Hillary Clinton once so famously stated, "At this point, what difference does it make?"

This has been on my mind the last few days and has caused me to have a couple of sleepless nights as I lie in bed thinking about the trials which have been placed in front of me the past few months. Life as I have known it has turned completely upside down in such a short time. As I began questioning my faith, asking, "Why is God allowing this to happen," I realized that he was already reaffirming my faith just by me questioning faith. If I didn't have faith in God I would have just pushed it aside and walked away as I did in the past. Instead I was praying and asking for guidance.

As most women will attest, us men refuse to look at the instruction manual when we're attempting to do something. "Don't worry, I've got this. I'll figure it out." We do it all the time. Same thing with me. "I can figure this out on my own." After a couple of nights of trying to figure out if this was God or the devil I finally decided to look at the instruction manual. Did you know God gave us a manual? It's called the Bible. I opened it up and started trying to find what I needed to know. Is there a difference? Would God test me? Why? The answers are in the instruction manual. I remember in school how I dreaded tests but when we were told it was an "open book" test my mind eased. God may give us those tests but he has provided the textbook and told us to "go ahead and look it up. These tests I give will always be open book tests."

My questions were answered as I started looking. It's a pretty simple concept, God tests us, the devil tempts us. Easy huh? As I started to look for the answers I was returned over and over to James 1:13) When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14) but each person is dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.

Evil desires and temptations or enticements. Been there, done that, got the tee-shirt. Several of them in fact. Life is still a struggle for each of us to fight those things of the flesh that seem to pull at us. When we look to God and ask him to help us it becomes easier to look the other way and walk away. Keep in mind that God will not tempt us with sin because He is good and no evil is found in Him.

Temptation, enticement. They are both pretty easy to understand as they are put in our paths to arouse our hopes or desires through promises of pleasure or gain.

Am I saying that God wants us to live in misery and not enjoy our life while here on earth? No I'm saying that God wants us to live a joyful life by being one with him. Happiness is fleeting, joy is not. God wants us to live in Joy through him. Hebrews 11:25 tells us that happiness found through sinful things lasts for only a season. So why go there when we can have joy that will last us a lifetime?

Okay, what have I learned so far? I have learned that Satan is the one who places temptations and enticements in our paths. Now it's time to move on to the real questions. Does God test us and if so why?

The Bible spells this out pretty clearly if we take the time to look. God will test us as we saw from the beginning of the Bible. In Genesis Chapter 22 he gave Abraham the ultimate test by telling him to take his only son, Isaac to Moriah and sacrifice him as a burnt offering. He tested Abraham in a way we could not imagine. Could I have this much faith? Next we see God test Moses and his followers as they were led from Egypt in the Book of Exodus. They were tested for forty years. Some tests they failed as they questioned both God and Moses but he is a forgiving God. At times they had to be punished, as we would our wayward children, but he continued loving them and pushing them to be better and deserving of what lay ahead.

Now we know that God tests each of us. So why? Look at it from your own point of view. Don't you test your children, almost from birth? Something as simple as letting go so they can take that first step is a test. You have your arms out to catch them, as the Lord does with us, but you know they can't learn unless you let go. God does this to each of us. He has his arms out to catch us but he has to see if we're willing to take those first steps. Each of his tests allows us to taste victory. He has faith in us that we will do the right thing and win. As we pass each test it allows us to walk closer to God and let's us take on even more challenges and responsibilities, more than we ever thought possible. We don't always know what those new responsibilities are going to be, but He does and is trusting us to make the right decisions to further His glory.

These last couple of days has shown me that it is not necessarily the test that makes me stronger and more determined but is is the Word of God and following his Law that helps me through the test. As I said earlier, he has provided us with an instruction manual called the Bible. All we have to do is search for what we need and the answer will be provided.

This day of technology we live in can be a curse or a blessing according to how you choose to use it. I try to think of it as a blessing as I now have my instruction manual with me at all times. I have the Bible downloaded onto my phone, my Kindle, and my computer. It is always with me.

Today, I will rest easier. I know my trials are only beginning, but I know I can put it in God's hands and he will lead me. I can be reassured that God's got this. I can relax.

Rider's Spotlight - Pastor Jack Atkinson.

Pastor Jack and Nina Atkinson

Godspeed to Pastor Jack Atkinson and his wonderful wife and soulmate Nina as they begin their new/old journey back to evangelism. There is no doubt he will spread the words and works of God wherever the Lord leads him.

On Sunday morning Pastor Atkinson and Nina spoke to the congregation to let us know they would be stepping away from the pulpit at Faith Fellowship Church in order to pursue other avenues in advancing God's word to those in need.

Several years ago Pastor Atkinson was directed by God to a fledgling Church that was trying to find direction and their true purpose in their community. They were trying to reach out in a new and different way to  those truly in need of God's word including those struggling with alcohol and narcotics addictions. They were also attempting an outreach to bikers in the community. That Church was the Faith Riders Fellowship Church. Jack and Nina helped to put the Church on the map as he preached the true word of God as told by the Bible and refused to preach what may have been expedient or "easy on the ears. "

 Pastor Atkinson has a rich history of evangelism wherever, and whenever, he has been called to serve.

Jack Atkinson is rightly proud of everything he has accomplished in this lifetime. And he has definitely accomplished a lot.

He began his evangelism while proudly standing for and protecting our freedoms as a member of the United States Army delivering the word of God wherever he was stationed, primarily in Germany.

After an Honorable Discharge from the Army he began a career as a Patrolman with the South Carolina Highway Patrol. He was transferred to Aiken County and there he met the love of his life, Nina, and convinced her to marry him. Now God would have two people in unison to take God's word to the world. And take God's word to the world they did.

Jack ministered at different Churches while continuing his work in Law Enforcement. In the mid-eighties Sheriff Carroll Heath talked him into becoming his Chief Deputy at the Aiken County Sheriff's Office where he handled day to day operations. This is where I had the opportunity to meet Jack Atkinson. From a first meeting with him I knew him to be a man of God and his everyday demeanor showed this. He handled everything with a calm and wisdom I came to very much admire. Through the thirty years I have known him I still see these qualities and we all had the chance to see his graciousness during each and every service we attended. He once again showed this graciousness as he spoke with us on Sunday, telling us of the path God is now leading him.

On behalf of each of us at Faith Fellowship Church and Faith Riders Motorcycle Ministry we thank you for being our Pastor, Leader and friend.

We love you both and will continue to keep you in our prayers as you take this next walk with Jesus.

EVENT: Faith Riders For Christ Motorcycle Ministry Rally/Revival

What amazing things God has been doing at both the Faith Riders Fellowship Church and the Faith Riders For Christ Motorcycle Ministry in Aiken. Each of our services are extraordinary. No one can top our singers and musicians who bring the Church family to it's feet at each service. Our Pastors give us the true Bible. They don't "sugar coat" their message. If you get your feelings hurt, sorry, that apparently means something still needs sorting out in your life, and they're here to help those in need of spiritual counseling.

Auction Barn - January

We have had a lot to celebrate during this new year as both the Church and the Ministry are growing. At the first meeting of the Motorcycle Ministry this year we discussed getting out into the public and showing them just who the Faith Riders are and what we're all about.

In January, it was the Auction Barn and in February the DAV Hut for evenings of fellowship and fun between the riders and community. Also in February Rich Parr Ministries did an interview with Leon at the Church which can be seen here: Rich Parr on Location with Leon Everette
Instead of getting out into the public in March we brought the community to us.

DAV Hall - February

First up was Pastor Sam Childers, also known as the "Machine Gun Preacher" who brought an inspirational message to all in attendance. This was followed the next morning by the Trash and Treasures yard sale in the Church parking lot. From Thursday through Sunday, March 16th -19th we had our dear friend Pastor Eddie B bring music, testimony and God's word to a filled house for each service. In the midst of all this activity we have still had "get-togethers." There were meetings of the Ladies of Faith, dinners, Church leaders’ meetings, deacons’ meetings and just a few people getting together whenever and wherever they could to help those in the CSRA community and spend time with each other. This weekend we had the opportunity to celebrate the birthdays of Manjaree Aguilar and Annette Dickert by having lunch at Habanero's Mexican Grill. We are not only a Church, we are friends. We are also family.

Eddie B

Sam Childers AKA Machine Gun Preacher

Tony & Diane helping Ann
Distribute blanket rolls for homeless

Ladies of Faith
Enjoying a day together

As a family we have also seen tragedy befall us as we lost a close family member this month, Charlie Newton. Charlie loved everyone and everyone loved him in return. He never met a stranger and was proud of his Church and Ministry. He will be sorely missed but we know he is now "Riding with the King." We love you Brother and look forward to the day we ride together again.

Charlie Newton

As deeply involved as Charlie was in the Church and Motorcycle Ministry I believe the thing he enjoyed most was always our upcoming Faith Riders For Christ Motorcycle Ministry Annual Motorcycle Rally and Revival. Although he had left the Marine Corps many years earlier, the Marine Corps had never left him. At the first rally Diane and I attended, everyone, including us, were setting up their tents, campers and motor homes on the nice, smooth, freshly cut lawns of the Church and I had to laugh as Charlie, in true Marine fashion, went behind our tent about 50 yards into the woods and cleared himself a campsite and set up there. You will truly be missed this year my friend.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

If you have never attended this event, you don't know what you have been missing. Each year seems to get better and larger. This year's event promises to be the best ever.

Thursday, April 27th - People who plan on camping with us will start arriving and setting up their tents, campers, and motor homes. There are no electrical nor sewage hook-ups on site but self-contained campers and motor homes are welcomed and encouraged. Tent camping is also welcomed and there are restrooms and bath houses on site. There is no charge for camping. This is a FREE event.

Myself and a couple of other people try to be there early on Thursday morning to help any newcomers find a spot and set up. We will be there throughout so there is no certain times to get there and we know some people can't take time off work so you are free to come in at any time and on any day of the event. We have people come in early and set up then head off to work, joining us again when they get off.

Thursday evening at 7:00 pm we will kick of the official festivities with Leon Everette and the Faith Riders Band playing followed by Pastor John Aguilar bringing the Word of God to us.

Friday April, 28th.  Fridays are a special day as we have nothing scheduled until 7:00 that evening. We will have more people showing up throughout the day to visit and some to camp and we will be helping those who need it. During the day we have the opportunity to just relax and enjoy each other's company and fellowship. This is where we really seem to get to know each other as we laugh, talk and just hang out together. Some will help with setting up for that evening and helping with the cooking or whatever needs doing and some of us may take a leisurely ride through the Aiken country side.

That evening we will be truly blessed by The Shireys. For those who do not know them and have not heard them before, The Shireys are a full time traveling, vocal, family group consisting of Wayne and Darlene Shirey and their daughter Rachael. They will lift you spiritually through their message filled combination of music and testimony. Their music includes everything from "Camp Meeting" style through progressive. There is something for every taste and age.

Immediately following The Shireys will be Pastor Michael Bowen. Michael is a true Minister of God's Word. Pastor Bowen is the Senior Pastor at East Lumberton Baptist Church and travels each year with his lovely wife, Jennifer, to be with us and deliver a wonderful service. He has always brought us incredible messages and this year promises to be no different.






Saturday, April 29th. You had better start out with a full stomach at the free breakfast because today will be exceptionally busy. As I said we will start out with breakfast under the awning followed by registration for the ride at 8:30 with kickstands up at 9:30. Registration and the ride are also free. The ride is scheduled to be back at the Church by 12:00 or 12:30 in time for lunch.

At 1:00 it's time to be prepared for a great show by the Carolina Skydiver's team. This is their "bird's eye" view from their jump last year. We had such a great time with them as they stayed around and talked with us after the show, even helping with the chili cook-off judging afterwards.

Chili cook off winners and judges last year

Speaking of the Chili Cook-Off, the judging will start immediately after the skydiving as these guys will have been preparing and cooking all morning. They will have enough left over for samples so make sure you try them all.

The Aiken Horsepower Association Car Club will host a Cruise-In to the event beginning at 9:00 am until 4:00 pm. For those of us who love muscle cars, from yesterday and today, this is a must see. As a professed "Gearhead" I can't wait to see what will be there and meet the men and women who go to such lengths to save, restore, and maintain these vehicles. They have supported the Cumbee Center for Abused Persons since 2004 and will accept donations of cell phones, linens and toys to help those in need and any help for their mission would be appreciated.

The bike games will be starting as close to 2:00 as possible seeing everything else will be going on close to this time. The games are always a favorite with both riders and the crowd. It will be a lot of laughs as we will all be gunning to knock last year's winners of the podium We will be worn out by the evening but we be quickly reawakened at 7:00 PM as we start services with another annointed group in The Diplomats music and testimony followed by Pastor Brad Jay. They will both bring you to your feet in music and praise.

Sunday, April 30th will feature Leon Everette and the Faith Riders Band followed by our Senior Pastor Jack Atkinson bringing the true word of God once again and closing out what I know will have been a truly blessed Rally and Revival.

Please Support Our Many Vendors

Buckwheat Bar-B-Que

Kona Ice

We ask you to please help our vendors by supporting them, both while at the event and before and after.

I'm afraid I won't be able to fit in my clothes after this event. I know I love me some Bar B Que and there's none better than Buckwheat's. Then we have the Kona Ice Truck where I can let the kid in me out. This doesn't include the free lunch and all the chili at the cook-off.

Looking for a new pet? The Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare with be here with dogs and cats needing adoption. I know I'll have to keep the wife away from this area or she'll want to bring them all home.

W.L.J. Angel Gowns. If their mission doesn't get to you, you don't have a heart. They will take your old prom dresses and wedding dresses and turn them into gowns for newborns and infants who have been called home to soon. If you have these items, please bring them as they will bring some light into the families at this terrible time.

For more information contact Doug Cohen 803-507-4932 or Tony Taylor 803-270-3633

The following are links to the websites for our participants and vendors:

The Shireys

The Diplomats

Sky Dive Carolina

Buckwheats' Bar-B-Que

Kona-Ice

The Pampered Chef

Albrecht Center For Animal Welfare

W.L.J Angel Gowns

Aiken Horsepower Association

Rider Spotlight - Ann Storey

Ann Storey talking with one of the many
homeless we encontered

"Turn around...turn around. There are two back there. They're back there by that wall." "Okay let me try to find a way around there," I told her as I pulled up behind a business on 15th street near the intersection of Broad Street in Augusta. "Do you think there's a hole in the fence we could squeeze through?" she asked. I had to laugh to myself at her perseverance to get back to those who she felt needed help, a smile, and a prayer. You also had to worry about her determination to wade into these troubled people to try to help in any way she can. Her child-like enthusiasm for doing God's work is contagious. I turned the car around and went back to an empty lot on Broad Street where I was able to stop outside of the traffic. She was out of the car and waiting at the trunk before I could hit the switch to open it. Once it was open she was grabbing blanket rolls and headed across the street where there were actually three men hanging around behind a low wall trying to keep the cold wind away from them. She was talking with them and asking questions as if she had met new friends. We learned at least two of these men had recently been released from prison, one of them doing an 18 year sentence. After speaking for several minutes she began to pray with, and for, them. As we walked back to the car I had to think of Psalms 23:4 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

"Over there, over there. There's a woman who looks like she needs help." I circled around and parked in the road, just off Walton Way near where an elderly woman was sitting on the curb. "Do you need help to stay warm tonight?" Ann asked her. "No mam, I have a place to stay tonight." "Well, is there anything you need we can pray about?" "No mam, I'm okay." After speaking with her for awhile, trying to comfort her and let her know that Jesus loves her and and will watch over her, Ann just 'matter-of-fact' manner told her, "Well I'm going to pray for you anyway, if you don't mind." We held hands as Ann led us in prayer for this woman who had little, but was thankful just to be alive another day.

Ann Storey and Jason Cotton

Since none us had eaten we drove to Old Tyme Burgers on Walton Way where we had lunch. Ann, Diane, and I sat and talked. Mostly Diane and Ann talked while I listened. As I said before, Ann's enthusiasm was contagious and she didn't want to slow down, even long enough to eat. It also made us especially thankful to be able to sit, talk, and eat, without wondering where our next meal would come from. Throughout the day I watched as she laughed, talked, and prayed with the different people we encountered. As we would drive off the smiles would turn to concern and she would get near tears as she wondered about what put each of them in the situations where they lived day to day and prayed that they would be okay. I was reluctant to see her go as we finally had to end our day and dropped her off at her business, Curves, in North Augusta. I couldn't possibly begin tell her how she not only helped the homeless we dealt with, but how much she had helped Diane and I with our walk.

If you've ever even visited Faith Riders Fellowship Church you've couldn't help but meet our fearless, Harley riding, Ann Storey. Ann doesn't meet a stranger, as she showed wading into the homeless, introducing herself, offering whatever she had to give and telling them about God and offering to pray with them. As she would leave she took their troubles into her heart remembering each and every one of them. She treats everyone she meets at Church the same way. She is relentless telling people about what Jesus can do in their lives.

She loves the Church and the Motorcycle Ministry and is instrumental in giving ideas and helping to see them through. She always has a smile on her face and shares that smile with everyone, brightening their day and raising their spirits. She is truly a gift from God to all of us.

Ann does her mission for the homeless with donations where ever she can get them. Please keep her in mind when you have old blankets, left over toiletries, and anything else you feel could help with. She can take donations at her business: Curves, 1764 Knox Avenue, North Augusta, SC.

God Bless You Ann.

One Man Can Make A Difference - What Are You Doing?

Pastor Sam Childers, AKA Machine Gun Preacher

This has been one of the hardest articles I have written and I really don't know why. I have written and re-written it. I have changed it, deleted it and started it over and over and just couldn't get it in my mind where it was supposed to go. I knew what I was supposed to say, I just couldn't put it into words until last night. Pastor John Aguilar finally brought it into perspective during his sermon, once again, talking about "What are we doing?" Thank you Pastor for reinforcing my vision.

As a retired police Detective/Investigator, I am, by nature, skeptical. I couldn't decide if the man I was here to listen to was full of bluster and ego or if the myth had overtaken the true man. Or, on some weird chance, could all this be true? I had watched the movie Machine Gun Preacher and had learned as much as possible about him by searching the internet. None of these seemed to answer my questions. The only way I would truly know was to listen to his story as he tells it.

Diane and I try to be at the Church early to help out in anyway we can, especially to those first time visitors. Last night Diane was sick at home and I arrived exceptionally early. This gave me a unique opportunity to meet and speak with Sam, one on one, for quite some time just after I arrived. I didn't know what to expect of him but before I could get a read on this man, he had turned it around on me. I was the one listening and answering his questions as he became the interviewer. He didn't want to talk about himself, but to learn about our Church, the leaders, the founders, and how it had come from being one of the largest nightclubs in the southeast to a church and ministry reaching out to bikers, and others in the community. He wanted to know about me, Leon, the Pastors and the members. It wasn't him just making small talk, he was truly interested. Where was that ego I had been expecting? I did finally get to ask a few questions of him, and yes, he was proud of the work he was doing but there was a matter of fact way he talked of it. No boasting, no swagger, no fanfare. Not the man I had pre-conceived notions of in my mind. He was quick to give the glory to God. His devotion to his mission is all a gift from God. The more I had the opportunity to speak with him, the more intrigued I became by this man who was willing to use himself, and every resource he has, to further the work God has bestowed upon him. As much as I wanted to keep the conversation going I knew I couldn't monopolize his time and I really needed to get into the crowd and visit with our newcomers. That was my only disappointment, that neither or us had more time. The writer in me didn't want to stop my inquiries and I wished there had been more time to get in-depth with him. I also enjoyed the opening he gave me to brag about our Church and it's members. I purchased his book, Another Man's War, to try to gain more personal insight.

I walked throughout the parking lot introducing myself and answering questions from our visitors. I got to meet several more people with interesting testimonies about where the Lord was leading them. I had a wonderful time walking and talking to an assortment of people, some of whom didn't even know our ministry existed before learning of this event. I was amazed at the number of Pastors who had been drawn to the Church for this.

Leon and the Faith Riders Band started the service playing and I watched the crowd as they got lost in the uplifting music. By this time my mind was racing. I was still intrigued by Sam and several others I had met while in the crowd speaking with different people. Another of those people was Pastor Danny Kizer of the Living Gospel Bible Church in Lexington, SC. On top of his pastor duties he spends his time at hospitals in the area as the staff Chaplin. He does this on a volunteer basis, without compensation, ministering to those in need at a particularly trying time in their lives. He explained that his compensation comes from doing God's work. He knew where his God given talents were and knew what God wanted him to do with them. There were other compelling stories people shared with me about how the Lord has worked in their lives. Some being uprooted from family and friends, having moved across the country because God wanted them there. Some, for reasons they still did not know.

As I watched the people in the congregation singing, dancing, clapping, and offering praise I looked at each and wondered what talents God had given to each of them. I believe the good Lord has given us each special talents and we just have to listen and follow his lead to find them. Did they even know they had a special talent God had given them to carry out his work? If so, are they using it as God wanted? I watched as Leon, Allen, Tony, Kathy, Chris, and Pastor John lit up the Church with their musical talents that God has bestowed on each one. Each of them know the talent God has given them and they know how to use it to draw people into the front door of our Church. That gives us the opportunity to Minister to them and keep them coming back. They also use that talent outside the Church to tell the world about the things God has done, and is doing, in their lives.

I looked around and watched our other members and realized just how much talent we really do have in the Church from our musicians, to our Pastors, our ushers, teachers, and too many others to mention. They make this Church function and keep it doing God's work. As I sat there I began to think about myself. What am I doing? What talents do I have that I could be using more effectively? Do I do everything I can, or should?

I do believe everything I did in my past was placed there by God. Although I didn't know it was God leading me, I felt there were things I had to do and I followed along and did them. I'm proud of what I have done in the past and feel I really made a difference in this world and people's lives. I retired from Law Enforcement in 2002. What have I done since? Have I touched anyone? Have I made a difference? What talents do I have to offer now? I felt like my work was done when I retired. What little I've been doing with the church since finding them doesn't feel that I'm pulling my weight. Where am I needed Lord? Lead me and I'll go.

I continued with my mind going ninety miles an hour as the band finished and Pastor Sam Childers started speaking. He started off speaking about his Ministry and what it was doing in Africa and then asked what are we doing? What...is he a mind reader also?

Again I looked around the congregation wondering what are we doing, not only as a church but, individually. Are we using what God has given us to continue his work? Do we reach out and try to touch those who need us? What more can we do?

Last night as I listened to Pastor John he again brought up the subject, "What are we doing?" His sermon told me where to go with this article. I spoke with him after the service and he bolstered my vision of where my talent lies.

What can I do? I can try to reach as many people as possible through my writing and help them look to find where they belong and what talent God has given them.

Where do your individual talents lie? I have no idea. Where can you get the answers you need? Get down on your knees and ask God. Talk to him. Listen to him. He may not answer immediately. He may be taking you in a roundabout way to get where he wants you, as he did with me. As I have said before, without my past, I wouldn't have the testimonies to bring to you. It took 40 years for my eyes to open and see where the Lord was leading me.

It took two sermons for the Lord to smack me and tell me what I needed to write. Thanks to the Machine Gun Preacher, Pastor Sam Childers, and Pastor John Aguilar for helping pound it into my head what to bring to you. I listened, did you?

We have been brought together as a Church to reach out to our community. We have done a good job through the Motorcycle Ministry by getting out into the public as a group and letting them know who we are and what an awesome God we serve. We need to continue this, both as a group, and individually. We can do it. We have Faith on our side and we have shown during the past few months that nothing can stop us when we collectively fight the enemy that moves against us.

We know as what our talents are as a Church. Now let's get down on our knees and find those talents the Lord has given each of us and let them shine to work in his Glory.

Motorcycle Ministry Outing 02-18-17

I have been hesitant to do this write up about our outing at the DAV Hall on Saturday night because I didn't want to make those who didn't get to attend jealous. Oh well, na na na na na na!!! You missed it. What a night you missed!

So what did you miss? You missed 24 of your brothers and sisters in Christ as they laughed, talked, clapped, danced and sang.

You missed Ann as she got up on stage and belted out "Me and Bobbie McGee'" and "Harper Valley PTA."

You missed Doug as he sang a couple of our gospel favorites.

You missed Leon as he brought down the house with a combination of classic songs and his great gospel music.

You missed the ladies as they got up as a group tearing up the dance floor to Carroll Matthews and the Just Us band.

You missed watching and talking to our pastors and their families as they laughed, clapped along with the music.

Out of everything you missed, number one had to be you missing the opportunity to reach out to the community we live in as we shared our joy and had the chance to tell them about our God, Ministry, and Church.

Didn't want to rub it in but you did miss a great time but we'll see you on the next go round.

Love you all.

Rider Spotlight - Leon Everette

Congratulations are in order, once again, for our friend and brother in Christ, Leon.

Leon Everette is many things to many people. To those at Faith Riders For Christ Motorcycle Ministry, Aiken, and Faith Riders Fellowship Church he is the man who started it all with only a dream and a prayer. He is our founder, music minister, president of the motorcycle ministry and chairman of the Board of Directors of the Church. He is not only a true friend to those in the church and ministry but also to those in his life away from the church. He is one of the first to lend a hand, an ear, or a prayer for those who need it.

But who is Leon outside that small circle? There are a lot of good men and women who have started churches. A lot of good people will give you the shirt off their backs. How many of those people have been to the top of the world and fell off? Leon has faced the devil and fought him head on, on the devil's terms. The devil had him on the ropes. Hooks and jabs as he tried to put Leon down for the count. Leon refused to go down. Just as it was looking as bleak as could be, a new corner worker stepped in and took over as the bell rang at the end of round 9. In his corner Leon now found Jesus who wiped the tears from his eyes, the blood from his face, and washed him in Baptismal waters. As the bell rang for the last round Leon stood up, gave the devil the sign of the cross and started swinging and punching. Total knock-out. The devil was down. He has tried to get up and hit back but he can't even get close enough to land a solid punch as Leon has kept Jesus in his corner as his full time trainer.

From the late 70's through the mid eighties Leon released 9 albums with 11 top ten hits with the song Hurricane going to number 1. Nashville had their new "Golden Boy." He had the looks, the voice, and the energy in his shows that was packing the house in venues around the country. In the mid eighties due to contract disputes with RCA over the way they wanted Leon to act and songs they wanted him to sing and his personal preferences, fueled by his massive, daily, consumption of alcohol he left Nashville never to return. He returned to his hometown of Ward, SC and met his future bride, Diane. Together, they found God and a new purpose in life, serving Him and doing His work which has led Leon to where he is today.

Last year after much coaxing and prodding from old friends Little David Wilkins and Jimmy Adams they were able to convince Leon to return to Nashville for a duet with Wilkins on a song he wrote, "I Stand The Tallest." This song quickly became a hit, rising to number 1 on the itube 247 site. That has led to a remix of his release "The Lady She's Right" including a video which also immediately went to number 1.

You can watch the videos and hear the songs by clicking on the following links:

I Stand The Tallest

The Lady She's Right

When Leon left Nashville in 1985 he cut himself off completely from the Nashville scene and his past life as a "superstar." He concentrated hard on building a new life, and rebuilding lost friendships and family relationships he had seemingly destroyed during his alcoholic haze. He had distanced himself so well from Nashville that when he returned, after more than 30 years, and went to dinner with old manager Jimmy Adams, and friend "Little" David Wilkins, people he had known there in the past came to him stating, "We thought you were dead, we haven't heard from you in so long."

Shortly following these new releases Leon was inducted into the International Rock-A-Billy Hall Of Fame in Jackson, Tennessee. This writer had the honor of being invited to this event where I witnessed both the old Leon, along with the new, as he and the Faith Riders Band entertained a packed house with classic standards and with Leon's new faith-based songs. What a great honor it was.

A few weeks ago Leon was contacted by Rich Parr of Outreach Ministries International about the possibility of doing a radio interview for BikerTV.org. This conversation led to Mr. Parr finding that Leon has had many transformations during his life and it couldn't be properly done in a short radio interview.

Leon was rescued from "extreme" alcoholism, as diagnosed by psychologists in Nashville, after many years, when he got down on his knees at the alter and asked God to come into his life and promised to dedicate not only his life, but his talents as well, to doing God's work. He no longer promotes Leon Everette, he promotes his work for God through the Motorcycle Ministry and the Church. Leon not only talks the talk but, he truly walks the walk.

Mr. Parr, upon hearing this, decided there was no way this could be covered in a short radio interview. He believed it should be extended and asked if Leon would allow him to do a documentary for his show "On Location" on Christian Network TV.

This Sunday, February 12th at 10:30 am Mr. Parr will be at the Faith Riders Fellowship Church for the morning service to begin filming the church segment.


We hope that you'll join us. Please share this to help us pack the church out on Sunday. Tell all your friends and family and get them in there.

Leon, congratulations, again.

EDDIE B

Occasionally we all run across that ball of energy that refuses to slow down. You want to tell him, "Hey man, back off just a little. You're wearing me out just watching you." Well that's Eddie B, a compact, ball of energy and fire that don't know the meaning of backing it down to about 33 1/3. The younger generation won't understand that but we love you anyway. There is no need for seats when you see and hear Eddie preach and perform. You'll either be clapping along and singing to the songs or you'll be on your knees crying and praying to the Lord and thanking him for all your blessings.

When he first shows up to speak and perform, he hits the starter, cranks the throttle wide open and he dumps the clutch. You better be hanging on because you're in for one heck of a ride. You'll be going over the mountains and around the "twisties" as you travel to the edge and look over. Then let's head wide open into the valleys where you'll think you're safe until he heads back to the peak. This ride has to stop. I'm getting dizzy. That's Eddie. This ride is courtesy of his breathtaking songs, music, testimony, and God's word. 

Who is Eddie B? I'm not going to spoil it for you. All I can say is, If you haven't seen and heard him you need to experience him as he is truly an experience. If you have been to see him you already know that and you will not want to miss seeing him again.

Performing alongside Eddie B will be Leon Everette and the Faith Riders Band.

  Be sure to put this on your calendars:  

     Thursday, March 14th @ 7:00 PM    

       Friday, March 15th @ 7:00 PM       

Faith Riders For Christ Motorcycle Ministry - Aiken, SC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and, as such, is, by law, a total and separate entity from it's sister Church, Faith Riders Fellowship Church, Aiken, SC. At the first Motorcycle Ministry meeting (Jan 2nd) of this year it was decided that part of this separation was a need to separate the Facebook church page and ministry page. Debbie Bargeron and I were given the task of separating them. We discussed it that night and decided that I would set up and handle the Motorcycle Ministry page and she would make necessary changes to the Church page, administer it, and help it to grow. We also decided to cross-post important events and happenings and assist each other as needed. We're also helped by people from the church and ministry. I have two admins to assist, Earl Goff, VP of the FMFC Motorcycle Ministry, and my wife, Diane Taylor, and will be adding more shortly. We're only two weeks into it and so far the results have been received amazingly well.

After discussing it with several people it was decided the Ministry would start a Facebook group, instead of a page, to allow us more control and the ability to have admins to assist with the group. This also allows for the continued operation of the group in the case of someone not being able to continue with the Ministry or having to hand off the group to other admins for health, or other reasons any admin has to step away. It also gives us the opportunity to try new and interesting things such as this blog where we will be able to highlight events and people of the Ministry and bring special attention to these posts. Another benefit will be that the blog will be able to be shared and viewed outside of Facebook. With the proper tags and labels it will allow people to find us by searching Google, Bing, Aol and other prominent search engines. This will allow people who are looking for something interesting to find us.

This page will always be shared to the Faith Riders For Christ Motorcycle Ministry - Aiken, SC and between the two, many new, and hopefully, interesting things are being developed.

Thanks for your time and remember,
God Loves You

Tony D Taylor