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.