Dear Saints and Friends:

First off, we welcome a new Texas State Representative. Joining Phillip "Bear" Bond, who will now serve as North Texas State Rep., is Tommie Lucas, now serving as South Texas State Rep. (Texas is a big state). Their contact information can be found on page 9 of this newsletter along with contact information for all of our chapters and officers. We look for BIG things coming from the BIG state of Texas! All officers, please check to make sure your information is correct on page 9.

The other big news is we are officially stepped up a notch to being an international organization. Tim Carson from Windsor, Ontario, Canada has taken the position as our Canadian National President.

We look forward to a new chapter forming in Maine within the next few months. Please keep them in your prayers, along with all of our membership.

Shout out to Brother Gary Breeze, a brother behind bars! We always enjoy your letters and words of encouragement. And brother, I have no rear suspension either. I run a 1954 hard tail frame on my bike. Gary is anxious for news. He asks, "How the Teddy Bear run went and the diaper run and what in the world is a BADD day? How did the FL picnic and fellowship in Sneads FL go?" I don't have all the answers. Hopefully you'll find some in the chapter news.

The Officer's Meeting went well. Officers have received copies of the minutes and will share them with chapter members. If you are a member in good standing, but aren't part of a chapter, you can request a copy from us via email. One item that wasn't fully resolved at the meeting is our back patch. This has been up for discussion for some time now, how to unify our back patches, and what to do about the S.F.F.S. patch which has come into question over the years at various times. Ideas were discussed and presented at the meeting, but everyone needed more time to think and pray it through. The Board has had this up for discussion for several weeks now. The Christian flag with the member patch in the lower right hand corner, of course, stands as our identification. Members are requested to place no other patches inside the flag. We are now suggesting that Heaven's Saints members may want to consider removing the SFFS patch if they have one. While it is not mandatory, and the "clubs" have not formally asked us to remove them, it seems to be the majority opinion that SFFS is offensive to some and the goal to minister may be better served by removing it. We will continue to make available the SFFS patches. There are enough other ministries who have adopted it as part of their patch and we don't want to hinder what they are trying to do. As you will notice on our Ministry Items Request Form on page 9, an "HSMM" patch with the same look and size as the "SFFS" is now available to Heaven's Saints members if they choose to wear it. This is an add-on patch to be worn directly beneath the flag. Since the "Jesus Is Lord" add-on patch is popular for members and was discussed at the meeting in Jan. we will also offer that patch; and while it was recommended it be worn above the flag for easy viewing while riding, it will still be a personal choice as to where it is actually worn. Some have said they would like to wear it under the HSMM because their hoods or hair cover it otherwise. We are recommending at this time that no other patches besides the Christian flag with member patch, and if desired, the HSMM and Jesus Is Lord be worn on the back in an effort to unify the look of the Heaven's Saints. I understand that change is hard for a lot of people, but, in this case, change is a positive thing caused by our ministry's growth. Were we a small local ministry confined to one area, we wouldn't face these challenges. Because we are continually expanding and growing as an international organization and are in more and more areas of the US, we have found some changes necessary. Because of the circles we travel in, we need to be more readily identifiable to each other and to the clubs we associate with. At different times and places when situations arise amongst secular clubs, we want the Heaven's Saints reputation and acceptance with them to be a buffer and open door of ministry opportunity.

I know very well that the S.F.F.S. means a lot of things to a lot of people, myself included as I have it tattooed on my arm. Removing the S.F.F.S. from our back patches is a sacrifice initiated to enable the ministry to have positive growth. Our Board of Directors has discussed and prayed much over this decision. We all feel this is the direction we need to be going. We desire to present a unified front for our ministry and also to gain added respectability amongst the biker community.

Our main purpose, reaching people for Jesus, is what matters. I believe the Lord protects us and shows us where to go, We are following Him and Him alone. The truth is, we are out in the world and there is good watching us and there is bad watching us. Years ago when Barry made his initial decision to step back into the community of bikers he had walked away from, he knew it wouldn't always be easy; and as each of us has, in turn, joined in this ministry, we need to do so with the knowledge that the road we travel isn't one that every individual is equipped or able to travel. At times we may need to make adjustments in order to be able to minister effectively. Adjustments like removing the S.F.F.S. that might not be understood by some without knowledge of the importance of this action, but, please understand that this will open up new doors for ministry and will make an impact on our respectability with those God has sent us to minister to. In Matthew 10:18 Jesus sent his disciples out into the world and instructed them, "Behold I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves."

In saying all of this, I want to once again encourage our covenant brothers and sisters, friends of our ministry and supporters to wear the Christian flag, and if they feel led, to place a Heaven's Saint support patch on the front of their vests. We always appreciate your support and hope that this decision on our part will in no way diminish our desire to continue in covenant and fellowship with you.

Another item I wanted to mention, as you all know, we had to change our rally site this year. We are very excited about the new location. However, I am aware that the date for the rally is earlier than normal. The first national rallies held were earlier in June also, and at one point we made it later in June to accommodate people whose children were still in school. I apologize that we were unable to do that this year. I want you to know I am aware of the problem, but can't do anything about it at this time. We had little choice on the date. We will, however, try to adjust it next year, whether we go back to Mountain Lake Ranch or decide to keep the rally at the new location, Peace Valley Campground. I encourage each of you to make your absolute best effort to attend. Because of some of the changes, I think everyone will really enjoy this rally and I think it will have the feel of some of our earlier rallies, more close-knit family, friends, and more fellowship with one another. I believe it will draw us all closer together than ever before and the area's attractions will accommodate a lot of different activities for everyone.

If you have an idea for a rally shirt design, please get it to us as soon as possible.

Remember, let me remind each of you again that any Heaven's Saints designs for t-shirts, patches, pins, hats, etc. or other items are to be reviewed and approved by headquarters before they are printed or put into use.

Ralph Lawson has resigned from his responsibilities on the Board of Directors and as Director of Prison Ministry due to health and personal reasons. Craig "CJ" Jaggard has also resigned as Western North Carolina State Rep. We appreciate their support over the past years recognizing that offices such as these can sometimes place a lot of demands on personal time and finances.

I appreciate each one of you on our mailing list and I pray God will bless you abundantly as you seek His direction and guidance in your lives.

God bless, Bruce Potenza, President

For your information, our Board of Directors members are as follows: Bruce Potenza, Barry Mayson, Curtis Jamieson, Scott Creasy, Tim Carson, Rodney Gross, Chester Huckaby, Chip Huff, Terry Moore, John Rogers, Dan Shelton, Thomas Winningham, John Zammetti.

Also, in keeping with our church non-profit status, we will no longer be using the term "dues". Members "suggested minimum monthly donation" remains at $12.

Michigan Chapter:

Love is in the air. With Valentine's Day just ending everyone is either reminiscing about the gifts they received from their loved one; or sadly, some are depressed about not receiving or having a loved one around. Some say Valentine's Day is just a made up "Hallmark Holiday" geared to spending money on flowers that will wilt and chocolates that most of us really do not need.

However, the Lord has reminded me that while we focus on the "Love Season," we need to be reminded that it was Jesus that brought love to us. 1 Corinthians 13:2 & 13 states, ".though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.now abide (in) faith, hope, and love, (all) these three; but the greatest of these is love." (NKJV) Jesus wants all of us not to lose focus on the One who loved us first but also to remind us to love others as well. He states that if we are to love Him, then we must love others as well.

The Michigan chapter is diligently showing God's love to the world around us. One of the avenues is through some ministry training classes taught by our own VP Dave Meade. By undergoing the class those interested in the ministry will have a clearer vision of what we do, what the Lord has called His followers to achieve, and give others an insight to the Bible itself.

Another avenue is we are visiting local prisons and showing them the love of Christ. Charles Molina and Dave Meade visited the Lapeer County prison on Saturday, January 20th. All went well and they are also now trying to open a contact for ministering the juvenile section there as well.

We are still visiting the Oakland County Medical Care Facility, the local convalescence home. Each time we are there not only do we get to bless others about the love of Christ, the members who attend leave being blessed.

We would like to welcome our two newest members, Tammy Torres and Patty Kadulski. For those of you who are not aware, these two lovely additions to our ministry are none other than Terry and Sue's daughters. Tammy and Patty will be a delightful and enriching addition to the Michigan Chapter. Welcome Tammy and Patty! We all love you very much!

That is all for now from your members in the Great North. Till next time.

God Bless, Samantha Hall
The Michigan Saints

Walton County, Georgia Chapter:

When we think about the month of February, we automatically think about Valentine's day. The day that we show that special someone how much you care about them and how much you love them. When we were in elementary school we gave out cards that asked "will you be mine? " God showed us how much he loved us and how much he cared for us by giving us the most precious gift ever, his son Jesus. As we hustle and bustle around and try to answer the world's questions, Jesus is standing open armed asking the most famous question of Valentine's day, "will you be mine?" This February we showed his love through a little bit of warm food on a cold day in downtown Atlanta. The more that we go to feed the homeless the more I realize how much love I take for granted, how many hugs I take for granted every day, how many smiles that I just brush off. I used to look at people and say " oh that is just another person. " but as we get closer to some of our friends under the bridges I realize they are not just another person they are yet another one of God's most precious gifts. One of the guys that we have gotten to know pretty well is now off the streets and living in a house with a key, praise God! We are continuously watching God work through them. Recently we have been unable to leave without them wanting to pray for us. One of the most awesome things is watching the Walton County, GA Chapter and the North East GA Chapter slowly merge and really and truly begin to work as one body. We are beginning to help each other through monetary support, physical support, and most importantly spiritual support. We have a ride planned for both chapters to ride to several nursing homes and visit. We are also planning on feeding in the community as a group one day to come. God is definitely at work! Lynn Walraven

Rodney Gross, Virginia State Rep.:

Praise GOD!!!!!!! first I would like to thank all who came and helped out at the bike show in Fredericksburg, VA. Job well done thanks. I am not writing much, as Ted and Johnny Mac both have stuff to write this time. Things going on: April 15, Dinwiddie Harley Drags/ April 28 Car and Bike Show in Fredericksburg, VA / May 5 ROC Fest, Richmond, VA / May 19, Warrington, VA / June 16, Waugh Harley Bike Show and a lot more stuff going on. Once again, I want to thank the HSMM for allow me to be a part of this ministry. Also, I want to thank JESUS CHRIST for saving a man like me and allowing me to serve HIM and to be able to do the things I do for HIM. It's such a blessing. THANKS, Rodney S.F.F.S. JESUS LOVES YOU ALL !!!!!!!!!

Central Virginia Chapter, Ted Smith:

Thankfulness

When I woke up this morning, I wasn't planning to write anything. I always thank God in the mornings and today wasn't any different. Then, something came over me and I knew that God was nudging me to the keyboard to write this message. It was just one small sentence that got my attention and I knew it was for Jesus that I was so thank for.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?

For many of us we are sure to have many things to be thankful for. When I first stopped doing all the drugs and drinking I got involved in 12 step programs and man a night I sat in "those meetings" listening to people talk about what they were thankful for grateful for and it seemed kind of boring at that time. Then I started to look to Jesus for the answers and it became so clear to me. I've got more to be thankful than I can name. For some I guess it can be hard to even think on being thankful but if you really think hard on it you can probably come up with a few that may not have even crossed your mind. It's the small things that I never thought to be thankful for, like clothes for one thing. I'm glad that God provides us with something to wear. God also provides us with food; there are some that are less fortunate, but thank God that he makes a way for those who cannot provide for themselves food and shelter. Shelter is another thing that we can be thankful to God for. These are just a few things that most people take for granted and never think to thank God for any of them.

We know that God provides all things and although some may seem small, those things to some may be big. No matter what we are thankful for our thanks should go to God first. Jesus is our example of that He always gave thanks for what ever the Father provided. We can read throughout the bible where He gave thanks. In Matthew 15:36 Jesus gives thanks for he seven loaves and the fish. During the Last Supper the Gospels tell us of Jesus giving thanks for the bread and the drink. Not only in the New Testament but also in the Old Testament we can find many times God's people giving thanks to Him for what He has done for them.

There is so much that I could say and so many more scriptures that I could quote because we do have so much to be thankful for. But throughout all of this, I must not fail to mention to all that will listen the most important thing to be thankful for and that is JESUS CHRIST. He gave us His life so that we would have eternal life. Jesus makes life worth living and being thankful for all that is in this life and the life to come. We can thank God for Jesus Christ.

I Cur. 15:57 "But thanks to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." It's because of Jesus Christ that we can live a victorious life, thank God for that. Thank God for giving us the opportunity to serve Him. Thank God for forgiving us daily for our sins. Thank God that we can tell others of His Mercy and Grace. I could go on but I want to give one more thought that adds to our thanks, it's a way of living and attitude of life. It's the love and thanks to God in our hearts that pours out to those who don't know Him. It's the smile on faces, the words of hope that we can share, the love of Jesus that we can give with those who will see that we are thankful for all that He does. So whatever God is doing in your life be thankful to Him.

"Col. 3:17 "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."

Psalm 106:1 "Praise ye the Lord, O give thanks until the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever."

Northeast Georgia Chapter:

It's that time of year again, the fields are turning green, the trees are in bud, the birds are chirping and the world the Lord created is coming out of its slumber and waking up. It's also the time of year to get your bike in top shape to go for that great ride to enjoy it all. As Road Captain for N.E. Ga. Chapter it is my responsibility to look over the bikes before our group rides, but I can't be there for everyone, every time, so I'll offer some advice. All of these things can be performed at home with a simple bike jack and a basic set of tools, or you can take it to a mechanic and pay them to do it. If you don't know how to do most of these things I suggest you buy a good service manual for your make/model bike and a set of tools and learn how. None of this is rocket science and if you do learn how to do these things you will develop a closer relationship with your bike and learn how a few things do their job. It may save you a cell phone call on the side of the road one day too.

Tips: Charge or replace battery. A good idea is to get a trickle charger that goes to float when the battery is charged and do this year round. If your bike hasn't been ridden since last fall it's a good idea to change all your fluids and filters (air, gas, & oil), include your gas if you didn't use a stabilizer before you stored it. Don't forget to adjust your primary chain and your clutch & throttle cables (use a lube on these cables as well; you will get more life out of them). With your tires being the ultimate contact with the road they are of great importance, check them over good for cracks & make sure you have good tread. Adjust the pressure to the recommended level (found on the sidewall). If they look a little questionable, replace them, better safe than sorry. This is usually better left to a good shop if they need to be replaced when you do make sure the mechanic checks & greases your bearings unless you are running sealed units. Check all lights & turn signals for proper operation. Give the horn a toot as well; you never know when you'll need it for that errant driver. Give front and rear brakes a good visual inspection and top off reservoirs if they are low. Stopping fast is more important than going fast. Give your spark plugs a good look, if in doubt replace them. If you ride a touring bike with air shocks adjust the air pressure as needed. Be sure to use the right tools, if you don't you'll blow a line or seal. Give your final drive belt/chain a look for damage & alignment. Give the bike a good wash & polish, you and your bike will feel better when you ride. This is also a great time to do a bolt check to make sure everything is snug & secure. If it has been a few months since you've been in the saddle go easy for a while until you get back into the groove. This is not your pick up truck or family Buick. Here are just a few tips before each ride you take.

~Make sure all lights are working.

~Check oil level & condition.

~Check tire pressure & tread condition

~Walk around the bike just to see if every thing looks right.

~Keep a small tool kit on the bike if you don't know how to use it someone will.

I hope this helps some of you. Remember a properly tended bike is a safe bike. Thanks for your time & attention. As you can tell, I'm no writer, but I just wanted to get this point across. (Thanks to Sherry Huff for typing this up). Please keep our Chaplain Rory Daily and his family in your prayers. Ride Safe & God Bless! Wade Haley, Road Captain

Central Virginia Chapter:

Why I Wear My Colors:

Back around the first part of December, I told Rodney that I was going to write this article. I have my reasons for wearing my colors, but God apparently thought that I needed more information for this article and some tests were on the way.

I wear my colors most of the time. They are a great way of opening doors to share the love of Christ with people that I probably would not be able to share with otherwise. My bottom rocker ( S.F.F.S.) seems to always get the question: What does that stand for? I smile and tell them a little about Saints Forever Forever Saints, then I get into being SET FREE FROM SIN, and even more about SAVED FOREVER FOREVER SAVED. Once I get them talking, the door is open and the Lord can use me to do His will. No, I can't save them; I couldn't even save myself. No, I can't fix them; I couldn't even fix myself. But I do have the answer-I can tell them about Jesus, the King of Kings, and what He has done for me and what He is willing to do for them.

Like I stated above, apparently God had some other things He needed to show me. On December 17th while at church, I got to hold my grandmother's hand when she got to go be with Jesus. I was also a pall bearer at the funeral. I did receive some looks from some people about wearing my colors at the funeral home as well as the funeral. It hurt, but I knew that my grandmother understood. I am involved in a ministry. I am in the Lord's army and this is my uniform.

Happy new year! On January 2nd I received a phone call to hurry up and get to the hospital. My wife's cousin was dying. He had been hospitalized on the same day my grandmother had died. Around 5 p.m. that day I got to be with him, praying and holding his hand when he got called home. The viewing was on Thursday and the funeral on Friday. I was told that if I was wearing my colors that I was not welcome with the family because it made people feel uncomfortable. I was present at both, but not with my family. This made me question my actions. I prayed for comfort and confirmation. Jesus gave me both. He sent a fellow Saint to the funeral to sit with me. He sent people that needed to hear his words to me at both the funeral home and the funeral. I wasn't alone. He (JESUS) was with me and using me to share His love. People sought me out because they had questions. Doors were opened and thanks to HIM I was able to be there and knew what I needed to say. He also sent many scriptures my way to comfort me as well as to give the confirmation that I was doing His will. Don't worry, I am not going to quote them all because this will be way too long. So what I will leave you with is:

Romans 12:2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, But let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will do what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is.

John 15: 18-19 When the world hates you, remember it hated Me before it hated you. The world would love you if you belonged to it, but you don't. I chose you to come out of the world and so it hates you. Be strong in the Lord, my brothers and sisters. Pray for our Christian brothers and sisters that are so quick to judge and convict us and wear your "uniform" proudly because you are a soldier in our Lord's army. Amen. Johnny Mac, S.F.F.S.

NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS: Please submit your news for the next issue! It will be mailed about May 1, 2007. Try to have your info in by April 20th. It helps if you submit the information in a format that can be easily copied without having to search for info like contact phone numbers, directions, etc.. If you don't receive the Sept. newsletter and are part of a chapter, please contact the chapter president. Chapters distribute the newsletters to their members. If you aren't part of a chapter, then please contact us directly. Send address corrections and change of address to: Heaven's Saints M/M, PO Box 682, Phenix City, AL 36868 or email: heavenssaints@bellsouth.net

MEMBERSHIPS: If you are interested in joining the Heaven's Saints, we will be glad to send you an application form with more information. Contact us at 334.298.1229 or heavenssaints@bellsouth.net to request this information.