Nov. 1st, 2006 Newsletter

A Message from Bruce Potenza, National President

Dear Saints and Friends: The next Heaven's Saints Officer's Meeting will be held Friday, January 19 and Saturday, Jan. 20, 2007 This meeting is open to national officers, state representatives, and chapter presidents, vice presidents, and chaplains only. This is a business meeting, our time is short and we have a lot of business to accomplish, so please be respectful of that and don?t use this as an opportunity to show up to "visit" with us. We have had some people stop by to visit knowing we would be there this weekend and it takes away from what we are trying to accomplish. If you have any questions about attendance, please contact me. Officer's have received detailed information via email. If you didn't get the information you need, please call or email me. Chapters should financially assist their officers in attending. Please remember your state reps also; and chapters, please help them as you are able. It's important that we have at least one person representing each chapter. Let me know if you need financial assistance. Members, if you have anything for discussion that you would like included in the meeting agenda please let myself, or one of your officers know as soon as possible. We've found it necessary to change the location of our annual national rally. Mountain Lake Ranch, where we have held our rally for the past 4 years, has opted to rent their entire facility to one particular group for two months, which includes the dates we are usually there. We are in the process of researching a new location for the rally. We?d like to keep it around the Eastern Tennessee, Western North Carolina area, possibly as far north as Kentucky. Donna and I exhausted our time and energy this past weekend checking out various locations. Many of the campgrounds we found were too remote with little or no cabins or motels nearby. Some were on roads too treacherous and narrow for motor homes pulling trailers to travel and were also remote, with no restaurants or any other facilities nearby. We have to figure on somewhere between 300-400 people for the weekend, which means we pretty much take over a normal sized campground or park and use up a lot of cabin/motel space. Some of the group resorts have lodges, which they say are for large groups, but they are designed more for youth groups with only dorms of bunk beds, etc. Then there's the noise factor (we can be kind of noisy), and we have to eat and have drinks, so we need a way to provide everyone with drinks and meals, whether we bring it in, cook it, or have it provided by the place where we hold the rally; including an area to eat in. We also need a large outdoor pavilion or at least an appropriate site to place the large meeting tent and chairs which The Lord?s Disciples has blessed us with using these past years with enough power to run lights and a sound system; and an area for bike games. If anyone has any suggestions that fit this criteria, please get in touch with me. We would appreciate your help! We are hoping to have the rally either June 7-10 or June 21-24, 2007.

Priorities
How often do priorities get in our way? Frankly, our own priorities seldom get in our own way at all. BUT, they do get in the way of those around us. The only time they get in our own way is if we allow ourselves to get distracted with a moments pleasure or the attractiveness of something that will ultimately interfere with the priorities we have set, then, we will definitely disappoint ourselves. This applies to marriages, it applies to families, and it can apply to almost any group that has to work together, including churches and motorcycle ministries. Say there are two events happening on the same day, you have to decide which is more important and therefore, which takes priority over the other. Then the one with top priority is the one you attend. It can be simple, but it can be very complicated and cause big arguments and hurt feelings. When that happens, its always best to first look at the situation in the light of God?s word. Which would God deem more important? Sometimes, its easily solved that way, but not always. There can be any number of reasons why we rate one thing more important than the other. As I said, sometimes it is clear as we apply God?s word, but many times its not that simple. God places different desires in each of our hearts. We can get along a lot better if we realize that and don?t expect everyone to live up to our personal priorities. However, if we are going to work together as a couple, or as a family, or as a church, or as a chapter, at some point we need to sit down and discuss what our priorities are going to be. That way, when you get to a point where you have to choose between pursuing two different and equally important priorities, you?ll already know which you will choose first. Then again, you may choose to have some people attend one function and some another. This is OK. We don?t all need to be at the same place at the same time. Sometimes when we are in a large group of people we are comfortable with, we tend to stay tight and ignore others around us. That?s not a good thing when it is our goal to reach out to others who may need to hear the good news that we have to share with them, or who may need a friend to listen and share their needs with them. Recognizing that everyone is different and that God uses these differences in us to direct us toward areas of ministry, leaders must be willing to consider each persons desires for ministry whether or not it takes top priority in that leader's mind. For instance, since we are a motorcycle ministry, motorcycle events are naturally important to us, but if your chapter focuses a lot on prison ministry, youth ministry, or the homeless, etc. that?s OK too. Leaders need to be aware of the differences in their groups, but individuals also need to be aware of these differences and allow God to work in each person?s life as HE wills. Agreeing on priorities can help. As individuals, if no one else is interested in the ministry you want to pursue, then commit to it only as much as you can do yourself. Don?t expect the chapter to help. But, go ahead, pursue what God has placed in your heart. Others may follow later. But don't worry about it. Let the others in your chapter know what you are doing. God gives grace (as in "ease of movement in a specific task") to those who need it. Ephesians 4:4-7 "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore He says: When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men."

When a person shows interest in joining a chapter, they should have been given a clear cut idea of the specific areas of ministry the chapter places at top priority. Then, perhaps, they won?t be disappointed later on. As in a marriage, you don?t marry someone to change them. You better like what you are getting when you get married, or you will be sorely disappointed later on when the person isn?t doing what you wanted them to do.

One of my personal priorities in this ministry is seeing that each member is able to pursue the avenues of ministry God has given them the grace and desire to pursue within the framework of the Heaven?s Saints. No one person can do everything themselves, but together we can accomplish much. Help each other as you are able. Proverbs 12:30 "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise."

On a personal note, I am selling my motorcycle a 1978 Shovelhead, chopped. It's a great bike, but I'd like to use the money to get a bike that would be more comfortable for Donna and I on a long ride, and I realize I can't afford to keep it and still get something else. If anyone is interested in purchasing it, please give me a call at 706-593-1128 and I'll give you the details.

God bless, Bruce Potenza, President, S.F.F.S.

We pray you and yours will enjoy a blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday Season! We claim this year and every year until He comes to be as always, the year of our Lord Jesus, the Christ who came to earth in human flesh to sacrifice Himself for us. Amazing love, how great it must be, that our King should die for you and me.

A Note from Curtis Jamieson, National Vice President

Ponder - to think about; reflect on; to think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply. Ponder, I really like that word!! The Lord has had me pondering on many things lately. Pondering can help us to do a reality check on our lives and also help us to be still enough so that we can hear what Jesus is saying to us.

As we come into this special season of Thanksgiving and Christmas, we all should take time to ponder about our lives, our relationship with others and most importantly, our relationship with Jesus. Let us also ponder on the Heaven's Saints Motorcycle Ministry, why God has called us into this ministry and how to work towards being the ±best we can be˝ for Jesus and the ministry.

In this busiest of seasons and all throughout the year, let us take time to pray, read the Word, stay in touch with Jesus and yes to look deep inside ourselves and ponder! As we reflect on all of these things let us remember the words that we have heard Barry Mayson say many times "stay focused." (Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.)

May God Bless and keep you.
Curtis Jamieson, National VP
SFFS

Phenix City, AL/Columbus, GA Chapter

This is very late, but better late than never! From the Nationals until now has been a whirlwind of activities and God has placed us in some awesome places. First, Nationals continued to be a blessing and this year a few of us packed up on Sunday and headed out, not to come home, but to travel with the Michigan and Canada Chapter. The trip was wonderful, (wet) but wonderful. We bonded, ate, had fellowship, ate some more ? you get the picture. During the 2,300 + miles we rode, we could see God working. He kept us safe and we met angels in our path all along the way. The summer has seen continuous growth to our chapter, Praise the Lord! We had the opportunity to attend and participate in a ?Behold the Bridegroom Cometh? celebration in a little country town in Shellman Georgia. The guys spent the day giving bike rides and playing bike games with about thirty children. Enduring the heat and the ?love bugs? was worth the blessing we all received spending the day with the kids. This two day event ended on Sunday with a church service complete with brides, flower girls, groomsmen, angels, (Patty J made a beautiful angel) and of course the bridegroom. While the service was fun and there were lots of laughs, it made you think. I was one of the brides, and while walking down the aisle I kept wondering ?will I get in? ?Yes I?m sure I?ll get in? and guess what ? I didn?t. My candle had no oil. I was one of the foolish and missed the bridegroom coming. Makes you stop and think. The weekend not only was a blessing because of the children and the service, but because we tore down the barriers that separate God?s children. The barriers of segregation due to race, dress, and denomination were all set aside as we fellowshipped and worshiped as one body of Christ, as it was intended. That is what we are about and that weekend will remain with us for a very long time. Other events we have been blessed at are Colors for the Cross, (more love bugs) and Biker Sundays almost every Sunday.

God is good all the time and all the time God is good.

The holidays are almost upon us and for us the calendar is full. Remember to take the time to count those blessings and thank God not only on Thanksgiving Day but every day. Christmas Day is coming too and I?ll be putting up a CHRISTMAS Tree and sending CHRISTMAS Cards and saying Merry CHRISTMAS. I want everyone I come in contact with to know what holiday I am celebrating.

God be with you all, Tammy Odom, Secretary

Northeast Georgia Chapter

Let the Bells Ring

In some circles and articles I am referred to as a "Yuppie Biker". I am in my fifties, my family is established, my career is fine, I have dealt with empty nest syndrome, I felt something was missing, I needed something, I need a change.

I had a bike in college (in the 70's) but did not get into the "Biker Life". I rode a Japanese bike for fuel economy, but soon gave up the bike as I started my career. Several years ago, I got my first Harley, a used '96 Road King FLHR. I also became involved in the Heaven Saints Motorcycle Ministry. Everything was new! My first rally in Georgia was an eye opening experience. As I have become more familiar with the so-called "Biker Life", I have had much to learn and much to process. For some of us "Christian Yuppie Bikers", the Biker Life is an ongoing mystery. It is a mystery we try to unravel so we can better meet the spiritual needs of the ±Bikers˝ we hope to reach with the gospel.

About a year ago, I had a little eight-year-old girl give me a present. It was a bell for my motorcycle. This young lady has been to six Dayton Bike Rallies. Her parents are ±Bikers˝ and her grandparents in Florida are ±Bikers˝. I thanked her for the present and really made her feel good about what she had done, but I had a problem.

Several months earlier, I overheard a conversation between several individuals about a bell on a guy?s bike. He was interested in becoming a part of the Heavens Saints Motorcycle Ministry. But he was counseled to remove the heathen thing from his bike. Next thing I saw was a knife and he cut the strap holding the bell to the bike and it was over. I didn't fully understand the situation until later, when I read the paper that came with the bell. It explained "The Legend of the Bells".

Legend has it that Evil Road Spirits have been latching themselves onto motorcycles for as long as there have been bikes on the road. These Evil Road Spirits are responsible for mechanical problems and bad luck along a journey. Legend goes on to say that by attaching a small bell onto your bike, the Evil Road Spirits will become trapped inside the bell. Eventually, the constant ringing drives them insane, and finally they lose their grip until they fall to the ground. (Ever wonder where potholes come from?) Legend also has it that the mystery of the Bell carries twice as much power when it is purchased by a friend or loved one and given as a gift.

Much to my dismay, this was all pagan stuff! Every day the little girl asked about the bell, and I had a choice to make; was I going to give in to pagan beliefs? Exodus 28:33-34 and Exodus 39:25-26 are two of three places in the entire Bible that mention bells. The High Priest of Israel had bells on his robe. Why? Every time the High Priest went into the Most Holy Place of the sanctuary to minister for the children of Israel, he and his fellow priest were not sure if the ministering priest would come out alive. If there were any unconfessed sins in the camp, if Christ's blood, the sacrificed lamb, had not covered someone's unconfessed sin, the Priest would be slain or killed by God. As long as the priests in the outside apartment of the temple could hear the bells in the Most Holy Place, they knew everything was ok. Interestingly enough, the High Priest had a cord tied around his waist when he went to minister in the Most Holy Place. Why? If the bells stopped ringing for a long time it meant the Priest was dead and they would pull on the cord so as to remove his body from the Most Holy Place. But as long as the bells were ringing, blessings were flowing, sins were forgiven, and praises could be sung.

After reading and studying these texts, I felt comfortable putting that bell on my bike. Now every time I hear the bell ring, I praise and thank God for His goodness, His protection, and my salvation.

Zechariah 14:20 is the only other bell reference I found. It says, ±In that day ±HOLINESS TO THE LORD˝ shall be engraved on the bells of the horses?˝ This infers that bells were on the Lord?s horses, therefore, why not have them on our iron horses?

We have allowed the devil to take too many sacred things, moments, times and holidays and make them unholy or common. Let?s cherish and reclaim the things which were once sacred decades/generations ago.

Rory Daily, Chaplain, Northeast Georgia Chapter
roar369@hotmail.com

Rodney Gross, Virginia State Rep.

Where did the summer go!? Thank you JESUS for all you do for me. Been blessed with some on fire guys and girl in the Central Virginia Chapter. Its good to hear and see what JESUS is doing in there lives. I get reports that they see us everywhere in Virginia, some playing music, some teaching, some telling others about JESUS, bike shows runs and in prison too. We seem to get to a lot of different places to show the love of JESUS. Myself and Rey (Jesus mail man), Johnnie Mac (Gadget man), and Fletch (run fletch run), soon to be a member, went to New Jersey to serve and work for JESUS at Colors for God and Country New Jersey Heaven?s Saints M/M rally. It was a blessing to be there to and fellowship with all the brothers and sisters .Thanks again for having us«see you next year. Ted (Prez) is getting ready to do a Christian based addiction program at Riverside Regional Jail. I hope to go with him some also. Please keep us in your prayers and always remember if you have your colors on or not you are a Heaven's Saint and a child of GOD. We are here to show to show the love of JESUS and also to show others the how to know our LORD JESUS CHRIST and to serve HIM. It's all for JESUS.

Nov. 4th Blue Knight Teddy Bear Run
Nov 5th Diaper Run Heaven?s Saints NC
Nov. 11th Not-so BADD Day
Feb 17-18 Northeastern Expo in Fredericksburg, VA
more coming up. . .

Once again I would like to thank JESUS for saving a man like me and for all HE has done in my life and for allowing me to be a small part of this ministry and to be able to work and serve with so many brothers and sisters in HIS name. It's all for you JESUS, thank you.

I also would like to thank all the guys and girls in the Central Virginia chapter and a special hello to Kevin Cloyd. You all make it so easy for me. I love you all, Rodney S.F.F.S. JESUS LOVES YOU ALL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Orion, Michigan Chapter

Greetings to all! What an exciting summer the Lord has had for us. August was a very busy time for us up in Michigan. On the 13th, we all met Barry and Fran Brownstown, MI for the Jam for the Lamb. What an exciting day! Barry gave a dynamic word and the alter was full of people giving their hearts to the Lord! The presence of the Lord was strong. It is always such a pleasure to witness how the Lord uses people as tools to bring others into a relationship with Him. We serve such an awesome God. His joy strengthens each one of us.

On Tuesday the 15th, we all met at Terry and Sue Moore?s for a BBQ with Barry and Fran. It is always such a pleasure to spend time with the Mayson?s. Again, Barry gave a word that was thought provoking and insightful. And as always, we ate well. (That is one of the things we love to do here in Michigan is feed our fellow brothers!)

On August 13th, Terry Moore also spoke in Kalamazoo and again the Lord proved to be faithful, His word never goes out void, and people were touched. On the 18th, we met with our International Brothers and Sisters, the Canadians, for an outreach for teens. With live bands playing great music and Jim Burt gave an awesome testimony; again the Lord is faithful as teens enjoyed food, music, and a word from the Lord.

On August 5th, we all had the pleasure of watching, Mark Rood, wed the beautiful Rhonda. The wedding took place at Pastors Calvin and Becky?s house. The weather couldn?t have been more perfect. Pastor Calvin sang, (which brought tears to one?s eyes), and Pastor Becky performed the ceremony. The bride and groom ended the ceremony with Holy Communion. Rhonda was absolutely beautiful, and Mark looked rather dapple in his suit.

Even though summer is winding down, the events and the Lord?s work is still going strong! We all in the Great North look forward to seeing what the Lord has in store next and absolutely love serving such an Awesome God.

God Bless,
Samantha Hall, The Michigan Saints

NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS: Please submit your news for the next issue! It will be mailed about Nov. 1, 2006. Try to have your info in by Dec. 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.