Emergency Contact Information

July 2005 CSBA Newsletter

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16: 24-26

From the Servant’s Desk

Recently, I was listening to a Bible study by Pastor Joe Focht of Calvary Chapel Philadelphia (http://www.ccphilly.org/). Pastor Joe was teaching in Matthew 16 and stated: “All disciples are Christians but not all Christians are disciples.” I felt he was on to something but I wasn’t sure how the statement would play out in my preparation of this month’s newsletter.

Not long after listening to Pastor Joe’s sermon, I had phone conversations with a few CSBA chapter leaders. One of the callers was concerned about Christian leadership and the standards under which the CSBA should operate. Both callers made excellent points and both had the same concern about the lack of enthusiasm among members in their respective chapters. However, the concepts of “control” and “leadership” should not be confused. Anyone with power can wield control, be it financial, political or military. If you have enough power in any given organization, you’re likely to be able to exert control. Leaders don’t always have unlimited resources to apply control but they do have something within themselves that attracts others to follow their lead. I personally believe that the work of leadership is a spiritual gift (Romans 12:8) and we are to “lead with diligence”. Leadership skills are honed by experience and confidence and all leaders need a strong belief in the mission of the group. The leader of a secular organization is not always held accountable for things that may be going on in his/her personal life. That’s not the case in a Christian organization. If you’re adhering to Christian principles for the group you lead, you must also adhere to the same principles in your personal life. We need be Christians 24/7/365. In a Christian organization, the leaders must be held to a higher standard.

If we follow the previously stated premise, some questions arise:

How do we find Christian leaders for our association?

When someone steps forward to lead, how do we know that’s the right person for the job?

Finally, how do we support leaders in the CSBA?

In the midst of searching for answers, I spent time in the Books of Matthew, Romans and 1Corinthians. I also looked up a few definitions; certainly not an exhaustive search, but liked these two:

Christian: One who professes belief in Jesus as Christ.

Disciple: A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST. The word disciple can refer to men or women who believed and followed the teachings of Jesus Christ. Thus they were 'disciplined' in His doctrine. (This term should not be confused with the term Apostle that indicates someone who actually saw Christ.)

I’m certain that when someone stumbles across the CSBA website, taking the time to review the faith tenets and filling out the online application, they’re more than likely to be a Christian (One who professes belief in Jesus as Christ). I feel safe in telling people the CSBA has over 789 “Christian” members. Our leadership, however, must be held to a higher standard. Anyone in a position of leadership, be it a small chapter or a member of the board of directors, should be a “disciple-in-training”, that is, “Doers of the Word” (James 1:22) and followers of the teachings of Jesus Christ.

An online organization called Christian Leadership Org has posted on their website characteristics they feel necessary for Christian leadership. According to them, Christian leaders should:

Embrace God’s vision
Have faith that is visible
Have the heart of a servant
Know how to live with authority
Have a shepherd’s nature
Be spiritually responsible people

Excellent qualities, but how do we go about acquiring such traits? Christian Leadership Org supplied the following list:

Embracing God’s Vision ……………..From God’s Call / Design

Faith That is Visible………………….. From Walking With God

Heart of a Servant……………………. From Doing as Jesus Did

Know How to Live “With” Authority…From Leading Like Jesus

A Shepherds Nature………………….. From Caring Like Jesus

Spiritually Responsible People………. From Being Accountable

Jesus Christ, having been sent by His heavenly Father, came to earth to fulfill God’s redemptive plan for sinners who would believe on Him. He is the greatest leader of all time. He had the greatest Vision ever. His had the perfect faith. His life on earth was expressed with perfect authority. He has the perfect leadership gift. He was (is) the greatest servant ever. And Jesus Christ was and still is the perfect Shepherd. He has every desirable leadership attribute. Always Test Leadership Truth Through the Life of Christ.

We have the Christian leadership benchmarks. Returning to the original questions, how do we find such people, how do we know they’re the right person for the job when they step forward and how do we support them once they’re in positions of leadership?

The current CSBA leadership, both chapter leaders and board members, were placed in those positions after prayer. God had a hand in every decision this association has ever made. We’ve made mistakes, but none of the mistakes compromised Biblical teachings or Christian principles. I’m grateful to the volunteer leaders we have in place at this time and ask all the members to stay in prayer for the current leadership and for those considering a leadership role. The future CSBA chapter leaders may be with us now; they just need to pay attention to God’s direction for them.

From now on, when someone volunteers to start a chapter, it will be strongly suggested that the interested person:

Demonstrate an acknowledgement and understanding of the ideals of Christian leadership as stated above.

Will have a face-to-face interview with a current chapter leader or board member.

Make a commitment to the position for a minimum of one year.

New CSBA chapters will continue to need at least three members committing to chapter formation.

If we can agree on the ideal qualities for a CSBA leader, what is the role of the membership? What are the characteristics of the “willing follower”?

They show up and participate

They work hard toward the goal or for the vision.

They help a leader function effectively

A leader needs the support of those he/she leads. If you’re in a CSBA chapter and you receive notice of a meeting or activity, please make an effort to attend. Or at least be courteous and send an email indicating why you won’t be able to attend. Occasionally, chapter leaders go to great lengths to have a meeting only to have a dismal turnout or worse, no one attends! If a friend invited you to his house and you couldn’t make it, you’d call to decline or he wouldn’t be your friend for very long. The chapter leaders are asking for a similar courtesy.

If you haven’t heard from your chapter leader for a while, email them. Ask if there’s anything YOU could do to help.

If there’s nothing going on in your chapter, don’t brood about it. Do something! Make contact. Extend yourself. See what YOU can do to help. Chapters need to be interactive within. Information needs to travel both ways, not just from the leader outward. Those not in a position of leadership need to support the person leading.

To be a disciple requires sacrifice, humility and concern for others. Jesus told us that if we are to follow Him, we have to take up our cross and start carrying it. If we’re ALL believers in the teachings of Jesus Christ, let’s ALL take the next step and commit ourselves as disciples-in-training. Remember, “All disciples are Christians but not all Christians are disciples.”

God Bless

Brian Phillips

CSBA Servant

CSBA News

CSBA 3^rd Annual Run For The Word

August 13-14, 2005

Help send Bibles around the world to those seeking God’s Word! Be a part of national CSBA ride!

Get an event T-shirt!

Next month marks the third year for our only annual fund raising event. The Run For The Word is a nation-wide event where chapters and individuals raise money to fund the CSBA Free Bible Fund. Last year, the CSBA sent 1028 Bibles to individuals and ministries that couldn’t afford a Bible. Before you read on, consider the cost of a paperback Bible. You could probably buy a paperback NIV Bible for five or six dollars. Now put yourself in the place of a believer who can’t afford $5.00. Most of us spend more than five dollars for lunch at our favorite fast food restaurant! Don’t ignore the fact that there’s real poverty in the world. The seeds we send out via the Free Bible Fund may be changing lives that we’ll never realize until we gather in Heaven.

If you didn’t receive a Run For The Word Rally packet, contact Bill Allen (ba_rider2@hotmail.com) and get the information you need to have a “Run” in your area. If you can’t participate this year, please keep us in prayer. Thanks

June 23, 2005

We have halted construction on the site until better weather returns. It is freezing up on the mountain and with the wind blowing constantly it sends the wind chill factor down to well below freezing on most days. Not the best time to be working with water and cement.
In the meantime we are collecting stones for the construction of the Guesthouse. It is an extremely slow and tiring process as the building is quite big, and the stones need to be dug out of the ground in most cases, but I trust by the time good weather returns we will have enough stones to finish the building in one go.
- Due to us getting a lot of vegetables lately and our own garden slowly coming along, I am glad to report that the health of many of the kids have improved a lot compared to this time a year ago.
- We have a couple that will join the ministry at the end of June and they will be moving into the house we presently use as our Daycare. When that happens there will be much better control of the feeding scheme, as it appears that due to personal disagreements amongst the people in the village, some children are prevented from receiving food when I am not around. God willing, Richard and his wife will be moving there early next month to take over the feeding scheme and will also oversee the building program on a daily bases.
- Pastor Thabo and myself have started a small business to fund the church planting. Once it is rooted we will use the income from that to cover his monthly expenses so he can join the ministry full time. That will mean that he can give his full time attention to growing the church and working in the community. We are still raising support to cover the monthly expenses of a church but unfortunately it seems not many people are interested.
- We are still praying for funds to finish the roof on the hall and soon will need more to roof the house too. God is constantly, through miraculous ways, putting myself here in South Africa, and Brian in the US into contact with people that can potentially help us to complete the Care Center. We trust that in His perfect time the doors will be opened. I also want to thank all the other people who have this on their hearts and are constantly looking at ways to make the center a reality. Please keep in prayer with us, as we trust God for the miracle.
As we reported last month, winter is here and the days are getting shorter and COLDER.
There are still many children slowly recovering from the malnourished state they were in, therefore they are very susceptible to flu and colds.
We ask that you join us in continuous prayer for their health during the next 4 months.

God Bless
Wim & Hylien van Rensburg

Editor’s Note: I’ve received an email from Wim since his ministry report saying: “Thelma who worked for Hylien in the Coffee Shop passed away earlier today after complications during an operation. She was more of a friend and a soul mate to Hylien than an employee. Being a born-again Christian she helped us to minister, and saw her work as doing her part to help fulfill the vision God has given us. Hylien many times said that Thelma was an angel sent by God to help and bless us, today she went back to our Father. Please pray with us for her 2 young children. She raised them on her own, so tonight they are without any parents. “

While I was in South Africa last year Thelma was a smiling beacon at the start of each day. She was a humble, Godly, Christian woman who made my breakfast and always had a pleasant word. I’ll miss her. Keep her kids in your prayers. Being an orphan in South Africa is something you can’t imagine unless you’ve seen it for yourself. While you’re praying for Thelma’s kids, take hold of your kids and thank God you live here with a roof over your head and food on the table.

Brian Phillips

CTCF Servant

SPEAKING OF AFRICA…
Brian Phillips

I’ll be returning to South Africa in October to visit Wim & Hylein of BreakThrough Ministries. If you had it on your heart to make a mission trip, this would be the one to take the plunge. Beautiful country, staying with two of the nicest folks in South Africa, lots to do, plenty of time for fellowship and contemplation. The memories from your experiences will last the rest of your life.

If you’re interested email me ASAP at info@christiansportbike.com

You can a feel for the work Wim & Hylein are doing by clicking on http://www.breakthrough-ministries.com/orphanage.htm and watching a short PowerPoint presentation.

HAVE A WITNESS TESTIMONY TO SHARE?

We’re looking for witness testimonies for future newsletters. If you’ve met someone on the road, at a show or in a restaurant and had the opportunity to talk about your relationship with Jesus Christ, we’d like to read about it.

Send your testimony in MS Word format to info@christiansportbike.com

Thanks

FROM THE CHAPLAIN’S DESK

“Christian Bikers”
by Martin Gerald

July 2005

Fellow Christians,

When you read an article with the title, it sounds like an oxymoron. Bikers have been personified to be the rogue, leather wearing, trouble causing, hard drinking, longhaired criminals. Slap the moniker “Christian” in front of biker and a mental picture of the same person, now with a greasy cross and worn Bible, comes to mind. We need to work to change this image.

You might ask how we can do this… Well, I will tell you how to start. Live as a Christian first and add the label “Biker” to this. Most of the things done will largely go unnoticed, or so you think. While you might not know for months or years, people do notice how we interact with the world.

Read the Word of God on a regular basis. Fill your mind with the righteous images and thoughts from the Bible and minimize the introduction of garbage from TV, radio and Internet. God is good, all the time.

Next, live the life that is described in the Word. It is amazing how freely blessings flow when you follow Jehovah Jirah, My Provider. About two years ago, I returned to Jesus, after a long season of wandering in the wilderness. Adding the label “Christian” to my signature file, with little or no fanfare, sure changed the number of folks that stay in touch with me. But those same folks, regardless of the number of times we communicate, know that I am there for them. I have helped my friends in need all hours of the day and night, with no condemnation or demeaning attitude. I stand strong in Jesus Christ and let His light shine through me.

A last step and this is not too deep. THINK. Think about what you are doing and how others might see you. Within the last year, I have gone from introverted nervous Christian to “Go and tell it on the mountain” Christian. While I feel quite often like I am yelling into a hurricane, I have found that when I am near enough to those in the storm, they can hear me loud and clear. Or rather, they hear the Peace and Love of Jesus Christ in my words. I alone am nothing, but through Him, all things are possible.

These things we have to offer God, out of our own free will. Pray, study the Word, and walk in His path. The words I offer to you are as much reassurance to me as they are words of encouragement to you, for I am still seeking to remove all of the planks from my eye, that I might help remove the speck from others’.

I leave you with Proverbs 8:1-21.

Your Humble Servant,

Martin Gerald jesus_servant@cox.net

CSBA Chaplain

2005 Midwest Rally Report

By Bill Gaston CSBA Chicago

The 3rd Annual Midwest rally is history and Jesus was glorified and worshiped in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. We logged about 1600 miles from start to finish and I thank God for Corbin seats. This year’s rally was bigger and better that last year. We moved the rally headquarters to the Econ Lodge in the Ozarks. There was plenty to do when not riding, while surrounded by some fantastic roads. You could rent boats, wave runners, go-karts, play miniature golf and laser tag. There were many places to eat near the hotel and that stayed open late into the night.

We fellowshipped with the CMA of Jefferson City, MO, they having heard we were in the area and wanted to meet us. We visited several bike shops in the area and were asked to come back when ever we're in the area. The roads were clean and smooth, black tops the would grip your tires and not let go. The roads would challenge you with sweepers, nice tight left and right handers, up hill and down hill turns, switch back and roller coaster type roads for miles. Best of all, VERY LITTLE OR NO TRAFFIC!

I have a detailed rally breakdown coming later that shares what Christ did for us at the rally. I have to mention the guy we meet on the road that loved the big cross on my windscreen. He asked us to pray for his healing concerning a medical test he was having performed. If that was the only thing God wanted from us at this rally, it was well worth it. I would like to say thanks to Lee, Lucent, Ken, Dan, Brand, Brad's three sons, Gail (Dan's Dog) and the Saint Louis chapter for making the rally a success.

BroBills Top Ten Reasons You Should Come the 2006 Midwest Rally!

10. I've been to Deal’s Gap.

9. I didn't know there were great roads in Missouri.

8. Brian Phillips is making plans to attend next years rally.

7. Judy doesn't have to drive 24 hours to attend the Deals Gap Rally.

6. Lake of The Ozarks don’t shut down at 8:30 pm

5. I can bring the family and we can all have a great time at a CSBA rally

4. This is the only rally were Brobill didn’t have a Crash!!!!

3. It's not a CSBA rally when there is only 1 VFR in the parking lot.

2. Bob Brown won't make any money at the Midwest rally fixing cracked plastics.

1. And the Top Ten Reason You Should Come the 2006 Midwest Rally is...

It will be a great time for fellowship, hearing the voice of the Lord, riding some awesome roads, and the dates are set:
(June 22-25, 2006)

Bill (Brobill) Gaston
Christian Sport Bike Association
Midwest Coordinator/Illinois Chapter President
Email: Brobill@PartneringSolutions.com
National Website: WWW.ChristianSportBike.com
Local Website: WWW.CsbaChicago.com

Editors Note: On 7/5/05, BroBill had a “bike mishap” near Chicago that necessitated his being hospitalized for observation. I’m not sure what the medical staff was looking for but they sent him home on 7/9/05. Please keep Bill in your prayers for a speedy recovery.

Emergency Contact Information

By Jim Pitcock

OK, picture this. Your excitement level has reached a peak as you and a partner leave for a ride. You have opted to take the lead in the ride and you have been glancing in your mirror to make sure your ride partner is still in tow. You have gone several miles on an awesome road when you realize the motorcycle that had been in your mirror for so many miles is missing. You let off the gas and drop your speed in hopes of seeing that familiar head light in your mirror again, but you still don’t see anything. At the next good pull off you stop and after a couple minutes you turn around to back track and you find your buddy’s bike in pieces all over the road and the friend you have shared many miles with laying in a heap on the side of the road. Other motorists are caring for him and the minutes turn into hours waiting for emergency personnel.

Finally you hear the sweet sound of sirens and see those pretty lights that tell you help has arrived. Since your friend has lost consciousness, the State Trooper and EMT ask you for some vital information. You feel a great sense of anxiety, as you are unable to answer their questions. Simple questions you feel you should know especially since you have shared many rides together. Questions like, who should they contact? You know his wife’s name is Janet but you have no idea how to contact her on her cell phone. Precious minutes are passing and your friend needs emergency help and the EMT continues to ask questions such as, what medications is he on? Does he have any allergies? You can’t answer any of the questions and here comes that question again, Can we contact a friend or relative? Now you’re not only concerned for your friend but you also feel somehow you have let him down in his time of need. You say a prayer for him and the medical people but feel helpless.

Now back to reality! No, I didn’t pour sour grape fruit juice on my Cheerios this morning. This is a reality that can and does happen. Right now you might be saying to yourself, ‘This won’t happen to me’. Or, I wear the right safety gear and so do my ride friends.

Here’s a couple of statistics from ‘Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: 3,590 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2003. Motorcycle deaths had been declining since the early 1980s but began to increase in 1998 and have continued to increase. Since 1997, motorcycle deaths are up 75 percent.

I know first hand of a person who was riding alone and went off the road. He was severely injured but because he had emergency contact information and personal medical information on him when he crashed, he is alive today. The minutes saved by having important information available saved his life.

In my 20 some years of riding I seem to come up on at least one motorcycle accident every year. Don’t be naive, accidents do happen and the more information you can provide the better your chances of survival. I’m told many racing circles require this information but wouldn’t it be nice if there were some compact form of information that could be kept with you that would help in the situation you just read. Well, there is. I printed up some cards for our local CSBA group in Colorado and would like to extend this offer to others. The cards are printed on Florissant orange card stock and laminated. They are the size of a credit card and can easily be carried in your wallet.

These cards are free of charge with no strings attached. Simply email me with the following information. I will email you back a proof of the printed card. Once you Email me back with the changes or your blessing to print. I will print and mail your card.

_Your Name:

_Your Address:

_Your Date of Birth:

_Your Blood Type:

_Any allergies: (This should include allergies to medications, foods, etc.)

_Medications taken:

_Medical Conditions that should be noted

_Do you wear contacts?

_Auto Insurance Information: (Include insurance company name, Phone number and Policy number)

_Health Insurance Information: (Include company name, any subscriber or group numbers, card numbers, Payer Id's, Primary Care provider (PCP), ETC.)

_1st emergency contact information: (This will be the first person you want contact in an emergency. Include the persons name, relationship to you, phone numbers and address.)

_2nd emergency contact information (This is the second person that should be contacted. Please include the persons name, relationship to you, phone numbers and address.)

_On the bottom of the card I included one of my favorite scripture verses. Feel free to add your favorite scriptures. If you don’t wish to have a scripture verse, this is your card but remember, this card could be a witness to the person reading it.

Don't let the fact that you don't know your blood type stop you from requesting this card. In fact if you don't know your blood type you can donate blood. They will give you your blood type. If any of you will be in the Colorado area the Colorado CSBA chapter will be facilitating a blood drive in Monument Colorado on July 23. Include any other information you wish to be communicated. (Remember there is limited space. Don't write a novel!). Some may wish to note they are organ donors or that they have a 'do not resuscitate order signed'.

I’m not an agency that will be selling this information. All information you send me is confidential. My purpose in doing this is simple; God has given me the means and the desire to do this. Secondly, This is my small way of contributing.

Jim Pitcock

CO CSBA #516

JPITCOCKSPRINT@EARTHLINK.NET

Don’t forget your CSBA June 2005 Calendar Download
Courtesy of Bill Allen and the Central VA Chapter

This Month's calendar verse: Matthew 18:20
”For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

There’s nothing like the power of prayer. Don't forget to invite Jesus along on your next ride.

Your free CSBA Calendar download available here:
http://cenvachristiansportbike.homestead.com/BA_rider.html

If you have a photo from a past CSBA Ride or rally you'd like featured on
our calendar, send it to BA_rider2@hotmail.com

New members since last newsletter:

775	Andrew	League	Midland City	AL
776	Mark	Hamm	Telford	PA
777	Rob	Goodwin	Lenoir	NC
778	Nancy	Goodwin	Lenoir	NC
779	Jeffrey	Hofmann	Auburn	NY
780	Lucien	Bridges	Indianapolis	IN
781	Eric	Gyger	Coopersville	MI
782	John	Novak	Toms River	NJ
783	Rod	Talley	Wright City	MO
784	Laini	Talley	Wright City	MO
785	Brad	Orchard	Oklahoma City	OK
786	Sandy	Orchard	Oklahoma City	OK
787	Mike	Carroll	Chadron	NE
788	Warren	Rutledge	Westchester	DE
789	Larry	Wheat	Converse	TX
790	Moses	Mbewe	Luanshya	Zambia
791	Martha	Chilanga	Luanshya	Zambia
792	Patrick	Clum	Melrose	NY
793	Charlie	Morgan	Wake Forrest	NC

Take care & God bless,

Brian & Beverly Phillips

CSBA Servants