From the Servant's Desk

Hey!  What's going on with the newsletter?
There have  been major changes in the CSBA website hosting location.  Up until a few weeks ago, the website was edited and posted on a local server in eastern Pennsylvania.  It was a dial up connection loading to a server that didn't support the software producing a website that was just generally a bear to work with.  If one doesn't know any better, one can suffer difficulties for a long time...like five years.  Recently, Ron Anderson from our CSBA LA Chapter offered to host the CSBA website on his California based server.  Overnight, the difficulties went away.  Ron worked over the site to give it a cleaner, more professional look and I didn't have to do a thing!  I'm liking this set up so far.  Thank you Ron!

Next, I bought a new computer tower with a better processor, hard drive and....Windows XP (I could write an entire column on "getting aquatinted with Windows XP").  Finally, I had a cable modem installed on the home computer and in a flash, I was whisked into the year 2005 technology-wise.  The result of all this "newness" was a number of days downtime and a few more days reconfiguring the new computer.  Before I knew it, we were into the month of April and no newsletter.

I had thoughts of just easing away from the monthly newsletter format and posting new information on the website as needed.  A good number of emails and phone calls have dissuaded me from that idea.  Surprisingly, a small number of people had concerns about my welfare.  If there was no newsletter, perhaps something happened to Brian.  Your concern is appreciated, and rest assured, all is well at "CSBA Headquarters".

The lapse of regular posting to the website did not change the mission or operation of our association.  In fact, I've had a premise in mind to gradually encourage the local CSBA chapters to think and act independently.  As a Christian organization, we're spread all over the map.  There's no way that one person can or should manage the routine CSBA affairs happening in the various regions of the USA, Canada, Europe, Africa, Australia and Guam (Yes, we now have a member residing on Guam).

Ever since I turned my life over to Jesus Christ I've gone to the Gospel of Matthew in times of...angst.  Lately, the parable of the seeds have been in my thoughts: ...

And Jesus told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seeds fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop--a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear." Matthew 13:3-9

Jesus explains the parable starting in verse 18:  "Listen then to what the parable of the sower means:  When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown." Matthew 13:18-23

So what does the parable of the seeds have to do with a new web site location and CSBA chapters all over the place?  

As members, we all fall into one of the seed categories.  
1.  We're not interested in the Word of God;  we just want to ride (Seed on the path).
2.  We're REALLY new to this whole "Jesus Saves" thing and we're not sure what we're supposed to do, but we'll hang around to...ride (Seed on the rocks).
3.  We're born again Christians BUT there's a lot of "stuff" getting in the way.  We have careers, families, debts, vacation properties, girlfriends, a classic bike restoration project and so on and so forth, ad infinitum (Seed among the thorns).
4.  We've committed our lives to Jesus Christ.  We spend time in The Word.  Our priorities are: God first, our families second and everything else comes after the first two.  We have a burning desire to spread The Good News and have meaningful fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ (Seed taking root on fertile ground).

The CSBA website is like an ad in the yellow pages.  If you need to get information about Christians who happen to ride sport bikes, you can go to the internet's massive "yellow pages" and there we are.  What we believe, what events are pending, contact information, etc.  The website is like a big field.  God continues to cast seed upon this field, the seed being His Word, and lo and behold we have all types of members sprouting up. In fact, we have 755! 

It seems that the seeds from the fertile ground step forth to take on chapter leadership responsibilities.  As Christian leaders, those people have a tough job.  Why?  Because usually there are the other three "seed" types growing in their chapter.  Now this job not only involves planning events, but strengthening others in their walk with Jesus Christ.  To implement this challenging feat, God needs men and women of prayer, committed in their faith and willing to give of themselves tirelessly.  They don't have to fit a preconceived mold. Developing an independent management style will help nurture self-confidence.  Relying on God for direction rather than a CSBA Servant sitting in eastern Pennsylvania would be the wise choice.

Ask yourself this week:  What type of seed am I?  Be honest with yourself.  Nobody else is listening...except maybe God.  And when you come to a conclusion where you stand among all these "seeds", talk to God.  Ask for His guidance, tell Him you don't want to be "among the thorns".  God's listening and He can change lives.

May God bless you and those you hold dear,
Brian Phillips
CSBA Servant

 Association News 

 2005 RALLY DATES!  Latest Info!

Maybe you're new to the CSBA, or you've never attended one of our rallies. Make 2005 the year to change that.  We have members who volunteer to organize a rally in their locality for two reasons.  

To enrich fellowship among CSBA members and...are you ready?  To have fun!
Christians as a group get a bad rap as being stoic, stale and humorless.  Take in one or more of our rallies this year and help put a different face on Christian sport bike enthusiasts.

Mark those calendars now!  Put in for those vacation days!
Make 2005 the year you traveled to meet your fellow CSBA members at the rally of your choice.

Andy Kerr CSBA #674,  Winona Lake, IN  (5 Degrees/Fahrenheit) wrote:

I had on a long-sleeve shirt, an electric vest, sweatshirt, riding jacket, longjohns, jeans, insulated boots, a balaclava and an open-face helmet (hey, no fogging!) and I was still half frozen when I got home. Took me almost two hours to stop shivering!
The whole thing was done at night, on a whim. Roads were pretty clear, except for the occasional salt cloud when a truck would go past in the other direction. Bike performed flawlessly.
All in all, a fun little trip!

Sam Beiler CSBA #525 from Stevens, PA (6 Degrees Fahrenheit) wrote: 
Saturday January 29th I told my son Sterling to walk out the lane (about half a mile lane) because I dropped the bike 2 times yesterday morning in the lane. Only dropped it once on Saturday. Left side this time, dang! More damage, oh well I have another body for it. Got to Eagle Rental and it was 5 degrees. Ya Hoo! By the time we snapped the picture it raised one degree. So we rode up 222 to the new construction and headed back home again. Total Miles = 23 (Rode 2 up, my son Sterling is 12 and had a blast) Coming back in the lane is easier because it's downhill and you can just coast. Sorry no pictures of me on the ground. Too mad
to think about taking pictures.

From Bob Brown, last year's Frozen Chosen winner and this year's judge:
This has been a tough choice, Sam crashed twice, did it two up and with tough road conditions. Andy did his at night, which is just as crazy. The distance was greater, and the temps colder for Andy so he is the winner of this year's contest and a holder of the title toughest hombre here. Sam comes in at a very close second. My hat is off to both of you for your grit.

So what do they win, 1st place gets $200 worth of paint and repair work or decals from Empire GP in Montour Falls, NY. Second place wins $100 worth of stuff from Empire GP. More importantly, they win our respect. Andy is now the judge for next year's contest.

 March 28, 2005 BREAKTHROUGH MINISTRIES NEWSFLASH  

A quick Easter weekend picture update: On Friday we went to the mission to play with the kids and have them each paint their own Easter egg. Thelma, who works with Hylien at the Coffee Shop joined Grace and us for the day. The kids had a blast, painting their Easter eggs and in some cases each other!! After painting the Easter eggs we did the water rocket show and the kids screamed with excitement each time we shot our plastic contraptions into the air. It just felt right to, on this special day, also give the children the opportunity to invite Jesus into their hearts. Thelma explained to them in Sotho, and then led most of the group in prayer to accept Jesus as their Lord and savior. Truly a special and blessed day. Grace who has been with us this month is leaving tomorrow. The children and us will miss her, and wishes her God's richest blessings as she goes back to Canada. ----- "The beauty of this vast land reflects our Maker and as much as I soak that in, the relationships have been most fulfilling with the van Rensburg family and the precious children on the mountain. Today several of the bigger boys were reading Bibles in English and it blessed my heart. The children quickly lined up eager for the bread given out. This ministry is in the growing stages and moving forward...so glad to be a part of that and seeing hunger needs met...God's word says not to despise the day of small things...really that's what life is made up of. As I head home my heart lingers here...a time never to be forgotten. ... Grace.

 Should you wish to add to the feeding fund please use this link and let Wim know.

THE CSBA CALENDAR DOWNLOAD*

Getting prepped to ride? This month's calendar download features an "Owner's Manual".
We hope every CSBA rider will strive in '05 to make a difference in the world and use their bike to Serve the Lord. Set a goal, make a plan. Do more this year than just ride. Use your bike to glorify the Lord. Instructions are in the "Owner's Manual".

Check out the "Owner's Manual" and Download your Free CSBA Calendar @:
http://cenvachristiansportbike.homestead.com/BA_rider.html

As Always, if you have a photo from a past CSBA Ride or Rally that you would like featured on our calendar, send to Bill Allen 

*May's calendar is coming soon...

NEW CSBA MEMBERS 

PLEASE:  DON'T FORGET THE CSBA FREE BIBLE FUND

During the month of March 2005 we shipped 120 Bibles ($317.20)  to those in need:

If you feel inclined to help the association continue to expand the Free Bible Fund please send your check in any amount made out to: 

"The Christian Sport Bike Association"
  c/o Marvin Gurganus
   PO Box 511
   Jamesville, NC 27846

You can also contribute online via PayPal, click on the link below and fill out the information.  Thanks.

You can help the Free Bible Fund with a donation

CSBA DUES ARE $20 PER YEAR

If you have not yet paid your 2005 membership dues please click HERE.

Please keep in mind that your annual dues pay for minor administrative expenses (postage, CSBA brochures, paper stock, etc) in addition to the all important bibles.  Prior to the first annual Run for the Word, your member dues were the solitary source of funding for the Free Bible Fund.

There are NO salaried employees in the CSBA.  The CSBA does not own or rent any buildings or property.  NO membership dues are used for the Christian Sport Bike Racing Team.  NO membership dues are used to fund any charity other than the CSBA.