Article published in the Arkansas Baptist News

www.arkansasbaptist.org

 SPRINGDALE – A new ministry, formed with the goal of reaching out to motorcycle enthusiasts, has already done just that during several recent festivals – resulting in dozens of professions of faith.

FAITH Riders was commissioned in May 2010 as a ministry of Cross Church of Springdale and Rogers, said Jeff Hairston, co-director of the Northwest Arkansas (NWA) chapter. He said FAITH Riders started as a ministry of First Baptist Church at the Mall in Lakeland, Fla., and now has about 170 member churches. “While this ministry is primarily focused on reaching out and ministering to the motorcycle community,” said Hairston, “(the) group also is involved in outreach opportunities such as disaster relief, children’s events, bike nights, toy runs and Christmas outreach.”

One of the largest events in which FAITH Riders was involved in 2011 was the Bikes, Blues & BBQ festival in Fayetteville. Hairston said the festival is the largest charitable motorcycle rally in the United States, donating more than $500,000 to charities. An estimated 425,000 motorcycle enthusiasts participated.

During the festival, FAITH Riders members shared “3-minute testimonies” with participants and offered opportunities to register to win various prizes, including Kindles, iPads and a TV.

The strategy is similar to what is used by Dakota Baptists at the Sturgis motorcycle event, as reported by the Baptist Press in August. Festival attendees are asked to listen to a 3-minute testimony in order to register for the drawings. Arkansas FAITH Riders were assisted in testimony training by members from Oklahoma, including Jimmy May, associate pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Ardmore, Okla.

Additionally, First Baptist Church, Greenland, donated the use of its gymnasium to house some of the Oklahoma FAITH Riders, said Hairston.

“The group was able to share testimonies with 493 people, and 94 of those individuals accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior,” said Hairston. “In addition to sharing their testimonies with so many fellow motorcycle enthusiasts, they were also able to minister to riders who simply came in asking for someone to pray with them about specific issues.”

NWA Faith Riders co-director Don Vlastuin said he was amazed at not only the number of testimonies that the group was able to share, but also the affect that this had on their local FAITH Riders members who participated.

Both Vlastuin and his wife, Paulita, experienced apprehension about sharing their faith with total strangers – but rejoiced in seeing some of those same people become brothers and sisters and enter the family of God.

“For me, it was great to see these people who have a passion for the Great Commission go into an environment where most people would not expect to see a lot of evidence of Christ and boldly share their faith,” said Richard Cox, minister of community missions at Cross Church, Springdale.

“Then, we got to see how God had prepared the way and prepared people to hear from God,” said Cox. “It was an awesome experience to see how open many of the motorcyclists were to listening to our group of FAITH Riders sharing their faith.”

Hairston said the group already is making plans to participate in the 2012 Bikes, Blues & BBQ event.

Churches interested in starting a FAITH Riders motorcycle ministry may contact Hairston at jeffh@nwafaithriders.com.

Heading to the Bikes, Blues, and BBQ Festival in Fayetteville this weekend and can’t wait or some good barbeque and a cold drink. Finding a good spot along the way is as handy as  our iPhone or Android™ device.

With the latest update to our YP^sm app, consumerscan easily find nearby restaurants including those offering coupons and discounts – from a single mobile app. The YP^SM app is available for free download for iPhone, Android™, Windows Phone 7, Palm and Blackberry device users.

A single tap on the convenient ‘restaurants’ icon gives you a variety of choices, and to find the one nearest you be sure to choose “my current location.”

Not on a mobile device? YP.com is the quick and easy way to search, find and save with local businesses. Users
can even book reservations with select restaurants all on YP.com.

And, remember, on Friday Sept. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 1, from 6 to 9 p.m., you can take a tethered ride in the AT&T Real Yellow Pages hot air balloon located in the Baum Stadium parking lot. The rides cost $10 and all the money received goes to one of the many charitable organizations which benefit from this great event.

Did something happen to your motorcycle while you’re at the Bikes, Blues, and BBQ Festival in Fayetteville this weekend and you need a part? Or, maybe you’d like to pick up a new accessory. Finding the right part or accessory is as handy as your mobile device.

The YP^sm app for mobile devices empowers consumers to easily find the nearest motorcycle repair shop, or parts and accessory store from a single, free mobile app.

Just type what you’re looking for in the search bar, and you’ll see a list of available shops and stores in Fayetteville, or wherever you are along the road. Be sure to search using your “current location.”

Not on a mobile device? YP.com is the quick and easy way to search, find and save with local businesses.

And, remember, on Friday Sept. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 1, from 6 to 9 p.m., you can take a tethered ride in the AT&T Real Yellow Pages hot air balloon located in the Baum Stadium parking lot. The rides cost $10 and all the money received goes to one of the many charitable organizations which benefit from this great event.

If you’re heading to the Bikes, Blues, and BBQ Festival in Fayetteville this weekend and need to find the best prices on gasoline, they’re as handy as your iPhone or Android™ device.

With the latest update to our YP^SM app, consumers now have quick access to nearby gas prices with an at-a-glance view of the “best” local options for easy decision-making while on the go.

A single tap on the “Gas Prices” icon now presents the nearest gas stations with a visual display of “best” and “good” options, based on price. Whether you fill up with “regular,” “plus” or “premium” gas, the app has you covered.

Quickly view the “best” nearby prices of your preferred grade of gas or the prices at the closest stations. See nearby results for frequent searches: businesses, coupons and discounts, and local events on the app’s home screen.

And, if you’re already there, be sure and use the YP^SM appon your way home to tap into these savings offers.

YP.com^SM, the  new YELLOWPAGES.COM^SM, is the place to go when looking for local information.

And, remember, on Friday Sept. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 1, from 6 to 9 p.m., you can take a tethered ride in the AT&T Real Yellow Pages hot air balloon located in the Baum Stadium parking lot. The rides cost $10 and all the money received goes to one of the many charitable organizations which benefit from this great event.

The show is at George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville, Wednesday, Sept. 28.  Tickets are $25 each for general admission.  And there’s a very limited supply of private table tickets (a private table for four, four  tickets, and a special “eat and greet” with Dave Mason and his band held from 6:00-7:00) for $250.    Doors open at 7:00;  show begins at 8:00.

Simply bring your license and a helmet and you’re in business.  Bradford marine and ATV even invites you to bring your bike and title for a trade-in.  They have “on the spot financing” and can have you on the road in less than an hour on a new Spider.

The Arkansas Music Pavilion at the NWA Mall is producing two concerts for the rally this year.

On Thursday, Sept. 29, 90′s rock sensation Candlebox will be performing their hits like “You” and “Far Away”, as well as all of the others.

Then, Friday, Sept. 30, award winning country artist Jamey Johnson will light up the stage with his special outlaw country show.  The heir apparent to David Allen Coe, Johnson’s songs transcend modern country and takes the audience back to the roots of the best form of American music.  If you see one show this year, this is the one!

For more info, click here.

The Bikes, Blues & BBQ Shuttle will run from the Washington County Fairgrounds beginning Thursday, September 29 through Saturday, October 1.

Pick up/Drop off locations:

The Fairgrounds Pick-Up/Drop-Off:  The Front Gate

Dickson St Pick-Up/Drop-Off:  West Avenue Bus Stop

Schedule:

Thursday:  4:00pm -12:00am

Friday: 4:00pm – 12:00am

Saturday:  3:00pm-1:00am

* The Shuttle will leave the Fairgrounds on the hour and Dickson St on the half hour.

Price:

$5 one way, $8 round-trip