Hello, I’m “Briman”
of
The Live Riders Motorcycle Ministry.
I was born in March of 1959, saved August 1989. I am currently a brother in the Live Riders Motorcycle Ministry for the purpose of enhancing my walk with Jesus Christ through this incredible ministry. A Ministry that fills the areas of my walk that have been on a kickstand for so many years.
Since I was a kid, I have always loved motorcycles. My entire family, Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle, Dad, Mom, sisters, and cousins have always rode. We rode street, dirt, Harley, Indian, Honda...everything. I raced moto-cross for 12 years and learned a lot about motorcycles, in fact, that is how I financed my moto-cross effort by repairing, buying and selling bikes.
As a teenager, I remember people selling me broken bikes of all types. Sometimes all they needed was a battery or a tune-up, some of the bikes were completely in pieces with broken, missing parts, ( total basket cases). It was those bikes that gave me the greatest fulfillment when I ultimately restored them. People were astounded when they saw me pull up on a bike that was in a box when they gave it to me. They couldn't even believe the bike was running and thought I was some kind'a M/C wizard.
It was funny because all I would do is go buy the service manual to the bike, read it and follow the directions. I mean, there it was in black and white...all the parts in exploded view, all the tolerances, all the procedures, even special notes from the manufacturer.
As an adult I still road dirt, and street (road racers), Jet Skiis, and anything with a motor. My motto,
“If’n it don’t burn gas, it ain’t a sport”.
As a teenager and an adult I was always in endeavoring in moneymaking shortcuts through scandalous means. Without givin’ it up, all I can say is I got this picture of Satan in my head. It’s like a billboard with his picture and he’s holding up 10 playing cards. Each card may represent a Commandment, and under Satans picture is a slogan,
“What’s your Pleasure”.
Whether it’s stealing, drugs, alcohol, adultery, murder, worship of money, hatred, covetousness, bigotry, idolatry, you name it, each card represents a path to destruction.
Having played my hand, at 30, I found myself out of work, broke, homeless, un-employable and "wanted" in Ventura for back child support. It was February 1989, my wife and I were living in a construction trailer in Arleta. Someone said, “Maybe it’s time you come to Jesus”. I told him to shut-up,
“I don't need that crap in my life...I’m a victim, everyone is against me, I have done nothing to deserve this.”
WHY ME ???
When you read the Bible, you begin to realize that God didn’t send his Son Jesus Christ to minister to the “perfect people”of the world; to the Ozzie and Harriet Nelsons; or the June and Ward Cleavers. What Glory is it to restore something that isn’t broke? Jesus was sent here for the sinners, the victims of sin, people who are on the edge, and people who are over the edge..like I was. I think about the Joy I would get from rescuing and restoring a bike from salvage and think that’s what God did with me. As I read the Bible, I realized, this is God’s factory service manual for life. When you read The New Testament you will find the answers to how God wants you to live your life, how you will be restored, how you will receive gifts in your life, how he will layout a plan in your life, how you will fit in to his family...the Body of Christ.
I was baptized in August 1989. It was an un-eventful Baptism, I mean, I didn’t pass-out, I didn’t speak in tongues, I didn’t have demons crawl out of my forehead, there weren’t any earthquakes... but, I did feel like everything I had ever done and everything that was done to me was gone...like it wasn’t important anymore. Days later, I began to feel relieved and self confident knowing no matter where I go, I have this big family of brothers and sisters who love me regardless of my past.
GOD'S RESTORATION PLAN
I’m sitting here 18 years later, looking at my life. God has worked in so many areas to restore me. In my opinion, God has spoiled me with gifts far beyond anything imaginable.
God’s plan reminds me of my bikes. Here’s a bike in pieces, missing parts, broken parts, parts that have been stressed, parts that are worn, parts that can’t shine, parts that have been neglected and ready for "scrap". The difference is that God knows all of your parts, and in addition to restoration, you get salvation. Yeah!! That’s the factory, lifetime, eternity-time guarantee and warrantee, by God, that the parts of your life that ever fail again will be forgiven, replaced free of charge forever....because, God visited us through his Son Jesus Christ and made that promise, and that promise is;
"that whosoever shall believe that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior shall be saved !!!!"
There were many times in my life where I know God was knockin’ on my door. It’s like I knew I was goin’ wrong, I knew I was headed for destruction, I knew I was gonna lose... but I had to push it to the extreme. It would have been great if I had paid attention to some of those KNOCKS, ‘cause then I wouldn’t have gone through the destruction, the damage, and so much pain.
Ever hear a knock?
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