A Note From The Pastor

Brother Joey

In 1977 I was arrested for selling drugs to a State Narcotics Agent. After a few business transactions with this particular guy (who happened to be an undercover State Narcotics Agent) I didn't see him around anymore. Several months later, a detective and two uniformed officers arrested me while I was at work on my job at the time. I was taken to jail where I was allowed my one phone call. One week later I met with an attorney. After the consultation with him, I learned that I was going to spend time in the State Penitentiary.

One week before my court date on a Monday evening, I was sitting in my bedroom and contemplating suicide. I was about to do it when I heard a voice behind me say "I will help you if you will let Me." I turned to look and see who it was but there was no one there. Once again, I heard that voice that said "I will help you if you will let Me." But again, there was no one there. Now let me tell you, I was not a religious person even though I went to church sometimes. I didn't know if there really was a real God. But the voice I heard made me think that it was God. I said to God, "If You are real then save me from going to prison. And if You do save me from going to prison I will live for You and do what You want me to do."

The court day finally arrived. I kept whispering to myself "God if You are real, save me from prison and I will serve You." Approximately seven men stood before that judge, each on charges of the sale of narcotics. The District Attorney recommended X number of years in the State Penitentiary with a suspended sentence and X number of years probation instead. In each case the judge denied the suspended sentence and probation - he sentenced each man to time in the State Penitentiary. Then the judge called my name. As I walked towards him my heart was pounding and I was still not 100% sure that there was really a God. The judge asked the District Attorney what he recommended. The District Attorney suggested five years in the State Penitentiary suspended sentence for four years probation. But the judge said no. He sentenced me to seven years in the State Penitentiary but suspended the sentence and gave me five years probation instead. I walked out of the courtroom with a clear understanding that God is real. By the way, the next guy after me went to prison - no suspended sentence, no probation. God saved me physically and spiritually. God is real . . .

And now I am here doing His will in my life by reaching out to bikers and their families. This is a place that looks beyond a person's history and appearance, and straight to the heart. Each and every one of us needs to know the love of God. God is real and He has a better life for us all, if we only believe in Him. Call on His name today and know that He is real. Come visit with us. We would love to have you just as you are.

Pastor Joey Hagwood