Then the King will say, "I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me - you did it to me." - Matthew 25:40 (Message Bible)

"Gary, didn't we fight for the Freedom of Religion? Where is the Church?"

"I was gang raped in the Navy.  When I went to get help, I was discharged."

"I was released after 13 years from the Army because I was not peace time material. I joined at 18, had three kids and no way to make a living.  When I arrived back home from Viet Nam I had [stuff] thrown on me at the airport and was called a baby killer."

These are the "overlooked and neglected" that Mission:M25 attempts to serve and love on for Jesus and the church.  Run For The Wall is a grueling 6,000 mile trip across the nation and back. M:25 men and women are driven by a power and a force greater than themselves to accomplish this ride.  It is ten hard and dangerous days sitting in a motorcycle saddle, riding in the elements.  Last year the team endured extreme heat, cold, rain, wind, and even a hail storm that left skin cut open.

These spiritual warriors go without asking for anything.  At this time, Mission:M25 cannot offer an honorarium or pay for their bikes' maintenance during the trip (most people need new tires, an oil change, and minor repairs during the ride). However, we do cover the cost of lodging, gas, and registration. Communities across the nation give us two meals a day so there are no food expenses. 

This year, each "warrior" will get a dog tag with a soldier dressed in the spiritual armor of Ephesians 6 as a reminder of the force that rides with us.  Our vision is to take spiritual warfare outside the four walls of the church, not in a prayer room! While we value prayer as an essential, we believe we mut not just talk but live the prayer of Matthew 11:12 - the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.  We attempt to "violently" love on these great men and women in the name and with the power of the Grace of our Lord.

We believe that when we serve these great, overlooked heroes of our nation, we are doing it unto Jesus. Some of these men and women have not only been let down by society, but have also been disappointed with God.  They ask, Why did he allow some to die and others to come home safely?  Why did God allow me to come home and my buddies next to me get killed? Why me? If God is in control, how does He decide who lives and dies? Is this a God of love? How can I wrap my mind around scriptures like Psalm 91? If God is on my side (Psalm 118:6), why were so many of us killed?

We never try to answer their pains.  There are no answers. We simply attempt to serve them with a cup of water, a smile, a "welcome home" hug, and sometimes a letter or card from someone in the church world.  A "confession" of faith is way too shallow at this point because many have already done this - they've been told that is all htey need to do to get to heaven. There is way too much confusion surrounding the whole thing.

We must plant or water seed that has already been planted and trust the Lord to bring the harvest in His time. We are never afraid to have prayer with them or weep wiht them or laugh wiht them or sometimes quietly stand beside them as they reflect on the memories at a war memorial site - whatever it takes to bring peace to the moment.

We Need Your Help!

Run For the Wall is an opportunity for the church to ministry and bring healing to our veterans.  Here is how you can help:

• Write a thank-you letter to a veteran.  Mission:M25 needs 1500 letters by May 10 to distribute during the run. Send your letters to:
  Mission M25
  PO Box 30309
  Amarillo, TX 79120
• Volunteer to serve on the Hydration Trailer
• Join the run!  You can join anywhere along the route.  Go to the RFTW website for a complete map of the routes.
• Support the run as it comes through your town by holding up banners and signs thanking veterans for their service.
• Put your church's name on the Hydration Trailer. A minimum $200 donation is recommended
• Pray for Gary and the Mission:M25 Team as the minister during this event.