Rev.
Steve Diaz (known as "Pastor Steve"), and his wife Marlena, have both
been called of God to live BY FAITH in God's
provision alone, through His people alone, as they are obedient to Him, as full
time missionaries to the motorcycling community where ever that may be.
It all got started
in January 1986,
when Steve with his colorful background, and Marlena with her own, and in
their fifth year of marriage, became born again believers in the Lord
Jesus Christ. Ever since, as Christians, they have been active in the ministry of our Lord. And
what's great, is that they've always been a team, if you see
one, you'll surely see the other. Steve was licensed
to preach in February 1991, and was ordained as a minister in February
1992. In July 1993, he began serving as the bi-vocational Pastor of a church in
Northern California where he served until April 2000.
In April of 1997 (while still pastoring), God
planted them in the motorcycle ministry through Marlena's brother.
At that time, neither one rode nor even owned a motorcycle. As
they became more involved, God led them to purchase a bike and obtain
their motorcycle licenses. They have been involved in the
motorcycle ministry ever since. They formed a "Biker's Fellowship"
at their church, and it was a blast. Through the years, Steve has also served as the
Chaplain to different secular motorcycle clubs.
Speaking of the Chaplaincy, in June of 2000, Steve graduated from the Law Enforcement Chaplaincy Academy. The things learned there have proven to be extremely valuable in the ministry. Especially in certain hard situations.
One day in April of 2000 while Steve was out on the bike, and talking out loud to God (he loves to do that), he stopped at an isolated place in the middle of no-where, so he could continue to talk to his Lord, and enjoy His creation up close. While he was there, he received an unexpected revelation from God. He said it was like a whoosh - it took only seconds, but felt like hours. This is basically the vision that God gave him: 1) A new assignment was being given: they were to be full time missionaries to bikers. 2) They were to live totally by faith in God's loving provision and direction (as mentioned earlier). 3) A new ministry was to begin, and it was to be called Iron Horse Ministries. Its purpose is to work quietly behind-the-scenes building bridges to Christ, by bridging the gap between the bikers out in the field and the churches in their area. In addition, God showed him that He wants to use the ministry to help unify His church, by helping to create a network of "biker-friendly" churches throughout the nation. Steve also said that it was made very clear to him, that God alone is to grow His ministry, and that He wants at least one ministering chapter in each state. Wow! What a HUGE God sized vision. It must have been very overwhelming that day.
After trying to take it all in, and
talking to God about it for a little while, Steve decided to make it home as fast as he
could to share what had happened with Marlena, only to find out that God
had already spoken to her heart. (That's because, when He calls
the one, He also calls the
spouse). So they began to pray about it, wondering what they should
do first - and a couple of days later while at their computer,
God gave them a design for the logo/patch which you may have seen.
Before they knew it, they were at a
full gallop - going about our Lord's business on two wheels and it's been that way ever
since. To see God going
before them, constantly opening one door after an other, is truly an awesome sight.
Even
though God has moved them on
to be missionaries, the names have stuck - "Pastor Steve and Marlena".
Now they minister to many different sheep, in many different
pastures, instead of one congregation in one place. Once a pastor, always a
pastor, I guess. It's
really great to see what God is doing in, and through them.
And now you know ". . . the rest of the story". There are more details of course, but, I'll let them tell you about those. Pastor Steve and Marlena are still out there, somewhere, always serving the Lord. Watch for them. They would love to meet up with you and answer any questions you may have, or just sit down and talk with you for a while about what's on your mind - they do that a lot. So please, feel free to contact them. I just know they would feel honored if you did.
~ Anonymous ~
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Pastor Steve and Marlena
Dear
friend,
Thank you for stopping by to check us out. We are truly honored. It
is our hope that your visit with us was both informative, and
inspirational. The site is updated periodically with new information, so please feel free to come back and visit us on a
regular basis. And don't forget to let us know how we may serve you.
Also if you would, please put us in your "Favorites" or "Bookmark,"
so that the next time you're there, and you see Iron Horse Ministries
drop down, you might think of, and pray for,
this ministry and all who wear the I.H.M. patch. We rely on your
prayers heavily, as this can be a dangerous ministry. Thanks.
Over the
years we have been praised for, and many
questions have been asked about, our ministry. We would like to thank all of
you for your sincere questions and your wonderful comments, we really appreciate them.
However, even though God started this ministry through us, we do not consider I.H.M. to be
our ministry.
It's God's, and God's alone.
It's
He who has chosen to start and sustain it, it's He who has chosen to
use folks like us, and it's us who are blessed by serving Him in it. That's why
we praise God, and give Him thanks for your participation, your faithful
prayers, and your financial support. Please know that He uses it all to keep
His ministry
growing and going strong.
You are such a blessing to God, this ministry, and us.
Finally, please accept this timeless blessing, from us, to you:
May God richly bless you.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the rain fall gently on your fields.
Until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
Again, thank you so very much for taking the time to check out Iron Horse Ministries. Blessings to all, and we'll see you in the wind.
In His grip and in His service,
Pastor Steve and Marlena Diaz
P.S.
Don't forget - Keep the rubber side down; the shiny side up; (and for those who feel a need for speed), the tach in the black.