‘Hellfighters' chapter begins in Chipley

CHIPLEY — The sound of powerful engines thundered up Ussery Street Friday afternoon as bikers roared into Chipley and the sleek, powerful machines turned into Richard Burke’s yard.

The bikers were not there for trouble but rather for fellowship, prayer and the chartering of the newest chapter of Hellfighters Search and Rescue, a Christian ministry based in Laurel, MS

Burke, his wife Linda, Troy Landry and Sandie Railey were presented their leathers as the first members of the Chipley chapter.

Hellfighters are born-again Christians that serve the Lord 24/7 without reservation. Accoridng to the mission statement, “Hellfighters is an independent, non-denominational league of extraordinary ladies and gentlemen who have been saved by the forgiving grace of Jesus Christ and are bold enough to serve Him regardless of the cost.”

Richard Headrick is the founder of Hellfighters. Saved in 1989, Headrick and his wife, Gina, began Hellfighters in Sturgis, South Dakota, home of the most famous motorcycle rally in the world. They established the Mission at the Cross, including a towering cross that could be seen easily from the interstate where bikers turn off to head to the rally.

“Some 200-300,000 bikers pass by that cross every year,” Headrick said. “Many stay at the mission.

Success there led to founding a similar mission in Laurel, and two more in Texas and Indiana. The missions are “full service,” Headrick said

"In our hometown if you were to look for a church after five o'clock at night, it would be closed," he said. "But Satan's business is open 24/7.

 “Anyone who has been born again through the blood of Jesus Christ, and breathes God’s air, can be a Hellfighter. Of course, there are a couple of rules that have to be agreed to and followed.

“A Hellfighter must love the Lord Jesus Christ with all of their heart, mind, and soul and be willing to serve Him 24/7/365,” Headrick said.

“A Hellfighter must be faithful to the cause of Christ and committed to die, if necessary, to spread the Word of God within their sphere of influence, and outside of it, if asked by God to do so.

“A Hellfighter must be in agreement with our Mission Statement and our Covenant of Commitment.”

Mike Shirley of the Laurel Chapter is one example of the ministry in action. Shirley freely admitted he was a “hellion” for years before being saved 11 years ago. Since then he has thrown his full effort into Hellfighters. Shirley preached from Numbers 14:8 at the chartering ceremony about overcoming giants, and noted that everyone has giants in their lives. But, they can be taken down, he said.

“If He could take a junkie like me and talk through a jackass, He can give you a Word,” Shirley said.

Anyone can join one of 21 chapters of Hellfighters, and it isn’t necessary to be a biker. For information call Richard Burke at 850-258-3046 or go to hellfighters.org.