Diapers, bikers, and churches. What do these three have in common? Not much, some would say, but according to Mission M:25 Director Gary Burd one thing ties them together… a love for teen mothers and their babies.
In 2015, Mission M:25, a ministry to the overlooked, lost, and hurting in today’s society, began the 50CC Diaper Run to support Royal Home Ministries and take a stand for life. Each September, riders cross the United States in 50 hours to raise awareness and collect diapers and financial support for the ministry. These dedicated riders believe that it is important for the church to stand for something and make a bold statement for life. According to Director Gary Burd, “When it comes to standing for life and helping those in need, I do this because I have the inability to do nothing.”
Executive director of Evangelism USA, Bishop Garry Bryant is grateful for the ministry of Mission M:25, “We are thankful for the commitment and compassion that Director Gary Burd, his wife Carolyn, and their team have for the unborn.”
Located in Falcon, North Carolina, the Royal Home operates as a ministry of Falcon Children’s Home and Family Services. In addition to counseling and educational opportunities, the ministry offers life skills training and career planning services to enable teen pregnant mothers to become responsible individuals and provide for their child. “Royal Home Ministries is providing a place of safety with nurturing, spiritual guidance, and protection for the mother. We are providing a viable alternative to abortion,” says Falcon Children’s Home CEO Joseph Leggett.
The 50CC Diaper Run begins September 12 in El Cajon, California, and concludes in Conway, South Carolina, stopping at designated locations along the way. On September 5, the Heartland Conference hosted a special rally which collected over 118,000 diapers and wipes for the Royal Home, 98,000 of which came from Liberty Christian Center, a church of 40-50 people mostly on a fixed income.
Pastor Linda Stanberry
In 2016, Liberty Christian Center caught the vision for the Diaper Run and wanted to get involved. Although they were a small congregation, they felt they could make a difference. That year, the church collected over 3,000 diapers and 5,000 wipes. Three years later, they generously donated over 30,000 diapers and 68,000 wipes!
According to Pastor Linda Stanberry, the church begins collecting diapers early in the year and gradually adds to the collection. As diapers are donated, they are placed around the church and in the sanctuary as a reminder. Church members often purchase a pack of wipes when they go to the grocery store each week; some bring handmade blankets, and others donate socks and shoes. People in the community also hear about the cause and stop by to make donations.
In 2017, Pastor Stanberry and three church members were able to attend Harvest Train at Falcon Children’s Home for the first time. There, they presented handmade blankets to the young ladies at Royal Home Ministries. As they watched the mothers wrap their babies in the blankets, they knew their efforts were not in vain. When the group returned to Liberty Christian Center to share about the trip, church members were moved to tears when they heard how they were impacting the next generation.
As the Diaper Run crosses the country this week, we encourage you to meet them at one of the diaper rallies or follow their route online. While diapers and wipes are very important to the ministry, financial contributions also provide opportunities to meet critical needs such as medical expenses, food, and clothing.
Diaper Run Crew
Royal Home Ministries Director Karelys Pereira shares, “I encourage you to prayerfully consider partnering with us financially. Five dollars could purchase baby food for a few days; $20 could be used to buy a set of onesies or an outfit for our rapidly growing babies; $300 could help fund a private-placements basic needs for a month. Every little bit helps.” Financial contributions can be made through the website.
As the IPHC prayerfully values justice and takes a stand for life, there are many ways that you can get involved. Please visit our website for more information.
