Our organizational name, Azusa StreetRiders, comes from the mighty and powerful Apostolic movement of God and outpouring of the Holy Ghost that took place in a little church on Azusa Street in Los Angeles, California, between 1903 and 1908. The result of this Spirit-filled experience was renewed preaching of the Apostles' Doctrine in the United States and the birth of many Apostolic churches. By most accounts, the "Azusa Street Revival", as it was later called, turned out to be Christendom's greatest revival of the 20^th century and one of the most influential Christian events since the days of the Apostles of the first century.

LIFE Magazine noted:
"The Azusa Street Revival was the 68th most-influential event of the entire 20^th century." (Read about it: Top 100 Events of 20th Century; NOTE: Links to this story have been removed from the web.)

Religion Newswriters Association poll:
The Azusa Street Revival was #4 in the TOP TEN RELIGIOUS STORIES OF THE CENTURY and #10 in the TOP TEN RELIGIOUS STORIES OF THE MILLENNIUM. (Top Ten Religion Stories; NOTE: Links to these stories have been removed from the web.)

NOTE: Over the years many accounts of the Azusa Street Revival were widely reported in print media with the spelling as "Azuza" (using a second "z" in place of the "s"). Although the most accurate spelling is Azusa (with an "s"), both spellings (Azusa and Azuza) are commonly used, and both are accepted and recognized by Apostolics and religious historians. For this reason, ASR holds duel Internet domain names (with both spellings), so that we can be found on the Web by either, and you will see both spellings here. Interestly, in the Spanish language "azuza" means "he incites." Indeed, the Lord Jesus "incites" us to contend for truth and righteousness. There are many false doctrines preached today and we are "incited" to correct these false teachings and erroneous beliefs, praying that we can, with His help, turn men's hearts toward the biblical truth as taught by the first century Apostles.

CAUTION: Contrary to beliefs of many, the Acts 2 message of the infilling of the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in tongues (see Acts 2:1-4 and 2:36-39) did not cease at the close of the writing of the New Testament or with the deaths of the Apostles. Nor did it make a new reappearance at the Azusa Street Revival in the early 20^th century. The Pentecostal experience of receiving the Spirit with the evidence of speaking with tongues has been continuously in existence, uninterrupted since the Day of Pentecost in the second chapter of the Book of Acts. For more information, read "The Pentecostal Message of Acts 2:38 Before the Azuza Street Revival".

More on the Name "Azusa"
It is interesting to note that the very name Azusa was derived from an Indian word that means "blessed miracle." This was first noted by Father Juan Crespi in 1769, while on the Portola expedition to explore California. At that time Azusa referred to the site of an old Indian village south of present day Los Angeles in the San Gabriel canyon. There a young Indian girl named Coma Lee used to pray and fast for the healing of her people. She was gifted with healing power as she laid hands on the sick. After she prayed for a chief who was wonderfully healed, he gave her the name Azusa to commemorate his miracle of healing. For many years, Azusa continued her healing ministry while her fame spread all over southern California. During that time whenever there was suffering, people said, "Go to Azusa and be healed...go to Azusa."

As bikers or "riders", Azusa StreetRiders are carrying the flames of the Azusa Street Revival, the Apostolic gospel of Jesus Christ, to places where "churched Christians" often fear to tread. We have a burden for the "lost" that extends beyond the walls of our church buildings. And, yes, we attend church regularly. We need a pastoral covering to help protect us from Satan's snares while we do battle. Read about our Doctrinal Beliefs.

Recommended Reading about Azusa Street: