Each Wednesday, the Christ Mission Possible ministry attends a church local to their area to feed the disadvantaged, hand out food parcels, and generally bring some light to the lives of those who live in a society that is seemingly indifferent to their position. This passed Wednesday (6-7-11) however was a little different from most with the arrival and assistance to St James Anglican church, of the Compadres CMC, a Christian motorcycle club from Western Sydney.

Club members, Rob and Mark donned the hairnets and rubber gloves then placed themselves behind the tables to help dish out various food stuffs, whilst other members spoke to the many people who had attended for what could (for some), have been the only decent hot meal they’d had that day or possibly days.
Compadres members made themselves open and often overly talkative with the assembled masses, but it was all brought in to perspective as Carl, the Compadres president was heard to say to a fellow member, “this is what it’s all about.”

The club also put their bikes on display, fielding many a question from the elderly through to youngsters.

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When Pastor Michael McGuire stands behind the pulpit on Saturday nights and looks out at his congregation, he doesn’t see a typical church-going crowd.

Instead of suits, ties and dresses, McGuire sees old jeans, cutoff T-shirts, bald heads, tattoos and lots and lots of leather.

McGuire is the pastor of Rushing Wind Biker Church, a church whose “soul” mission, he jokes, is to reach out to motorcyclists.

“We draw a different lifestyle here,” McGuire said. “The biker is comfortable here. … We’re judged a lot of times by the way we look, but bikers have big hearts. All bikers aren’t bad people.”

McGuire finds it easy to accept his congregation as they are because, from his spot on stage, he looks just like them.

Now 57, McGuire got his first bike when he was 12 years old: a 1990 Honda that he spray-painted blue. Since then, he said, he’s pretty much always had something to ride. His current bike is a 2003 Harley-Davidson.

As he was growing up, McGuire probably never imagined himself as a pastor. He was raised in what he calls a Christian home, but said he never really committed to God. Instead, his love for bikes and his taste in music led him down a different path.

“I’ve got a past, we’ve all got a past,” he said, “but God is able to erase that past and give us a new life.”

McGuire spent several years playing in rock bands, frequenting bars and doing drugs. But when he was 28 he decided he needed a change. It was then, he said, that he fully gave his life to God.

“I was tired of playing the bands in the bars,” he said. “I really just said, ‘There’s gotta be something more than this.’”

So, in 2002 McGuire joined Bikers for Christ, a Christian motorcycle club. The guitarist/keyboardist/trumpet player didn’t quit on music either.

He got involved in Christian music and became the music director for New Hope Full Gospel Church in Zanesville.

But now, McGuire, certified as a pastor through Bikers for Christ, has switched his attentions to Rushing Wind Biker Church.

The church, located at 5715 East Pike, had its first service last year on Oct. 9, 2010.

A biker for the past 30 years, 44-year-old Larry Wolford has been attending Rushing Wind since it opened. The former president of the Iron Chain Society — a motorcycle gang he says wasn’t intentionally meant for sinners but turned out that way — said he and his wife tried several other churches before Rushing Wind. But, because of their tattoos and biker clothing, they never felt comfortable.

“Everywhere I went, I thought they were talking about me,” he said.

Wolford said his wife recently told him she used to lie awake on Saturday nights trying to think of excuses to skip church on Sunday. Now, he said, she never misses a Saturday night service at Rushing Wind.

“I have a pretty bad background — alcohol, drugs, addiction,” he said. “I just got tired of that kind of life and I couldn’t do it anymore.

“I feel so comfortable here (at Rushing Wind). It’s my home.”

George Harvey also started going to Rushing Wind in October. Harvey, who rides a 1976 Honda 750 Super Sport, has been friends with McGuire for 30 years. Now retired, he said he hangs out at the church a lot.

Harvey said he has been in churches since 1982, but this is his first biker church. He loves the worship, the friendships with all types of different people and, of course, the motorcycles.

“Even these guys that look rough, you still find out they have a heart, they have a soul. A lot of these guys are guys a lot of people wouldn’t hang around, but they need God just as much as anyone else,” he said. “They love to ride, they love motorcycles, but we’re trying to get them to love the word of God.”

Harvey said Rushing Wind provides bikers a place to belong they simple can’t find anywhere else.

“If you look in this area, this is a unique church. It’s the only one of its kind,” he said. “They have a lot of (Christian motorcycle) clubs, but as far as having a pastor and a place to worship, this is it.”

So, Saturdays starting at 4 p.m., McGuire, Wolford, Harvey and about 100 other bikers can all be found at Rushing Wind. They hang out, drink coffee and play pool for about two hours, then they start the church service.

McGuire said he loves seeing that many bikers together. It’s a lot like Psalm 133:1, he said — “How good and how pleasant it is that brethren dwell together in unity.”

But sometimes, McGuire can still be found biking to bars around town. Instead of drinking, he goes in to talk with and witness to people.

That’s what he wants for all the bikers in his church. Keep riding, continue to love biking, he said, just do it for a different reason.

Source: Zanesville Times Recorder
Full Story: http://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/article/20110609/NEWS01/106090338/Biker-s-soul-mission-reach-out-motorcyclists

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Peter Allen, from Arborfield, who was chief marshal for the annual Reading Toy Run, died at the age of 66 on Wednesday, April 27.
Before his funeral at Easthampstead Crematorium in Bracknell on Thursday last week, bikers lined up at the Royal British Legion in Arborfield to ride to the crematorium.
Many were members of Thames Vale Advanced Motorcyclists group, while others from the Norton Owners Club joined in.

The procession also involved riders who had taken part in the annual Reading Toy Run, during which hundreds of bikers ride from Reading to Wokingham to deliver Christmas presents to Barnardo’s High Close School in Wokingham. Plumbing engineer Mr Allen had been involved in the event since its early days 25 years ago. He was the event’s chief marshal in recent years, making sure it was safe and well organised.

Phil Donovan, from Bagshot, a fellow member of Thames Vale Advanced Motorcyclists, said: “He was very influential and well loved. “The main purpose of the group is to get people through their advanced tests. “He did a huge amount of work with them and became incredibly popular.”

Mr Allen developed cancer through working closely with asbestos during his career. Mr Donovan added: “When he started out, no-one knew the dangers of asbestos. Unfortunately last September he started to become ill but he wasn’t diagnosed until Christmas.” Reading Toy Run organiser Ben Spiller, of Reading Christian Bikers, said in his blog: “Having made all the arrangements for last year’s run, Peter was too ill to attend as lung cancer began to take hold.

“Pete leaves a huge hole in the lives of all who knew him – a hugely generous spirited gentleman that will be missed by us all.” Mr Allen’s family have asked well-wishers to donate to the Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance in lieu of flowers.

Visit www.tvacaa.org click ‘donate now’ and enter Peter Allen in the box marked ‘organisation’ on the donation form.

Source: Get Wokingham
Full Story: http://www.getwokingham.co.uk/news/s/2093267_bikers_turn_out_for_peter_allen

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We plan on having many bands a bike show and contest, bike blessings and to preach the gospel. I have been involved in many Bike rallies in the past as a vendor (Christian t-shirts) And have also been involved in music festivals both as vendor and musician. We are trying to attract as many bikers as possible but know the real influence will come from Christian bikers like yourself being around them. If you would please talk to your Biker friends and the rest of your chapter and attend this rally. It will be fun but its main purpose is to win the lost. The festivities will begin around 10:00am Sat. sept. 3rd Behind City Temple Church and the Elks lodge at 4751 Maryville Rd. Granite City, IL 62040 and will be lasting till late in the evening. There will be free camping for the people who wish to stay. Plenty of vendors of all sorts and several bands.
Hope to here from you soon In Christ. Terry

Details sent by Terry Perrin

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Hundreds attended the Shrine’s 3rd annual “Blessing of the Bikes.”

The day began with the registration of 170 bikers who then got on their ride and headed out on a four-town ride.

The bikers, some of which were from Attleboro and others who traveled from as far as New Hampshire, rode as singles, couples and entire families. In fact, even a dog came along for the ride. They arrived back at the grounds of La Salette for the drive-through blessing, which was conducted by Brother Ronald Taylor and Father Greg Viens. Greg Russo of the Christian Motorcyclist Associations and Don Grassey and Jay Lawrence of the Loyal Sons also offered private blessing to those who desired it.

Once their bikes were blessed, the bikers gathered for music by Widow McDaniels Band, food and to chat it up with motorcycle-related vendors.

In its first year, the Blessing of the Bikes was sponsored by the Attleboro Area Council of Churches and coordinated by Pam Bliss. There were 25 bikes to bless.

Not long after the first, annual event, Bliss started her own organization “On Common Ground” to continue working in people in the community to provide one on one mentoring. On Common Ground now sponsors the Blessing of the Bikes.

The organization’s mission is to improve the lives of individuals who are experiencing economic, social and/or familial poverty in the Attleboro area by encouraging the involvement of the local community in one-on-one relationships.

On Common Ground holds the event each year as a way to tap into the “wonderful community of generous folks who come out to help so many people through their love of riding,” according to Bliss.

By collaborating with the Shrine, On Common Ground is able to provide an opportunity to bless the bikes and their riders for a safe riding season. The event is always held the weekend after Mother’s Day to stay as close to the blesed mother having her hand over the biker (s) in prayer.

“We were so happy to see the number of riders that showed up this year as the weather was questionable, so we thank them for their commitment and generosity to this effort on behalf of those in need,” Bliss said. “We were at almost the same number of participants as last year, which may increase next year if the weather is more cooperative. But for now, we are very thankful to have had such a nice day!”

While there was no fee for the blessing, some bikers purchased candles and calendars as a way to support On Common Ground. The money will help pay for the organization’s office space and small staff.

Bliss’s organization will also be sponsoring a folk festival in August.

Source: AttleboroPatch
Full Story: http://attleboro.patch.com/articles/blessings-for-a-safe-riding-season-brings-170-bikers-to-attleboro

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The Rev. Dennis Miller said the purpose of Biker Sunday is twofold: to kick off the riding season with prayers for safe travel, and to welcome riders to the church and its riding ministry.

“This is something our congregation has really supported,” Miller said.

“They enjoy bringing in the bikers and being able to reach out to the community in a different way.”

Organizers expect about 1,000 people to attend the Sunday, May 15 service. The event is free and open to the public.

Among those attending will be special guest preacher Gene Skipworth. Skipworth is the author of Wear Your Collar, a memoir published last May that tells the story of his ministry to outlaw biker gangs in the Cincinnati area from 1967-70.

“I will be talking about the difficulty I faced in trying to engage the motorcycle gang members,” Skipworth said.

“I came to realize that if I was going to engage these guys, they had to see in me acceptance, grace, tolerance, and especially love.”

Skipworth also had to gain their respect. During his ministry to the gangs, he learned from an undercover law enforcement agency how to fashion a weapon from a perforated garden hose. The hose was stuffed with cotton and soaked in mace, rubbing alcohol and bacon grease.

“I kept it in the sleeve of my suit coat when I wore a suit or in the back of my jacket,” Skipworth said.

The first time he had to use the weapon was when Little Jesus, a member of the Avenger motorcycle gang, pulled a knife on him amid a big crowd on the street.

In spite of the scary moments, Skipworth’s efforts really have changed lives. One biker, a member of the Iron Horsemen known as Crazy Horse, was the bodyguard for his gang’s national president.

“He was violent, aggressive, and had no fear of any one,” Skipworth said.

After Wear Your Collar was released last spring, a minister in Tampa, Fla. contacted Skipworth to compliment the book.

“Then he asked, ‘Do you know where Crazy Horse is?’ I said, ‘Yes, he was shot and killed in the late 70′s.’ He said, ‘No, he is a member of my church.’ Talk about shocked.”

Skipworth and his wife traveled to Florida and had a surprise reunion with the former gang member.

“The tears that were shed by both of us were unbelievable in what they all meant,” Skipworth said.

The friendship has continued, and Crazy Horse will join Skipworth at Biker Sunday this weekend in Grove City.

“I would never have imagined such a result of my ministry to the gangs,” Skipworth said.

About 30 GCUMC members make up the core of the church’s Circuit Riders group — a name that refers to Methodist evangelists who used to ride horses from town to town.

Miller said the ministry follows the most basic tenets of the Christian faith.

“If we look at the ministry of Jesus, he associated with those the religious establishment had no time for,” he said.

“He was at ease with all people, even the outcasts of society. Our congregation is learning to love as Jesus loved, and wants to use our hands, hearts, minds and even our wheels to make a difference.”

The Circuit Riders group participates in a number of organized motorcycle rides each year, and is planning a mission trip to help people in an impoverished area in southern Ohio in August.

This Sunday, bikers will gather in the GCUMC parking lot at 9 a.m. Worship services will begin inside at 9:45 a.m.

At 11:15 a.m., pastors will bless the bikes under the large cross outside. At 11:30 a.m., lunch will be served in a tent outside the main church.

Grove City United Methodist Church, also known as the Purple Door Church, is located at 2650 Columbus Street.

Source: Columbus Local News
Full Story: http://www.snponline.com/articles/2011/05/14/multiple_papers/news/allgcbiker_20110513_0559pm_4.txt

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There was once a time when Doug did not believe in God, after years of living in the tough Rosedale neighborhood of Kansas City, Kan. Before he found Christ, he was in trouble with the law.

“He died for all our sins and that’s hard for me to choke,” he said. “He shed his blood.”

As a group of fellow bikers from Leavenworth traveled down Baptiste Drive, the Ritters happily waved their hands to attract their attention. The Freedom Riders, a chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA), were one of several chapters from the CMA that joined Paola’s Christ’s Crusaders for 2011 Run for the Son Event.

“We got a new chapter forming (Paola) and we wanted to come and show support,” said Stew Frederick, Chaplain of the Freedom Riders.

Motorcyclists from the United States and Canada participated in the 23rd annual event. The purpose of the event is to spread awareness about Jesus Christ. Members raise money by seeking individuals to sponsor them on a ride, with proceeds going toward projects such as The JESUS Film Project and Open Doors, a program that supports persecuted Christians around the world.

The Ritters have spread the word of God through prison ministry. Doug is the chaplain for his chapter, a title he proudly wears on his vest.

There are more than five members in the Paola chapter. Sue, the chapter’s president, said she hopes to gain more members in the future to become an official chartered organization.

Source: KC Community News
Full Story: http://www.kccommunitynews.com/miami-county-republic-news/27842690/detail.html

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“A vision just came to me one Saturday night when I should have been going out. It was of me; of how my life would end up unless I change my life,” Hamilton, from Leeds, told The Voice.

“A calming influence is what being a Christian has been for me. I used to be a troublemaker; a bit of a hot head. I was always fighting,” said Hamilton, who is now an operations director in the engineering industry. “It’s changed my life.”

Hamilton’s vision was more than 20 years ago, and the 49-year-old has long stopped using his fists to deal with disagreements. He gradually stopped attending all-night parties and developed a strong faith in God.

But one passion from his old life is motorcycles.

Hamilton does not see being a biker as something apart from serving God, despite a perception by some people that bikers are mostly rough and tumble troublemakers, as seen in hit US TV show Sons of Anarchy.

In fact, Hamilton has combined being a motorcyclist with his Christianity, and is actively trying to bring more bikers to God.

“I don’t think it should be exclusive. I think there should be a lot more Christian bikers,” said Hamilton, who is also chairman of the West Yorkshire branch of the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA).

“I think it is okay to jump on your bike and ride, but it is good to ride with a purpose. I wear my white cross with pride on my back.

“What we [CMA] do as a ministry (is)… we go to all the biking haunts and biking alleys and we witness and evangelise to non-Christians, and give them free Bibles,” said Hamilton. “There is a big need for that and I enjoy doing it.”

British-born Hamilton, who is of Caribbean heritage, said while it is unusual to see black men riding motorbikes in Leeds, “I don’t see myself as a novelty. I see myself as going out there and doing the Lord’s work. I don’t see myself as that much different. I know people look at me different but I am just a Christian biker.”

He said some people walk away when he and his Christian brothers come to minister but, “the curious ones come and talk to us.” He and others have helped change some perceptions.

“…One guy I was witnessing to… used to be a skin head, and he was saying ‘No mate’, because I was a black person. (There was a time when) he’d rather ram a knife down me than talk to me. He didn’t like black people back in the earlier days, and that’s what he was into. But after witnessing to him, he then gave his life to the Lord.”

Last month, Hamilton and nine other Christian bikers helped launch the Viral Bible project in Skegness, Lincolnshire.

People who receive a Viral Bible are encouraged to underline the verses they find most meaningful before passing the same copy on to another person, who will then continue the process.

Hamilton and the bikers rode out on from Skegness on April 14, starting the first of 200 Viral Bibles on a year-long journey. They later handed some out to people from different parts of the UK at their annual general meeting in Stafford.

“We saw the Viral Bibles as an extension to what we do anyway as a ministry,” said Hamilton, who is also involved in prison ministry.

Over the next 12 months, more than 200 Viral Bibles will be given away to random people at major Christian festivals and events to show how much the Bible is still relevant today. Organisers hope each copy of the Viral Bible will travel all over Britain before returning to the Evangelical Alliance’s London head office in Easter 2012.

Hamilton said: “For me, the Bible is a way of life. It’s our standards and guidelines to live by. People don’t read enough of the Bible and I think the Viral Bible will get people back into reading the Bible.”

Source: Voice Online
Full Story: http://www.voice-online.co.uk/content.php?show=19576

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The Poker Run is set to start and end at the Elks Lodge located at 1350 26th St., Vero Beach. Rain or shine the bikers will leave from 10 to 11:30 a.m. making six stops around Indian River and North St. Lucie counties. Last bike in is at 3 p.m.
This event attracts approximately 400 to 600 motorcycle enthusiasts and will feature vendors, 50/50 drawing, door prizes, food, drinks and music. Trophies will be awarded to the best, second best, and worst poker hand.
Entry fee is $10 per person, which includes an event T-shirt for the first 200 entries.
Come and join us on this exciting day while supporting homeless families. Please bring to the event the following wish list items needed for the families at the center: toothpaste, body and hand soaps, deodorant, paper towel, toilet paper and laundry detergent.

For registration, sponsorship, and more information call Kendall at (772) 473-7638 or Steve at (772) 569-5004.

The Fiasco Brothers Motorcycle Club is a brotherhood club established in 1994 by five motorcycling friends – Joe, Kendall, DC, Tom and Big Jim. The club promotes brotherhood among its club members and other organizations. Throughout the year the club organizes and participates in motorcycle runs to help various charity organizations in the state.

The Homeless Family Center is a nonprofit organization committed to helping families get back on their feet. The center is located at 720 4th St., Vero Beach.
For more information or to schedule a tour of the facility call (772) 567-5537, visit www.HomelessFamilyCenter.com or join us on Facebook.

Source: TCPalm
Full Story: http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2011/may/06/poker-run-to-benefit-the-homeless-family-center-13/

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