Posts Tagged ‘Bikie’
Hot Dinner Wednesdays
July 10, 2011 | 
Author Sydney:
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.
Biker’s Soul Mission . . .
ZANESVILLE
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
Posted in General News, Nth America | 
Tags: Biker, Bikers for Christ, Bikie, Christ, Church, God, Jesus | 
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Bike Blessings Bring 170 Bikers
Prayers are offered to the many people who make a pilgrimage to Our Lady of La Salette Shrine in Attleboro. Some come via bus or by car and others walk. On Saturday morning, however, more than 100 people made pilgrimage to the Shrine, but they came on motorcycles.
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
Posted in Nth America | Tags: America, Biker, Bikie, Blessing, Christian, Church, Ride, Service | No Comments »
Biker on a Mission to Spread the Word of God
WHEN HE was a younger man, Oliver Hamilton was caught up with motorcycles, sound systems, all-night parties and letting his fists sort out his arguments. Then one night, as he got ready for an all night rave, he had a vision.
“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
Ride – A Radio Show
What’s the next best thing to having some motorcycle fun? Listening to others who are having it as well!
And you can do that on Thursdays for two hours from 10pm on 2CCR FM 90.5 when national motorcycling identity
Greg Hirst will entertain you with;
* Humorous stories of a motorcycle nature
* Interviews with well known motorcycle riders
* Stories from Aussie motorcycle clubs about their positive activities
* Update of key some motorcycling issues
* News on local and national motorcycle events (especially for those listening online)
* Studio guests to talk about their personal motorcycling experiences
* And lots of great Aussie rock, blues and alternate music, plus a little overseas stuff.
So listen in every Thursday for some motorcycle radio fun: on radio in Sydney or online on the 2CCR website around Australia. For more information contact Greg on www.greghirstenterprises.com.au
Church brings Jesus to bikers
‘RIDING for the son’ are a group of petrolheads who have combined religion with their passion for motorbikes.
The Bikers Church, Rixton, was formed in September last year and has grown from strength to strength attracting Christian bikers who ‘love motorbikes, but also love Jesus too’.
Colin Pownall, who performed biker pair Terry and Marion’s wedding ceremony, said: “We were introduced to the couple about six months ago after they wanted a dedication for their child at the church.
“I am just one of many at the church and it was a privilege to perform the service for Terry and Marion.”
The Bikers Church meets on Sunday evenings with around 80 to 90 people regularly attending as part of the Christian Motorcyclists’ Association.
Colin added: “We take the good news of Jesus to motorcyclists where ever they may be and set up the Bikers Church so we have got a place of our own to invite bikers back after shows and rallies.”
There are a number of churches for bikers in South Africa but when the bikers made Rixton Methodist Church, Chapel Lane, their home, it was the first one in England drawing in people from Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire.
Colin added: “We got a great reaction from the motorcycle community and have a fantastic working relationship with the methodist church that meets in the morning before us.
“They even helped decorate the church for the wedding.
“The Bikers Church meets the needs of motorcyclists and family and friends who would not feel comfortable in other churches dressed in their leathers or arriving on their motorbike with long hair and a beard.”
Source: Warrington Guardian
Full Story: http://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/whereilive/8971663.Church_brings_Jesus_to_bikers/
Hope For The Road
Leather and Levis replace lace and the loathsome tie. Fellowship involves a hot meal before worship, not doughnuts and coffee afterward. Classic rock music warms up the crowd before the pastor takes the stage. No pulpit here.
The fellowship, worship and meal all take place every Thursday evening in a recreation center equipped with basketball hoops, a stage and a big-screen TV.
Welcome to Steel City Biker Church, where 40 to 70 people gather weekly to hear Pastor Curtis Hubbell relate stories from the road, or from his daily struggles and joys, to Scripture — and to trying to live the way Jesus encouraged his early followers to live.
As he moved back and forth across a stage where Pueblo Christian Center hosts concerts and other events, the bearded, hulking Hubbell during a recent service talked about how he loves to get on his bike and take off with no particular destination — and how infrequently that happens when he’s stressed or has too many obligations on his plate. And how stress impinges on his ability to enjoy the rare ride to nowhere in particular.
“Stress is necessary. It causes us to take action,” he told members of his congregation, seated around tables where they’d just finished a meal of roasted chicken, rice and salad.
Life requires balance
“But stress can take the fun out of happy times, too,” he said, alluding to how his wife’s expectations for perfection for a brief time interfered with the joy involved in planning their son’s upcoming wedding.
“As a guitar player, I know that with careful tuning — by applying just the right pressure with the right balance — beautiful music is possible. But put too much stress into it and a string can snap loose. The sound is muddy, or there’s no sound at all. You have to stop and restring the thing. The key is to find the perfect balance” — in music, on the road, and in life, he said.
“We can’t control the stress in our lives, but God’s word is full of help,” he added, before reading from Proverbs 17:13-22 and reminding his listeners that laughter is one of God’s cures for physical as well as spiritual fatigue.
From Luke 6:21, he shared the message that all those who hunger will be fed, and all who weep will once again laugh. But happiness comes from within, he said. Peace and security are rooted in the heart.
Sydney Bikie Loses Parking Fine Fight
A Sydney court has rejected a motorcycle club member’s attempt to contest a fine for parking illegally outside the New South Wales Parliament.
Greg Hirst, from the Brotherhood Christian Motorcycle Club, was one of at least 30 bikers who gathered outside parliament in June last year to protest against the State Government’s anti-bikie legislation.
Hirst told the court a police officer gave them permission to leave their bikes outside parliament while they went inside to deliver a letter to the Attorney-General.
The court heard they were not issued fines on the day but police took video footage of the bikes and sent the $84 fines later.
Police Inspector David Maguire, who was in charge, denied giving verbal permission but said he did not ask the bikies to move in an effort to keep the peace.
Magistrate Alex Mijovich rejected the application, saying Hirst admitted to knowingly parking there.
He was fined $200 plus court costs.
The fines given to the other bikies are scheduled to be dealt with in a fortnight.
Source: ABC
Full Story: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/02/21/3144475.htm
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Ride Hard, Pray Harder
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