Christian Motorcyclist Group Provides Ministry Outreach
Christian Motorcyclist Group Provides Ministry Outreach
Posted
Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
Christian Motorcyclist Group Provides Ministry OutreachLee Norris remembers riding on his first motorcycle at age 8 when his cousin took him on a 1934 Harley.
Norris, now 79, Mentone, and his wife Norene, have their own motorcycle, a 1999 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic, with 120,000 miles. The motorcycle is the first Lee purchased at age 66, and it is the only one the Norris's own.
They are two of 25 other members of the Warsaw chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association called "Blood Bought Bikers."The Norris's had been members of Goshen's chapter since 1998, but joined Warsaw's chapter when it was started this year.
"All of the members have Jesus as their Savior and we have had opportunities to talk to other motorcyclists at secular rallies," Lee said.
They also prayed outside Warsaw's Planned Parenthood office recently during a recent Right To Life Rally to end abortion.
CMA is a national and international organization that consists of thousands of active members and hundreds of chartered chapters in the U.S.A.
There also are chapters in Fort Wayne, Goshen, South Bend, Albion, and Marion.
The ministry began with the purpose of sharing the love of Jesus Christ with motorcyclists one heart at a time, according to Briana Kessler, Warsaw CMA chapter secretary.
Briana and her husband Terry Kessler, Warsaw, founded the Warsaw chapter.
Terry serves as president of Warsaw's chapter.
They were members of Goshen's chapter and decided there was a need for a chapter in Warsaw.
Warsaw's chapter's informational meeting was in March of this year.
CMA's objectives are to encourage and conduct public worship, personalized ministry and Christian evangelistic crusades among motorcyclists. Other objectives are to proclaim, teach, and spread the gospel, and encourage Christian fellowship among motorcyclists.
Local chapters of CMA are formed to provide and encourage members to be active in their testimony and Christian witness to all motorcyclists.
Francis and his wife Judy Rickel, Mentone, found out about the association through the Norrises and have been members since Warsaw's chapter began.
Francis turned 70 and purchased a 1968 Anniversary Motorcycle he and his wife ride.
"The group is unique because we all love the Lord and have a wonderful time," Francis said.
Judy said being in the association allows them to minister to other motorcyclists who do not know Christ.
Michele Wickens, 41, and her husband Scott, Warsaw, joined the association this year.
Her husband rides a Harley Sportster and she rides a Harley Road King.
Michele said she enjoyed attending a state association rally in Marion in August.
"It was neat to see big bikers praising God and meeting motorcyclists from around the state," Michele said.
The organization sets up tables at motorcycle rallies to pass out Bible tracts on how to become a Christian. They also make Bibles available that say Hope For The Highway on the front.
The Bibles have stories about how the motorcyclists were brought to God.
The chapter goes to Kosciusko County Jail to minister as well as to events like Hawg Waller, Pierceton. Hawg Waller is a motorcycle event held every Fourth of July weekend put on by American Bikers Aimed Toward Education.
"This is not just a ride group, but a ministry to bring the gospel to motorcyclists and others and we encourage and welcome anyone who wants to join," Terry said.
To join the chapter, a motorcyclist must believe in God, are encouraged to attend a church, and have a heart for people who have motorcycles.
The riders have a ride in the spring called Run For The Son that raises funds for CMA. The funds go toward missionary ventures and to reach the motorcycling community.
The Warsaw chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association meets the third Thursday of the month at Mad Anthony's, 113 Center St., Warsaw. Food and fellowship is at 6 p.m. and the meeting is at 7 p.m.
For more information about CMA call Terry at 574-253-2651.
