Christian motorcyclists donate US$1.2 million
The Christian Motorcyclists Association gave Global Christian Relief the largest donation that organization has received from a single ally.
Every spring, thousands of Christian motorcyclists hold their only fundraiser of the year to support believers in countries where faith is punished. This year they raised $1.2 million, Global Christian Relief reported.
It is the largest donation that organization has received from a single ally. Behind it there is no tycoon, but an association that began with two men, a motorcycle and a desire to preach.
A check born on the road
In 1975, Herb Shreve got on a motorcycle with his son to preach the gospel on the road. Other Christian motorcyclists joined. When someone asked what to call the group, Shreve replied that he didn't know: they were Christian motorcyclists. Thus the Christian Motorcyclists Association was born.
«The mission is not sustained only by large donors»
Today it is the largest motorcyclist group in the world: more than 20,000 members, more than 1,000 chapters and presence in more than 35 countries, according to Global Christian Relief. On weekends they serve at motorcycle events: they hand out water, flag races, pick up trash and look for the occasion to talk about the love of Christ.
Many take that passion home and promote the work of CMA and the organizations it supports, to help churches serving in difficult places.
From $100 to $100
The check was presented at CMA's annual rally in Hatfield, Arkansas. The gathering lasts several days, with morning and evening services, workshops on how to minister to "one-percenter" motorcycle groups and training for youth leadership. On Friday night, hundreds of attendees celebrated what God has done through the organization.
David Watterson, a pastor for years and now in charge of church mobilization at Global Christian Relief, says his fellow riders are family. He also explains where the figure comes from: "It's not the $10,000 gifts that add up to this amount. It's the $100 gifts" (translation by Sígueme).
The offering fuels several works. Global Christian Relief puts Bibles and Christian materials in the hands of believers in some of the most closed countries on the planet. Missionary Ventures provides motorcycles, bicycles and other transportation so pastors and missionaries can reach remote areas. With the Jesus Film Project, the story of Jesus comes to people in their own language.
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV).
Your motorcycle, your salary and your vocation
The mission is not sustained only by large donors. It is sustained by people who work, save and decide that a part of what they have reaches farther than their garage. Your hobby and your salary enter that account: the motorcycle, soccer, music, the first job. What you do on Saturday and what you earn on Monday can serve someone who is far away.
There is a detail worth keeping in mind. Giving is not a formula to receive more, and Scripture does not promise that every bill will come back multiplied. What it does promise is that God looks at the heart of the cheerful giver and that his church is not left alone.
A simple step: set aside a fixed amount from your budget this month, even if it is small, and define where it will go. And pray for a believer imprisoned for their faith; if you don't know their name, ask your pastor or your church, which may support a work abroad.
"Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body" (Hebrews 13:3, ESV).
What part of your time or your money reaches today a believer who is in prison for their faith?
Sources
- #motociclistas cristianos
- #iglesia perseguida
- #generosidad
- #Run for the Son
- #Global Christian Relief
- #misión
