Redemption Riders Motorcycle Ministry - A Frontline Ministry - Established Spring 2001
The
Redemption Riders Motorcycle Ministry was established in March of
2001. While attending church I heard a message about reaching out to
the unsaved bikers of the Grand Rapids Michigan area. I approached
my Pastor and shared with him that I felt God was prompting me to do
something to reach out to both secular and Christian bikers. My Pastor
encouraged me to seek God on this matter.
I spent the next three months in prayer, as well as seeking God's direction before He spoke a truth into my heart. The Bible says that God will give you the desires of your heart. Psalms 37:4 says "Delight thyself also in the LORD: and He shall give you the desires of your heart." I had two desires in my heart, to ride free and reach out to other bikers with the love of Christ. Why not have some fun while serving God and leading others into the true freedom available in Christ? I shared this vision with Paul Bergamo who attended a different church than me and he was overcome with joy since God had given him this same vision. This confirmed that we were in line with God’s plan. So Paul and I got together with five other people who were also interested in the idea of serving God with their bikes. This was the God-inspired revelation on which the Redemption Riders Motorcycle Ministry was founded.
The first two years were spent establishing a solid framework for the ministry. During this time we drafted a ministry handbook. It explains the purpose and objectives of the ministry, what we believe, what we are not, the principles involved in being a member, and the by-laws of our biker ministry. Our patch (colors) was designed by the initial members and is issued to all who are accepted into service.
Our current structure consists of local Chapter Boards with the following officer positions, Chaplain, President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. The chapter boards oversee their local chapters. The ministry teams in place within each chapter are: Road Captains/Safety Officers, Spiritual/Discipleship, Social, and Outreach. Each team has specific duties to carry out which result in the excellence that glorifies our Heavenly Father while showing the love of Christ to all we meet.
As word of the Redemption Riders Motorcycle Ministry began to spread, the ministry began to grow. We now have three individual chapters, two in the state of Michigan and one in Vancouver, Washington. The membership continues to grow as does the ability to reach out to the people God has called us to touch. Our current membership status as of early 2010 is 109 members.
In addition to riding and witnessing, the Redemption Riders Motorcycle Ministry also travels to churches and youth groups. We speak about Jesus, and share our testimonies and ministry mission. Through these evangelism efforts, we show people that serving God can and should be an exciting, enjoyable thing to do. Redemption Riders Motorcycle Ministry also sponsors various benefit rides to raise money and awareness for Godly causes. To date, the efforts of this ministry have raised over $232,000.
We hold monthly chapter meetings all year long. We also meet once a month in a different member’s home for food, fellowship, and to minister to each other. During the winter months we have a men and women’s fellowship to strengthen each other's faith, to get ready to go into the harvest field the following spring. God continues to bless us with His mercies which are new every day. Come join us on one of the weekly rides to see and feel God's love. We have major fun. May God bless you and keep you; we hope to meet you someday soon.
I spent the next three months in prayer, as well as seeking God's direction before He spoke a truth into my heart. The Bible says that God will give you the desires of your heart. Psalms 37:4 says "Delight thyself also in the LORD: and He shall give you the desires of your heart." I had two desires in my heart, to ride free and reach out to other bikers with the love of Christ. Why not have some fun while serving God and leading others into the true freedom available in Christ? I shared this vision with Paul Bergamo who attended a different church than me and he was overcome with joy since God had given him this same vision. This confirmed that we were in line with God’s plan. So Paul and I got together with five other people who were also interested in the idea of serving God with their bikes. This was the God-inspired revelation on which the Redemption Riders Motorcycle Ministry was founded.
The first two years were spent establishing a solid framework for the ministry. During this time we drafted a ministry handbook. It explains the purpose and objectives of the ministry, what we believe, what we are not, the principles involved in being a member, and the by-laws of our biker ministry. Our patch (colors) was designed by the initial members and is issued to all who are accepted into service.
Our current structure consists of local Chapter Boards with the following officer positions, Chaplain, President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. The chapter boards oversee their local chapters. The ministry teams in place within each chapter are: Road Captains/Safety Officers, Spiritual/Discipleship, Social, and Outreach. Each team has specific duties to carry out which result in the excellence that glorifies our Heavenly Father while showing the love of Christ to all we meet.
As word of the Redemption Riders Motorcycle Ministry began to spread, the ministry began to grow. We now have three individual chapters, two in the state of Michigan and one in Vancouver, Washington. The membership continues to grow as does the ability to reach out to the people God has called us to touch. Our current membership status as of early 2010 is 109 members.
In addition to riding and witnessing, the Redemption Riders Motorcycle Ministry also travels to churches and youth groups. We speak about Jesus, and share our testimonies and ministry mission. Through these evangelism efforts, we show people that serving God can and should be an exciting, enjoyable thing to do. Redemption Riders Motorcycle Ministry also sponsors various benefit rides to raise money and awareness for Godly causes. To date, the efforts of this ministry have raised over $232,000.
We hold monthly chapter meetings all year long. We also meet once a month in a different member’s home for food, fellowship, and to minister to each other. During the winter months we have a men and women’s fellowship to strengthen each other's faith, to get ready to go into the harvest field the following spring. God continues to bless us with His mercies which are new every day. Come join us on one of the weekly rides to see and feel God's love. We have major fun. May God bless you and keep you; we hope to meet you someday soon.
Harley James DeVlieger - Founder/NBD President - Redemption Riders Motorcycle Ministry