HOW TO GO
What: Third annual Blessing of the Bikes & Bike Show
Where: Competition Accessories, 323 W. Leffel Lane, Springfield
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 27; blessing at 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: (937) 926-4453 or www.ridemotorcyclesinc.com
The three bikers were in line at Springboro’s classic ice-cream shop, the “K.” But their black jackets didn’t advertise skulls, drugs or rock stars. The star of their show is Jesus, and their worn leather attire was ablaze with crosses and promises of redemption.
Jeff Rose, a Kettering firefighter and associate pastor of Rejoicing Life Church of God, was one of those bikers. He was out gaining disciples while doing his favorite thing, riding his 2008 Victory Vision. His biker buddies were Ray and Tammy Collins.
“The phrase that CMA (Christian Motorcyclists Association) uses is, ‘Changing the world one heart at a time.’ And what I like about it is, we take ministry to people, we don’t wait for people to come to us,” said Rose, a 20-year minister who is also vice president of the Resurrection Riders. “Last year I prayed with about 300 people, and this year we’re expecting twice that many to show up.”
The Christian Motorcyclists Association is an international organization that “rides for the Son.” Rose will share a message about John 3:16 for the third annual Blessing of the Bikes on April 27 at Competition Accessories.
This is perhaps the most familiar scripture in the New Testament:
King James Bible:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
This event is sponsored by Yeshua’s Cross, one of CMA’s chapters and the day’s main sponsor. The gathering includes food vendors and store specials. There will be no alcohol served at this event, but there will be plenty of fellowship and fun.
Another bikes blessing
A different bikes blessing events, the 12th annual Blessing of the Bikes will be held on May 20, in Dayton at Welcome Stadium.
Twelve years strong, this gathering attracted 7,528 bikers last year.
“The volunteer committee is thankful that the motorcycling community supports us, and we can show Dayton that bikers are great, generous people,” said Dick Stewart, who has served as chairman of the event for the past 12 years and recently turned over the reins to Bill Jenks. “We like to give back to the community.”
This Blessing of the Bikes is sponsored by the Dayton 73 Moose Riders and the Crystal Lake #2464 Moose Riders. The State Moose Riders are supporting two charities, A Special Wish Foundation and AMBUCS/GreeneBucs with this event. AMBUCS is a nonprofit service organization that is dedicated to creating mobility and independence for disabled persons. The latter is the Greene County chapter for the organization.
The May 20 event will be held at Welcome Stadium’s Lot D, 1601 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd., and starts at 10 a.m. The blessing is at 1 p.m. Cost: $2 donation. For more information, call (937) 429-2721 or go online to www.blessingofthebikesohio.com.
T.O.A.D. the Original American Dream, a rock band from Enon, will provide musical entertainment. The Rev. Dale Peterka will conduct the official blessing ceremony. WTUE-FM’s (104.7) B-Man and WHIO-TV’s (NewsCenter 7) James Brown will emcee the event. The day’s activities include a bike show, refreshments, door prizes and vendors with collector’s pins, patches, T-shirts, bandannas and bells.
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