Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1483386
Vision for Life Mary Hawko Biker Bible Institute, New Hampshire BSHDFC As a member of Black Sheep: Harley- Davidsons for Christ, my vision for biker ministry reflects our ministry's mission statement: "To introduce Jesus Christ to the world of motorcycle riders, for the purpose of making more and better disciples through the ministry of the local church." We are here to help bikers come to a decision to follow Christ and renew their lives...but our work it must be done in love. We seek to fully accept others as they are without stereotyping or judgement. We have to allow for time to earn and develop their trust as we patiently listen to their stories. There is always an open invitation for them to come to our church, but it's best if we first take time to be with them as we ride together and break bread. Why is this so important to us? Because God's love has been manifested through Christ to us - and is attainable, infallible and everlasting to all who seek Him! We want to follow Jesus' example to "be about our Father's business" and seek to glorify God in doing the work of our ministry. Relaying the Good News of reconciliation and redemption is what we are all about. We truly want people to know that they matter to us and to Almighty God who has loved us also. We want to communicate how Christ is irrefutably the Way, the Truth and the Life for those who will accept Him by faith. Serving as missionaries or ambassadors, we earnestly seek to introduce our riding friends to our Lord who will bring them hope and purpose as it has been brought to us. Anyone who understands what it is to be made "new in Christ" will affirm that the highest good we can have in this life is to know the love of God and love Him in return by sharing our faith with others who do not yet know Him. We earnestly desire for them to know the peace of Christ that passes all understanding! Our ministry begins with extensive prayer, communication and a personal commitment to becoming the hands and feet of Christ. Since we also ride motorcycles as a lifestyle, it's relatively easy to get out and mingle wherever bikers congregate. A presence in the biker community is the key! Our investment over time earns the opportunity to be heard and do ministry. That investment is not about our expectation of people, but centers on the expectation that God will change lives! Nothing is impossible with God, but our persistent faithfulness is key! As we pray for them, we thank God who has freely given us all victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ! Can we expect a measure of success? Yes we can, but it hinges on the work of the Holy Spirit. It may never happen the way we see it coming, but that is God's business. Those whose eyes are opened to the Spirit will hear Him! My reward is to glorify God, share the Good News of His mercy and forgiveness, and pray for my fellow bikers to be redeemed by His gracious love! To see the fruit of the Spirit in their lives...this is my joy! a Can We Pray for You, Your Family or a Friend? Black Sheep around the world meet each week to pray for your requests. (Family, friends, neighbors, fellow Black Sheep, other riders, etc.) We get many requests each week so we have had to come up with some important guidelines: Send your requests to: Chaplain@BSHDFC.org Your prayer request will remain active for 60 days. During that time, please let us know how things are progressing so we can continue to pray with understanding and wisdom. If we do not hear from you within 60 days, we will assume that prayer is no longer needed and the request will be removed from the list. If you or your chapter would like to start a weekly prayer time, please let our national chaplains know so that they might send you the list. a