Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1512588
20 | WheelsOfGrace.com | #70 BIKERS FOR CHRIST BIKERS FOR CHRIST This is truly one of most powerful outreaches that I have ever seen in heard of in the history of Bikers For Christ M/M. God gets the glory for all the beautiful things that He leads His people to do. It makes me humbled, and thankful to be the founder of such an amazing group of Christian men and women. I only regret that I wasn't there to experience the power of the outreach that morning. May we as a ministry, and all who are called by His Name - continue to bring love and light to the hurting, and those affected by the tragedies in our world. Our BFC members truly experienced God's love and power that day. Eight years ago today, over 130 Bikers for Christ members from 5 states rode into Charleston SC. We had one purpose in mind, to support the Mother Emmanuel AME Church by attending the Sunday morning worship service. Our wish was to come alongside this hurting congregation as they moved forward. Just a month prior, a gunman murdered nine of their members and wounded three more within the walls of their place of worship. What we found was a group of the most kindhearted, loving people I have ever seen. Allen Floars had done all the legwork a week prior. We arrived at the church at around 830. The ushers were expecting us, and they directed us to a little over 100 seats that had been reserved for us. The overflow was directed to the balcony. Keep in mind, it was already 94 degrees before we left the hotel, so we were pretty smelly and sweaty by the time we got to our seats an hour later. The people were smiling, shaking our hands, and hugging us as we entered and found our seats. The service started with some of the finest traditional gospel music in the world. A mix of jazz, gospel, and praise songs complete with a band and jazz trumpet. These people, who had suffered such a horrific loss, were smiling, hands raised, and voices lifted in praise to God for ALL His blessings to them. We were privileged to be a part of it. When it came time to recognize the visitors, they called Allen Floars and myself up front to say a few words. We were humbled… The music continued with clapping and singing until the beginning of a wonderful message about God's love and the things that hold us down, about the doors we walk through on a daily basis and the choices we make. More than once we heard how God had forgiven us and how we must forgive those who have wronged us, even that gunman who killed part of their membership. That morning service was about a wonderful Savior who transcends race, creed, hate, bigotry, and anger in order to bring ALL people to Him… The love and care this church had, even for a man who tried to use them to incite hate and oppression, was nothing short of amazing. The pastor shouted more than once, "THE DEVIL BIKERS FOR CHRIST BIKERS FOR CHRIST Mother Emmanuel AME Church Mother Emmanuel AME Church Mother Emmanuel AME Church Mother Emmanuel AME Church 20 | WheelsOfGrace.com | #70