Hidden Ministry on the Roadsides

On the 2rd until 25th April, a very special event took place in Winterton, Lincolnshire - 'The Christian Motorcyclists’ Association' (CMA) rides into the town for its Annual General Meeting. Sixty- plus powerful motorcycles may have appeared to be a gang disturbing the quiet Lincolnshire village, however, how they behave and their uniforms have told us their heavenly identity.

On the leather of each rider, there is a large white cross. They also observed the speed limit respectfully and gathered in the parking areas of the local Methodist church. The members of CMA, from across the UK and the Irish Sea, cam toether to share God’s work in their lives and the vision in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ to other bikers.

At the meeting, members worshipped God together and gave testimony. Julia Harley from Sheffield confessed she “loves the Lord” more than her bike and thanks God for the freedom she has in Christ. She described the CMA members as her family.

“I have met a group of bikers that are real, their Christianity is vibrant,” she said. “It’s everything a biker could want because we get high on the spirit of God, not drink or drugs.” Julia’s favourite mission field is Matlock Bath in Derbyshire where hundreds of bikers gather at weekends.

Running alongside the programme of the annual general meeting, an annual election is also being held. The newly appointed National President is Mike Fitton. Mike who also rides a Harley came to faith in Christ when serving as a police officer. After retiring from the force he became an evangelist in Whitby North Yorkshire.

Mike has a vision to let the mainstream church know of the CMA ministry and is seeking to gain their support and prayers. “Bikers tend to be on the edge of society; they get mixed up in things that are detrimental in their lives and so it’s wonderful to tell them there is hope!” he said.

The CMA ministry has already run for 25 years in the UK and it has gained respect from the biking community. Particularly it is well-known for its refreshment tents for bikers across the country. However, as explained by Howard Robinson of CMA executive committee, that respect was not easily won, “The first cafe was set up in 1987. It was just a tea and coffee bar where bikers could come in and talk with our members,” he said. “When the team arrived one morning to set up they found some prankster had sprayed Graffiti on the side of the tent which read, ‘Holy Joe’s’ and that’s how the ministry was christened!”

After this annual general meeting, the next highlight of the ministry is a national Run for the Son, a fund raising rally that will take them around the country to raise money for community charity projects. The project will be held in June.

The money raised will go to a drug rehabilitation unit called the Lighthouse Foundation that is helping heroin addicts overcome their addiction. CMA is working in cooperation with the Assemblies of God Church to complete this commission.