You see them every day. You know them by their emblem emblazoned leather jackets, biker boots, and helmets. You may even have some preconceived notions about them. But take a closer look. Sometimes those leather jackets are emblazoned with words of faith, references to the Son, and the word Christian.

They are Christians who, like you, are on mission. They wear leather and you wear a suit, but both of you stand for the same cause. The Master has called you both, but he has called you to minister to different types of men.

Tex Owens is a man on mission to bikers. Tex is president of the local chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) in Clemson, South Carolina. He is a gentle man with a big endearing smile. And he doesn’t mind if you kid him for riding his bike to church in 10-degree weather.

He is tough yet he is also just a big teddy bear with a heart of gold. What makes him such an avid witness for the gospel? When asked about the CMA and what the organization does, he gave this answer.

“I am a member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association and have served as president of my local chapter for the last six years,” he explains. “The CMA is a group of bikers who are committed to Christ and has members all over the world.”

“We partner with three international groups: the Jesus Film, the Missionary Ventures, and Open Doors ministry,” quips Tex. “The Jesus Film is shown all over the world, we support missions efforts, and the Open Doors ministry distributes Bibles in countries with limited access.”

If you visit the CMAUSA Web site at www.cmausa.org, you will discover that they have raised more than $34 million for missions in the last 22 years. This past year alone they raised more than $3.7 million. That is impres­sive.

When asked if the group goes on a lot of rides, Tex said, “No, we are not a riding club, we are a ministry group. We don’t organize our own rides or events, rather we join other groups and minister to them as they meet or ride or whatever,” he explains. “We go to rallies and we participate and we offer services. We may direct traffic, or pick up trash. We use these rallies as opportunities to talk with bikers and meet their needs.”

“For instance, we go to Biker Week at Myrtle Beach each year. There will be eight to 10 from our chapter, a few from chapters here and there, and we will all add up to about 500 CMA bikers who will be there. We will minister to bikers, offering free water, coffee, and spiritual direction to bikers as we have opportunity,” smiles Tex. “We even go to Black Biker Week, and we have opportunities to share our faith.”

For the most part they are welcomed as they offer hope in crisis, and words of hope to those who have little hope.

CMA bikers participate in toy runs and are a major part of the International Motorcycle Show. CMA serves as an ambassador for the show, helping to distribute coupons and surveys. They have been able to talk with folks and share Christ’s love.

The local CMA, where Tex is president, participates in two diaper runs each year supporting the Foothills Pregnancy Center. They ride with the Patriot Guard on occasion, and they are always eager to join other orga­nizations to assist and earn the right to witness.

Across the world there are more than 140,000 members, and the CMAUSA Web site is an impressive display of missions and ministry.

For the last 20 years, Tex has been affiliated with CMA, first in Miami, and now in South Carolina. Over the years he has earned the right to ride with and minister to Hell’s Angels chapters. When those bikers are hurting, CMA is there to offer a word of hope and encouragement. Of course, if the Hell’s Angels are partying CMA finds another area to minister. The truth of the gospel is evident and shows through the lives and the actions of CMA members, and the Hell’s angels can see the difference.

The members of CMA are concerned about the souls of all bikers and help new converts find a Bible believ­ing church where they can be discipled. Their goal is to be Christ-centered and God fearing as they ride for the glory of God.

Anyone can join CMA, as long as they are believers. Perspective members are invited to come try out the chap­ter for a while before joining. Soon it is evident if they want to join to minister and witness to a lost world.

What an exciting group of bikers. They are bikers with a mission who seek God’s glory while possessing a pas­sion to reach non-Christians.

Many groups of bikers are formed each year in a number of churches across our country, while the CMA contin­ues to grow, reach the lost and share God’s Word across the world.  

Go to www.cmausa.org to find a chapter near you.

Eddie Pettit is a member of East Pickens Baptist Church where he teaches an adult Sunday School class. He is also a member of Christian Outdoorsman at East Pickens Baptist Church. Eddie is an avid hunter and outdoorsman and is director of McCall RA Camp in Sunset, South Carolina.

Provided by the Mission Education Team of the North American Mission Board.

© Copyright 2010, North American Mission Board, SBC. All rights reserved. Southern Baptist churches have permission to photocopy lesson for church use only. Please send all inquiries or permission requests to NAMB Mission Education Content Development, 4200 North Point Pkwy., Alpharetta, GA 30022 or e-mail missionedu@namb.net. Not intended for sale. Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations have been taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.

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