The Christian Motorcyclists Association

Dorothy Gough

My husband Jim has been a member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association for around 14 years and I share in that ministry with him. We are both members of St. Thomas' Church, Bradley. The C.M.A. seeks to reach bikers wherever they are and share the love of God with them. This means that you can see CMA members at bike rallies, events and shows all around the country, we're easy to see, we have a large white cross on the back of our leathers. Jim and I are members of the West Yorkshire branch, so we are local to the area, but there are branches across the United Kingdom and Ireland and also world-wide in the USA, Australia, South Africa and across Europe.

When we are present at bike rallies we run a tea and coffee tent known as a "Holy Joes" which stays open 24 hours a day so that there is always a hot cuppa and a listening ear for anyone who needs it after they've had a long night of "partying". We always have tracts and Bibles available for anyone who wants them and at the Isle of Man this year 500 "Biker Bibles" were given out. Our new "Biker Bible" is a copy of the New Testament and contains testimonies from both the UK and across Europe.

The Bible says, "For in this the saying is true, one sows and another reaps" (John 4:37)
We are sometimes asked if we ever see the "fruits of the harvest". Earlier this year we held a service at St. Francis' Church in Bessecar, Doncaster. Here is Bill's story.

"Bill's wife had seen an article in the local newspaper about the church service and she suggested he should go along. At the time they were having problems in the marriage and were living apart. Heather and Ted from the C.M.A. gave their testimonies during the service and after they returned to their seats they noticed Bill at the end of the row crying. Heather went over to speak to him and after the service he was invited back to one of the member's homes for a barbecue. Heather spent her time talking to him. After the meal he said he had to leave, but he really didn't want to go. Before Bill left, Heather asked Ted over so that they could say a prayer for him. Bill said he needed Jesus in his life and so he said a prayer of commitment there in the garden. The Holy Spirit came and Heather and Ted had to physically support him. Ted is keeping in touch with Bill to give him encouragement and support at the start of his new journey with Jesus".

If you would like to know more about the work of the C.M.A. then please go to our website www.bike.org.uk or e-mail us on james.gough@ntlworld.com