Christian Motorcyclists Association Shares Hope, Faith

Yesterday, the Gwinnett branch of the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) made a guest appearance at as part of an effort to increase their visibility in the church community.

"We want people to know that not everyone who rides a bike is a foul mouthed, beer swillin', gun totin' bad guy," joked CMA member Dave Wilson. 

The CMA was founded in the '70s by Herb Shreeve and his son, who bought a set of Kawasakis as a way to bond and get out on the road.  Their strong shared faith inspired them to start a ministry for those who have no faith. 

"This group of people gets written off by churches," explained Wilson.  

Wilson and his wife go to Daytona every year for bike week.  These missionaries on wheels try to meet the basic needs of fellow bikers and share their personal faith with anyone who will listen. 

This coming Sunday, the CMA will ride to Rabun County, Ga., to participate in the 4th annual Bikers for Butterflies.  The ride is a fundraiser for Camp Cocoon, a camp sponsored by the United Hospice Foundation designed for children who have experienced the death of a loved one, often through violence or other unexpected events. 

They will ride past the camp, something that the children always love, according to Wilson.  Often, the bikers are asked for their autographs. 

"I don’t care how big, bad or macho you think you are," said Wilson, "there is nothing more touching than a kid coming up to you and have them ask you to sign their notebook."

That afternoon, the children will release butterflies into the air in memory of the loved one they have lost. 

To find out more, visit the United Hospice Foundations website, or the CMA website.