Motorcycling with a message

Ministry tries to connect with other bikers

SIKESTON - Ministry and motorcycles work well together. Just ask those from Pure Freedom Ministries and the Azusa Streetriders.

The two groups, made up of members of the Sikeston First Assembly of God and the Christian Tabernacle, spent much of Saturday on their motorcycles. Following a four-hour motorcycle run, participants gathered for a bike rodeo, some music and to hear Bill Elliot, a former leader of Hell's Saints and Satan's Choice Motorcycle gangs in Canada.

Since 2005 Pure Freedom Ministries has hosted a motorcycle rally as part of its ministry, according to Mike Brown. This year the two local churches along with the Rock and Roll Biker Church of Cape Girardeau worked together to host the rally,.

"It just fell into place," Brown said. "We were talking and decided it might be good thing; since we all have different people we connect with to connect the dots together and help each other out."

The people the groups try to connect with are other bikers.

"We let them know someone loves them, cares about them," said Brown. "Our most important message is that Jesus loves them and we love them."

For the full story, see Monday's edition of the Standard Democrat.