Motorcycles for Jesus
“If a man is not saved by the age of 40, he has less than a 4 percent chance.”
Jenny Burr
Spur Ottawa Correspondent
If it hadn’t rained, that first Saturday in May, the parking lot at Erwin’s Automotion would have been full. Despite the rain, 35 members of the Canadian Christian Riders (CCR), Ottawa Chapter, came together for a club breakfast celebrating the launch of their 2017 riding season.
CCR is a group of men and women who have a passion for Christ and for riding. Mike Welch, CCR’s founder and national leader, says he started the ministry with a mission.
“I have been biking since I was 15 and I picked it up again about eight years ago. I was involved with a Christian motorcycle ministry and became the Canadian leader. Then I believe the Lord instructed me to start CCR.”
Welch, who has been a Christian for 28 years, knows the importance of sharing testimonies and evangelizing men over 40.
Erwin Andrews shares his testimony at CCR’s 2017 kick-off breakfast. Photo by Peter Thorp-Levitt.
“The basic premise of Christian motorcycle ministry is that if a man is not saved by the age of 40, he has less than a four percent chance of being saved, in Canada. Most of the men who own cruiser-type motorcycles are over 40, so it gives us a commonality with them to hear about Jesus.”
CCR holds events to share testimonies, but another key part of the ministry is maintaining visibility in the community. Monday night rides are one of the features of the Ottawa Chapter.
“Monday nights we’re out there sharing,” Welch says. “We’re out there laughing, we wear a cross on our backs, and we’re talking about Jesus and why we’re so happy.”
Their May 6 breakfast celebrated the start up of this year’s riding season. The Ottawa Chapter hopes to expand in the Ottawa-Gatineau area and then into all of Canada. They are currently in the process of building up their leadership team.
“CCR is a ministry that meets the needs of many different people,” Welch explains. “For some it is an evangelism ministry, for some it is like a faith fellowship. For others it is a stress reliever to just get out on their bikes and ride. Any combination of these activities is encouraged and welcomed.”
Mike Welch shares about God’s love in the garage of Erwin’s Automotion. Photo by Peter Thorp-Levitt.
“When we are on a ride we pray, share testimonies, and study,” states CCR member Jim Beaulne. “[Last year] one ride had to be extended a few more days so that a member could finish giving his testimony.”
Peter Thorp-Levitt, is the national administrator for CCR and has been a member of the Ottawa Chapter for the past few years. He says one big perk of CCR is that they have events year round.
“I became involved with the club because it is four seasons—we ride in Florida—and it is Christ centered. We promote events year round plus we have our own breakfasts and outings in the off season.”
During the 2017 kick-off breakfast a couple of members briefly shared their testimonies and Welch shared a message about God’s love.
“God has brought many wonderful people into CCR to help establish it,” Welch says. “Many of our members have their own business and they are seeing God’s blessing on their lives. They support our vision and our members are becoming witnesses for Jesus. We get to travel to other ministry events, share God’s word, pray for people, and see God do miracles.”
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