THE LAST thing you would associate motorcycles with is church! But Biker Church has arrived in Portugal and it’s not just some fad or novelty. A dedicated group of bikers place Jesus Christ at the top of their priority list and have launched the first Biker Church in the Iberian Peninsula.
Recently, the Christian Motorcyclists’ Association (CMA) of Portugal, part of the international coalition of CMA present in 16 countries, launched the Portuguese Biker Church on the campus of the German Evangelical Church in Lisbon. About 50 bikers came together for what many described as a wonderful and moving event. The Portuguese chapter of CMA goes by the name of ‘The Navigators’.
“Most churches are simply not prepared to receive bikers with their different way of dressing and their rather different approach to life. Yet we have found that many are searching for God, for faith, for spirituality, for relationships and friendships that the church has to offer,” said The Navigators’ president, Eddie Fernandes. “Our desire is to welcome all bikers irrespective of their language, culture, race, religious background or motorcycle – even if they ride a Harley,” he joked as he sat astride his Yamaha Wildstar XV1600.
The Navigators gave out 1,900 ‘Biker Bibles’ at last year’s motorcycle rally in Faro, the biggest in Europe. ‘Bible For The Nations’ in Sweden has agreed to publish 10,000 Portuguese-language Biker Bibles for The Navigators to distribute freely at three major rallies in Portugal this year. The Navigators have raised a total of 10,400 euros for this project, but still need 9,600 euros to finalise this dream. They appeal to partners to join them, so they can give out 10,000 free bibles.
For more information on Biker Church or The Navigators visit www.cma-portugal.com or call the Riverside International Church office on 214 836 590.
