By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
ROGERS, Ark. (LBM) – A tent at a motorcycle rally served as a tabernacle of sorts for 81 new believers who offered themselves as “living sacrifices” in turning their lives over to Christ during the recent “Bikes, Blues and Barbecue Rally” in Rogers, Arkansas.
Bikers from around the country rallied, Oct. 6-8, in the mountainous community, and 22 members of several Louisiana F.A.I.T.H Riders were there, offering an opportunity to win a daily drawing of $500 to anyone who listened to a three-minute testimony about Christ.
By the end of the three-day event, the members from chapters with Philadelphia Baptist Church, Deville, and Calvary Baptist Church, Ruston, joined other F.A.I.T.H. Riders chapters from across the United States to share Christ with 755 people. The F.A.I.T.H. Riders chapter of Cross Church, a multi-site congregation with a campus in Rogers, hosted the event and will follow up with those who made decisions for Jesus.
Jesse Littleton, assistant state director for Louisiana F.A.I.T.H. Riders, was among those who led a biker to Christ. After one woman admitted she would spend eternity in hell, Littleton shared she had another option.
“She questioned a lot of why God allowed difficulties into her left, and I told her God gave us Jesus, who would have died for just her,” he said. “She was moved to tears when I said she could change where she spends eternity and her kids’ opportunity for their destination. This lady prayed to receive Christ and said God reached down and touched her heart. It was an honor to be able to be used for God.”
Joe Gentry, a member of First Baptist Church, Pollock, and a member of the Philadelphia Baptist chapter, said that while he was honored to be used by God to lead 15 former unbelievers to Christ at the rally, the final conversation with a man named Miguel (an atheist) was the most memorable.
“At first he said he didn’t need to believe in God because he was an atheist and he drifted out in a philosophical talk about new world stuff,” he said. “I managed to lead him to realize those beliefs were wrong, and he prayed to receive Christ. When he finished his prayer of salvation he jumped straight up, and tears started flowing.”
David Lemmons, pastor of Harmony Baptist Church, Glenmora, and member of the Philadelphia Baptist chapter, participated with his wife, Allison. Lemmons led two people to Christ inside the tent while his wife was a “catcher” (those who invite people into the tent).
“It’s always truly special to witness someone going from death to life,” he said. “And it also was extra special sharing the moment with my wife. All the work and effort we put into it is tiring, but at the same time we left refreshed.”
For more information about becoming a part of F.A.I.T.H. Riders, contact Littleton at 318.613.3578 or Deerhunter020470@aol.com.
