MAY UMC PARTICPATES WITH DARE TO BELIEVE MINISTRIES IN OUTREACH AT ANNUAL MOTORCYCLE EVENT IN RATON NEW MEXICO

Two members of our congregation will be participating with Dare to Believe Ministries at a motorcycle cross country event.  The staging location for the ministry is in Raton, New Mexico.  This is an annual event where motorcycle riders from the United States and other countries gather for a cross country motorcycle road trip.  Participants are from all walks of life and include men, women, members of motorcycle clubs and even motorcycle gangs.  The average number of participants in the ride is no less than 1000 each year.  They begin their ride from different places and all pass through the Raton location at varying times.

At the staging location in Raton a rest area with tents to provide shade, food, water and various snacks are made available to the riders at no cost to them.  Christians participating in the ministry itself act as hosts and hostesses to the riders visiting with them individually.  Before the riders head back out after their respite the Christians ask to pray for and with each rider and over their respective motorcycles for safe travel.  This event affords the opportunity for Christians to truly be the hands and feet of Christ by showing hospitality and love to individuals that society sometimes shys away from. 

Our congregation voted to financially support the ministry by a cash donation of $100.00 to assist with the purchase of food and drinks.  This is the first time this congregation has actively participated in this type of ministry and were extremely excited with the opportunity to do so.  In addition, one of our more senior church members made a personal cash donation to the two members participating to assist them with their purchase of gasoline for their travel. She said "I want to help with this ministry in any way I can."  

Our worship service included 'An Order For Commissioning To Short-Term Christian Service'  in which the congregation particpated.  They are anxiously looking foward to hearing about the success of the event next Sunday as our two members share their experiences during our worship service allowing all of the members to be active particpants in this outreach.