I'm not what you'd consider a "motorcycle guy," but I've been known to ride a Vespa or two. But none of that really matters in the eyes of God.
Particularly in the town of Yucaipa, California. This quaint, dry but tree-laden, bucolic town is home to one of the most unique, inspiring churches you've never known.
Let's Ride for Christ's Sake
Riders. Ambassadors. Warriors.
That's the commitment of Pastor Joe and his RAW Biker Church congregation deep in the California highlands.
"David departed to the cave of Adullam. And everyone who was in distress and everyone who was in debt and everyone who was bitter in soul gathered to him and he became their commander." That's 1 Samuel 22:1-2, as well as a nearly universal call of surrendering. That's what some bikers believe, and how they venerably live.
Everyone is welcome at this entirely untraditional abode. RAW reaches out to those that "ride" motorcycles, but embraces those who don't ride, as well. All together, the church is home and triumph for "raw" the ones who don'necessarily t fit into a regular church.
Pastor Joe explains that "Because of the solid 'in your face' deep teaching, many who don't ride, are calling this church home." And this home represents the "Government and Kingdom of Heaven on this planet." It's a group of folks dedicated to do their best to know "Him," be like Him, and make Him known.
RAW provides its dedicated congregation with opportunities to live and learn its Christian word of God. RevelationRoots.com, for example, is an online gospel portal built and maintained to help followers dig deeper into God's Word. The site features ancient Hebrew pictographs next to every Hebrew word in the Old Testament.
Real World Approach
RAW warriors are fighters. As such,R.A.W. is committed to setting free those bound in sexual slavery and abuse. Not exactly the "taboo" kind of congregation you get in 55 minutes at the catholic church down the street. But authentic and practical, nonetheless.
There's walk to the talk, too. The congregation donates to LIFE Outreach aiding in the rescue of abused women and children. Some are rough around the edges and some are not, remember. That means a whole lot of unwavering compassion and altruism.
"We are all raw, imperfect with no pretending, no fluff, loving the unreachable." Therein lies the universal truth to an auspicious group of spiritual freedom riders in the high desert of California. Perhaps they ride far enough to reach more than a few of us who need it along the way.
Besides, who of us hasn't at one time asked, "Why am I here?"