More than 400 members of the Christian Motorcyclists Association from around the United States and Canada are expected to converge on Rainy River Community College this weekend for the “No Borders Rally.”
The event is an opportunity to enjoy inspirational speakers, music and Christian fellowship, say organizers.
The “Frozen Chozen” members of CMA Falls Chapter 811 say they are proud to host the event in International Falls for the first time. There are 138,000 CMA members in more than 800 U.S. chapters in six regions and international chapters in 27 countries.
In an effort to spread the ministry and to bridge the gap between the public and Christian bike riders, the CMA invites the general public to attend events free from Wednesday through Saturday.
“Everybody in town is welcome,” said Sharron Secrist, a local member.
Registration begins today at 1 p.m. This will be a chance to peruse the vender tables and fill up the free sample bags until the daily 4 p.m. ice cream social. RRCC gymnasium will be set up for services. The bikers will ride in the International Falls Bass Championship boat parade on Thursday evening at 6 p.m. There will be a bike games event on Saturday at 1 p.m.
CMA will host morning and evening seminars on each day of the rally. Featured guest speakers include John Ogden Sr., CMA chairman; and national evangelist leaders Roger Wilson, U.S. North Central, and Paul Miller, CMA Canada.
There will be a “Women on the Road” ladies seminar and youth ministry activities including “Kidz for Christ.” The recreational events include canoeing, group bike touring, and evening music concerts featuring the “Shasteens” and “The Bethlehem Blues.”
The biannual No Borders Rally alternates in Canadian and American cities. The Falls event is led by Bob Secrist, a retired member who had time for the details and delegated other assignments to chapter members and CMA friends from Canada.
“Everything is coming together,” said Secrist. “It is quite a task to organize.”
The CMA is a natural fit for Secrist, 62, who has been riding since age 14. He said Christian motorcyclists work hard to change the negative biker stereotype. The main mission, however, is working the ministry with fellow chapters and the approximately 12 other Christian biker organizations.
“Bikes are just a tool for the ministry,” he added. “We go to secular events like Sturgis, Laconia and Daytona Beach to minister to the lost.”
The ministry is a dedication and a process that requires not only purity of heart, but a receptive and sincere individual to work with people in need, Secrist said. CMA members that wear the organizational patch have completed courses and were tested for the ministry.
“Whether it’s a car club, a church group or a gardening group, everybody wants to be accepted somewhere,” he said.
Members use their skills to serve as best they can. A mechanic will often ride just to help people with roadside breakdowns. Others work with women, youth or in music. Secrist said he regularly offers ministry in the jails and prisons.
“You have got to have a heart for Christ,” he said. “He gave up his life for us and this is what are we doing for him. We reach out to help people who are hurting.”
Secrist emphasized that the CMA is an interdenominational organization and welcomes people of all faiths. The group holds monthly chapter meetings and a Sunday afternoon ride that takes off from the Falls Hardee's at 2 p.m.
The organization also holds annual fundraisers to support major international efforts. The U.S. and Canada chapters hold annual “Run For the Sun” fundraisers and raised more than $4 million in 2007. The group sends funds to missionaries and have Bibles and soundtracks printed for the CMA ministry.
CMA supports Brother Andrew, an organization that smuggles Bibles into countries where they are banned. Members support the Jesus Film Project, which uses video to teach the Bible to the illiterate in more than 400 spoken languages. The group also funds Missionary Ventures, which supports rural missionaries around the world with bikes, horses and boats.
Camping and lodging are available on-site for tents and there are RV vehicle hookups for special needs families. For more information contact Bob and Sharron Secrist at 285-7510, or preregister online at www.cmausa.org.
