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There is a
Nationwide ban on new club
patches by the outlaw world. No new colors are accepted
whether Christian or otherwise. If you want to have a club, join one
that is already in existence. There are 300+ Christian motorcycle
patches, and the last thing that we need is another patch on the
street. New patches are banned, so if you want to ride with a club
or ministry, and you want to wear a patch, join one that is already
accepted, and do not make your own patch.
Dan House wrote the following article
for the Motorcycle Club & Riding Club Education website.
(Reprinted here with permission)
The "Biker" world has been mine for some thirty-five years, from
hardcore 1%er's to the new and improved “Riding Clubs”. I've seen
and encountered just about everything you can pull from any movie.
Being knowledgeable of an element you might encounter is always
critical to your safety. Whether it is road rage from a cager
(driver of a car) or a robbery at your local Seven-Eleven. You learn
what parts of town to stay out of because someone has told you or
you learned the hard way. You have the intelligence not to provoke a
Pit Bull or stand in the middle of a fire ant mound. You learn to
ride a motorcycle safely and so you must learn about the world you
have entered. Now, many of you have entered the "Biker" or “Club”
world and are not aware of the issues that may affect you and only
need a little guidance. It would be my suggestion to do some
research on this issue because knowledge is power. It's hard to
convey the complete understanding of this culture in a small article
but it will help.
This information is to educate you on the outlaw 1%er lifestyle, not
to scare you away from riding. (And remember, please think before
you respond to anything, don't do any bashing of anyone or any club
on the egroups, forums or at any bars.) First off, the likelihood of
anyone getting into a scrape with outlaws/1%er”s is slim to none
unless you frequent their bars or hangouts. But make no mistake,
this is very real. Since most bike clubs are “NOT” outlaw clubs,
they will have no issue with you as long as you stay out of their
“business” and follow biker protocol. There is rarely a problem at a
public event or poker run but it is always possible. So lets start
with the "Rocker" you hear about. The rocker is in the form of a
half moon, for lack of a better term. Similar to the bottom of a
rocking chair. If you think about it, you have all seen photos of
"Hells Angels" and the way the patches are arched above and below
the center patch. MC (Motorcycle Club) patch and the 1% diamond will
also be found on their Cut (also referred to as Rags or Colors).
There are also many other patches some clubs wear that only mean
something to that particular club.
The 1% diamond is the key to identifying a 1%er. It is a patch in
the shape of a diamond with “1%” on it. That is mostly worn on the
left shoulder but is seen on the back of their colors also. They,
(1%er's) ride mostly Harley's only, along with their support clubs
and almost all outlaw clubs, but that's another story. Flying a
certain style of patch on the back of colors is how the outlaws
identify who is or is not claiming territory. Territory is a huge
issue and they will fight and/or kill over it if it comes to that.
Its just “Business”. The rocker or the bar style patch is not
acceptable to 1%er's unless approved by them. And just because an
M/C club wears “Rocker” or “Bar” style patch's that doesn't make
them an outlaw club. You just have to learn who is who but your
officers should have some knowledge on that.
As I said, most clubs are not outlaw clubs and don't wear a top and
bottom rocker. They may have a top rocker but if they have a bottom
patch it will not have State, City or County wording on it, many
times it will be the member's road name. Any club in Texas (unless
it's grand fathered by the Bandido's) that's not affiliated with
Bandidos, (and other than a police club) are not allowed to fly the
"Texas" patch ("Bar"or "Rocker") on the back. They have even forced
some police clubs to remove the Texas rocker. Also, 99% of Bandido
support clubs cannot wear Texas on the back. The Bandidos claim that
right as an MC (Motorcycle Club) and will aggressively approach you
if you are seen wearing it on the back of your colors. Most states
have its dominant 1% club where the same rule applies. The Bandidos
are the dominant club in Texas as well as several other states.
However, they are headquartered in Galveston Texas.
A 1%er overall is also referred to as a 1%er as opposed to an
outlaw. Outlaws (not to be confused with the 1% “OUTLAWS” Motorcycle
Club) are hard-core clubs NOT wearing a 1% patch but have very close
ties with 1%er's. That would also include any 1% support clubs.
Appearance is important, it would be chaos if everyone wore "Police"
uniforms; identification of who you are is imperative. You would
surly be put in jail if you were not a police officer but were
wearing the uniform and acting like a cop. So, on the other end of
the spectrum, you don't want to be mistaken for something you're not
for safety sake in all walks of life. Wearing an AMA patch on the
front of your colors/vest will identify you (to outlaws) as a family
club member and are of no threat to them. 1%er's push the AMA patch
to all clubs because 1%er's and outlaws don't wear one. Some clubs
wear the AMA patch upside down in protest of being forced by 1%er's
to wear it.
1%er's and outlaws will have nothing to do with the AMA (American
Motorcyclist Association) and vise versa, and will NEVER wear an AMA
patch. The term 1% comes from the AMA. In the 60's, the AMA labeled
the "Hells Angels" and the likes, as making up only 1% of all
motorcyclists as being "The Bad Boys". The Angels adapted that and
became an exclusive 1% club. And ANY club that tried to wear that 1%
diamond had better be able to back it up or rival 1% clubs disbanded
them. More often than not they were disbanded, in many cases by
death. The term “The Big Four” is the four largest 1% clubs and the
most dangerous clubs in the world. 1.“Bandidos", established 1966 2.
"Hells Angels", established 1948 3."Outlaws", established 1935
4."Pagans" established 1959. The club was formed in 1966 in Houston
by Donald Eugene Chambers.
The Bandidos, also
called the Bandido Nation, is the fastest growing outlaw motorcycle
club in the U.S.
There are hundreds of smaller 1% clubs that can be just as dangerous
as the big ones on a smaller level. Just a note. If you are ever
around outlaw clubs when they greet each other, you may see some of
them kiss each other on the lips. This started back in the 60's when
1%er's used it to shock people when they were around them. It has
since evolved into a ritual that is proof of a very tight
brotherhood.
To become a 1%er or an outlaw is not an easy task. Not many will
ever wear the 1% diamond, and only men can join an outlaw or a 1%
club. The prospecting process is more than most men can take or will
take. Thus eliminating the possible club invasion of undercover or
"Feds" as best they can. It is not generally easy to prospect for
any M/C club, especially outlaw clubs. The comment was made about
numbers, that the citizen riders out number them 50 to 1. That is
true, but think what you will, five average guys are sometimes no
problem for one hardcore 1%er. If you take on one, you take them all
on. For the most part, now days, outlaws will try to stress their
position very clearly before resorting to violence.
The “Pagans” are the smallest but some consider the most ruthless of
the “Big Four” and located mostly along the east coast mixing it up
with “Hells Angels” from time to time. “Pagans” are also known to
have very close connections with the Mafia just as many other 1%
clubs do. “Pagans” have a 50 to 1 rule. For every 1 of their members
you kill, they will kill 50 of yours. It don't matter what club,
chapter or state that member is from. If they see club colors from
the club they are after for the killing of one of theirs, they will
get their revenge. That goes for any 1% club that is at war with
another club. 1%er's/outlaws have no boundaries, they are very
willing, and sometimes do, die or kill and go to prison for their
club. Although with the help of the C.O.C (Confederation of Clubs)
tensions have somewhat softened over the years between clubs,
occasionally there is still a flair up that will cost some lives.
War can break out between clubs without notice.
Rival clubs have killed each for years over things like territory
and simple arguments over what seems to be nothing to the average
citizen. Outlaw/1%er clubs for the most part keep the violence in
the rival Motorcycle Club circle. Unless you are involved with them
or have a death wish and chose to provoke hardcore bikers, the
violence rarely spills out into the general public. That still goes
on to this day. Declaring WAR is in their eyes just what it means.
Last one breathing wins, nothing less, no exceptions, no rules. They
have no fear of the consequences, that's what makes them so
dangerous in a confrontation. Jail, prison, or death means nothing
to them and threats will actually encourage them to strike.
And always be aware of a 1% or outlaw prospect. He will be wearing a
prospect patch or have no center patch, or an armband depending on
the club. Members and Prospects are expected to behave in such a
manner as to avoid discrediting or dishonoring the club, especially,
but not only, when wearing colors. But 1% Prospects have been known
to provoke trouble. Recognition is important for a prospect to
“Patch Out”. But negative recognition can sometimes work against a
prospect. Their structure is very much like the military and very
political, they earn their patch the HARD way and will defend it to
the death. If a 1% or outlaw club looses a members colors, they will
go to unbelievable lengths to recover them. And God help the one
that has them, especially if there is no reason for having them. If
the Police have them, they will take the police department to court
and get their colors back if they need to. Usually the Police just
save themselves the hassle and give them back. They always do get
them back.
Until now, the outlaw element has been pretty much on its own. (And
as you know they seldom wave at anyone. It is nothing personal and
has nothing to do with the bike you ride. They also seldom wave at
another outlaw club, and in some cases another chapter of their
own.) The reality is, however, that 1%er/outlaws aren't quite like
everyone else, it's best to recognize and admit that up front. The
outlaws are a society within a society, with their own rules, own
codes of conduct, own ways of reacting to the world. It's kinda like
the building of a city further out into the wilderness areas. You
are going to encounter new forms of life you didn't know existed
this close to you until now. Many of you are relatively new to the
MC world and are just seeing it. The big bike sales has increased
52% in the last two years putting a tremendous amount of riders on
the road, at rally's, and on the web. Most riders paid no attention
to 1%ers till they started entering the "Biker" world by flying
colors just as 1%er's/outlaws have since bike clubs began. Outlaws,
1%er's, and motorcycle clubs in general have been around since the
30's with some non-outlaw clubs such as the "Gypsy M/C
International" that was established in 1932. It's also been said
that there was an all female M/C known as the "Metermaids" that was
established in 1931. The "Boozefighters" Motorcycle Club was
established in 1946.
Be as patient and as tolerant as you can when in a situation where
you are approached by outlaws. “RESPECT” is what they expect from
you and nothing less.
NEVER be macho or show disrespect to outlaws. “People who don't
understand the chemistry and the volatility may get themselves into
a situation way, way beyond anything they're ready for." That will
cause a very explosive situation that no one wants to be in. Even if
you don't respect them, it would be in your best interest to show
respect at the time of the encounter. Show respect to ANY club you
encounter, outlaw or not. There are some great clubs out there and
not all the outlaw clubs are bad. It sometimes comes down to a
particular member. Also try and be aware of where your officers are
in case something comes up. 1%er's (outlaws) only respond to male
Officers of any club. Also, if outlaws are not on their bikes they
will not always be flying any colors; it's part of their laws. That
makes it difficult to know who is who unless they are wearing a
patch shirt that has the name of the club they ride with. So if you
are at a cycle event or a biker bar, be careful what you say when
talking to a stranger. Even if they look like the kid next door, you
just never know.
An outlaw could care less if he goes to jail particularly if he is
prospecting. If you make him mad, he will get your attention at any
cost. And they don't care WHO you are, an ex-1%er, a “Hells Angel”,
a cop, an attorney, a body builder or a CEO. It don't matter to them
how tough you are or think you are. If you have ticked them off
there will be trouble. I want to stress again, it's not likely it
will ever happen to you unless you travel those circles or challenge
them when they are present. But at least you now have some type of
awareness on what to do or not to do, so you are in control of your
own actions. It is not always a good idea to approach them even if
you are just being friendly. Outlaws are very suspicious of an
approach by a stranger. However, some can be very friendly provided
you don't ask questions about their “business”.
Outlaws can also be a lot of fun to be around, and MAN can they
party. Most clubs, including 1%er’s rarely give anyone any trouble
unless they are provoked, you challenge them, or you show
disrespect. I have acquired many outlaw/1%er friends over the years
that are great guys and wouldn't cause anyone any trouble as long as
they or their brothers aren't messed with. They are the kind of
brothers you want beside you if the going gets tough. Once club
members consider you a good friend they will try and recruit you to
join their club.
The loyalty of brotherhood is the greatest strength of any club or
friendship, and the club loyalty's ALWAYS come first. And they won't
call the cops; they Take Care Of Business themselves. (You may see
that on a patch that some earn.) In fact, history shows that outlaws
or 1%er's are less likely to testify against each other than the
Mafia is. Not to mention they are certainly a special breed, and the
brotherhood is as tight, or tighter than any Mafia. 1%er's have a
death code for snitches, if you snitch against the club you will be
hunted down. 1%er's are so successful at doing this just recently
after a federal agent had infiltrated one of the “Big Four” clubs
and gave the feds all the incriminating evidence of murder and drug
running conducted by the elite portion of that club. He then
committed suicide knowing they would find him at any cost and
torture him to death.
“Riding clubs” are, for the most part, the new kids on the block and
no matter what anyone thinks, the 1%er's/outlaws will always be
here, even when or if the riding craze is over. The greatest law
enforcement in the world has had little effect on this type of
organization, so you can do little but try and work things out and
co-exist peacefully. I think we can ALL co-exist if we keep doing
what we are doing. Making smart choices and having friends from all
types of clubs. I know there are plenty of “Rights” arguments and
debate in what I have written, but what you have read here is very
real like it or not. We all have at least one thing in common,
“Motorcycles” not to mention close friends! I encourage you all to
enjoy this life style by being knowledgeable of it. Learn and
realize how dangerous this outlaw organization can be at times. This
article has only scratched the surface in regard to the lifestyle or
information that is available. And much information is only
available when you live in that world. I have listed some clubs in
Texas that “some” consider being outlaw clubs. I will list the clubs
affiliated with the Bandidos in Texas as part of the “Bandido
Nation”, I may miss one or two.
(The focus of this article is for informing club members or
potential clubs of the outlaw lifestyle.)
Dallas / Fort Worth Outlaw Clubs
"Bandidos" 1% World Wide
Scorpions - Dallas / Detroit
Banshees - Dallas / Dennison
Winos Crew - Ft Worth
Rebel Riders - Ft Worth - Bandido Support
Hells Lovers - Dallas (Black Club)
Bandido Nation
(Texas Red and Gold Support Clubs)
Amigos M/C - Houston / Washington State
Hombres M/C - Austin / San Antonio
Campesinos M/C - San Antonio
Southsiders M/C - San Antonio
Hermanos M/C -
Regulators M/C
Pistoleros M/C
Rebel Riders M/C - DFW
Aces M/C - San Jacino Tx
Los Riders M/C - Plainview Tx
Hard Core - Austin Tx
Companeros M/C - Austin Tx “
Protocol Basics when dealing with Motorcycle Clubs
The following are things to consider if and when you are going to be
around motorcycle clubs:
1. Patchholders are people too. They have good and bad days; they
have jobs, families, and normal everyday problems and concerns just
like anyone else. There are those who no matter what you say or do,
it will not be right with them. Just like with any group, you will
find both good and bad.
2. Protocol and Respect are primary rules when dealing with a
motorcycle club patchholder.
If you are introduced to a patchholder, make sure either the person
doing the introduction (or you) make sure they know what club you
belong to & if you are an officer, what position you hold. Under no
circumstances do you interrupt to correct a mistake while that
person is introducing you or while they are talking. Wait till the
introduction is done & politely introduce your self correctly.
i.e.….
Joe Rider, xxxxxxxxxxxx Riding Club, 1st Officer, Anytown Chapter.
Fred Spokes, Anystate Officer, xxxxxxxxxxxxx Riding Club
(Use your name - not your nickname. Nicknames may come later.)
3. Greet them as you would meet anyone else & wait until the offer
is made to shake hands. DO NOT interrupt, wait for them to recognize
you. DO NOT be offended or make a big deal if they do not offer to
shake your hand. Many times they want to get to know about you and
your club a little better before they will offer to shake your hand.
4. Never, Ever, Lie. You can refuse to answer a question in a polite
manner by saying something like, "That seems like club business, and
I would like to refer that to one of our officers in order to get
better information for you." Be prepared to answer questions about
what your club is about. Such as:
A.) "We are a riding club & not a motorcycle club and have no
intention of ever trying to become a motorcycle club".
B.) The Patch is bought & not earned.
C.) Dues are paid via donations.
D.) All makes and models of motorcycle are welcomed in Wheels of
Faith.
E.) We are a non-territorial club.
F.) We are a neutral club and do not wear any MC support patches.
G.) Women riders are welcomed and in many cases are club
officers.
H.) We are a riding fellowship of Christian motorcyclists.
J.) Do not offer forum links or web sites, It's better to refer
them to a club officer.
K.) Do NOT brag about how large the local or national membership
is.
L.) Do not volunteer club info. If they ask a question about the
local chapter answer it if you can. If they start asking questions
about the number of members, or the National chain of organization
refer them to one of the club Officers.
5. Women in leadership positions or being a patchholder in
motorcycle clubs, while not totally unheard of, is very rare. That's
just the way it is. Most motorcycle clubs would also rather deal
with a man if there is business to conduct. Most realize what a
riding club is about & will for the most part accept a woman as an
officer, and a woman officer will most likely be allowed to attend
any meeting. Whether or not they will deal directly with a woman
officer or not depends on the individual motorcycle club/chapter.
There is no set rule for this and they will let you know if it's ok
with them or not. Many motorcycle clubs do not care to deal with the
National officers. They would prefer to deal with the local or state
representatives.
6. If anyone knows a patchholder, don't let him/her throw the
patchholders' name/nickname/club's name around like you're a great
buddy of theirs (even if you are). Many clubs consider that as a
major disrespect to the whole club.
7. Watch where you are when speaking about them, and never say
anything about them in public because you never know when that
woman, man, or kid in regular clothes standing near you might be one
of them, or a "support member". Patchholders do not always wear
their colors. By the time the story gets back to the top club in
your area, it will have been changed many times over and could be
blown up way out of proportion.
8. Anything said about them between club members is club business
ONLY. If comments, even those said in a joking manner were to get
out, problems could start. Discussion outside the privacy of the
chapter can start rumors which could cause a lot of problems for not
only the chapter, but also for other chapters in and out of the
state.
9. If for some reason you have to say something while in public
about a motorcycle club, take the person you're talking to aside,
alone, and say ONLY what you need to say to get your meaning across.
Say as little as possible so anyone else can't overhear it &
misunderstand what you're talking about.
10. Watch where you wear your patch (RFs don't wear colors, colors
are earned, not bought) and it's just common sense to stay in
numbers when wearing the patch. (Some motorcycle clubs can be very
territorial and some clubs don't see any difference between a RIDING
CLUB and MOTORCYCLE CLUB, good or bad.) If you are unsure of the
areas or places normally frequented by motorcycle clubs, find out
from your club Officers. If you are planning on traveling and are
concerned about what the situation may be in regard to the
relationship with the local motorcycle clubs in the areas you'll be
traveling through or staying in, talk to your local officer and ask
if they can find something out by contacting the officers in the
areas you will be in.
11. "SHOW THEM RESPECT." That's A #1 with them! (And worth
repeating).
12. If you already know a patchholder, or get to know one in the
future, don't just walk up to him/her and interrupt when they are
with other members. Wait till he/she acknowledges you first and
NEVER touch them or put your arm around them like a buddy. Don't put
your hand out to shake theirs; wait for them to extend their hand
first. If for some reason you're not acknowledged at all, just keep
walking. If you need to talk to an officer of a Motorcycle Club the
proper way is to go through the Sgt at Arms or one of the
patchholders.
13. You have to decide whether or not you want to show respect by
going to any of their functions or if you want to avoid all of them
all together. If you do choose to show respect and go, you can do
this in a way that may make you feel more at ease by going to one of
their "support's" functions instead of the top club's function (if
they have a support patch then you're still indirectly showing the
top club respect). But if you do go, then you also have to go to
their rival clubs' function or you'll be telling everyone that
you're not a "NEUTRAL" club as you said you were. (Example: If you
go to the Club A's function then YOU HAVE TO GO to the Club B's
function, etc.) You have to decide how you want to stay neutral, by
going or not going and you have to let all the other area chapters
know if you're going too, so they're not in the dark and we can ALL
stay on top of things.
**** NOTE ***** A better way to support them and still give the
appearance of being a neutral club is to attend only "open to the
public" events that a motorcycle club may be sponsoring.
If you feel that you do want or need to go to a "limited event",
then you'll have to go representing yourself as yourself, preferably
without wearing any patches identifying your club. Remember, if
you're wearing your club patch, you are considered by everyone to be
representing your whole club. If anything were to turn sour, then
your whole club could wind up with problems down the road. Also,
once the rivals of that club you visited find out (and they will
within a day or two), then those rivals will see you as no longer
being neutral & you could be considered a rival of theirs too.
14. No CLB's (Chapter Location Bars), any territory rockers, or
anything giving the appearance of a rocker, should be worn with the
patch.
15. If someone from a motorcycle club requests that you remove your
vest/patch, don't argue. The best reply is, "No Problem," and then
politely take it off and let your Club Officer know what motorcycle
club it was so they can deal with any potential problems. You
normally will only get asked once.
16. If an establishment has a sign indicating “No Colors”, even
though your patch is not considered “colors”, the vest should be
removed out of respect to the other clubs and the policy of the
establishment. While you may just be a Riding Club, it's only
respectful to honor the house rules. Motorcycle clubs that honored
the "house rules" would probably be deeply offended that you didn't.
Also remember many establishments choose to have this policy and it
applies to all clubs that use any kind of patch; they do not
distinguish between a MC and a RC. Be aware of the local motorcycle
club hangouts & it's best not to wear the RC patch into them without
an invitation.
17. Do not wear your Patch into a motorcycle club clubhouse unless
you have asked if it's ok to do so or have been invited for a "sit
down" with the officers of the motorcycle club, or been invited As a
Riding Club Member, to attend a function there.
18. In regard to women who are with a MC club, but not in the club:
Old Lady is not a negative or derogatory term; it's just a slang
term commonly used. "Property Of" patches are their way of showing
support for their man and the club he's in.
19. A patchholder may not, and many times will not, acknowledge your
wife or girlfriend, especially upon a first meeting.
20. DO NOT touch or sit on a patchholder's bike unless invited to do
so. Do not expect the invitation.
21. A prospect can usually be identified by the back patch they are
wearing. There are many different ways motorcycle clubs identify
prospects. They can have the rockers without the main patch. They
can actually have a patch saying "PROSPECT". Some do not wear any
patch, because all the Patchholders know who the prospects are. You
want to treat a prospect or even someone you suspect is a prospect
the same way you would treat a patchholder - with respect and
courtesy. NEVER refer to a Prospect
as "Prospect" in conversation. The polite and respectful term is
"your Prospective Brother". Definitely never call a Prospect,
"Prospect" directly. Call him by name or road name only.
22. Have absolutely no doubt that a motorcycle club is serious and
many have been known to physically educate a person who shows
disrespect or displays a bad attitude.
23. Be aware of the behavior and attitude of the other Therefore
members who are with you at events. If necessary, try to take action
to avoid problems before they happen. For example, if someone
appears to be getting too angry or loud and possibly disrespectful,
take them aside or suggest going somewhere else until things settle
down. You could also let one of the officers of the club know about
the situation. If an incident should occur in spite of your efforts
when no Officers are present, make sure to let your officers know as
soon afterward as you can. If no club officers happen to be there,
then ALL of the RC members that are there need to make the attempt
to take that person aside, and strongly suggest that the offending
RC member go somewhere else to settle down.
24. Be aware that problems created in one part of the country by a
RC member or issues with the RC in one area have the potential to
affect RC members in other areas and states.
25. The term Brother or Bro has special meaning to a Patchholder, do
not call a Patchholder Brother or Bro. Their Brothers are fellow
Patchholders and those that have earned that term.
26. Don't ever touch any part of another club member's colors, which
includes the vest or jacket it's sewn on. That is considered serious
disrespect, which could cause them to aggressively educate the
un-informed.
27. If riding with 1%ers, NEVER pass a
1%er or pack. Always stay behind. If riding beside an individual
1%er, stay about 1/2 a tire length back. It shows respect and
doesn't offend his sense of authority.
Witnessing
to the 1%er.
The previous pages and painted a rather dark picture of the 1%er.
How is it possible to evangelize members of this closed society?
There are three distinct keys.
1. Relationship.
So much of the 1% community is based upon respect, trust, and
relationship that to attempt to minister in any other way are to
meet with immediate resistance. So, how does one build relationship
with a 1%er? By meeting them and accepting them at face value. Over
time a casual relationship will develop into one of respect.
Maintaining your Christian testimony is crucial to this respect. You
are wearing a Christian patch. They will have a very high
expectation that you are a real Christian. They are a 1%er and they
wear their patch. It identifies them and everyone knows what the
patch means. By wearing a Christian patch, they expect you to be a
true Christian. You have to walk the walk and talk the talk. You do
not gain respect or acceptance by sitting with them and having a
drink or by laughing at a crude or dirty joke. Just the opposite
will result. They will instantly loose respect for you. In one case
two men wearing a Christian patch sat down in a biker bar and had a
few bears. Some 1%ers attacked the men, tore off their vests, and
sent them packing. Word quickly spread through the biker community
that their club was nothing but hypocrites. You have to walk the
walk and talk the talk.
2. Love
How can you love a 1%er? What does that mean? You pray for him. You
don't judge him. You let the love of Jesus shine through you. It
might mean answering a phone call in the night when that 1%er is in
need. It will always mean that you are sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
3. Testifying as opposed to Preaching
Many Christians want to preach instead of witness. What is the
difference? Preaching to someone about Jesus usually involves
arguments. For example: Don't you know that drinking, doing drugs
and being sexually permissive is sin and that it will lead to hell?
Although this statement is true, the 1%er will laugh. After all, the
Hells Angels are already expecting to go there. So, that kind of
confrontational approach will do nothing but get the door slammed in
your face.
What then, is witnessing? A witness is one who has personally seen
or experienced something. A witness can be called upon to “testify”
to what he has seen. When you witness to a 1%er you share what God
has done in your life. You testify to how God's love has changed
your heart, healed your marriage, met your financial needs etc.
Testify to the fact that you have a “relationship” with God. You
won't get arguments back. They may or may not believe you, but how
can you argue with a man's experience? The seeds you plant can take
years to mature. But, in the final analysis, you have planted a seed
that God is real in your life. Sometime, someplace that the Holy
Spirit will lead that 1%er to a point where he will wonder if he
could have what you have. At that point he will be ready to accept
Christ.
Remember, lead with love. Don't be pushy or confrontational.
4. Do not be a hypocrite
Bikers do not like liars or thieves. Christian should always
have a high moral and ethical standard. There is no excuse for a
Christian to drink or smoke. If God has changed your life, allow Him
to deliver you from the very things that would make you look like a
hypocrite. It is disgusting to see someone wearing a Christian patch
and smoking, and Christians that practice it are in need of the
delivering power of Jesus Christ. |