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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. |
