Last year my wife and I joined a new Sunday School class that had a common interest, motorcycles. It is called Humble2Road, a class out of Humble area’s First Baptist Church here in Humble, Texas. I was not very excited about the class as I pictured a bunch of dorks, who would be riding motorcycles for the first time, going out on goofy rides together listening to their silly stories about approaching a “real” biker at gas station or restaurant.
Reluctantly, I joined the class and spent most of the time listening and watching. Because of my job, or kids’ sports, or basically any excuse I could ever come up with, I ducked attendance almost every week. I did attend a couple of the rides over the past year, and was surprised by the group, as they were not like I expected at all. To be honest, every time I have been around any of them, I have generally felt uplifted and left feeling better than I had before…it was kind of weird.
Wednesday last week, I received a phone call from a close friend whose sister-in-law had tragically passed away. Terry has been a close friend of the family for years. He’s an ex-Marine who is also a 2nd degree black belt in Taekwondo at the same school my wife and I trained at in Henderson’s ATA.
He is well known in the area, as a stand up guy, who would do anything he could to help anyone who needs it, helping me personally on more than one occasion. He asked if there was any way I could arrange for a few bikes to lead the funeral procession that Saturday in Nederland, Texas, a ride of close to 100 miles one way. I told him I’d take care of it and get back with him as soon as I had more information.
I made a few phone calls and was immediately hit with more excuses than I could describe, even if I was trying to. Nobody was available to make the ride.
Four more of my buddies showed up at the funeral home from nearby Beaumont to bring the total to 22 bikes! The stand-up group really helped the family by their show of support, and I couldn’t begin to describe their gratitude. This was a special trip, and I was amazed by the support from this class.
These are the stories I’d like to share as this group is interested in missions and sharing Jesus through the use of motorcycles and a love for riding. I don’t see how this can be a bad thing and would love to include something about it on Bikernet. Can I bring a little Christian light to you scurvy bastards.
It seems so many bikers today try too hard to be tough guys, when you really don’t need to be. It’s significant every now and again, to be a part of something good without having to go home and pray for forgiveness afterwards. LOL!
–Johnny Humble
Hey, okay I’ll let you have your day, but don’t call me El Bandito. You’re from Texas, goddammit. I look forward to your stories. As bikers we believe in brotherhood and the code of the West, but sometimes spiritual guidance helps understand life on a deeper level.
–Bandit
