A Sheep in Wolves clothing

                                              Photo Credits: sturgiszone.com 

What does it mean to be a Christian biker? What do you think of when you think of the term “Christian Biker”? I can tell you what I think of, I think of two dear brothers who showed me the meaning of that term while I was still in the world. One of these brothers has gone on to be with the Lord, the other, is still telling as many people as he can about Jesus.

I remember about 15 years ago I was headed to a run and I heard that some brothers from the “His Blood Warriors, MM” were going to attend and do a bike blessing. I had no particular care for this, but I shrugged my shoulders and said—whatever.

When I got to the run, I remember meeting a guy named “John the Southern Baptist.” Now this John guy looked like a biker. He rode an old Shovel that broke down on him constantly (I later learned that he was not a very good mechanic—that`s not good if you own a Shovel-head). He had long hair, a long beard that was generally braided, and he wore calf-length moccasins with a boot-knife tucked inside one of them. Looking at John from afar, he looked like any other biker, but up close, he had a smile that went right through you—a smile filled with the love of Christ. His eyes were very soft and also smiled when he looked at you. He was such a warm gentle soul.

Now, of course at this time in my life, I was all about ego and respect. I had nothing against the Christians, but I thought they were rather silly and weak. John told me that he was a “Sheep in wolves clothing.” I never forgot that term. I watched as he played with all the kids that happened to be there. I also noticed, he had no pretense of being a tough guy, or being seen or known as anything other than a Christian. Why was this so important to me as I look back?—because I see a ton of bikers wearing a Christian patch who are posers and wannabe tough guys. This destroys our witness and makes the 1%`ers sickened by the sight of a so-called Christian MC.

I remember hearing a boss from major 1% organization say he was more bothered by Christian clubs than other “mom and pop” clubs in his area. How sad. He said the Christians caused more problems for him than the smaller MC`s.

The other brother that showed me the example of a Christian Biker was Herman Willoughby. He was a big brother to me for many years while I was yet in the world. Herman was a biker through and through, yet, he never stopped talking about Christ. To look at Herman, he was gruff—long hair always in a braid—and a tough exterior that melted into friendship and a welcoming hug or smile the moment you met him. He was sort of a loner. He had worn a couple of different Christian MM patches in his days, but later in his life he just rode with a cross on his vest and told everyone who would listen about Jesus.

I first met Herman when I was a prospect for the club I rode with at the time. Over the years we remained friends and stayed in touch. I could always call him when I needed some inside info or advice. I grew to respect Herman and love him like my big brother. Herman was no coward and would stand his ground no matter who was in front of him, yet, he was always willing to turn his other cheek as well. In those days, I never imagine I would ever give my life to Christ, or, wear Christian ministries patch—God, however, was planting the seeds for a later harvest.

Herman died of lung cancer in July of 2012. I miss him very much, but thanks to him, I will see him again in heaven. He came to me in early 2012 and invited me to church. A church I had attended before and it had gone through a rather nasty split. I thought—no thanks—been there done that. But, he didn`t give up. He rode to my house one day and said, “Brother, the Lord told me to invite you to come hear the new Pastor—Pastor Marty—this Sunday. I agreed this time and grabbed a few brothers from my local chapter and we began to attend the church.

I was walking through a difficult time in my life. I had been involved with some things that could have landed me in prison for decades. I held guilt inside that would not leave me and I had not slept peaceful in years. One day, I went to the church and headed to the Alter. I prayed for God to remove everything from me—including everything that stood between God and me, and my ability to serve him. He did. I was never the same man again.

I won`t go into the details other than to say—I was banished from my club within one week of that prayer.

The day before Herman died I went to see him. He was so sick; he could only wake up for a moment. I crawled up into the bed next to him and he opened his eyes for only a moment. I said to him, “Brother, it`s me (I used my old club nickname which will remain anonymous), I wanted to tell you goodbye in case you`re gone before I return again.” Without fear at any point, I watched this man die.  At one point earlier in the weeks leading up to his eventual death, he said to me, “I`m a winner either way bro. If I live I get to remain here with my family—if I die, I will be with the Lord.” He was a brave and faithful man. He truly was a “Sheep in Wolves clothing.”

There are other men today who continue to show me how a true Christian biker lives out his life; however, these two men—John and Herman—planted the seeds that harvested years later in my own life. They may have worn leather, they had the tattoos, they rode Harley`s and carried knives—but they also carried the Sword of the Spirit. God bless. WP