Fremont Church Hosts Biker Sunday
By Carolyn Gibbs
October 2008
Hogs in the parking lot weren’t farm animals. Motorcycles were lined up outside Christiansen Field in Fremont, Nebraska, while their riders were inside for praise, worship, God’s word, and fellowship. Christian Community Fellowship in Fremont celebrated their first year of hosting Biker Sunday on August 17, 2008.
There has been a two year gap since Biker Sunday ministered to motorcycle enthusiasts in Fremont. Pastor Baird Nye of Christian Community Fellowship said this will be the first of many for his church. “It’s getting the word out and developing it. We’ll build on the first one,” Nye said.
Chuck Taylor, who was the organizer for the event for years with the previous church host is now a member of Christian Community Fellowship. He believed the excitement would be there. “We prayed about it, it was put on our hearts that we needed to do this, and we felt we wanted to reach out and get started,” Taylor said. “It was something that needed to be done.”
Saturday evening, August 16 offered a praise and worship service featuring Accidental Proffit. Jonah Reuben and Tyler Smith gave the Raise the Spirit Concert at the Church. The event was for the bikers and to bring in the people that need to be touched, according to Taylor.
Reuben was also the speaker for Sunday’s worship service at Christiansen Field. Before the service on Sunday a group of high school students from Arlington, Nebraska and their adult leader Michael Dwyer, called The September Project had the crowd on their feet, clapping. The group gave a brief testimony before continuing praise. The group acknowledged that Jesus is everything to them. He is more than just the stories we hear about Him in Church. He’s a very real part of their lives. Reuben’s message followed and while it was short, it was to the point. Even the youngest listeners sat quietly.
Reuben said he had the future planned with his college bound son, when in a split second a drunk driver ended his son’s life. His death left an empty spot in his heart. “I could have had another son, given him the same name, but he wouldn’t be Shaun,” he said. He is reassured by the fact he will see his son again. “I know, because at age five he wanted to know what sin was. I said it’s a black spot on our heart that keeps us from God.” His son said, “I don’t want a black heart.” His son accepted Jesus as his Savior, but Reuben said it shouldn’t come down to fear. “It’s your choice, not about heaven or hell, but it comes down to love,” he said. “If we don’t accept Christ, there’s an empty spot in God’s heart, that no one can fill but you. We are His unique treasure that He made.”
The September Project sang a few more songs before a lunch of hot dogs and chips was served. Afternoon concerts included The September Project and another local group called Sami Angel. Two local bike dealers were on hand as well as other vendors, while bikes were lined up in the parking lot for people to vote for their favorites.
Trophies were awarded for the best in several categories. Denny Reis, part of the Christian Motorcycle Club in Omaha was glad Biker Sunday was again a reality. A Biker Sunday in Fremont was the turning point in his life. “When I got the e-mail about this Biker Sunday, I had to be here,” he said. Nye too is enthusiastic about his church’s involvement. “ I’d like to do a two day event and bring in someone who can bring in a crowd,” Nye said.
Taylor was always involved with the Biker Sunday events previously. It’s how he came to know the Lord. “It’s been laid on my heart to stay involved in it,” Taylor said. “I don’t want to see something that’s been so successful and touched so many hearts fall apart and die.”
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