NCOM/Christian Unity E Newsletter    Summer 2010

 

In May, Thousands of bikers from across the United States and a few foreign countries converged on the city of Orlando for the 25th Anniversary NCOM Convention held at the Orlando Airport Marriot. The convention is held every Mother’s Day weekend  in such host cities as Reno, NV, Albuquerque, NM and Houston, TX for the event.

NCOM Christian Unity, an arm of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists, has been a well represented part of the convention for about 8 years. What began as a few Christian bikers praying together during an NCOM convention, has now grown to a convention inside a convention, complete with workshops geared toward biker ministry, special speakers, hospitality room, presentation of awards, and of course prayer meetings and bike blessings. As the Beatles once sang, “It’s getting better all the time.”

This year we were pleased to have Big Jim of Priesthood and Deano Culver of Circuit Riders as our guest speakers. They spoke about the unique ministries within biker culture that have emerged as they have worked with other groups. The Strategic Alliance in Oklahoma is headed up by Big Jim. Working with other groups involved in their local Confederation of Clubs, they have developed a network of first responders to meet the needs of bikers in their area. They notify members of the alliance of accidents, weddings, funerals, medical needs and even needs for drug and alcohol rehabilitation and the needs are matched with members who can meet them. In these trying economic times, this is a great model to serve and meet each other’s needs that we hope will grow throughout all the biker culture. Deano shared about working with other Christian ministries and getting to know each other’s missions so we can develop working relationships as we serve in the biker community. We will also heard from chaplains who belong to 1% clubs. NCOM Christian Unity also hosted a National Day of Prayer Event for all bikers during the convention.

THE YEAR SO FAR

Just as was reported from last year’s NCOM convention in Reno, Christian bikers across the country became more connected with their Confederation of Clubs and NCOM. We have seen a record year of people requesting Christian Unity patches, both online and at events. We have gained more than 500 members during the year as well as a number of Motorcycle Ministries requesting membership as an NCOM organization.

In February, we traveled for our second year in a row from Minnesota to Nashville to attend the 2010 Unity Conference sponsored by Pastor Ron Baptiste and Covenant Confirmers.  With standing room only, several states were represented along with many Christian M/Ms & M/Cs, 1%er clubs, black biker clubs, sport bike clubs, and church ministries. The purpose of the Conference is to educate motorcyclists in the Biker Culture, strengthen unity between Christian motorcyclists, to help Churches reach the “Biker Community,” and to open up communications between the secular clubs.

 

Unity & peace was the most notable thing that took place between all the Christian clubs, secular clubs, and the black biker clubs, with the desire to work together in the future. Ron and his bunch are doing an excellent job, and we look forward to not only escaping the Minnesota winter to make this meeting every year, but encouraging all Christian ministries to attend this as a Unity Convention. For more info, check out their website www.covenantconfirmers.org

CHANGES WITHIN THE UNITY MOVEMENT

Because the Christian Unity movement has grown so large, and with growth, there are items to be troubleshooted within the movement, the NCOM board approved the establishment of the Christian Unity Council. It will be a 5 member council that will meet a few times a year to help take the movement to the next level. We are pleased to announce that Ron Baptiste of Covenant Confirmers and Duane Gruyder of Honor Bound Ministries will be the first members of the council with Louie Nobs, Christian Unity Liaison to the NCOM board presiding as Director and SOS Boar NCOM COC Liaison serving as an advisor. Keep posted by going to http://www.aimncom.com/cu/cu_news.htm

UPCOMING EVENTS

Going to Strugis?

We will be joining Blood Bought Motorcycle Ministries and Honor bound Ministries @ Lighthouse Assembly Of God 256 Pine Avenue, Hill City, SD for their Hope for the Hills event on August 12 from 2p – 7:30p. They will be giving away a Harley Davidson and there will also be a concert. Go on the Hope for the Hills facebook page for more information.

Our Aid to Injured Motorcyclists/ NCOM building is on Main Street in Sturgis right next door to Gunner’s saloon. Come by and say hello, get more or our free stickers and stuff and bring your friends and family to sign up for the AIM program and get a free Christian Unity patch.

Going to Roar to the Shore in Wildwood NJ? Mike and Louie will be at this event for the first time on Sept. 9 – 12. We are looking for some people to work the Aid to Injured Motorcyclists booth. We pay $10 hr. to hang out and visit with bikers all day. Contact us ncom.christianunity@gmail.com if interested.

There will be a number of NCOM Unity meetings across the country. We are trying to get to as many areas as possible to develop contact and network with all the bike ministries out there.  Make plans to go to your regional meeting. Workshops are offered that keep you abreast of what is going on within the motorcycling community as well as upcoming legislation. Come and get involved. Here are a few :

NCOM Region III Sept. 4 Location : Sun Ute Community Center, Ignacio CO Region III covers the following states: Colorado, Wyoming, Montana , North and South Dakota. A Christian Unity Council member will be present at the meetings. For more information go to http://www.aimncom.com/ncom/convention/pdf/2010_regionIII.pdf .

NCOM Region II COC and Board Meeting: November 19th & 20th Location: MCM Grande Hotel, DeSoto, Texas.  Region 2 covers the following states: Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska. This will be a large meeting which includes the NCOM board meeting. All Christian Unity Council members will be in attendance. For more info go to www.dfwrally.com

We look forward to meeting some of you at these events. Have a blessed and fruitful season of service.

Lou Nobs                                     

Christian Unity Liaison                   

NCOM Board of Directors

ncom.christianunity@gmail.com