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Dozens of people gathered on Sunday evening for a Bike Blessing Service cohosted by the Bondslaves Motorcycle Club and the House of the Risen Son Church. It was held at Soul Sanctuary, where the House of the Risen Son Church congregates for weekly Sunday evening worship.
At the Bike Blessing, there was a time of prayer and communion. A church service by the House of the Risen Son Church followed afterward.
The Bondslaves Motorcycle Club is a Christian traditional motorcycle club and has a long history spanning over 30 years in Manitoba.
"We are a motorcycle club, we are Christians, and our idea is to minister to all the bikers outside of church," said Wayne Schellenberg, the President of the Bondslaves Winnipeg Charter.
The House of the Risen Son Church is affiliated with the Bondslaves Motorcycle Club but operates as a separate ministry.
"It is a church for everyone, but specifically for people who ride motorcycles," explained Paul Winter, the Pastor of the Risen Son Church.
The church aims to be a home for people who perhaps haven't fit in elsewhere.
"Our heart is for the people that maybe feel rejected by society or even hurt by the church," said Winter.
He continued, "We find that a lot of motorcyclists have always felt like outcasts, and we want everyone to have a place where they can find the love of Jesus."
Members of the church shared how they encountered Christ through the ministry and now lead lives as His followers.
Ron Gross, a member of the Bondslaves Motorcycle Club and House of the Risen Son Church, shared how he met Christ through the ministry.
"I wasn't a Christian before, but I'll tell you, since I've been there, I wish I did this 67 years ago," said Gross.
Sunday's Bike Blessing was a timely reminder that the love of Jesus is for everyone, and all are welcome to encounter Him.