Beth's Desk

The following Q&A session was done when a high school student requested an interview with CRM for a school project. He asked the questions and Beth answered back. I thought many of our readers would be interested in this interview. In God's Grip, Beth

Question:
How did you get your ministry started? Was it difficult? Did you ever feel like giving up? If so, why did you feel this?

Answer:
God called DQ & I (Beth), into the ministry. We had dreams and visions of people we knew that no one was reaching for the Lord Jesus. They were dying and going to hell because no one would tell them so we said, 'Send us Lord!' and He did! It was very difficult. We sold everything we owned , bought an old school bus and started traveling the country sharing Jesus with whomever would listen. We left family, friends, church and all our support group behind and began living on the edge with only God and each other. It was scary, lonely and exciting all at the same time. We though of giving up because it was so hard. Back in 1991 there were not many other Christian Bikers so we were very lonely and an oddity. But God would always encourage us to go on and we never seriously thought about quitting.

Question:
What was your reason for wanting to go into this type of ministry? Was there anyone that influenced you to take this road?

Answer:
We have always been bikers but not always been Christians therefore going back to our people was natural. Our pastors, Mike Winsor and Mel Gresham was very influential as was the elders of our church. The Pastors remain on our Board of Directors and guide us still these 16 years later.

Question:
What is the hardest part about this road for you? Why is this the hardest? What is the easiest? Why?

Answer:
The hardest part in the beginning was no money, and no friends. The ministry started and lived off DQ's Veterans Pension. We had no other money and did not believe God had called us to raise money so we prayed a lot and ate canned beans a bunch! Everywhere we went whether at a motorcycle events or a church, we knew no one and no one knew us. It was very lonely but God taught us how to depend on each other and Him in these times. Now 16 years later, the hardest part is the physical demands of the ministry. Putting up tents, driving day after day, 30,000 miles a year, etc! The easiest was sharing the wonderful Gospel of God's amazing love with folks. If God could change us, He can and will do it for anyone else who desires the change. And life with God is incredible!

Question:
What do you enjoy the most? Why is this so enjoyable? What part do you enjoy the least? Why?

Answer:
The best thing in this world is seeing the light come on in someone's eyes when they finally grasp the depth of God's love & forgiveness in Christ Jesus. Being a small part of that process never gets old. And that victory will last for all eternity.Most of what we do in this life will last for so little time, maybe 70 or 80 years. We also enjoy traveling and meeting different folks and experiencing different sites and cultures. The part I enjoy the least is the paperwork and all the good-byes we have to say.

Question:
How do you get the word of God out? How do you find these opportunities?

Answer:
We set up a church tent a secular motorcycle rallies and have free coffee, ice water, pancakes, Bibles, Christian Kid's books and toys etc. We also have a worship service each evening and church on Sunday mornings. We try to be available to share one on one with those that God brings to us. We are ordained so we can council and marry people as well. We try to do whatever needs to be done physically so that they will trust us to see to their spiritual needs as well.

Question:
What services to you provide to the community? Do you help the community? Are you or your group involved in charity? If so, in what way?

Answer:
Not really as we travel so much. We are working on an Outreach Building in our hometown of Highmore SD. This will be a free coffee house and a free teen center as well. We hope to have it open in the fall of 2007.

Question:
Were you involved with other groups (Christian or secular) before you started your ministry? If so, what groups?

Answer:
Yes, secular. No need to name names.

Question:
Do you regret starting your own ministry? If so, why? Are you happy about your decision? Why?

Answer:
No regrets because God started it not us. I think sometimes people do start their own thing because they want to be in charge. That is not good. To be a thriving ministry, God needs to be the one to do it. God has blessed Christian Riders Ministry greatly and He gets all the glory. We are just along for the ride and what an amazing ride serving God is!

Question:
How do people join your group? Are there qualifications that must be met? What opportunities do you offer new members?

Answer:
It is very difficult to join Christian Riders Ministry because God has to bring them and they have to be wholly given to that calling. We are not weekend warriors. We are full time about God's business. People who feel like they want to become a part of Christian Riders Ministry come and be an active part for 3-4 years. If they have a servant's heart and are happily about the ministry goals, and God puts it upon our hearts, they become a support team member. If after a couple more years, they are still humble servants they may become full members and receive a backpatch. Being recognized as a support team member or patchholder is a reward for doing the job already. If they will do it for nothing then they have the right state of mind to be lifted up. If they come seeking a patch or a position, their heart is wrong and they will not last very long. They also must be sound in their doctrine, able to lead someone to the Lord and be living a righteous life.

Question:
Are you also involved in a church? Do you hold church services within your ministry?

Answer:
Yes, we are involved in many churches. In the early years, we supported the ministry now many church and individuals across the country support the work. We are a part off each of them. We do hold services with the ministry tent. (mentioned above.)

Question:
Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Answer:
The American church has found itself in a very self-serving culture and we fear has taken on some unhealthy and dangerous doctrines. As Americans, we believe that we have a right to prosperity, health and life. As a Christian, we are called Biblically to lay aside our lives for the sake of the Kingdom and other people.To often, the American churches and ministries look more like the American culture than Jesus. Most preachers want a mega-church. Most ministries want to lead thousands.For us, to quote Charles Spurgeon a 1900 century English preacher, 'give me 12 men (or women) that love Jesus with all their heart and together, we will change the world'. We need to get back to the main thing-spending our time, energies and lives in the service of the King instead of ourselves.Then churches and ministries will prosper by God's measure and we will hear from Jesus, "Well done my good and faithful servant" upon entering Heaven.