Motorcycle ministry doesn't pull any punches

Members of Sinners Sanctified and die-hard motorcyclists prepare for the June 12 Poker Run on behalf of CASA -- Court Appointed Special Advocates. The motorcycle ministry takes the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the road, dispelling stereotypes about bikers and believers along the way. (Dawn Cribbs/McCook Daily Gazette)

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Justin Harris doesn't pull any punches when it comes to matters of faith.

Treasurer of "Sinners Sanctified" the former self-described persecutor of Christians is all-too aware of how self-righteous believers can appear to be, and how that attitude can put people off, especially people who are seeking answers to the deeper questions of life.

Sinners Sanctified, a non-denominational Christian motorcycle ministry, seeks to remind believers that God sent his only Son "for us, the sinners ... not the righteous.

"We want to reach out to other sinners who feel forgotten or left out," he explained recently, following the group's Poker Run June 12 on behalf of CASA -- Court Appointed Special Advocates.

A small group, members are passionate about their faith and their walk serving the Lord.

"It's not about a particular 'brand' of religion," said Harris, rather, he stresses, it's about faith in Jesus Christ and the fact that he died for us. Harris believes, after reading the Bible, that if Jesus were here today, "he would be in places most Christians wouldn't go."

The Rev. Steve Bales, pastor at First Congregational Church in McCook, and a member of Sinners Sanctified, demonstrated Harris' theory shortly after the group formed in 2008, inviting the riders to attend services at First Congregational in full riding regalia, purposely arriving just a "little bit late."

According to Bales, their appearance "turned more than a few heads," and initially, no one knew what to expect.

"But then as they shared their testimony about Christ," Bales said, the congregation warmly welcomed them.

"First impressions matter," said Bales. "But we can't stop at that first impression. We are all sinners, and all those who know Christ as Savior are Sinners Sanctified, even if they've never ridden a motorcycle in their lives."

The weather stymied participation in the CASA Poker Run, but the few who braved the elements "had a great ride and even better food," Harris reported. They raised approximately $600 for CASA and the winner of the poker hand, Jamie Stitt, donated the $85 pot to CASA as well.

On Aug. 28, the group will go on the "Wild Hog Ride" to Madrid.

The group gathers monthly for a Bible study, "very casual," Harris stressed, and they are actively seeking new members.

"Feel free to contact any of the officers," Harris said. They are a tight-knit group and if one doesn't have the answer, he'll find someone who does.

Officers are Dan Kleckner, president; Ken Keslin, vice president; Brian Wiemers, secretary; Justin Harris, treasurer; and Steve Bales, chaplain.