Seated on their metal steeds, they sped down the highway on their way to a church service in a nearby town.
People turned their heads and people looked up from their phones as the CMA (Christian Motorcyclists Association) walked to a small non-bicycle church for a Sunday service. Inter-denominational daily to help spread the word of God.
Motor gangs and clubs are often associated with heavy-duty, often outlawed motorcycle clubs such as the Hells Angels, Bandidos, and Warlocks.
A CMA member and his friend pray during the weekly church service in Midrand, Johannesburg
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Members of the CMA’s Midvaal chapter accompany other club bikers from their church in Vereeniging to a town church in nearby Sebokeng, Johannesburg
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A pastor leads a vigil during the funeral of legendary local cyclist ‘Crusty’ Barnes at CMA church in Midrand
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A CMA member known simply as ‘H’ shows off his Christian ring and armband during the annual South African CMA national rally
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In contrast, CMA, founded in 1975 by Arkansas pastor Herb Shreve, aims to bring the word of God to the community of cyclists they ride with.
CMA South Africa started in 1980 and has more than 1,000 members in almost every city and town in the country. This is a multi-denominational, multiracial ministry and uses ‘friendship spread’ in the cyclist community to try to reach out to cyclists who may need help and eventually can give your life to God and become a member.
CMA Midvaal chapter members listen to a sermon from a chapter member at their bike church in Vereeniging
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Three members of CMA hug each other during the annual CMA rally
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Town dwellers who look like members of CMA’s Midvaal chapter ride from their church
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A CMA member sits on her motorcycle as she prepares to ride
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Part of their duties also include praying for safe motorbike riding, getting new motorbikes in the club, helping motorcyclists and hospital riders, as well as like going to motorcycle rallies to show their support in their stands.
By bringing the Bible to the streets and to other motorists, CMA aims to bring God’s Word to a culture that is often misunderstood and feared.
Newly patched CMA member, Pastor Dr. Danny Molapisi (left), raises his hand in prayer at the local community church in Sebokeng town
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Pastor Mozzy Delpeche guides an equestrian into the tub as he baptizes her during the weekly ceremony at the CMA Midvaal chapter in Vereeniging
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People raise their hands when they pray
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CMA members say goodbye to a family as they embark on a 700km trip back home from their annual rally
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A member jumps to raise his hand during a church band performance at the annual South African CMA national rally
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