Mt. Washington—What’s more exciting for a biker than joining up with 55 motorcycles and rumbling across the Bluegrass State on a 120-mile ride? When that bike rally also helps raise nearly $4,100 for some of the state’s neediest kids.

More than 100 riders in all participated in the second annual “Ride & Shine” bike rally on June 7 to benefit Sunrise Children’s Services, co-sponsored by Choe Sergent, pastor of Junction City First Baptist Church in Danville, and Jamie Lawrence, pastor of Parksville Baptist Church, also in Danville. The route included stops at two of Sunrise’s campuses, Cumberland Adventure Program in Bronston and Woodlawn in Danville, before ending with a supper at Parksville.

The bikers, Corvette Club members and a special offering at Junction City First combined to contribute $4,095 for abused, abandoned and neglected children being cared for by Kentucky Baptists’ childcare agency. Sunrise currently cares for more than 650 children—83 of whom are at the Bronston and Danville facilities.

“The turnout was great,” Sergent reported. “Our sanctuary seats a little over 350 and there was not an empty seat in the house” for a service at Junction City that featured Sunrise’s president, Dale Suttles.

“We used our creative ministry team to do a painting during the service that sold in a silent auction afterward for $500,” he added.

While the turnout was good and the amount raised was great, the most impactful event of the ride was when the motorcycles thundered onto the Sunrise campuses and the riders saw the faces of the children looking on in amazement, Sergent said. “To be able to go to the campus and spend time with the children, to let them look at the bikes and sit in the Corvettes, is an action of love that communicates to these kids that they are cared about, valued and loved,” he added.

Lawrence agreed, “The heart of these bikers, joined with two churches, were shining examples of God’s amazing love for children. What a blessing to work together as a fellowship of believers for the good of those boys and young men.”

The event also turned out to be a unique affinity evangelism opportunity as a large portion of the bikers were from secular motorcycle clubs, the two pastors noted.

“The evangelism aspect of Ride and Shine communicated the gospel louder and more effective than any Sunday morning sermon,” Sergent said. “The community sees the motorcycles and hears them roaring out of the church parking lot, and they know that God is doing something there, and they come wanting to be a part of it.

During the Junction City worship service, Suttles shared Sunrise’s story with about 250 church members and bikers.

“What a wonderful day it was and what a beautiful picture to paint, having two churches come together, having bikers and car enthusiasts all participate in something very special for very special children,” Suttles said. “What a successful day!”

To sponsor an event supporting Sunrise, contact Randy Greene, Sunrise’s vice president for marketing and advancement. (WR)