Bikers roll into Queenstown
There may have been a few exMongrel Mob and Black Power members among them, but the 50 or so serious bikers cruising around Queenstown and Central Otago this weekend were definitely there to share the love.
It was the first time the Christian motorcycle ministry event, The Gathering, was held outside of its usual Pleasant Point venue, near Timaru.
Organised by the South Island branch of The Redeemed, members of other motorcycle ministry groups, such as Sons of Thunder, also rolled into the resort on Friday night.
They were riding everything from Harleys and Triumphs to a local V8 Boss Hoss.
Some had ridden from as far as away as the Whanganui.
Southland-based chairman of The Redeemed, Neil Carstairs said most members of the ministries represented had come from some sort of history of either gangs, violence and crime, or alcohol and drugs.
The Redeemed has formed a strong relationship with the Mongrel Mob Notorious in Dunedin, while Sons of Thunder have done the same with Black Power and other gangs.
‘‘Our aim is to reach into those areas of the community that mainstream Christianity can’t reach and relate to them through our Far North and own stories,’’ Carstairs said. ‘‘Our lives have been transformed by the love of Jesus Christ and we just want to share that with people.
‘‘We just get alongside them and love them, make sure they don’t feel judged, and hopefully lead them out of their lifestyle by example.’’
The group did a Poker Run from Queenstown to Bannockburn, Luggate and the Hawea pub raising funds for Orphans Aid International and gathered on Queenstown’s Village Green on Saturday night to meet with people. A special church service was held at Queenstown Primary School on Sunday morning.