January 2008

 

My husband got involved in Soldiers for Jesus about 2 ½  years ago.  At that time, he had a motorcycle, but it was not a Harley.  I knew he had always wanted one, but he enjoyed other bikes for a while.  I liked bikes too, especially Harley's, but I didn’t know a whole lot about them.  Neither my husband nor I came from a typical “Biker” background, but we enjoyed going to bike shows and Sturgis had always peaked our interest.  Both of us have been born-again Christians since the late 70’s.  Though we had a deep love and commitment to Jesus, neither of us had ever been in a personalized ministry other than church-oriented service.  We had a pretty decent marriage.  We had been really busy focusing on raising our kids and there were a few tough bumps along the road.  Our three kids were just about grown at this point and we had just adopted a little 3 year old boy.  My husband desired a closer walk with the Lord and he wanted to serve Him in a more tangible way.  There were some areas in his walk with the Lord that he needed to change and/or improve on.  There was some tension and distance between he and I due to our own selfishness and disobedience to the Lord.  

 

Brett wasn’t actually looking for a motorcycle ministry, but the opportunity presented itself.  At first, I was neutral about it.  But as he attended the Bible studies more often and had more frequent contact with the men involved in Soldiers, I began to notice some changes in him.  He became more mindful of others and of me.  He was speaking more carefully, being more considerate and he was getting excited about the things of the Lord.  This, of course, caught my attention.  I gradually began to attend some of the bible studies and events that the Soldiers hosted.  Soon, my husband and I started asking the Lord if He wanted Brett to make a commitment to the club.  As time moved on, it became obvious that the Lord had indeed drawn him into this ministry.  As Brett learned more and more about this very unique ministry, I did too.  We began to feel a godly love for the Soldiers and for those that the Soldiers are concerned about.  We started praying for folks that we had never even been aware of before.  And that has evolved into a more evangelistic mind set for both of us.  

 

And he got his first Harley!  And I love riding on it with him!

 

It’s been so fun watching my husband develop friendships with other men who love the Lord AND riding bikes! I love to see the fulfillment my husband gets out of serving in this ministry.  Our marriage has become stronger and more focused on the Lord.  There is renewed purpose and zeal in our hearts to live godly lives and to maintain a healthier marriage.  The support, patience and brotherly love that these men have shown him (as well as to each other and the members’ families) has been a privilege to witness.  I’ve watched Brett, as well as the other Soldiers, get more and more serious about accountability, bearing one another’s burdens, forbearing with each other, serving in the community, and sharing their faith.

 

This club and ministry has been a blessing to us both.  It’s been awesome to get to know so many people from various walks of life.  My life has been sweetly enriched and blessed by the women who love and support their Soldiers for Jesus husbands, sons, and friends.  Brett and I look forward to the opportunities of service, fellowship, riding, fun and learning along side these men and women in the coming year.  

 

On behalf of my husband and I, have a very blessed New Year, full of the love and joy of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith!

 

Jennifer Loucks