Lakeland bikers to Rumble Across Florida in March

Courtesy photo

David Burton, director of the Evangelism Division of the Florida Baptist Convention is gearing up for the “Rumble Across Florida” in March.

LAKELAND (FBW)–The FAITH Riders Motorcycle Ministry of First Baptist Church at the Mall in Lakeland hopes to institute a new bikers’ tradition in Florida. Long after Bike Week in Daytona has concluded, the FAITH Riders will be rumbling across Florida cities in a seven-day mission trip to six cities, March 21-27. The route will cover 1500 miles of Florida roads.

The FAITH Riders expect to number about 27, although they hope to garner other riders as the Rumble Across Florida winds through Daytona, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Ocala, New Port Richey, Miami and Lakeland.

In each city, organizers plan rallies to attract local biker communities, targeting both unchurched and Christian bikers.

Jay Dennis, pastor of First Baptist Church at the Mall, Lakeland, will speak in the Daytona rally March 20. First Baptist Church, Daytona, will host the event.

The March 22 and 23 rallies in Jacksonville and Tallahassee will feature speaker David Burton, director of the Evangelism Division of the Florida Baptist Convention.

Burton said of the Rumble Across Florida, "The purpose is to establish motorcycle ministries across the state and share Jesus along the way. The Lord is beginning to open many opportunities to minister to lost bikers all across the state."

Dave McClamma, First Baptist minister of education and staff liaison for the event, said he hoped churches across Florida will "catch a vision for ministries with bikers" through the ride and rallies.

Before a Monday evening rally at Hibernia Baptist Church, Jacksonville, the group will lead a worship service at Florida State Prison in Starke at 9 a.m.

Celebration Baptist Church, Tallahassee, will host the Tuesday rally.

Mark Rittermeyer, known as a motorcycle chaplain, will preach in the Ocala rally March 24 at First Baptist Church.

James Henderson, of The Power of Choice ministry, will speak in New Port Richey March 25 and in Miami, March 26.

The New Port Richey meet will be at First Baptist Church. Miami Shores Baptist Church will host the March 26 rally at the Kmart/Fuddruckers parking lot at U.S. 1 and 104th Street.

All the rallies begin at 6:30 p.m., except the Daytona rally at 4 p.m. They will include music, food and giveaways designed to attract bikers in the area.

The Rumble Across Florida will culminate in Bike Night at the FAITH Riders’ home church March 27 at 3 p.m.

The FAITH Riders ministry, established two years ago, involves people of all ages and professions. The riders’ common interest is a love for all makes and models of motorcycles.

The group meets once a month, and rides on the first Saturday of the month. FAITH Riders enjoy designated motorcycle parking at First Baptist Church at the Mall, and their own Bible Study class.

Their motto is "Many Roads–One Path," from Matt. 7:13-14.

For more information about the Rumble Across Florida, contact Dave McClamma at 863-682-0163.