ASSIST News Service (ANS) - PO Box 2126, Garden Grove, CA 92842-2126 USA
E-mail: assistcomm@cs.com, Web Site: www.assistnews.net


Thursday, August 14, 2003

"WASHING BIKES FOR JESUS"
Motorcycle Ministry Reaches Out To Hardened Bikers At World's Largest Biking Rally

By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

STURGIS, S.D.  (ANS) -- "Sturgis this year was awesome. We washed approximately 1,000 bikes. Our parking lot was peaceful and full of the Lord. We had somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 people sign a commitment card, either for a first time salvation or re-commitment," reports Michael Bushilla, commenting on the bike-washing ministry he and some friends carry out each year at the world's largest motorcycle rally in Sturgis, South Dakota.  (Pictured: Michael Bushilla and his wife Paula).

"Monday night we had a healing take place, Tuesday we had a wedding. Every state in the United States was represented and 9 different countries. Two people received Christ from Australia. God was moving powerfully in the bike washing team of 30 or so. All 1,000 bikers received a Bible and a card explaining why we do this," Bushilla told ASSIST News Service (ANS).  (Pictured: Bike wash at Sturgis).

"Every bike-washer has a story of there own to share about what happened with them. Personally, I was able to lead one man to the Lord. His name is Jerry, from Spokane, WA. He is a 36-year-old man, soon to be divorced from his wife. He has two children and he is looking to get custody of his kids. He came to the Lord powerfully, left his party group he was staying with and joined our group, stayed with us and washed bikes the next day. You could see his countenance change the day after he accepted the Lord. He is a hard core biker with tattoos from top to bottom. Please pray for his situation with his wife and kids," said Bushilla.

Bushilla explained the purpose behind his bike-washing ministry.

"Everyone asks the same question, 'Why are we washing motorcycles for FREE?' " Bushilla said.

"Each year we come to Sturgis to wash motorcycles for FREE. We give up our vacation time to be here. We spend our days in the hot sun sweating over someone else's motorcycle. It's hard work and seemingly no pay. We do not even accept donations. The question is an honest one. 'What's the catch?' most ask.

"Well, there is no catch. We do this because something wonderful has happened in our hearts. You see Jesus Christ washed our dirty unclean hearts pure. The Bible says 'whiter then snow.' We have been justified of our wrongdoings, meaning 'just as if it had never happened,' " Bushilla said.

"Christ died for our sins -- He paid the penalty for all the things we did wrong, which the Bible says is sin. 'Missing the mark' is another way of putting it. Well, this is our way to materialize what had happened in our hearts, another way of putting the Love that was shown to us, is now being shown to you in a practical manner.

"The simple and honest truth is we are loved so now we can manifest that love to you by washing your motorcycle, in hopes that you will accept the ultimate GIFT of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord," he said.  (Pictured: Some of the bikers at the Sturgis rally).

Bushilla said each biker receives a card that says: "You are invited to accept the ultimate gift much like accepting this bike wash for Free. His gift of salvation is also Free. You cannot earn it or buy it. It simply must be accepted by faith, realizing the gift is offered and then reaching out to God and accept it.

"So now you understand why we are here. We have experienced this 'AMAZING GRACE' of God to become one of His children, and now we want to share that love to another person, by a simple act of love, washing your motorcycle."

Michael Bushilla is the owner of MGB Printing Services, Inc. in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. He and his wife, Paula, are Covenant Partners at Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul, MN.

Michael Bushilla may be contacted at: freebikewash@sturgis.com  or you may call him toll free at: 1-888-211-6106, or locally in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul) at: (651) 459-4363.
** Michael Ireland is an international British freelance journalist. A former reporter with a London newspaper, Michael is the Chief Correspondent for ASSIST News Service of Garden Grove, CA. Michael immigrated to the United States in 1982 and became a US citizen in Sept., 1995. He is married with two children. Michael has also been a frequent contributor to UCB Europe, a British Christian radio station. E-mail: mireland55@cs.com.
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