Of the 86 motorcycle clubs in Guadalajara, one is unique on several counts. First, its meetings are in Spanglish; second, its ten members aim to preach the Gospel; third, they have no officers. “We have one president and his name is Jesus,” said Paul Fisher, the club pastor.
Who could be so naive as to think that a band of bikers in leather jackets emblazoned with crosses, the name “Discipulos” (Disciples) and sprinkled with mottos such as “To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain,” would be slowed down by a typical torrential thunderstorm (with hail) and the fall of night as they made their way to a meeting with a reporter? They arrived more or less on time and undaunted, merely commenting that “white lining” (riding between two cars on the broken white line) isn’t so great during rainstorms.
“We started because we wanted to know the reason we exist,” volunteered Luis Reyna matter-of-factly and in good English, over coffee. “We thought freedom was found in riding Harleys, but we learned it was in Jesus Christ.”
To elucidate this and the other memorable quotations that seemed to tumble effortlessly from the bikers’ mouths, Fisher, a Philadelphia-born missionary, explained. “Riding is dangerous and drugs are often mixed with biking. We want to make sure they know where they’re going when they die, that God loves them, that Jesus saved them, that if they repent, they’ll have eternal life.”
This helped explain one of the mottos on Fisher’s jacker — his favorite, he said — “Ready?” meaning, Are you ready to die?“Some bikers have been saved from horrible situations. But we’re not saying we’re perfect or we’re better than everyone else,” he emphasized. “It’s good to explain what we’re not. We’re not about getting people to change religions. It’s not about religion, or religiosity, or do’s and don’ts. It’s about walking and riding with Christ.”
The Discipulos grew out of friendship between a few of the members (including some of their wives) that preceded the group’s genesis 1 1/2 years ago. Fisher and Reyna have worked together on another ministry with addicts and inner-city people. Discipulos member John Navarro came to Guadalajara from California as a missionary and attended Christian fellowship meetings at a bar named Rin Doblado (Broken Rim), owned by custom motorcycle builder Joel Bonnabel, who is also a Discipulos member.
“Joel works on bikes, so he knows a lot of people. He’s respected. He brings people in,” said Navarro. “But we’re not trying to build the club,” he added, working up to another great quotation. “We’re trying to build the kingdom.”
“We’re here for fellowship among ourselves and with other groups,” Fisher chimed in. “We pray for and with other bikers.”
However, Fisher noted that new prospects are about to be “patched in” (to get a jacket with the group’s “colors” or logo), adding that “anyone who enjoys riding and trusts in Jesus Christ as their savior is welcome to contact us.”
The group rides together, he said, although not regularly, but they plan to ride together more frequently and attend biker events. They generally meet on Sundays at 6 p.m. for prayer, fellowship and preaching.
“People here in Mexico aren’t afraid of motorcycle clubs like they are in the States,” said Navarro. “That’s one of the things I like about Mexico. You’re not like a gang here. Riding in Mexico, a club isn’t your image or your whole life. Here, people ride more to just enjoy it.”
Whisked off for a short demonstration ride home, the rain-freshened air on my cheeks, I could see his point.
Information: Facebook — Comunidad Cristiana Biker de Guadalajara. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Biker Fellowship meets Sundays at 6 p.m. at Rin Doblado, just south of Guadalajara, Lopez Mateos 16 south of Las Cuatas and bridge to Tlajomulco.