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By Laurie O'Connor Stephans
February 2010
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On right, Tom Scott is out on the road with a buddy, Al, and their Harleys, a new venue he's found for sharing the love of Jesus Christ. | When most men have a midlife crisis, some sort of vehicle is involved. And although Tom Scott calls his a "beyond midlife crisis," he is no exception — his vehicle of choice was a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. However, with that new toy came a new avenue through which Scott could experience his other big passion in life: sharing the Gospel of Christ.
Two years ago at age 55, Scott, a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Batavia, Illinois, decided to explore riding a motorcycle before he felt too old to do so. Starting with a motorcycle safety class, Scott soon had his license and was looking for a bike. He settled on a Harley Road Glide, and then went searching for a way to combine both of his passions.
"I googled Harley-Davidson + Christian and found the Harley-Davidson for Christ Black Sheep Ministry," he explains. "From there I discovered a link to the local chapter and e-mailed the president of the group, who invited me to their monthly breakfast."
The group meets the third Saturday of the month at Carol's Garden Restaurant in Carol Stream — 9 a.m. in winter and 8:00 a.m. once the weather turns nice to allow for a ride afterward.
Although all riders are welcome at breakfast, those who wish to join the group must have a Harley-Davidson bike. Men and women are welcome, and all are encouraged to bring friends, Christian and otherwise.
"Our mission is to introduce Jesus Christ to the world of motorcycle riders," Scott simply states. His chapter works within the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) sponsored by Zylstra's Harley-Davidson dealership in St. Charles. "We help out at dealer events and are participating members in the H.O.G. chapter."
"Through our membership we develop friendships and look for opportunities to show God's love, and to share the Gospel when God gives us an opening," he adds. "We do not force the message on anyone. We walk the walk and let our light shine."
Scott notes that when on the road, the group "Colors" — a vest with both a Black Sheep and "Jesus is Lord" patch — often provide opportunities to pray for someone on the spot. One such occasion took place last summer at the Illinois State H.O.G. rally in Springfield.
"We asked anyone who approached our booth if there was anyone in their lives we could pray for and, if yes, we prayed with them," Scott explains. "We usually gave visitors tracts, some information about our organization, and contact information. One Christian couple we prayed with contacted our president, Mark Cruse, several months later and told him about a friend's son who had been in a horrible motorcycle accident in Chicago and wondered if we could visit him in the hospital.”
"A couple of our members went to the hospital wearing the Colors and met the young man and his parents," he continues. "Prayers were lifted during the visit, and follow-up was done to see how he was progressing.”
The parents were not Christian, but several weeks later they came to the dealership to find and thank the group. Through ensuing conversation they gave witness to a new faith in Jesus Christ. “It was a very emotional moment," Scott affirms.
A member of Immanuel since 1998, Scott is a Stephen Minister, former evangelism board chair and has been involved in prison ministry at the Illinois Youth Center in St. Charles. Each year Immanuel bestows its Martin Luther Award for exemplary service upon one man and one woman in the congregation. Last year Scott shared in that honor. But don't expect to hear that from him.
"Now this is awkward," he responds, when asked about it. "Let me just say that I am not worthy. To God be the glory!"
What he will talk about, however, is how easy it is to share your faith, no matter who you are or how you choose to do it.
"I think God can use you to witness in every aspect of your life," Scott says. "The Black Sheep is just another way God is using me, even as I have a blast riding a motorcycle. Every Christian with a breath has an opportunity to witness."
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