Peanut Festival Fairgrounds

Dothan, Alabama

Labor Day Weekend August 31^st – September 2^nd, 2007

Re-Cap for 2007

Well, we made it 5 years now……….and the best words I can think of to generally describe it is wow, Wow, and WOW!! Yep, believe it or not the Colors for the Cross Bikefest in Dothan, Alabama is now over 5 years old. My oh my how it has grown. Each year several of us can’t believe how much better, bigger, smoother running, and enjoyable it has gotten. And speak of being blessed?? WOW. Need I say more?

What a tremendous blessing had by all. Probably 20 or more strong, "young" bucks turned out to help put up the tent Thursday evening. Don Wren (Mr. Gadget) seemed to be leading/directing, but MANY worked and sweated their way to a great time. And it was done very well, as we had NO problems with the tent all weekend. Efficiently and effectively, that’s our Mr. Gadget’s way.

Since the "young", strong guys had the tent raising under control…Some of the "older" soldiers rode to Southeast Medical Center to visit and pray with Homer and Fatboy of Remaining Few M/C out of Albany, GA. They both went down on their bikes the previous weekend in the rain. Both had several surgeries. Both were very receptive to our visits and prayers. They were visited many times over the next several days. (Curtis, Robert, Billy, and Dale made this particular trip and we met 2 CMA members who were already there) Handfuls of other loving biker brothers visited at various times and dates.

Later we all gathered to ride in fellowship to Southern Country BBQ in Graceville. Roger Simpler led the group while performing some trick riding! What kind of trick riding?….tell us quickly Dale………what kind of trick riding can an ole’ engineer do on a large 6 cylinder scooter? Well, the kind that keeps the shiny side up when riding 60 mph in the dark on a country road and a deer runs in your path nearly leaving hoof prints on your front fender. THAT kind of trick riding. Once the deer was clear of us all, hands immediately shot up to heaven praising our Lord Jesus for protecting us.

The Meal? It was great……lots of good BBQ, beans, fries…….right Susan? Oh, that’s right you wouldn’t KNOW about the regular food as you filled up on peanut butter cake! LOL Much laughter, love and joy abounded. A wonderful time had by all. And just think, this was just the FIRST night !!

Friday AM found many again serving our Lord, hard at work putting the stage together (which included backing up Billy Owens’ trailer to serve as part of the stage…specifically the drums sat on it all weekend! LOL) Then came the bleachers, chairs, tables, vendors and MORE!

Steve Betsill was in charge of logistics (assigning display, vendor, and ministry areas). He did a great job, as it was very detailed and effective. Vendors were all busy the entire weekend. They all reported to have a very blessed experience. We hope they all return next year and we’ll grow even more.

Friday evening saw the participants receive several testimonies from fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. They were ALL awesome. No really, they were! What a superb way to spend a summer evening…hearing about God’s love and healing for so many of His children. Everyone was expressing appreciation for Lord Jesus of Nazareth and we’re thankful for these examples of His love and healing touch.

Saturday started off EARLY….7AM kinda’ early. That’s really early to those of us who usually need 2-3 cups of Java every morning. Thank goodness the Richardson’s (the couple in the red food wagon) had lots of coffee and several choices of breakfast foods. They did a great job Friday and Saturday.

The vendors were ready, the bikers were ready and here we go………even with light rain (off and on through out the day) they came and they came and they came. Many rode in early to take part in the Jesus Ride. Once again we had a nice ride with an outstanding prize to the winner………a Baxley Chock.

Oh, and Mr. Gadget (who organized the Jesus Ride) had his own version of trick riding…a powerslide onto the grassy knoll. He is fine, a little bruised, but fine. Scooter didn’t fair so well though. Thing is…he was riding out to check on another accident we had heard about. It wasn’t anyone with our group, but it was on the same route, so he wanted to check on them. Ended up trailering his scooter back to enjoy rest of CFC. BTW- Thanks to Ulli, Don, Vanessa, Roger, Bill O. and others who help lead/assist with the Jesus Ride.

The day went quickly, with the children’s ministry group from Ridgecrest Baptist in Dothan once again coming to our aide. Thanks to Mary S. and others who once again made this happen. They are so smooth and talented, what a blessing! To add to the enjoyment for all the "kids" (including Rowdy, Steve, Colleen and even some SMALL children) we had B&B provide a LARGE water slide. It was a COOL way to spend some time. LOL

ZZ took care of the Bike Show and did a fantastic job again, even though some like to pick at him about the winners.

The Bike Games featured lots of fun with the main event being Curtis J. and Chester H. competing in the slow race. It was close, as I think Curtis won by a gnat’s whisker. There was a video going around, but I’m told it was touched up and Chester should have gotten the award. LOLOLOL Curtis DID not let us down though as he did a demonstration of how to complete a back flip after parking your bike gently on it’s side. LOL (Curtis, you’re still my biker idol. When I grow up I want to be just like you. LOL).

Lifesouth was there again this year to take care of any one who dared to donate blood. I don’t think they were as successful as in the past due to workers setting up late and seemed very tired before they even started. No one was out recruiting donors this year as they have done so effectively in previous years. We can hope for better results and improved promotion next year.

We had four more very special events on Saturday afternoon. First, Rowdy and Colleen Raber patched out with Bikers for Christ M/M, what a wonderful site. Secondly, the Patriot Guard Riders assisted us with a special recognition for our U.S. Troops.

We respectfully retired and honored the Motorcycle Ministry patch/colors for Cry Freedom Ministry. (The founder, "Uncle Marvin" Dean passed away nearly 3 years ago and the ministry has disbanded, moving in other directions as led. We wanted to honor this man of God, whose love for Jesus and Service for Him didn’t go unnoticed.) Finally, we recognized all the M/M that were present and involved with CFC this year. I think there were something like 18?

The Jeff Rankin band was awesome in leading us in praise and then Richard Headrick of Hellfighters M/M of Laurel Mississippi brought the word of God to our hearts. If you’ve never heard Richard, then you must put on your steel toe shoes and go listen. You’ll be glad you did!

Sunday morning we were blessed by Ernie and the whole Ernie Garcia Ministry team. The Holy Spirit was moving, touching lives, healing and loving on all who were present. We watched as Terry Williamson (of FCOG M/M and the band 3^rd Rail) was baptized in the back of Mikie P’s black pickup truck.

As CFC weekend came to a close, there were about 30 of us who stayed to cleanup and disassemble everything. Chairs, tables, bleachers, stage portions, band equipment, banners, goodies removed and stored…..trash gathered….and then the BIG task….the tent taken down (in the proper sequence)…and placed safely and securely in the Columbia Baptist Association Trailer. Our thanks to CBA (Ken Farley and Jerry Grandstaff) for donating use of the tent again this year.

After everything was in order we all rode to Golden Corral for a wonderful meal together. It was 2:00pm and still packed for goodness sake, but we DID get in and fill our bellies. This was appropriate as our hearts and minds were filled with the Holy Spirit. About 3:30 or so we parted ways, all headed back to our homes and mission fields.

It was an amazing weekend once again. Great to see many old faces and several new ones. Thanks to all those who make sure that CFC always comes together for His glory.

For the record the great looking event T-shirts were a smash again. We had never purchased more than 160 shirts in the previous 4 years. However, in 2006 we ran out of shirts for the first time (and it was on the first day of the event). Susan and I were determined not to let this happen in ‘07.

So with the committee’s permission we ended up purchasing (with 2 trips) a total of 376 shirts…and had something like a dozen left. PRAISE God. What wonderful way to promote for Him, His glory and next year’s CFC event. As purchasers wear these shirts over the coming year, people will ask about it. Isn’t that a GREAT way to get a conversation started about our Lord Jesus?

Susan and I want to thank all those who sat at our T-shirt table for a short-time to sell shirts so we could attend our grandson’s birthday party and walk around a little. (Hopefully I won’t leave anyone out…Jan, Sonny, Vanessa, Don, Jerry and others!!)

BTW- Patty Jamieson gets a nod for behaving herself.

BTW- It was great to see Don and Kyong again.

In His Service,

Dale and Susan Bolling

Bikers for Christ M/M

Southeast Alabama Chapter