CCHO is celebrating 50 years of ministry! Throughout 2019, we will be sharing stories of the lives that have been forever changed by the work God has done through our family of ministries (CCHO, Encourage Foster Care and Encompass Christian Counseling). The Northern Ohio Chapter of the Sons of God Motorcycle Club has been blessing our ministry and the kids we serve on the CCHO campus every summer since 1996. On the heels of SOGMC’s latest visit on Saturday, August 17, Anthony Lehman writes about his club’s incredible event and the ways their members show our young residents the love to Christ each year. In story #29 of our 50 Stories for 50 Years of Ministry series, we give thanks for the unbelievable generosity shown by the SOGMC over nearly a quarter of a century.
In 1981, Gary Shire was given a vision from God that became Sons of God Motorcycle Club Ministry. Since our humble beginnings in Mansfield, Ohio, the SOGMC has grown across the United States and Canada, with multiple chapters spread throughout 25 states and Canada.
The Sons of God MC, Northern Ohio Chapter had the pleasure of hosting their first benefit run for Christian Children’s Home of Ohio (CCHO) in 1996. This annual benefit has taken place every August for the past 23 years, with 100% of the money raised going to directly support CCHO.
The SOGMC, Northern Ohio annual CCHO Benefit Run takes the participants on a journey of 75-100 miles, beginning in the Akron/Barberton area, winding its way through the beautiful countryside of Summit and Wayne Counties, and ending at the CCHO campus. While the riders are on their way to Wooster, the children at CCHO are being treated to a host of activities including games, prizes and face painting, to name a few. At the conclusion of the run, the riders join the children for an afternoon of eating, socializing, entertainment and all-around fun. Some of the entertainment provided throughout the years has included motorcycle stunt riding, parachutists, puppet shows, bands and more.
Toward the end of the day, the SOGMC, Northern Ohio Chapter auctions off numerous donated baskets and items. We present awards to the riders from different categories such as furthest distance traveled, largest motorcycle club, and the coveted Kids’ Choice for best bike. We then conclude with what is arguably the best part of the event for the participants and the children: the motorcycle rides. The SOGMC members and participants provide the children with helmets and are then blessed to be able to give the children motorcycle rides around the property.
It has been the pleasure of the SOGMC Northern Ohio Chapter to be involved with CCHO in this capacity, and we look forward to many more years of blessing the members of this community, as they have so richly blessed us in return.
