Free The Pastor's Wife Wears Biker Boots by Karla Akins

salads and plenty of sweet tea with the help of all the church ladies.
    When bikers get together, everyone immediately becomes a family. There are no strangers. We all stood around and talked about our bikes, trips, and simply enjoyed one another’s company.No pretense. It didn’t matter what someone wore, what they looked like, or what they believed.
    “I think this must be what it’ll be like in heaven, Aaron.” I could hardly stand still from excitement. “Everyone getting along in peace and no bickering.”
    “I never thought I’d see a picture of heaven in a bunch of bikers.” He chuckled.
    When the parking lot filled and the last biker pulled in, Aaron stood on the makeshift platform under the new carport. His eyes gleamed with compassion and love. This was the largest congregation he’d preached to in ten years.
    “Welcome, bikers!”
    The bikers rolled their engines and honked their horns.
    Bernice held her hands over her ears.
    Reba and Lily beamed, and Opal, as usual, shook in her boots.
    “I want to thank my wife, Kirstie, a lady biker, for requesting this event. She told me a lot of bikers lost their lives last year as a result of motorcycle accidents. May they rest in peace.”
    Bikers nodded all around, dismounted, and removed their hats. Several crossed themselves.
    “Today, we’re going to pray and seek God’s help for our riding season. God is interested in protecting you. He wants to bless you.”
    The once noisy parking lot grew dead quiet. You could hear a doo-rag drop.
    “But let me be clear.” Aaron paused, in full preaching mode now. “The biggest blessing God wants to bless you with isn’t a blessing on your bike, but on your eternal soul. The biggest blessing available to you is the blessing of salvation available through Jesus Christ.”
    A few restless bikers shuffled their feet. Others put out their cigarettes. Most listened and nodded.
    Aaron talked about God’s desire to protect His children and told funny stories about how I learned to ride and how God protected me. “It doesn’t matter who you are or what you ride. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done or where you’ve traveled. Salvation is free, and Jesus wants you to have it.”
    Finally, we bowed our heads as he prayed a blessing over us and offered a sinner’s prayer for those wanting to receive Jesus.
    “If you have any concerns or needs, let me and my wife know, and we’ll be happy to pray with you today. We’re not here to condemn you.We’re here to welcome you and love you.”
    I prayed hard for Bernice and Norman and their peeps to hear that last part. Bernice and Mrs. Hammond had been whispering in each other’s ears and staring at the women in tank tops since the well-tanned girls started arriving.
    On the other hand, I couldn’t have been more proud of our little congregation. Most were excited to see activity in the church. And I could tell Aaron felt touched by the experience. Instead of babysitting Christians, he was getting to evangelize. He beamed. I watched with joy as he prayed with a couple while tears streamed freely down their sun-leathered cheeks.
    Aaron walked to each biker and handed them a blessing sticker that said, “This bike was blessed at Eel Falls First Independent Community Christian Church.” Some put them on their helmets, others on their windshields, but others simply pocketed them. Aaron was fully in his element—greeting people with a hearty handshake and praying for their needs.
    Elder Pete followed behind him and handed out pocket-sized New Testaments.
    While my husband and the elders and deacons greeted the bikers individually, the church ladies and I began to spread the food for our guests. After we finished, I decided to stand in line for some munchies before my sugar dropped.
    Nola and Jennifer didn’t notice me approaching from behind.
    “Well,” I heard Nola say to Jennifer, “pretty soon Kirstie will be dressing like that.”
    “Goodness, I hope not.”