Our 12th Sturgis Bike Rally Giveaway
Weighing the Pro's & Con's of this Annual Event

Summer is here and as we have done for the last 12 summers, we are gearing up for the Sturgis Rally Evangelistic Ministry.  We call it the Sturgis Bike Giveaway, but anyone who has been a part knows that we give away more than a motorcycle.  This ministry has had a profound effect on bikers who have prayed to receive Christ as well as those volunteers who have faithfully shared their faith.

This ministry has not been without its critics.  Some have said it is too expensive.  Some have accused us of encouraging gambling and promoting a raffle.  Some have countered that their church has not seen any results from this evangelistic emphasis and that no disciples have resulted.  Some contend that believers should not be exposed to the Bike Rally and the environment it promotes.  A few have said that this one week drains energy and resources from other evangelistic endeavors and from increasing depleted state staff.

However, as we approach this Rally in August and as you weigh the pros and cons, let me remind you of the benefits:
  1. The gospel is shared, seeds are planted and some pray to receive Christ and their lives are changed.
  2. Volunteers who come to share are trained and discipled in sharing the gospel and are able to return to their home and share the gospel there as well.
  3. What we have done at Sturgis in using the three-minute testimony has become a model that has been repeated with similar results across the nation.
  4. In the 12 years we have engaged in Sturgis, doors have opened to enlist church planters and partnering churches from across the nation.
  5. We have built relationships with Sturgis and Dakota city and state officials that have resulted in other opportunities to minister across the Dakotas.
  6. Our chaplains have ministered to not only vendors from across the nation, but also to city officials, first responders and law enforcement.
While the Sturgis Bike Giveaway Ministry may not be for everyone, its benefits are there and God has blessed us with the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of volunteers and bike rally attendees.  

You can be a part if you would like.  Go to sturgisbikegiveaway.com and register as a volunteer before June 15.  We will train you and assist you in sharing your story with those who come by our booth.

In Christ,

Garvon Golden

Cooperative Program Giving Report

We are four months into 2017 and Cooperative Program giving remains strong. Thank you for your church's sacrificial giving to fuel missions in the Dakotas, around North America and the world.  Please view the report and look at your church's giving for the year.  If it does not agree with your records, please notify us so we can resolve any problems that may exist.

Resolutions

Each year, as we prepare for the Baptist Gathering, we invite pastors and church leaders to submit resolutions that they would like to be adopted by the messengers in attendance.  Resolutions are not items of business that are enacted but statements of encouragement, support, thanks and opinions that we as a body would like to speak to and adopt.  If you have such an issue and would like to submit it for consideration, you may compose it and email it to our office at [email protected] and we will see that it gets into the hands of our resolutions committee at the appropriate time.  We will need this submitted by August 1, 2017.
The Baptist Gathering 2017

Pierre, South Dakota,
at the Ramkota, Best Western
September 21-22  

"Building up the Body of Christ Together"

Keynote Speakers:
Mark Phillips, IMB missionary to Niger
John Mark Clifton with the NAMB.

Save the date and plan to attend!
Disaster Relief Training

August 18-19, 2017
Copper Ridge Event Center (LifeChurch)
Fargo, North Dakota

New Volunteers $20
Recertification $10

For adults and youth going into 7th grade and up