Strawberry Lake Motorcycle Rally
A Time of fellowship and bridge building among clubs, groups and individuals in biker community
Michael Walther here, I talked with Gerald about having a Motorcycle Rally at the camp last summer and …well he liked the idea. So to give you a better idea of what the event is to look like I have some thougts for you below.
We have a committee of local folks that are coordinating the event, along with folks from the region. Reservation will be done through Christian Retreat http://www.strawberrylake.org contact info: michael@strawberrylakerally.com
Facilities
Strawberry lake Christian retreat is located about 25 miles north of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. The camp is directed by Gerald Derstine and has been in existence for 50 years. The camp has motel rooms, kitchenettes, cabins, camping and RV spaces available. It is set in a wooded area with some lake front spaces available. There is also a large cafeteria. Information can be found at www.strawberrylake.org . Prices, are definitely family friendly. Space is limited so please register early.
Tone and purpose of rally.
I envision the event largely being a fairly loosely structure event that provides opportunity for interaction with others. While it is a good time to fellowship with family and friends, keep in mind fellowshipping with folks you do not know. “ If you come alone you fellowship with others, if you come with a group you bring your fellowship with you.” Please come in a group, but also come alone.
Be Respectful:
Please be respectful of others. While one purpose of the event is that of a coming together of Christian people who desire to, or do serve in the motorcycle community. We also want the event to be a safe place for people to bring their friends who may be considering a deeper walk with the Lord, or simply want to come to a motorcycle event that is alcohol/drug free and is family friendly. So please…no button-holing (cornering people to lay you favorite version of the four spiritual on them) , no tracts on peoples’ motorcycles, no promoting of your ministry. Just be friendly and make room for God to touch hearts as he wishes. Don’t be a big shot, spiritual giant…just lighten up and love one another.
Evening Meetings:
There will be evening meeting and the Gospel will be preached. Music will be provided by the SkyBlues Band/ Walther family. Speakers will be Ulf Manneback of Biker Church Sweden and Dove Morgan Osborn of Loving Hearts Ministries in Bristow Oklahoma. We do anticipate the presence of God to be manifested in these meetings.
Family Camping:
The rally is a drug/alcohol free event that is intended to be geared toward the family. It is our intent to have activities for children as well. The camp has lake front acreage on Strawberry Lake. Christian Retreat is an affordable and family friendly facility.
Promotion of Unity/ appreciation of Diversity
The knitting of the body of Christ into a further functioning unit is a task that at some level defies the hands of man. The event is not a teaching or a workshop activity, but rahter a time to allow the Holy Spirit to promote goals like unity and respect for diversity. While we do not intend to necessarily address it head on in a teaching or as a theme of the rally, it is none the less, major thrust of what we believe God is calling us to seek. As individuals and groups meet one another we are believing God will knit us together.
It is our prayer that as time is spent together, that the Holy Spirit will work to bring us together to reach deeper into one another’s hearts and deeper and more effectively into the motorcycle community.
Bring a friend:
The event is also intended to be a safe place to bring friends and family that may be interested in considering a deeper walk with the Lord, in a non-threatening and safe environment. It should also be a safe place to bring friends and family that are interested in a drug/alcohol free family friendly environment.
The Rally will begin at noon on Friday July 25, 2008 and run through Sunday noon July 27, 2008. Dove Morgan/Osborn will be speaking Friday evening. Ulf Manneback will be speaking Saturday evening. Dove and Ulf, tentatively, will be sharing the Sunday Morning Service. Music will be provided in the evenings by the Walther Family/ SkyBlues Band. They will also host the Friday and Saturday evening blues jam, The local band, Vincent and the VanGoes will be playing on Saturday afternoon during the hog roast.
For more information of to assist in the event contact Michael Walther 218-847-3429
