Bible for Bikers
In co-operation with
IBS (International Bible Society) the Dutch CMA chapter has taken effort in
publishing a bible for bikers in the Netherlands.
Highway
to Heaven
Initially the project was entitled biker-bible. As this
name has been used in entire Europe and as the Belgian (Flemish) edition of is
also called "Biker Bible", we decided to name it "Highway to Heaven" instead,
with the typically Dutch subtitle "Bijbel voor Motorvolk". The title "Highway to
Heaven" was taken from a well-known pop song.
Bible
The concept of a special bible for bikers is not our
own, many nations have led the way in that respect. We do have a bible edition
for sportsmen in the Netherlands, called "Meer dan Overwinnaars" (More than
Conquerors), which proves there is nothing new under the sun. In fact it is not
a new bible translation. "Highway to Heaven" includes the New Testament, Psalms,
and Proverbs as published in "Het Boek". We opted for this translation in
everyday language, making it more accessible to those not accustomed to bible
reading.
A bible for bikers, what makes the
difference?
First of all, it's a handy pocket edition, which fits
in any motor jacket or bag. The cover showing a group of bikes on the road,
accompanied by the title "Highway to Heaven" in bold, surely appeals to the
target group.
Turning over the pages one finds CMA members' testimonies of
and colourful pictures of bikers and their bikes. Addresses and telephone
numbers of relief organisations are included at the back. Even a prayer is
included for those who do want to pray, but do not know how, as well as a guide
for those who do want to read this bible, but do not know where to start.
The process
It has been a great effort in
terms of time and energy investment to effect our purpose. The two leaders of
the project were in charge of working out the concept and carrying out the
further process, from brainstorm sessions to distribution. Fortunately we have
not experienced the job as burdensome. We rather feel privileged, especially as
the project is nearing its completion. At the start gathering money was our
greatest concern. Money was collected from personal gifts and CMA members'
campaigns. Occasionally churches were a great support in allowing us to give
presentations on the CMA and our plans for this special bible edition. More
often than not the collection during the service or a gift was set apart for our
project. The next step was to gather the contents. The text, being the most
important part, came from IBS. For the remainder gathering materials proved to
be a tough job. However, we received support from various parties. Meanwhile we
have collected the necessary funds and the first copy of the "Highway to Heaven"
is available in print. All our members have copies in stock and there are
already a lot of interested bikers who have collected one.
Building bridges
We are very thankful for all the
offerings and the fact that so many churches have put us in the position to
explain our drive and purpose. We wish to build bridges between church and the
individual that has drifted away. Bikers as a rule do not feel at ease in
church. Their looks are generally at variance with average attenders. By taking
part in divine services we hope to achieve that people whose appearance is not
middle-of-the-road, may - instead of feeling like strangers in Jerusalem -
receive a hearty welcome in church.
Glory to God the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit who made this possible.
CMA Nederland
PO Box 6024
1780 KA Den Helder
the
Netherlands
www.cma-nl.org
Project leaders :
Gradus Koningen
|
Martien Nap
|
Grants and donations can be remitted to:
| Postbank | 8160335 |
| c./o. | ver Christian Motorcyclists Ass. Nederland |
| Den Helder | |
| subject | Highway to Heaven |
Last modification: may 20 2007 by J@