By LEONARDO Rivera

was in 2011, upon returning from my second deployment to Afghanistan as a United States Army Chaplain, that I participated in a local motorcycle event where Resurrected Riders Chapter # 592 of Augusta, Georgia, was actively representing the Christian Motorcyclists Association( CMA). I was deeply impacted by their powerful presence, their colors, their heartfelt prayers for fellow bikers, their ministry of evangelism, and their promotion of CMA’ s mission. It was a divine moment that stirred something within me. I reached out to Brother Kelly Newsome to learn more about this incredible ministry.

Although I had been riding motorcycles since 2002, I now realize that God— the Great Architect of the Universe— had been preparing me all along for a new and Spirit-filled chapter of ministry. As a newcomer to the world of motorcycle ministry, I began to explore CMA and was at once impressed by its structure, purpose, and spiritual depth. I soon decided to become a member, completed the CMA Member Training, and began attending meetings, rides, and fellowship events.

From the beginning, my CMA brothers and sisters received me with open arms. Despite being an ordained minister with over 30 years of pastoral experience and more than 15 years of military

chaplaincy, I entered as a humble learner eager to grow, serve, and firmly prove my place in this family of faith and purpose. The Resurrected Riders # 592 chapter quickly became my spiritual home.

Through every event, church visits, bike wash ministries, community rides, hospital and funeral home visits, and annual events such as Run for the Son, my love for this ministry has only deepened. What began as a local commitment has grown into participation in a global movement, connecting with CMA members across cities, states, and even nations. It is a living testimony that the Gospel can ride on two wheels!

I started as a new member, watching, learning, and growing, and soon found myself applying what I had learned, walking alongside my brothers and sisters in Christ. There have been moments of joy and celebration, as well as times of sorrow, as we’ ve said farewell to beloved members who have completed their earthly journey and now ride in the presence of our Lord. Each experience, whether joyful or painful, has shaped my heart for this ministry.

Now, in 2025, after 14 years of serving with CMA Resurrected Riders, God has blessed me with the honor of serving as Chaplain of Chapter # 592. Each day, I continue to learn from this loving community through group meetings, Bible studies, ministry presentations

at local churches, hospital visits, and our daily chat filled with encouragement and prayer. From local to regional, district, and national events, wearing our CMA back patch is more than identity; it is a declaration of faith, unity, and purpose.

Originally from Camuy, Puerto Rico, and now retired from military service in Augusta, Georgia, I have found a new family in Christ— the CMA Resurrected Riders # 592. Together, we ride not for fame or adventure, but for the Glory of God!

“ He who called you [ us ] is faithful and he will do it”( 1 Thessalonians 5:24, NIV). CMA

Leonardo Rivera is a member of the Resurrected Riders # 592 in Augusta, Georgia.

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