EMALAHLENI – Motorcyclists geared up for a ride on Sunday, July 21, to be participat of the Jericho ride.
The event, organized by the Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA), was aimed at uniting the community against crime, violence and corruption.
The ride began at Witbank High School sports ground where all the bikers gathered.
Pastors Jeremiah Zulu and Jurgens Le Roux, addressed the group of riders.
“It is a great treasure to allow God into Emalahleni. Matthew 18:20 says if two or more people gather in my name. I am there among them,” said Pastor Jeremiah Zulu.
He went to declare, “May the Lord heal our gates of Emalahleni and may the young people of Emalahleni receive the salvation of the Lord from drugs”.
Johan Nell, a representative of CMA, explained the symbolic nature of the ride, “We will leave in groups at 14:30 and go to the seven entrances of our town, where at 15:00 we will plant a cross and pray against crime, violence and corruption,” Johan Nell said.
The act of planting crosses is meant to signify a stand against societal ills and a call for positive change.
The Jericho ride originating in United States of America, was developed back in 1975 and was introduced in South Africa in the 1980.
However, because of Covid-19 the organization had to put their events on hold.
Organizers believe now is the right time to resume and potentially establish it as an annual tradition.
This community driven initiative aims to unite the bikers and its citizens in a peaceful demonstration against the social issues causing distress to the community.
By revving up their engines and planting crosses, the participants hope to send a powerful and positive message of solidarity and commitment to a better future for all.