Wisconsin —"I am Jewish, and this is the Sabbath!" commented the first motorcycle rider who accepted the cold bottled water the Milwaukee Central Church members offered thirsty motorcyclists participating in the Harley Davidson’s 100th anniversary celebration the last weekend of August.

Riding away, she waved and called out, "Shabbat Shalom."

About 2,000 riders passed the Milwaukee Adventist Church that warm Sabbath morning, and the water was a welcome treat for over 200 persons who stopped to accept the churches’ hospitality. Tim Krawczyk created several attractive banners and arranged for a tent to provide shade for the tubs of ice keeping the bottled water cool. A large banner on the front of the church with a picture of Christ proclaimed, "WELCOME! The ride home to heaven starts inside!"

Attached to each bottle of ice water given to the motorcycle riders were three Bible tracts, along with a packet of Old Spice fresh scent towelettes. One rider insisted on leaving an offering, and several riders from Europe came inside to visit and view our church. A few neighbors walking by stopped to chat and express their appreciation for what we were doing for our city’s unique guests on wheels.

Those who engaged in this act of friendship and kindness were happy to let the world know that Adventism is alive and active at the Milwaukee Central Church on the city’s elite east side.

Nelda Womack, Milwaukee Central Church communication director