About 30 members of the Lake Ozark and Jefferson City chapters of the Christian Motorcyclists Association fed bodies and souls Sunday at the Salvation Army.
They provided barbecue dinners of hot dogs and hamburgers to about 100 people at the Salvation Army's Center of Hope shelter in Jefferson City. The dinners came with side dishes of corn, baked beans, coleslaw and drinks.
"We are asked to be God-like and just try to represent Jesus the best way we can," said Chris Stevens, president of Fishers of Men, the Lake Ozark-area CMA chapter. "Somebody who doesn't have food, they need food."
Stevens said their goal is to feed people, not preach to them. However, if the group can lead people to God, that's even better, he said.
It's easy to stay at home or go to church, he said, but the Great Commission in the Bible says to go out and "make fishers of men."
Normally, the Lake-area CMA chapter focuses on the motorcycle community, Stevens said. The idea for the event came from Brian Vogeler, director of the Salvation Army's Center of Hope and a member of Fishers of Men.
Vogeler said it's a chance for anyone to come out for barbecue and to check out the motorcycles. It's also a way for them to see their faith and learn about their organization and beliefs.
The motorcycles, he said, help with the group's ministry because they catch people's attention.
Among other things, CMA raises money for missionaries to buy Bibles, Vogeler said.
The group started serving at 5 p.m. inside the Center of Hope, with a steady stream of people coming for the meal.
Some people thanked CMA members who were serving the food.
Sheila Smith, of Jefferson City, said she brings her family to the Salvation Army daily for lunch and dinner.
"It's awesome," she said of the event. "I love barbecue and (the children) love coming here to eat every day."
Seven of the approximate 30 CMA members came from the Sonrise Riders, the Jefferson City chapter.
Sonrise Riders member Matt Owens said the event has grown in its second year, and organizers hope to continue with it.
"It's a blessing. It's an honor to serve," Owens said. "We ride motorcycles regardless of this (event), but to be able to use our motorcycles for God, that's the icing on the cake."